15+ Easy Lunch Recipes for Busy Days

15+ Easy Lunch Recipes for Busy Days

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 12 minutes

Whether you’re at home or on the go, finding quick and simple lunch ideas can make your day smoother. You can save time and still enjoy delicious meals with easy lunch recipes. With a variety of options, you can keep your meals fresh and exciting without spending hours in the kitchen.

A colorful array of fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains laid out on a kitchen counter, alongside a cutting board and knife

From wraps to salads, there are many tasty dishes you can make in no time. These recipes are perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without the hassle. You’ll discover that lunch can be both easy and enjoyable!

1) Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A golden-brown grilled cheese sandwich sizzling on a hot skillet, with melted cheese oozing out from between the crispy slices of bread

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic and easy lunch. You only need a few simple ingredients to make it.

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, butter one side of each slice of bread. Lay one slice in the skillet, buttered side down.

Add your favorite cheese on top, then place the second slice of bread on it, buttered side up. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.

Flip the sandwich carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted.

Slice it in half and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 2 slices of cheese (like cheddar or American)
  • 1-2 tablespoons of butter

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a skillet on medium (about 350°F or 175°C).
  2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  3. Place one slice in the skillet, butter side down.
  4. Add cheese on top.
  5. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up.
  6. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden.
  7. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  8. Serve hot.

2) Turkey and Avocado Wrap

A colorful array of fresh ingredients - sliced turkey, ripe avocado, vibrant lettuce, and a soft tortilla wrap - laid out on a clean kitchen counter

A turkey and avocado wrap is a quick and tasty lunch. It’s simple to make and perfect for a busy day. You can enjoy this wrap at home or take it with you.

To start, lay out a large tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a layer of cream cheese or hummus for extra flavor. Next, add slices of turkey and creamy avocado. You can also toss in some fresh spinach for a crunch.

After layering, roll the tortilla tightly. Make sure the filling stays inside. Slice the wrap in half for easier eating.

Ingredients

  • 1 large tortilla
  • 4 slices of turkey
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese or hummus
  • A handful of fresh spinach (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Lay the tortilla flat.
  2. Spread cream cheese or hummus.
  3. Add turkey slices and avocado.
  4. Place spinach on top (if using).
  5. Roll the tortilla tightly.
  6. Cut in half and enjoy!

3) Chicken Caesar Salad

A wooden bowl filled with fresh romaine lettuce, grilled chicken strips, parmesan cheese, and croutons, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing

A Chicken Caesar Salad is a tasty and simple lunch option. It combines fresh greens with grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing. You can make it quickly and enjoy a healthy meal.

To start, use romaine lettuce for the base. Grill or bake some chicken breasts, then slice them into bite-sized pieces. The croutons add a nice crunch.

For the dressing, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing or make your own. Toss everything together in a large bowl and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups romaine lettuce
  • 1 grilled chicken breast
  • ½ cup croutons
  • ¼ cup Caesar dressing
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Grill or bake the chicken breast at 375°F (190°C) until fully cooked.
  2. Slice the cooked chicken into pieces.
  3. In a bowl, combine the lettuce, chicken, and croutons.
  4. Add Caesar dressing and toss gently.
  5. Top with grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

4) Veggie Stir Fry

A sizzling pan filled with colorful vegetables being stir-fried over a hot flame. Chopped broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas cooking in a savory sauce

A veggie stir fry is a quick and healthy lunch option. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables. Plus, it’s colorful and full of flavor.

Start by choosing fresh veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. You can also add onions and snap peas for extra crunch.

Heat a bit of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your veggies and stir them for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until they are tender but still bright.

Feel free to add soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for flavor. Serve your stir fry with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup bell peppers
  • 1 cup broccoli
  • 1 cup carrots
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 onion
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Wash and chop the vegetables.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
  3. Add the vegetables to the pan.
  4. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add soy sauce and stir well.
  6. Serve with rice or noodles.

5) Tuna Salad

A colorful bowl of tuna salad surrounded by fresh vegetables and a slice of whole-grain bread on a wooden cutting board

Tuna salad is quick and easy to make. It is perfect for lunch and tastes great on bread or crackers. You can enjoy it as a sandwich or a simple salad.

To start, drain a can of tuna and place it in a bowl. Add chopped celery, onion, and a dollop of mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Mix everything well until combined. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. Tuna salad is a tasty choice for busy days.

Ingredients

  • 1 can of tuna, drained
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk of celery, chopped
  • 1/4 onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a bowl.
  2. Add chopped celery and onion.
  3. Mix in mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir until well combined.
  5. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge.

6) Caprese Sandwich

A wooden cutting board with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a loaf of bread. A knife is slicing the sandwich in half

A Caprese sandwich is a simple and tasty meal. It combines fresh ingredients for a delightful flavor. You will need fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves.

For the bread, use ciabatta or a baguette. This adds a nice crunch to your sandwich. Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra taste.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients

  • Fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Ciabatta or baguette
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Slice the bread in half.
  2. Layer fresh mozzarella slices on one half.
  3. Add tomato slices on top of the mozzarella.
  4. Place fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Close the sandwich and enjoy!

7) Quinoa Salad

A colorful bowl filled with quinoa, mixed vegetables, and a light vinaigrette sits on a wooden table, surrounded by fresh ingredients

Quinoa salad is a great, healthy lunch option. It’s packed with protein and can be made quickly. You can customize it with your favorite veggies and dressings.

To start, cook 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once done, let it cool.

Now, chop up your favorite vegetables. Good choices include bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Mix these into the cooled quinoa.

For flavor, add some olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa.
  2. Boil water and add quinoa.
  3. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Let it cool.
  5. Chop vegetables.
  6. Mix veggies with quinoa.
  7. Add oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  8. Toss well and serve.

8) Egg Salad Sandwich

A picnic table with a plate holding a freshly made egg salad sandwich, surrounded by a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables and a glass of iced tea

An egg salad sandwich is a quick and tasty lunch. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. You can enjoy it on bread, toast, or even in a wrap.

To make an egg salad, start by boiling eggs until they are hard. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Then, peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces.

Mix the chopped eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. You can also add celery or green onions for extra crunch. Spread the mixture on your choice of bread or wrap it up.

This sandwich is filling and perfect for lunch at home or on the go.

Ingredients

  • 4 hard-boiled eggs
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup diced celery or green onion
  • Bread or wraps

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil 4 eggs for 10-12 minutes.
  2. Peel and chop the eggs.
  3. In a bowl, mix eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add optional celery or green onion if desired.
  5. Spread the mixture on bread or wrap.

9) Tomato Basil Soup

A steaming pot of tomato basil soup surrounded by fresh basil leaves and ripe tomatoes

Tomato basil soup is warm and comforting. It’s easy to make and perfect for lunch. You can enjoy it with a side of bread or a salad.

To start, gather fresh tomatoes and basil for a great flavor. The soup is smooth and rich, making it enjoyable for everyone.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Add the fresh basil leaves and blend the soup until smooth.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

10) Ham and Cheese Panini

A sizzling panini press with golden-brown Ham and Cheese Panini, steam rising. Ingredients scattered around

A Ham and Cheese Panini is a quick and tasty lunch option. It’s perfect for using up leftover ham. The combination of melted cheese and crispy bread makes it satisfying.

To make this panini, you need a few simple ingredients. You can grill it in a pan or use a panini press for a nice crunch. It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

You can customize your panini by adding extras like tomatoes or mustard. This makes it a versatile choice for your lunch.

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread (or 1 panini roll)
  • 3 oz (85 g) cooked ham
  • 2 oz (56 g) cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • Butter or olive oil for grilling

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your panini press or skillet to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  2. Layer ham and cheese between the bread slices.
  3. Butter the outside of the bread.
  4. Grill for 3-5 minutes until golden and the cheese melts.
  5. Slice and enjoy your delicious panini!

11) Pasta Primavera

A colorful array of fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli, surround a steaming plate of pasta primavera on a wooden table

Pasta Primavera is a fresh and colorful dish. It combines pasta with a variety of vegetables. You can use whatever veggies you like or have on hand.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta until it is al dente.

While the pasta cooks, sauté bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil. Add garlic for extra flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, mix it with the cooked vegetables. You can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top to enhance the taste. This dish is light, healthy, and perfect for lunch.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes; cook for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.
  6. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve.

12) Greek Salad

A wooden bowl filled with colorful vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil, sitting on a checkered tablecloth

Greek salad is a fresh and colorful dish that’s perfect for lunch. It combines crispy vegetables, olives, and feta cheese for great flavor. You can make it in just a few minutes.

Start with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add green bell pepper for crunch and Kalamata olives for a savory touch.

Crumble feta cheese on top for creaminess. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano for added taste.

This salad is not just tasty; it’s healthy too. Enjoy it on its own or serve it with pita bread or grilled chicken.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup sliced green bell pepper
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Cooking Instructions

  1. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and bell pepper.
  2. Combine all the vegetables in a bowl.
  3. Add olives and feta cheese on top.
  4. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
  6. Toss gently and serve.

13) Shrimp Tacos

A plate of shrimp tacos with salsa, lettuce, and lime slices on a rustic wooden table

Shrimp tacos are a quick and tasty lunch option. They are easy to make and full of flavor. You can customize them with your favorite toppings.

Start by cooking shrimp in a skillet with some olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, around 3-5 minutes.

Warm your tortillas in another pan. Once ready, fill each tortilla with the shrimp.

Add your choice of toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can also include avocado or a spicy salsa for extra kick.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt to taste
  • 4-6 tortillas
  • Toppings: cilantro, tomatoes, lime juice, avocado, salsa

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
  2. Add garlic and shrimp, cooking until shrimp are pink.
  3. Warm tortillas in another pan.
  4. Fill tortillas with shrimp and desired toppings. Enjoy!

14) Chicken Quesadilla

A sizzling chicken quesadilla cooks on a hot skillet, with cheese melting and bubbling, surrounded by colorful ingredients

Chicken quesadillas are a tasty and quick lunch option. You can make them with simple ingredients that are easy to find. Plus, they are fun to customize!

Start with a tortilla. Add cooked chicken, cheese, and any other ingredients you like, such as peppers or onions. Fold the tortilla in half.

Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Cook the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Cut it into wedges and enjoy your delicious chicken quesadilla!

Ingredients

  • 1 tortilla
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Optional: bell peppers, onions, or other favorite toppings

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place the tortilla on a flat surface.
  2. Add cooked chicken and cheese to one half.
  3. Fold the tortilla over.
  4. Heat skillet over medium heat.
  5. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cheese melts.
  6. Cut and serve.

15) Lentil Soup

A pot of lentil soup simmers on a stovetop, steam rising. Fresh vegetables and herbs sit nearby, ready to be added

Lentil soup is a simple and hearty meal that you can make in no time. It’s healthy and packed with protein. You can enjoy it with bread or on its own.

For this soup, you will need chopped carrots, celery, and onion. These veggies add flavor and nutrition. The lentils cook quickly, making this a fast lunch option.

You can also add spices like cumin or garlic for extra taste. The soup can be made in one pot, which makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils and set aside.
  2. In a pot, sauté the onion, carrot, and celery in a little oil over medium heat until soft.
  3. Add the lentils and broth to the pot.
  4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin before serving.
  6. Enjoy!

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