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No time for complicated meals? These simple lunch ideas include delicious wraps, sandwiches, pasta salads, soups, and protein-packed bowls.
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Lunch is important because it helps us stay energized and focused throughout the day.
But it’s also true that when we’re busy, making lunch can feel like another task on our endless to-do list.
Looking for new, simple lunch recipes? These meals are all filling, tasty, and easy to put together.
Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup.
This recipe is one of the easiest ones you can explore, with bone-in chicken breasts, fusilli pasta, and herbs.
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
One Skillet Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
If you love the flavors of an egg roll but want something lighter and faster to make, this bowl version is the way to go.
It’s savory, garlicky, and a little tangy—without the deep-frying or extra work.
Get The Recipe: One Skillet Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
In search of recipes that you can share with the family? This pot pie is an amazing choice.
It comes with rotisserie chicken, mixed veggies, and potatoes.
Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
Try this mac and cheese version for a lunch that feels extra indulgent.
It’s smooth and velvety, loaded with whole milk and Colby-Jack cheese. It’s ready in less than an hour.
Get The Recipe: Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
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Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These steak bites are so juicy and coated in a buttery garlic sauce.
Thanks to the Instant Pot, this dish comes together in minutes. They pair with just about anything, from noodles to mashed potatoes.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
One Pot French Onion Pasta
Love the deep flavors of French onion soup but want something more filling?
Check out this pasta recipe! Serve it with roasted mushrooms or asparagus for a delicious veggie boost.
Get The Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
This spaghetti version comes together quickly in the Instant Pot but is nothing less flavorful.
It’s ready in 30 minutes, with parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, ground pork, and ground beef.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies
This sheet pan meal is made with tofu, broccoli, hoisin sauce, peppers, and rice vinegar.
It’s so hearty and well-balanced! If you have leftovers, just store them in the fridge for up to five days.
Get The Recipe: Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies
Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
There are so many simple lunch ideas out there waiting to be tried.
Why not give your favorite grilled cheese a twist? This recipe is inspired by the famous Zupas sandwich, with Muenster cheese and vegan cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes
This dish is made with tofu, tomatoes, garlic, and balsamic vinegar.
Everyone will love the tasty combo of tofu and tomatoes. Once done, garnish it with fresh basil leaves, and then pair it with garlic toast.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes
Vegan Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Who needs traditional chicken salad when this plant-based version tastes just as good—if not better?
It includes tempeh, vegan mayo, onions, and soy sauce.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Chicken Salad Sandwiches
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Vegetarian Porcupine Meatballs
Plant-based meatballs are just as delicious as the traditional ones.
These savory treats have a slightly chewy texture that holds up beautifully in the sweet and sour tomato sauce.
Get The Recipe: Vegetarian Porcupine Meatballs
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is packed with bold flavors and vibrant ingredients.
Main ingredients include cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumbers, chickpeas, and scallions.
Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Chipotle Chicken Wrap
Wraps are amazing options since you can make them ahead of time and take them wherever you go.
This version is a lunch that never disappoints. It comes with chicken breast, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Get The Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Wrap
Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breast
If you think lunch has to be the same routine every day, think again.
Here’s another recipe that uses chicken breasts. Enjoy it as a main dish, slice it for salads, or tuck it into sandwiches for a versatile lunch.
Get The Recipe: Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breast
10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy
Enjoy the most nourishing meal in just 10 minutes. Ready to fall in love with veggies even more?
Aside from baby bok choy, you need garlic, sesame oil, and shallots to make this recipe.
Get The Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy
Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wrap
This plant-based wrap is made with chickpeas, cabbage, carrots, and seasonings.
It’s a protein-packed option that’s perfect for busy days. Go ahead and pair it with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get The Recipe: Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wrap
Big Mac Pinwheels
Savor all the flavors of a Big Mac, but in a fun, bite-sized version.
These pinwheels are so irresistible and fun to make, with ground beef, Thousand Island dressing, and American cheese.
Get The Recipe: Big Mac Pinwheels
Pear and Pistachio Pesto Pizza
This isn’t your average pizza. It’s a sweet, savory, and nutty twist that’s effortlessly simple.
Main ingredients include pistachio pesto, arugula, and vegan mozzarella.
Get The Recipe: Pear and Pistachio Pesto Pizza
Tuna Pasta Salad
Yes, you can make a delicious lunch using just canned tuna and a few pantry staples.
Check out this one! It includes peppers, peas, white onions, and white vinegar.
Get The Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad
Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
Meal prep just got a whole lot tastier with this teriyaki chicken dish.
It’s a delicious, well-balanced meal featuring chicken breasts, broccoli, rice, pineapple, and a bit of salt.
Get The Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
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Cabbage Pancakes
These pancakes are made with cabbage, eggs, flour, cheese, and seasonings.
You can use mozzarella, Monterey, or any of your favorite cheeses! If you want, you can also pair them with grilled shiitake mushrooms.
Get The Recipe: Cabbage Pancakes
Vegan Miso Mushroom Pasta
An umami-packed pasta is always a good idea, especially for busy weekdays.
Don’t worry, you can easily make this one ahead of time and store it in the fridge for three days.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Miso Mushroom Pasta
Mason Jar Cobb Salad
Craving a crisp salad but need something portable? Then this salad is for you.
It’s packed with protein and crunch, with tomatoes, cucumbers, and bacon.
Get The Recipe: Mason Jar Cobb Salad
Creamy Chilli Fish and Prawn Noodles
This seafood dish is loaded with prawns, fish, coconut milk, and rice noodles.
Sprinkle it with toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture, and then serve it with a Thai iced tea.
Get The Recipe: Creamy Chilli Fish and Prawn Noodles
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Keep things simple yet packed with flavor.
Wraps, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and sheet pan meals are good options since they can be made in advance and usually only require a few simple ingredients.
If you want something warm and comforting, try chicken noodle soup or any other comforting soup.
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Are you tired of the same old lunch routine? Well, we’ve got just the thing for you. Here are 25 easy lunchbox ideas to make lunchtime more exciting and nutritious!
Read it here: 25 Easy Lunchbox Ideas to Make Lunchtime Exciting
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