10+ Easy Lunch Recipes for Busy Weekdays
Finding the right recipes for lunch can make your day a lot easier. Easy lunch recipes can save you time and help you enjoy a tasty meal, whether you’re at home or on the go.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create satisfying dishes that are quick to prepare.
Whether you need something light and healthy or a filling option, there are plenty of easy ideas to explore. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste, making lunchtime enjoyable and stress-free.
1) Sweet and Spicy Turkey Sandwich
This Sweet and Spicy Turkey Sandwich is a tasty option for lunch. It combines savory turkey with a sweet kick that you’ll love. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor.
To start, grab some hearty country bread. Layer four slices of oven-roasted turkey breast and a slice of pepper jack cheese. The cheese adds a nice spice that works well with the turkey.
Next, spread a little butter on the bread before grilling. Add a few teaspoons of strawberry preserves for the sweet touch. Grill until golden brown, and enjoy!
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
- Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer turkey and cheese on the unbuttered side.
- Spread strawberry preserves on top and close the sandwich.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
2) Pizza Lava Toast
Pizza Lava Toast is a fun and easy lunch option. It combines your favorite pizza flavors on a slice of bread. This dish is perfect for a quick meal or a snack.
To make it, start with slices of bread. You can use sourdough, Italian, or your favorite kind. Add pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your choice of toppings like pepperoni or veggies.
Cook the toast in a hot skillet until the cheese melts and the bread gets crispy. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness that oozes out like lava!
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)
- 2 teaspoons butter
Cooking Instructions
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place bread, butter side down, in a skillet.
- Top each slice with pizza sauce and cheese.
- Add your choice of toppings.
- Cook over medium heat until cheese melts, about 5 minutes (about 190°C).
- Serve hot. Enjoy!
3) Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups
Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups are a quick and tasty lunch option. You can whip them up in less than 10 minutes. This fresh dish is great for hot days when you want something light.
To make these cups, take ripe avocados and cut them in half. Remove the pit and scoop out a bit of the flesh to make room for the filling.
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Squeeze some lime juice over the mix for added flavor.
Spoon the filling into the avocado halves. Enjoy these delicious cups with a fork or as a dip with tortilla chips!
Ingredients
- 2 large avocados
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits.
- Scoop out a little flesh to create space.
- In a bowl, mix chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Spoon the mixture into the avocado halves.
- Serve and enjoy!
4) Cheesy Veggie Quesadilla
Cheesy veggie quesadillas are quick and tasty for lunch. You can use any vegetables you like. They are easy to make and fun to customize.
Start with a tortilla and add cheese, bell peppers, spinach, or other veggies you enjoy. Heat a pan over medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). Cook the quesadilla until the cheese melts and the tortilla is golden brown.
Once ready, cut it into triangles and serve. You might enjoy it with salsa or sour cream on the side.
Ingredients:
- 2 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- Cooking oil
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Place one tortilla in the skillet.
- Add cheese and vegetables on one half.
- Fold the tortilla and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and cook until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Cut into wedges and serve.
5) Buffalo Chicken Wrap
The Buffalo Chicken Wrap is a tasty and easy lunch option. It combines spicy buffalo chicken with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing. You can have it ready in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
To make this wrap, you will need cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Add ingredients like lettuce, carrots, and avocado for crunch and nutrition. You can use a soft tortilla to wrap everything together.
This meal is not just quick to prepare, but it’s also delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken
- Buffalo sauce
- Tortilla
- Lettuce
- Carrots
- Avocado
- Creamy dressing (like ranch or blue cheese)
Cooking Instructions
- Start by shredding or cutting your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Lay a tortilla flat and spread a thin layer of creamy dressing.
- Add lettuce, carrots, and avocado on top.
- Place the buffalo chicken in the center and roll it up tightly.
- Cut in half and enjoy!
6) Greek Grilled Chicken Pitas
Greek grilled chicken pitas are a tasty and simple lunch option. The marinated chicken is full of flavor, making each bite delicious. You can easily prepare them for a quick weeknight meal or a fun lunch.
To start, you’ll want to season your chicken with a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Let it marinate to soak in all the flavors. Once ready, grill the chicken until it’s nicely cooked.
Assemble your pitas by adding the grilled chicken and your favorite toppings. Consider fresh cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. A dollop of tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Pita bread
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Feta cheese
- Tzatziki sauce
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Slice the grilled chicken.
- Fill pita bread with chicken and toppings.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce. Enjoy!
7) Chili-Topped Cornbread Waffles
Chili-topped cornbread waffles make a fun and tasty lunch. You can enjoy the warm, savory flavors of chili and waffles together. They are easy to prepare and perfect for a busy day.
To make these waffles, you need simple pantry ingredients. The waffles are fluffy and have a nice cornbread taste. Top them with your favorite chili for a delicious meal.
Feel free to add cheese or sour cream on top for extra flavor and creaminess. This dish is a great way to switch up your lunch routine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Chili of your choice
- Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker.
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Pour batter into the waffle maker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Serve topped with chili and any desired toppings.
8) Spinach and Turkey Pinwheels
Spinach and turkey pinwheels are a delicious and easy lunch option. They are simple to make and perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy them at home or take them on the go.
To make these pinwheels, start with a tortilla. Spread cream cheese all over it. Next, add fresh spinach and thinly sliced turkey. Roll the tortilla tightly and slice it into pinwheels.
These pinwheels are not only tasty but also healthy. They provide a good balance of protein and veggies. You can store them in the fridge for later or enjoy them right away.
Ingredients
- 1 large tortilla
- 2 ounces thinly sliced turkey breast
- ½ cup baby spinach
- 2 ounces cream cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Spread cream cheese over the tortilla.
- Layer fresh spinach on top.
- Add the turkey slices.
- Roll the tortilla tightly.
- Slice into pinwheels and serve.
9) Classic BLT Sandwich
The Classic BLT Sandwich is a simple and delicious choice for lunch. It features crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes all between toasted bread. This sandwich is easy to make and perfect for any day.
To prepare your BLT, start by cooking your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes on medium heat. Meanwhile, toast your bread to your liking.
Once your bacon is ready, layer the ingredients. Spread a little mayonnaise on your bread for extra flavor. Add the lettuce, tomato slices, and bacon. Top with the other slice of bread and slice it in half.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb bacon (about 12 slices)
- 8 slices white bread
- 8 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 8 slices ripe tomato
- 8 tablespoons mayonnaise
Cooking Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet on medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
- Toast the bread until golden.
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice.
- Layer lettuce, tomato, and bacon on one slice.
- Top with the second slice of bread and cut in half.
10) Microwave Oatmeal and Berries
Microwave oatmeal with berries is a quick and healthy lunch option. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and is customizable based on your taste.
To start, gather your favorite oats and any berries you like. You can use fresh or frozen berries. Adding a bit of milk or water will give it a creamy texture.
Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 1.5 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk or water
- 1 cup berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine oats, milk or water, and a pinch of salt.
- Add your berries to the bowl.
- Microwave the bowl for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through.
- Let it cool for a moment before enjoying.