10+ Lunch Recipes for Quick and Delicious Midday Meals

Lunch is the perfect time to refuel and enjoy a tasty meal. Whether you prefer quick sandwiches, hearty salads, or warming soups, there are endless possibilities to make your lunch enjoyable.

Exploring new lunch recipes can add excitement to your midday routine and help you discover flavors you love.

Preparing a variety of lunch options also makes it easier to eat healthy and stay satisfied.

You can create meals that fit your schedule, from quick fixes to meal prep ideas you can enjoy throughout the week.

Let’s dive into some delicious lunch recipes that will keep your taste buds happy and your energy levels high.

1) Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic lunch that warms your heart. This meal is easy to make and perfect for any day. You can use different types of cheese to customize it to your taste.

For the sandwich, butter your bread and add cheese between two slices. Grill it until golden brown and the cheese melts.

Pair this with a bowl of warm, creamy tomato soup for a comforting combo.

This dish is not just filling; it also brings a sense of nostalgia. Enjoy the creamy soup and crispy sandwich as you dip the sandwich into the soup. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any lunch break.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Butter
• 1 can of tomato soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place cheese between the unbuttered sides.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Grill the sandwich until golden on both sides.
5. Heat the tomato soup as per package instructions.
6. Serve the sandwich with soup on the side.

2) Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

This Thai noodle salad is perfect for a light and refreshing lunch. It’s packed with colorful veggies and offers a delightful crunch in every bite. The peanut dressing ties everything together with its creamy and tangy flavor.

You can easily customize the salad with your favorite ingredients. Consider adding edamame, bell peppers, or cucumbers.

This dish is not only tasty but also healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup edamame, shelled
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. Rinse the noodles under cold water and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and minced garlic.
4. In a large bowl, combine the noodles, veggies, and sauce.
5. Toss everything together until well coated. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

3) Classic BLT Sandwich

A Classic BLT Sandwich is a simple yet delicious choice for lunch. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes makes it a favorite. Use toasted bread to add a nice crunch.

To make your BLT, first, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh produce and crispy bacon for the best flavor. This sandwich is easy to customize, so feel free to add your favorite spreads.

Ingredients

• ½ lb bacon (about 12 slices)
• 8 slices white bread
• 8 leaves iceberg lettuce
• 8 slices ripe tomatoes
• 8 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the bacon until crispy in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Toast the slices of bread until golden brown.
3. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
4. Layer lettuce, tomato, and bacon on one slice.
5. Top with another slice of bread, cut, and enjoy!

4) Buffalo Chicken Wrap

A Buffalo Chicken Wrap is a quick and tasty lunch option. It combines spicy buffalo chicken with fresh veggies, creating a balanced meal. You can customize it based on your favorite ingredients.

For a basic wrap, you use cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and a tortilla. Adding lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing makes it even better.

You can also include carrots and avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.

This wrap is perfect for busy days. You can make it in under 5 minutes using leftover chicken. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of buffalo wings without the mess.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken
• Buffalo sauce
• Tortilla
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Ranch dressing
• Optional: carrots, avocado

Cooking Instructions

1. Start with a tortilla on a flat surface.
2. Spread cooked chicken on the tortilla.
3. Drizzle buffalo sauce over the chicken.
4. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and any optional ingredients.
5. Drizzle ranch dressing on top.
6. Roll the tortilla tightly and slice in half. Enjoy!

5) Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Mediterranean chickpea salad is a fresh and colorful dish. It’s perfect for lunch and easy to prepare. You will love its combination of flavors.

Start with chickpeas, which provide protein and fiber. Add diced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and bell peppers for crunch. Feta cheese brings creaminess while parsley adds freshness.

For the dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This bright vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together perfectly.

Serve this salad cold to enjoy it at its best. Pack it for work or serve it at a picnic.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, feta, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

6) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and tasty Italian dish. You need just a few ingredients, making it perfect for a quick lunch. The main flavors come from garlic, olive oil, and a bit of heat from red pepper flakes.

To make this dish, start by cooking your spaghetti until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Cook until golden but not burnt. Then, mix in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Once the pasta is ready, toss it in the pan with the garlic oil. You can add a splash of pasta water to create a nice sauce that clings to the spaghetti. Finish with parsley for some freshness.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden.
4. Stir in red pepper flakes.
5. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the pan.
6. Add a splash of pasta water and mix well.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

7) Chicken Shawarma Pita

Chicken Shawarma Pita is a tasty choice for lunch. You can enjoy steaming, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita bread. The zesty flavors make it exciting!

Start by marinating your chicken with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic. This gives it that classic shawarma taste. Once cooked, slice the chicken thinly.

For extra crunch, add fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes. A drizzle of yogurt sauce adds creaminess and tang.

This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for busy days. You can also pack it for lunch or enjoy it right away.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread
• Fresh veggies (cucumbers, tomatoes)
• Yogurt sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Marinate chicken with spices and olive oil for 30 minutes.
3. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
4. Slice chicken and place in pita.
5. Add veggies and yogurt sauce as desired.

8) Banh Mi Sandwich

The Banh Mi sandwich is a tasty Vietnamese treat. It combines a crispy baguette with various fillings and fresh ingredients. You can use grilled meats, tofu, or even a vegetarian version with marinated veggies.

Add pickled carrots and daikon for a crunchy texture. Fresh cilantro and spicy mayo give it a wonderful kick.

This sandwich is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You can customize it to fit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 French baguette
• 1 cup marinated tofu or grilled pork
• ½ cup pickled carrots
• ½ cup pickled daikon radish
• Fresh cilantro
• Sriracha mayo

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare pickled vegetables by soaking them in vinegar and sugar for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill or sauté the marinated tofu or pork.
3. Slice the baguette and spread sriracha mayo on both sides.
4. Layer the protein, pickled veggies, and cilantro inside the baguette.
5. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!

9) Lentil Salad with Feta

Lentil salad with feta is a healthy and satisfying lunch option. It’s packed with protein and flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

Start with cooked lentils as your base. Add diced tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper for a fresh crunch. Crumbled feta cheese gives it a creamy twist.

For the dressing, mix lemon juice, olive oil, and some oregano. Drizzle it over the salad and toss everything together. This dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook lentils according to package instructions.
2. Chop tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper.
3. In a bowl, combine cooked lentils, chopped vegetables, and feta cheese.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
5. Then, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve chilled.

10) Quesadillas with Avocado and Black Beans

Quesadillas with avocado and black beans are quick and tasty. They are perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You get creamy avocado, hearty black beans, and melted cheese all in one delicious bite.

To make these quesadillas, you need just a few ingredients. You can whip them up in minutes and customize them with your favorite veggies or spices.

Ingredients

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Optional: diced onions, bell peppers, or cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Spray the skillet with cooking spray or add a little olive oil.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and layer half of the cheese on it.
4. Add the black beans, avocado, and any optional veggies.
5. Top with the remaining cheese and the second tortilla.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Then, carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
8. Finally, remove from the heat, slice, and serve warm.