10+ Lunch Ideas Quick Recipes for Busy Days

Finding quick and delicious lunch recipes can make your busy days much easier. Whether you’re working from home or heading to the office, having simple meal ideas on hand helps you stay energized and satisfied throughout the day.

From easy sandwiches to hearty salads, there are plenty of options to explore. Creating quick lunches doesn’t have to be stressful; you can whip up tasty meals that suit your taste and fit your schedule. Enjoy discovering new recipes that will make your lunch break something to look forward to!

1) Sweet and Spicy Turkey Sandwich

This Sweet and Spicy Turkey Sandwich is a tasty choice for lunch. It combines savory turkey with a hint of sweetness, making it exciting and satisfying.

To make this sandwich, you’ll need hearty country bread, turkey breast, pepper jack cheese, butter, and strawberry preserves. The mix of flavors is sure to please your taste buds.

Start by spreading butter on the bread. Then, layer turkey and cheese between the slices. Add strawberry preserves for a sweet kick.

After that, grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown. The cheese should melt nicely, creating a delicious blend of flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 slices country bread
• 4 slices oven-roasted turkey breast
• 1 slice pepper jack cheese
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 4 teaspoons strawberry preserves

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place turkey and cheese on the unbuttered sides.
3. Spread strawberry preserves on top of the cheese.
4. Close the sandwich and grill on medium heat (350°F/175°C) until golden brown and the cheese melts.

2) Pizza Lava Toast

Pizza Lava Toast is a fun and tasty treat you can whip up quickly. It’s perfect for lunch or a snack. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

Start with two slices of your favorite bread. Make sure to add butter and toast them until golden brown. Then, create a little well in the center of each slice.

In the well, add some pizza sauce, sliced mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings like pepperoni. You can also sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.

Finally, pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 ½ ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Pizza sauce
• Your favorite toppings (e.g., pepperoni, vegetables)
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Butter the bread slices and toast until golden.
3. Make a well in the center of each slice.
4. Fill with pizza sauce and toppings.
5. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles.

3) Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups

Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups are a quick and tasty lunch option. This dish combines creamy avocados and savory chicken for a filling meal. You can put it together in less than 10 minutes!

To make these cups, start with ripe avocados. Cut them in half and remove the pit. Then, fill each half with shredded chicken and your choice of toppings.

For added flavor, consider using black beans, diced tomatoes, or a spicy sauce. These ingredients work well together for a delicious result.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or chipotle mayo

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. Scoop out some avocado to make more room for filling.
3. Mix the shredded chicken and black beans in a bowl.
4. Fill the avocado halves with the chicken mixture.
5. Top with any optional toppings and enjoy!

4) Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is a tasty meal that’s quick to make. It combines spicy buffalo chicken with melty cheese, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

You can use leftover shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce for this recipe. Choose your favorite cheeses, like blue cheese and pepper jack, for extra flavor.

You will need bread that grills nicely, like sourdough or a hearty white bread.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
• 2 slices of cheese (blue cheese, pepper jack, or your choice)
• Butter for grilling

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter side down, in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add the chicken mixture and top with cheese.
5. Cover with the second bread slice, buttered side up.
6. Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Slice and enjoy!

5) Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner

This Chicken Shawarma Sheet-Pan Dinner is a simple and tasty option for lunch. It brings together marinated chicken and vegetables for a delicious meal in one pan.

Start by seasoning the chicken with shawarma spices. You can use a mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt for great flavor. Then, arrange everything on a baking sheet with some sliced onions and bell peppers.

Roast it all in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken will be juicy, and the veggies will be tender. Serve it with pita bread or a salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil and spices.
3. Coat the chicken in the spice blend.
4. Arrange the chicken, onion, and bell pepper on a sheet pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

6) Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken With Noodles

This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful noodles, and a creamy peanut-lime sauce. It’s perfect for a quick lunch that’s both tasty and satisfying.

To make this meal, cook your favorite noodles according to package instructions. While they cook, prepare the chicken by sautéing it in a pan until it’s fully cooked.

Next, mix together peanut butter, lime juice, and a touch of sweet chili sauce for the sauce. Once the chicken is ready, combine everything together. Toss the chicken and noodles in the sauce until well coated.

Serve warm, and enjoy the creamy, rich flavors!

Ingredients

• 8 oz thick rice noodles
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup no-sugar-added creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. Sauté the chicken in a pan until fully cooked.
3. Mix peanut butter, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice in a bowl.
4. Combine the cooked chicken and noodles with the sauce.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

7) Taco Bowls with Meat and Veggies

Taco bowls are a quick and tasty lunch idea. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients.

Start with a base of rice, adding ground beef or chicken as your protein. Next, throw in some black beans for extra fiber and flavor.

Fresh veggies like bell peppers, onions, and corn brighten up the dish. Top it off with salsa, cheese, and avocado for a creamy finish.

This meal is not only simple but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 pound ground beef or chicken
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup corn
• Salsa, cheese, and avocado for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or chicken over medium heat.
3. Add black beans, bell peppers, and corn. Cook until heated through.
4. Assemble your taco bowl by placing rice at the bottom, followed by the meat and veggie mix.
5. Top with salsa, cheese, and avocado. Enjoy!

8) Baked Chicken with Veggie Side

Baked chicken with a veggie side is a delicious and easy lunch idea. This dish combines protein-rich chicken with colorful vegetables. You can enjoy it in less than 30 minutes.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season your chicken breasts with your favorite herbs and spices. Olive oil adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.

Prepare a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Then, spread the chicken and veggies on a baking sheet. Bake everything for about 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The veggies should be tender and lightly browned.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your choice of herbs (like Italian seasoning)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place chicken and veggies on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until chicken is 165°F (74°C) and veggies are tender.

9) High-Protein Chicken Tzatziki Bowl

A High-Protein Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a tasty and filling lunch idea. It features grilled chicken, which is a great source of protein. The addition of creamy tzatziki sauce brings a refreshing flavor.

You can make this bowl even better by adding veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce. Feta cheese adds a nice salty touch. Peperoncini gives it an extra kick.

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can create multiple bowls at once and enjoy them throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (60 g) lettuce
• 1/2 cup (75 g) feta cheese
• Peperoncini, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for grilling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C).
2. Marinate chicken in Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
4. Chop the cooked chicken. Then, assemble the bowl with veggies, feta, and tzatziki.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and serve. Enjoy!

10) Tomato and Smoked Salmon Sandwich

The Tomato and Smoked Salmon Sandwich is a tasty and quick lunch option. It combines fresh ingredients for a satisfying bite.

Start with two slices of pumpernickel bread. Then, spread your favorite cream cheese on one side.

Layer thin slices of tomato on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add about 1.5 ounces of smoked salmon for that rich flavor.

Top it off with more tomato slices, if you like, and close the sandwich.

This meal is perfect for a light lunch or brunch.

Ingredients

• 2 slices pumpernickel bread
• 1.5 ounces smoked salmon
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• Cream cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread.

2. Place tomato slices on one slice and season with salt and pepper.

3. Add smoked salmon on top of the tomato.

4. Finish with the other slice of bread and enjoy!