10+ Easy Lunch Recipes to Make Your Midday Meals Quick and Delicious

Finding quick and simple lunch ideas can really make your day less stressful. Easy lunch recipes save you time and effort but still give you something tasty and satisfying.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a good midday meal. Honestly, who has time for that during a busy week?

Whether you’re at home or packing food for work or school, having a few easy recipes up your sleeve helps you eat well without a lot of hassle. These meals fit into busy schedules and keep your energy up for the rest of the day.

1) Sweet and Spicy Turkey Sandwich

This sweet and spicy turkey sandwich is a fun way to upgrade your lunch. You get a mix of flavors that’s simple but still kind of special.

The sweetness from fruit preserves pairs well with spicy cheese. Start with thick country bread to hold everything together.

Oven-roasted turkey breast gives you protein, and pepper jack cheese adds a little kick. Spread strawberry preserves on the bread for that sweet note.

Butter the outside and toast the sandwich until it’s golden. The sweet, spicy, and savory combo will have you looking forward to lunchtime.

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. Spread strawberry preserves on one slice of bread.
2. Layer turkey and cheese on top.
3. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.
4. Butter the outside of both slices.
5. Heat a skillet over medium.
6. Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

2) Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups

These Mexi-Chicken Avocado Cups are a fast and tasty option for lunch. Start with ripe avocados, halved and pitted.

Fill them with a flavorful mix of shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, and spices. The whole thing takes less than 10 minutes to put together.

You can easily adjust the spice by changing up the chili powder or salsa. It’s fresh, healthy, and doesn’t require much effort.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• ½ cup salsa
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix chicken, salsa, cheese, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Spoon the chicken mixture into each avocado half.
3. Eat right away or chill for a few minutes.

3) Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Buffalo chicken wraps are a great go-to for lunch. You can use leftover chicken or cooked chicken tenders tossed in buffalo sauce.

Add crunchy lettuce, carrots, and avocado for extra flavor. A creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese cools down the heat.

Wrap everything in a soft tortilla and you’re good to go. This one comes together in minutes and is easy to eat on the move.

If you want more ideas, here’s a Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
• 1 large tortilla
• 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss chicken with buffalo sauce.
2. Lay tortilla flat and spread dressing.
3. Add buffalo chicken, lettuce, carrots, and avocado.
4. Wrap it up tight and cut in half if you want.
5. Eat right away or wrap in foil for later.

4) Triple Decker California Club Sandwich

This sandwich is a solid choice when you want a filling lunch that’s still easy to make. It’s got turkey, bacon, cheese, avocado, and tomatoes between three slices of toasted bread.

You can add sprouts or pesto if you’re feeling fancy. The triple layers make it satisfying and fun to eat.

Toast the bread until golden for a nice crunch. It’s a classic, but the California twist keeps things interesting.

Ingredients

• 3 slices of bread
• 4 oz sliced turkey
• 3 slices bacon, cooked crisp
• 2 slices cheese (cheddar or Swiss work great)
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 2 tomato slices
• A handful of sprouts (optional)
• 1 tbsp pesto (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast all bread slices.
2. Cook bacon until crisp and drain.
3. Layer turkey and cheese on the first slice.
4. Add the second slice, spread pesto if you like, then layer bacon, avocado, tomato, and sprouts.
5. Add the last slice of bread.
6. Press gently, slice, and dig in.

5) Cucumber Salad with Lemon Dressing

This cucumber salad is light and super refreshing. Crisp cucumber slices get tossed in a simple lemon dressing for a bright, tangy flavor.

The dressing is just lemon juice, olive oil or honey, and a pinch of salt. Add dill or fresh herbs if you want.

It’s great on its own or as a side. You can throw it together in minutes, and it feels extra fresh on a hot day.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or honey
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh dill or herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice cucumbers thin.
2. Mix lemon juice, olive oil or honey, and salt in a bowl.
3. Toss cucumbers in the dressing.
4. Add dill or herbs if you like.
5. Chill for 10 minutes before eating for best flavor.

If you’re curious, here’s another simple lemony dressing recipe.

6) Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

Baked gnocchi with tomato sauce is both simple and comforting. You cook the gnocchi, mix it with tomato sauce, and top with cheese.

Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The whole thing feels like a hug in a bowl, honestly.

Store-bought gnocchi keeps it quick. Everything comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 package potato gnocchi
• 2 cups tomato sauce (roasted if possible)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook gnocchi as the package says.
3. Mix gnocchi, tomato sauce, and olive oil in a baking dish.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
6. Let it cool a bit before serving.

Want more? Check out this cheesy baked gnocchi in a roasted tomato sauce.

7) Lentil Soup with Veggies

Lentil soup with veggies is a healthy lunch that’s easy to throw together. Use basic ingredients like lentils, carrots, onions, and greens.

You can toss in whatever veggies you’ve got. The soup is filling thanks to the lentils, and the veggies add texture and vitamins.

A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens it up. This soup keeps well, so leftovers are a bonus.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup kale or spinach
• 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots for 5 minutes.
3. Add lentils and broth, bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat and simmer 25 minutes.
5. Add zucchini and kale, cook 10 more minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice before serving.

8) Cheeseburger Cups

Cheeseburger cups are a fun lunch you can make in about half an hour. Biscuit dough holds a beef and cheese filling, and they’re perfect for both kids and adults.

You can add ketchup, mustard, or your favorite condiments. They bake up into warm, cheesy bites that are easy to eat by hand.

You only need a few basic ingredients, and the whole thing comes together fast. If you want cheeseburger flavor without the mess, this is it.

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Press each biscuit into a muffin tin.
3. Brown ground beef, drain fat.
4. Mix ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper into beef.
5. Fill each biscuit cup with beef mixture.
6. Top with cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until biscuits are golden.
8. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Want more details? Check out cheeseburger cup recipes like this one from Taste of Home.

9) Turkey Pinwheels

Turkey pinwheels make for a quick, tasty lunch. They’re super easy to throw together, especially if you’re craving something simple but filling.

All you really need are tortillas, turkey slices, cheese, and whatever veggies or spreads you happen to like. You can prep these ahead of time and stash them in the fridge.

Honestly, they’re a solid choice for school lunches or just a light snack. If you want extra flavor, try adding cream cheese, bacon, or even a swipe of ranch.

Mix it up with your favorite cheeses or veggies. These pinwheels also show up at parties and potlucks—people seem to love how easy they are to eat.

Ingredients:

• Flour tortillas
• Sliced turkey
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Bacon (optional)
• Ranch dressing (optional)
• Your choice of veggies (lettuce, spinach, bell peppers)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Spread cream cheese evenly over the tortilla.
3. Add turkey slices on top of the cream cheese.
4. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and any veggies you like.
5. Add bacon and ranch dressing if you’re using them.
6. Roll the tortilla tightly into a log shape.
7. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
8. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

10) Hummus and Pita Plate

A hummus and pita plate makes for such a simple, tasty lunch. Creamy hummus pairs up perfectly with soft pita bread and some crisp veggies for dipping.

You barely need to cook anything, which is honestly a relief on busy days. Everything comes together in just a few minutes.

You can whip up your own hummus at home if you’re feeling ambitious, but store-bought works just fine. Toss in sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and carrot sticks for that extra crunch.

Want it a bit more filling? Throw in a handful of olives or sprinkle some seeds over the hummus.

It’s one of those meals you can tweak with whatever’s hanging out in your fridge. No need to overthink it.

Ingredients

• Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
• Pita bread
• Cucumber slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Carrot sticks
• Olives (optional)
• Seeds for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut pita bread into triangles.
2. Scoop hummus into a bowl or spread it on a plate.
3. Place cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and carrot sticks around the hummus.
4. Add olives and sprinkle seeds on top, if you want.
5. Serve and enjoy.

If you want to try making hummus from scratch, here’s a Hummus and Pita guide that’s actually pretty easy to follow.