10+ Quick Lunch Recipes for Busy Days

Finding time to prepare a nutritious lunch can be challenging. Quick lunch recipes are a great solution for busy days when you need something tasty and easy to make.

These meals can be ready in no time, allowing you to enjoy your break without the stress of complicated cooking.

From sandwiches to salads, there are plenty of options that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer something light or hearty, you’ll find that making a delicious lunch doesn’t have to take much time.

1) Sweet and Spicy Turkey Sandwich

The Sweet and Spicy Turkey Sandwich is a tasty and quick lunch option. You’ll enjoy the perfect mix of flavors with turkey, cheese, and a sweet kick from strawberry preserves.

Start with two slices of hearty country bread. Layer on four slices of oven-roasted turkey breast and a slice of pepper jack cheese for some heat.

Spread two teaspoons of butter on the outside of the bread for a golden finish.

Finally, add four teaspoons of strawberry preserves for a sweet touch.

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

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. On the unbuttered side, layer turkey and cheese.
3. Spread strawberry preserves on top of cheese.
4. Place the other slice of bread on top, butter side up.
5. Cook in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) until golden and cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes per side.

2) Pizza Lava Toast

Pizza Lava Toast is a fun and easy dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It tastes like pizza but is simpler to make. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, this recipe lets you enjoy gooey, cheesy goodness.

To start, choose your favorite bread, like sourdough or bagels. Then, toast it lightly for extra crunch.

Next, make a small well in the center and layer on your favorite toppings. You can use mozzarella cheese for that melty texture and pepperoni for flavor.

Bake the toast at 400°F (200°C) until the cheese is bubbly.

Enjoy it fresh, and feel free to add veggies or other toppings you love!

Ingredients

• Bread (sourdough, bagels, or your choice)
• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Optional: vegetables, herbs, or sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly toast the bread.
3. Make a well in the center of each slice.
4. Add mozzarella cheese and your choice of toppings.
5. Bake until the cheese is bubbly, about 8-10 minutes.

3) Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups

Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups are a tasty and quick lunch option. This recipe is simple and takes only about 10 minutes to make. Plus, it requires just five ingredients!

To prepare, start by mixing shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and diced avocados in a bowl. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top to add flavor.

Serve this mixture in halved avocados for a nutritious meal. It’s refreshing and perfect for a warm day.

Enjoy your delicious cups with tortilla chips on the side!

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and diced avocado.
2. Add the lime juice to the mixture and gently stir.
3. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
4. Scoop the chicken mixture into each avocado half.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

4) Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap

The peanut butter and banana wrap is a quick and tasty lunch option. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and is perfect for busy days.

Start with a tortilla and spread a generous layer of creamy peanut butter over it. Then, slice a banana and place the slices on one half of the tortilla.

You can drizzle some honey on top for extra sweetness if you like.

Now, fold the tortilla in half and enjoy your delicious wrap!

Ingredients

• 1 whole wheat or flour tortilla
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 small bananas, sliced
• 1/4 cup honey (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Take the tortilla and spread peanut butter on it.
2. Slice the bananas and lay them on one half of the tortilla.
3. Drizzle honey on top if desired.
4. Fold the tortilla in half and serve.

5) Buffalo Chicken Wrap

A Buffalo Chicken Wrap is a quick and tasty lunch option. It combines spicy buffalo chicken with fresh veggies, making it both flavorful and satisfying.

You can whip up this wrap in just a few minutes. Use leftover chicken, buffalo sauce, and a tortilla for a simple meal. Add lettuce, carrots, or avocado for extra crunch and nutrition.

This wrap is perfect for busy days. It is easy to pack for lunch and can be enjoyed at home or on the go.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 large tortilla
• 1/2 cup lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/4 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl.
2. Lay the tortilla flat on a plate.
3. Layer the chicken, lettuce, carrots, and avocado on the tortilla.
4. Drizzle with ranch dressing if desired.
5. Roll up the tortilla tightly and enjoy!

6) Quinoa Tabouli Bowl

The Quinoa Tabouli Bowl is a fresh and healthy lunch option. It combines cooked quinoa with crisp vegetables and flavorful herbs. You’ll enjoy its bright taste and satisfying texture.

Start with a big batch of cooked quinoa. Mix in diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and chopped onions for crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley and mint add an aromatic touch.

Finish it off with a drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt to taste. This bowl is not only quick to make but also very nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh mint leaves
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
3. Add parsley and mint leaves.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Season with salt and mix well.
6. Serve fresh or chill before eating.

7) 5-Minute Spicy Chickpea Salad

This 5-minute spicy chickpea salad is perfect for a quick and tasty lunch. It combines the creamy flavor of mayo with the heat of sriracha. This easy recipe will keep you full and satisfied.

Start with two cans of chickpeas. Drain and rinse them before mixing. Add mayo and sriracha to your taste, along with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

You can enjoy this salad on its own, in a sandwich, or as a dip with veggies. It’s a versatile dish for any meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 (14-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2-4 tablespoons sriracha
• Lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. In a bowl, mix chickpeas, mayo, and sriracha.
3. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.

8) Shrimp and Avocado Salad

This Shrimp and Avocado Salad is light and refreshing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, and you can make it in just about 10 minutes.

Start by cooking shrimp until they turn pink. Mix them with diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, and red onion. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty flavor.

For extra taste, you might want to include cilantro or a bit of jalapeño. This salad is healthy and full of good nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked shrimp
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste
• Optional: cilantro and jalapeño

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the shrimp until pink and tender.
2. In a bowl, combine shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, and onion.
3. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture.
4. Add salt and optional ingredients. Mix gently.
5. Serve immediately. Enjoy your salad!

9) Classic BLT Sandwich

The Classic BLT Sandwich is a fast and delicious option for lunch. It combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes between slices of toasted bread. This sandwich is simple but full of flavor.

Start by cooking your bacon until it’s crispy. You can use about 4-6 strips per sandwich.

Next, toast your bread, preferably 2 slices per sandwich, until golden brown.

Spread a light layer of mayonnaise on each slice of bread. Then, add the bacon, followed by fresh lettuce and slices of ripe tomato.

Enjoy your tasty Classic BLT Sandwich with your favorite side!

Ingredients

• 4-6 strips of bacon
• 2 slices of bread
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy.
2. Toast the bread until golden brown.
3. Spread mayonnaise on each slice of toasted bread.
4. Layer bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes on one slice.
5. Top with the other slice and serve.

10) Microwave Vegetable Stir Fry

Making a quick vegetable stir fry in the microwave is easy and delicious. You can use frozen or fresh vegetables to suit your taste. Choose your favorite mix, such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli.

Start by placing your vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover them with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam. Then, microwave on high for about 5 to 6 minutes. Check to make sure they’re crisp-tender.

For extra flavor, you can drizzle some soy sauce or sesame oil over your stir fry. Toss in some chopped tofu for protein if you like. This dish is perfect for a healthy lunch!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 cup tofu (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap.
3. Microwave on high for 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, if you’re using them.
5. You can also toss in chopped tofu before serving.