Are you tired of the same old boring lunches every day? Look no further! We’ve got 18 delicious, quick, and easy lunch recipes that are perfect for busy days. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or on-the-go mom, these recipes will provide you with endless options to fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds.
From classic combinations like caprese avocado toast and spinach and feta stuffed pita, to international-inspired dishes like teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps and shrimp tacos with lime crema, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? These recipes are all quick, easy, and can be prepared in no time!
Stay tuned for our top picks that will make your lunchtime a breeze…
Caprese Avocado Toast
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with this fresh and flavorful Caprese Avocado Toast! A twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, this recipe combines creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced
– 2 tablespoons of fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 ounce of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Arrange the tomato slices over the avocado.
4. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese.
6. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to melt the cheese.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pita
This recipe combines the flavors of spinach, feta cheese, and pita bread for a satisfying snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large pita bread
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Cut the pita bread in half lengthwise and hollow out the inside, leaving about 1/2 inch of crust on each side.
4. Stuff each pita half with the spinach-feta mixture.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the filling and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place stuffed pitas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Elevate your lunch game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the flavors of teriyaki chicken, crispy lettuce, and soft wraps.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 4 large lettuce leaves
– 8-10 wonton wrappers or large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced green onions, sesame seeds, pickled ginger
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and vegetable oil.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Assemble wraps by placing a piece of grilled chicken in the center of each wrap, then top with lettuce leaves and any desired toppings.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including marinating time)
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe
This salad combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the convenience of a simple, no-cook recipe. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s also great as a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese, chopped olives, or artichoke hearts for added flavor
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
This mouth-watering wrap combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with creamy ranch dressing, crunchy lettuce, and crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 2 tbsp ranch dressing
– 1 large flour tortilla
– Lettuce leaves
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together chicken and Frank’s RedHot sauce until coated.
3. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Top with lettuce leaves, ranch dressing, and shredded/blue cheese (if using).
5. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in sides and roll into a tight cylinder.
6. Place on baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and wrap is crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting and flavorful soup paired with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Meanwhile, butter two slices of bread and place shredded cheddar cheese on one slice.
6. Grill the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
7. Serve the soup with the grilled cheese sandwich for dipping.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema
A flavorful twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with a tangy and creamy lime crema, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 taco shells
– Lime crema (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Warm the taco shells according to package instructions.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing a few cooked shrimp onto each shell, followed by a dollop of lime crema and your choice of toppings.
Lime Crema:
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt, to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (includes marinating time)
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Elevate your quesadilla game with this sweet and savory BBQ chicken filling, perfectly balanced between smoky flavors and creamy cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the chicken, BBQ sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese on half of the tortilla.
4. Add the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes total.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad, this Greek-inspired version combines the creaminess of yogurt with the tanginess of feta cheese and the crunch of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, feta cheese, cucumber, bell pepper, and parsley.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top and toss to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (preparation), 30 minutes (refrigeration)
Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of basil pesto, al dente pasta, and sweet cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Process until well combined and slightly smooth.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. In a large skillet, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and pesto sauce. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if needed, to create a creamy consistency.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwich
This refreshing sandwich combines the creamy richness of avocado with the protein-packed goodness of tuna, all wrapped up in a soft and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of whole wheat bread
– Lettuce leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the tuna, avocado, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cut the bread into 4 equal pieces.
4. Spoon the tuna-avocado mixture onto two slices of bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top with lettuce leaves if desired.
6. Place the remaining two slices of bread on top to create a sandwich.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles
This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch. It’s a balanced meal that combines the nutritional benefits of vegetables, protein-rich rice noodles, and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add cooked rice noodles to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional minute to combine with vegetables.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
A refreshing twist on traditional egg salad, these lettuce wraps are perfect for a light and satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine)
– Optional: chopped veggies like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add chopped eggs, dill, and any desired vegetables to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Place 1/4 cup of the egg salad onto each lettuce leaf.
4. Fold the lettuce leaves in half to enclose the filling.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole that combines the best of broccoli, cheese, and rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 3 cups steamed broccoli florets
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and shredded cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and olive oil. Pour the mixture over the rice-broccoli-cheese mixture and stir until combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and hot throughout.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serve hot and enjoy!
Spicy Peanut Noodles
Elevate your noodle game with this spicy peanut twist! A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of peanuts with a kick of heat.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz noodles (rice or egg-based)
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt, to taste
– Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the blended mixture to cooked noodles and toss until well coated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Hummus Wrap
A flavorful and healthy wrap filled with sliced turkey, creamy hummus, crunchy veggies, and warm pita bread.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound cooked turkey breast, sliced
– 1/4 cup hummus
– 1 large flour tortilla (or whole wheat pita)
– 1/2 cup mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Lay the tortilla on a flat surface.
2. Spread the hummus evenly over the center of the tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border.
3. Arrange the sliced turkey on top of the hummus.
4. Add the mixed greens, cucumber, and red bell pepper slices around the turkey.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap into a neat package.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
Savor the rich flavors of garlic and butter combined with succulent shrimp in this quick and easy skillet recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice; stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid has slightly thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
Elevate your nacho game with these sweet and savory loaded sweet potato nachos! This twist on classic nachos combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and tangy sour cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork several times and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chili powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with roasted sweet potato slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeño peppers, and cilantro.
5. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 60-65 minutes
Summary
Get ready to devour these 18 mouth-watering quick and easy lunch recipes, perfect for busy days! From classic combinations like Caprese Avocado Toast and Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pita, to international flavors like Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema, there’s something for everyone. Satisfy your cravings with Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, or BBQ Chicken Quesadilla. And don’t forget the comforting Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese and Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole. With these recipes, you’ll never go hungry again!
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