These 19 lunch ideas are simple, reliable, and not sad desk food
Lunch can be hard to figure out when there’s not much time or energy to spare. These recipes are easy to put together and don’t require a lot of planning. Good for workdays, weekends, or anything in between.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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