35 lunch ideas for quick plates, hearty bowls, and a few surprises
Some lunches are quick bites, others feel more like a proper meal. Either way, it’s nice to have a few reliable options ready to go. These recipes make it easier to look forward to the noon hour.
How to Cook Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
Learn how to make turkey burgers in the air fryer (fresh or frozen both work!) and get ready to enjoy the juiciest turkey burger you’ve ever had in under 10 minutes. Get the recipe: How to Cook Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Wings
These Instant Pot sesame ginger wings are tender inside, crispy outside, and coated in a bold homemade glaze. A quick trip under the broiler gives them that classic wing texture, making them an easy crowd-pleaser for game day or parties. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Wings
Thai Buttercup Squash Soup
This creamy buttercup squash soup is infused with gentle Thai notes of coconut and lime. It’s the perfect way to savor the sweet, nutty taste of this underrated winter squash. Get the recipe: Thai Buttercup Squash Soup
Caprese Pasta Salad
Parma ham and Caprese pasta salad is a refreshing yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm days. Easy to make and bursting with color, it’s an ideal choice for picnics, parties, or dining outdoors. Get the recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad
Healthy Zuppa Toscana
Cozy, easy-to-make, healthy Zuppa Toscana is simple to make in the Instant Pot or on the stove. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and Whole30 (with an optional touch of cream), it’s loaded with sausage, potatoes, and hearty kale for pure comfort. Get the recipe: Healthy Zuppa Toscana
Italian Meatball Subs
These homemade beef parmesan meatballs simmer in a fresh marinara sauce and get loaded up with melty mozzarella. Pile them onto toasted bread, and you’ve basically got the coziest, most irresistible sandwich situation ever. Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Subs
Tuna Spinach Wrap
This tuna spinach wrap is loaded with tuna, fresh spinach, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes. It’s quick to make and hits the spot for lunch or dinner during the back-to-school rush. Get the recipe: Tuna Spinach Wrap
Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
This Thai chicken soup is packed with fresh ginger, tender chicken, and veggies, all cooked in coconut oil for maximum flavor. The creamy coconut milk broth, with red curry, chili garlic, and a hint of sweetness, pairs up with rice noodles and fresh herbs for a cozy, spicy bowl. Get the recipe: Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Beans and Sausage
This crockpot cabbage soup is hearty, cozy, and full of flavor. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and come back to a steaming, comforting bowl of soup. Get the recipe: Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Beans and Sausage
Lasagna Soup
This lasagna soup has all the flavors of the classic pasta dish, but in a cozy, comforting bowl. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch now and enjoy an easy dinner later. Get the recipe: Lasagna Soup
Greek Chicken Gyros
When you need a quick and flavorful summer lunch, these Greek chicken gyros come through every time. Juicy marinated chicken gets wrapped in soft pita with fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta for an easy homemade meal. Get the recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
This tasty recipe hits all the right spots. Creamy, sweet, crunchy, and super tasty, this chicken salad is an all-time fave. Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
This grilled chicken sandwich takes things up a notch with juicy marinated chicken, sweet grilled onions, and a tangy sun-dried tomato aioli. It’s a fresh take on a classic that hits every note. Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Lemon Basil Chicken Salad
Such a fresh and tasty way to use your bounty of fresh basil. This salad features fresh lemon and tender chicken, and it totally eats like a meal. Get the recipe: Lemon Basil Chicken Salad
Build Your Own Healthy Nourish Bowl
Looking for a meal that’s balanced, nutritious, and actually tastes good? Use this simple 3-step formula to build a healthy nourish bowl that works for summer lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Get the recipe: Build Your Own Healthy Nourish Bowl
Pesto Chicken Sandwich
This pesto chicken sandwich is the kind of meal that feels fancy but takes no time. Toasted ciabatta, melty mozzarella, juicy chicken, and fresh microgreens make it a go-to for summer lunch or dinner. Get the recipe: Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Creamy Curry Chicken Salad
Rich and creamy with hints of sweetness and spice. This curry chicken salad is packed with flavor. Get the recipe: Curry Chicken Salad
Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches with Jalapeno
Cream cheese cucumber sandwiches with jalapeno give the tea-time classic a spicy upgrade with fresh jalapeno, a squeeze of lime, and a hint of garlic. They’re perfect for a fun summer lunch. Get the recipe: Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches with Jalapeno
Trail Mix Salad
Featuring all of the things you love about trail mix – dried fruit and nuts – and spin it into a delicious salad with rice and a fresh lemony dressing. Delicious taste and texture. Get the recipe: Fruit and Nut Trail Mix Salad
Slow Cooker Pulled Beef for Sandwiches
This slow-cooked pulled beef turns out tender and full of rich, savory depth. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or simply piling on a plate, accompanied by a simple au jus for dipping. Get the recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Beef for Sandwiches
Mediterranean Salmon Avocado Salad
This easy salmon avocado salad is a protein-packed, nutritious meal with a delicious mix of flavors and textures. It’s a go-to favorite that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Get the recipe: Mediterranean Salmon Avocado Salad
Avocado Tuna Salad
The fun thing about this salad is ditching the mayo and using creamy avocado instead. It is super easy, delicious, and a fun twist on an old-school classic. Get the recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Chicken Pastina Soup (Chicken and Stars)
Chicken pastina soup is the grown-up take on a childhood favorite that’s simple, cozy, and satisfying. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Chicken Pastina Soup (Chicken and Stars)
Reuben Sandwich
A Reuben sandwich is the ultimate comfort food. Toasted marble rye holds corned beef, gooey Swiss, and sauerkraut, all brought together with a generous layer of Russian dressing. Serve with dill pickles and extra dressing for dipping. Get the recipe: Reuben Sandwich
Asian Chopped Salad With Sesame Dressing
Craving something fresh, crunchy, and light? Try this Asian chopped salad with a zesty sesame dressing. It’s the perfect quick and delicious plant-based summer lunch. Get the recipe: Asian Chopped Salad With Sesame Dressing
Peanut Chicken Wraps
These easy peanut chicken wraps make lunch feel exciting again with bold flavor and a satisfying crunch. Packed with colorful veggies, protein-rich chicken, and the dreamiest peanut sauce, they check every box. Get the recipe: Peanut Chicken Wraps
Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
This Panera-inspired Mediterranean veggie sandwich brings all the flavor without the takeout price tag. Packed with hummus, roasted peppers, fresh veggies, and feta, it’s a vegetarian win that actually keeps you full. Get the recipe: Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Ramen
This autumn-inspired ramen bowl gets its creamy texture and cozy flavor from butternut squash. Make it in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop and pair it with your favorite noodles for an easy bowl of comfort. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Ramen
Coronation Chicken Salad
Originally served to the Queen, this flavorful chicken salad lets you eat like the royals. With its golden dressing with balanced flavors of creamy mayo, sweet preserves, and spicy curry, you will be feeling like a true aristocrat. Get the recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Easy Quinoa Caprese Salad
This easy quinoa Caprese salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in no time. With quinoa, tomatoes, and mozzarella, it’s a nutritious, gluten-free twist on the classic Caprese salad. Get the recipe: Easy Quinoa Caprese Salad
Greek Ground Chicken Burgers
This Greek ground chicken burger packs all the classic flavors into a moist, healthy patty. Top it off with homemade tzatziki for the perfect finish. Get the recipe: Greek Ground Chicken Burgers
Almond Flour Chicken Tenders
Almond flour is a great ingredient for making delicious gluten free chicken tenders. This recipe is baked in the oven, making these Whole30 chicken strips a lighter option. Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Chicken Tenders
Chipotle Chicken Wrap
This chipotle chicken wrap brings major lunch vibes and tastes like something you’d order out, minus the takeout. It’s packed with chicken, tomato, avocado, and a spicy chipotle mayo that ties it all together. Get the recipe: Chipotle Chicken Wrap
Cucumber Hummus Sandwich
This cucumber hummus sandwich is super easy to make and absolutely delicious. It is filled with many nutritious vegetables, too. Get the recipe: Cucumber Hummus Sandwich
Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This sourdough grilled cheese sandwich is golden, cheesy, and perfectly melty. Learn how to make the ultimate grilled cheese on sourdough bread today. Get the recipe: Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich