15 Lunch Ideas Quick Recipes for Busy Days

Finding quick and easy lunch ideas can make your busy days much simpler. You might be looking for meals that don’t take a lot of time to prepare but still taste great. This article will give you a variety of quick recipes that you can whip up in no time.

Whether you are at home, at work, or on the go, simple lunch options can keep you fueled throughout the day. With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy satisfying meals that are ready in 20 minutes or less.

Let’s explore some delicious lunch ideas that you can make effortlessly.

1) Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Salad

This Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Salad is quick and easy to make. It’s a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. You can whip it up in just a few minutes.

Start with shredded rotisserie chicken. Mix it with your choice of creamy dressing. You might try lemon-herb mayonnaise for a tasty twist.

Add crunchy vegetables like diced celery and carrots. You can also sprinkle in some red onion for extra flavor. Serve it with whole-grain crackers for a light lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 cup creamy dressing (like mayonnaise)
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and creamy dressing.
2. Add the diced celery, carrots, and red onion.
3. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Serve immediately with whole-grain crackers.

2) Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The ultimate grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food that’s both easy and quick to make. You can customize it with different cheeses and add-ins to match your taste.

To make this delicious sandwich, use your favorite bread. White, whole grain, or sourdough all work well. For cheese, try a mix of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella for a great melt.

For extra flavor, add some cooked bacon, sliced tomatoes, or even avocado. Butter the outside of the bread to achieve a golden, crispy crust.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 slices of mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• Optional add-ins (bacon, tomatoes, or avocado)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place one slice, butter side down, in the skillet.
4. Add the cheeses and any optional add-ins.
5. Top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.
7. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Once both sides are golden brown, remove from heat and enjoy!

3) Mashed Potato Patties with Herbs

Mashed potato patties are a simple and tasty lunch idea. They are perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. Adding herbs gives them a fresh flavor.

To make these patties, mix your mashed potatoes with shredded cheese, green onions, and herbs like parsley. You can also use garlic powder and onion powder for more flavor.

Shape the mixture into small patties and fry them in a pan until golden brown on both sides. Serve them warm for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheese, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into patties, about 2-3 inches wide.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
5. Fry the patties until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

4) Mini Pizza Bagels

Mini pizza bagels are a fun and easy lunch idea. You can make them quickly with just a few ingredients. They are perfect for both kids and adults.

Start by slicing mini bagels in half. Lay them flat on a baking sheet. You can use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Add a thin layer of pizza sauce on each bagel half. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings. Pepperoni works great!

Bake the bagels in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 6 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble up.

These mini pizza bagels make a tasty meal or snack any time of the day!

Ingredients

• 8 mini bagels (halved)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices or other toppings

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice mini bagels in half and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Spread a layer of pizza sauce on each bagel half.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Add your favorite toppings, like pepperoni.
6. Bake for about 6 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

5) 3-Ingredient Chickpea Salad

This 3-Ingredient Chickpea Salad is perfect for a quick and healthy lunch. It’s simple, fresh, and satisfying.

To make it, you will need cooked or canned chickpeas, sliced celery, and shredded carrots. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients.

Just combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can enjoy it on its own or as a filling in a sandwich.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the chickpeas, celery, and carrots in a large bowl.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a chill.

6) Veggie & Hummus Sandwich

A Veggie & Hummus Sandwich is a quick and healthy lunch option. You can use your favorite vegetables, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots, for a fresh taste.

Spread hummus on your choice of bread. Whole grain or pita works well. Layer on the veggies for a colorful and filling meal.

Feel free to mix it up with different flavors of hummus. Each choice can change the sandwich’s flavor profile.

This sandwich is not only tasty but also good for you. It’s perfect for lunch at home or on the go.

Ingredients

• Whole grain bread or pita
• Hummus (any flavor)
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced bell peppers
• Shredded carrots
• Spinach or lettuce

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread hummus on one side of the bread or pita.
2. Layer the sliced vegetables on top.
3. Add spinach or lettuce.
4. Top with another slice of bread or fold the pita.
5. Cut in half and serve.

7) Greek-Inspired Pasta Salad

A Greek-inspired pasta salad is a tasty and quick option for lunch. It combines pasta with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a light dressing. This meal is colorful and packed with flavor.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta, like rotini or bow ties. Once it’s ready, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Add halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, and red onion for crunch.

Don’t forget the feta cheese for that traditional Greek touch. For the dressing, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano together. Mix everything in a bowl, and your salad is ready!

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta (rotini or bow ties)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Rinse pasta with cold water.
3. Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
4. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.
5. Combine pasta, vegetables, and feta cheese.
6. Drizzle dressing over the salad and mix well. Enjoy!

8) Flash-Fried Tofu Stir Fry

Flash-fried tofu stir fry is a quick and tasty meal. It offers crunchy vegetables and soft tofu, making it satisfying and fun to eat.

Start by pressing firm tofu to remove excess water. Then, cut it into cubes. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu and fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

Add a mix of your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers and broccoli. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Season with soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce.

Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Press tofu to remove water and cube it.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add tofu cubes and fry for 5 minutes until golden.
4. Add bell pepper and broccoli; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add soy sauce and mix well. Serve over rice or noodles.

9) Spinach and Feta Wrap

The Spinach and Feta Wrap is a tasty option for lunch. It’s simple to make and full of flavor. You can enjoy it as a quick meal or snack.

Start with a soft tortilla. Spread a layer of whipped feta cheese over it. Add fresh spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest. You can also include avocado or cucumber for added crunch.

It’s a great way to get in some greens. Plus, it’s a filling wrap that keeps you satisfied.

Ingredients

• 1 large tortilla
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (whipped)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: avocado or cucumber slices

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread whipped feta cheese on the tortilla.
2. Add fresh spinach evenly on top.
3. Drizzle with lemon juice.
4. If using, layer avocado or cucumber.
5. Roll the tortilla tightly and cut in half. Enjoy!

10) Simple Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese salad skewers are a fun and easy lunch idea. They combine fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a tasty bite-sized treat. You can make them in just a few minutes.

To prepare, gather cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. You can drizzle balsamic glaze for extra flavor. The combination is refreshing and satisfying.

Simply thread the ingredients onto skewers, alternating between the tomato, mozzarella, and basil. They look great on a plate and taste even better.

These skewers are perfect for lunch or as a quick snack. Enjoy them at home, picnics, or parties!

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes
• Mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Gather all your ingredients.
2. Take a skewer and thread on a tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf.
3. Repeat until the skewer is filled.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Enjoy!

11) Quick Black Bean Tacos

These black bean tacos are a quick and tasty choice for lunch. You can have them ready in just about 10 minutes. They are perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal.

Start with canned black beans, which are easy to use and full of protein. Add some chopped cabbage for crunch and top it off with your favorite sauce or salsa for extra flavor.

You can use corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. These tacos are not only quick but also healthy and filling.

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• Corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup chopped cabbage
• Your favorite sauce or salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the black beans in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) until warm.
2. While beans heat, warm the tortillas in another pan or the microwave.
3. Assemble the tacos by placing beans and cabbage in each tortilla.
4. Drizzle with sauce or salsa before serving. Enjoy!

12) Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast

Smoked salmon avocado toast is a delicious and quick lunch idea. It pairs creamy avocado with the rich flavor of smoked salmon. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy, providing important nutrients.

To make this dish, start by toasting your favorite bread. Spread ripe avocado on top, mashing it slightly for better flavor. Layer slices of smoked salmon over the avocado.

You can add toppings like a sprinkle of sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, or even some dill for extra flavor. It’s perfect for busy days and takes only about 10 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1-2 slices of bread (whole grain or your choice)
• 1 ripe avocado
• 3-4 ounces of smoked salmon
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the bread until golden brown.
2. Mash the avocado in a bowl and spread it on the toast.
3. Layer the smoked salmon on top of the avocado.
4. Season with sea salt, pepper, and dill if desired.

13) Easy Quinoa and Edamame Bowl

This Easy Quinoa and Edamame Bowl is a quick and healthy lunch option. It’s packed with protein and colorful vegetables. You can make it in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.

Start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. While that cooks, prepare your vegetables. You can use bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots for a fresh crunch. Don’t forget the edamame for extra protein!

Mix everything together in a bowl. You can dress it with your favorite vinaigrette. Chill it for a while in the fridge, or enjoy it warm. This bowl is versatile and easy to customize.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup shelled edamame
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Dressing of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package directions.
2. Thaw edamame in warm water.
3. Chop vegetables.
4. Combine quinoa, edamame, and veggies in a bowl.
5. Add dressing and mix well.
6. Chill or serve warm.

14) Zucchini and Corn Fritters

Zucchini and corn fritters are a quick and tasty lunch option. They are easy to make and loaded with flavor. You can enjoy them as a savory pancake any time of day.

To prepare, start by mixing shredded zucchini, sweet corn, and cheese. You can use either fresh or frozen corn. The fritters cook up nicely in a hot pan with oil.

These fritters pair well with avocado or yogurt for dipping. They are a fun way to include veggies in your meal!

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or thawed)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (like Cheddar)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine zucchini, corn, cheese, flour, baking powder, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

15) Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are a tasty and quick lunch option. They are easy to make and perfect for a light meal. You’ll enjoy the spicy flavor of buffalo chicken wrapped in crunchy lettuce.

For the chicken, you can use cooked chicken breasts or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce until well coated. You can add toppings such as diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.

Now, simply spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into large lettuce leaves. Wrap them up, and they are ready to eat!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce)
• Optional: diced vegetables and blue cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce in a bowl.
2. Prepare the lettuce leaves by rinsing and drying them.
3. Spoon the buffalo chicken onto each lettuce leaf.
4. Add any desired toppings. Then, wrap the lettuce around the filling.
5. Enjoy!