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Looking for easy lunch ideas? From quick sandwiches to hearty salads and warm soups, find delicious and hassle-free lunch recipes perfect for home, work, or meal prep!
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Say Goodbye to Boring Lunches!
Hey there! If you’re anything like me, lunchtime can sometimes feel like a last-minute scramble. Whether you’re working from home, packing a school lunch, or need something quick between errands, I’ve got you covered! I’ve put together some of my absolute favorite easy lunch ideas—ones that are simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.
From grab-and-go meals to warm, comforting dishes, these lunch ideas will keep you fueled for the rest of the day. Oh, and don’t forget to check out my super-easy 10-Minute Club Sandwich recipe at the end—it’s a game changer!
Lunches You Can Pack
Need something portable and tasty? These easy-packed lunches are perfect for school, work, or even a picnic in the park!
- Zesty Italian Wrap – A wrap loaded with ham, salami, and pepperoni. Perfect for packing in a lunch box for school, or in a cooler for picnics or camping.
- Thai Chicken Salad Wraps – A tangy curry chicken salad wrapped up in a tortilla.
- Easiest Crab Salad – This Crab Salad recipe is not only easy, it’s versatile. Dip crackers in it, use it as a sandwich filling, or mix in some pasta for a cold pasta salad.
- Asian Cucumber Salad – A salad packed with flavor and textures, but low on calories. Drizzled with homemade dressing, this vibrant, tasty salad is a must try!
- BBQ Chicken Pitas – Light and fresh, yet filling and satisfying. Shredded bbq chicken and slaw served in pita bread. These make the best lunch!
- Chicken Caesar Wrap – This Chicken Caesar Wrap recipe is crunchy, tangy and so yummy! I love making these for picnics and park days during the summer; it’s a fun alternative to regular old PB&J.
- Soup Can Sandwiches – No more boring, flat sandwiches! These Soup Can Sandwiches stand upright and everything stays in place when you bite into them.
- Yogurt Parfaits – Load a cup with layers of Greek yogurt, berries, and granola for a refreshing lunch to go. This can be made the night before making it even easier to pack and grab on your way out the door.
- Bento Box – These fun lunches are packed into sectioned containers, perfect for on the go. Source: eatingwell.com
Flavorful Sandwiches
Sandwiches are my go-to for a quick, filling meal. Plus, they’re so easy to customize!
- Italian Beef Sandwiches – Tender beef, slow cooked in savory juices paired with spicy fixings make a savory melt in your mouth meal!
- French Dip Sandwiches -With two layers of gooey melted cheese, flavorful Italian roast beef, a toasted bun, and savory au jus for dipping, you will recreate this French dip sandwich recipe again and again.
- Egg Salad Sandwich – There’s nothing like a good Egg Salad Sandwich. Smooth, creamy, and flavorful, you’ll love this protein packed lunch option!
- Turkey Sandwich (Deli Style) – Nothing beats a simple, deli turkey sandwich. Try this easy 5-minute sandwich or one of our five different variations.
- Avocado Toast – This a trendy, savory sandwich that delivers a heart-healthy kick to the day. Give it a protein boost with a fried egg.
- Cucumber Sandwich – Cucumber sandwiches are very simple, light, and refreshing. Sliced cucumbers are stacked on bread with a delicious cream cheese and dill spread.
- Margherita Grilled Cheese Sandwich – This is not your ordinary grilled cheese. It’s loaded with mozzarella cheese, sweet tomatoes, and basil pesto, all on sourdough bread.
- Chicken Salad Sandwiches – Tender chicken, grapes, and cashews on a flaky croissant roll. The perfect sandwich to serve when hosting a luncheon or shower.
- Classic Tuna Melt – Tuna salad and cheese grilled over the stove is comfort food at its best. Source: simplyrecipes.com
- More Sandwich Recipes – see all of our sandwich recipes here.
Hearty Salads
Craving something fresh? These salads are anything but boring!
- Endorian Roasted Chicken Salad – This is a copycat salad recipe from Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios). The unique flavors, fresh herbs, and textures will transport you to a galaxy far, far away.
- Nuts About Berries Salad – A colorful, flavorful, and refreshing salad in the spring and summer months when you can pick or purchase delicious, fresh berries. You can use baby spinach or a spring mix lettuce for the base.
- Sweet Pork Salad – Our copycat recipe of the Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad right at your fingertips! So easy to make at home, and tastes exactly like the popular restaurant version with their famous cilantro dressing, beans, and rice.
- Chef Salad – An easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy leftover meat, lunch meat, and vegetables. You are the chef and can make it any way you like!
- Chickpea Salad – A vegetarian version of tuna salad loaded with chickpeas, celery, and seasonings. It is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. It also goes great on toast or on a sandwich. Make it a vegan lunch by switching out the regular mayonnaise in the dressing for vegan mayonnaise.
- Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad – This taco salad is made with seasoned ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, and flavorful toppings. An easy, healthy lunch.
- Classic Cobb Salad – A hearty and versatile green salad topped with chicken, bacon, avocado, egg, tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles.
- More Salad Recipes – see all of our salad recipes here.
Comforting Soups
Soups are my go-to for a cozy, satisfying lunch. Make a big batch and enjoy it all week long!
- Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup – Savory ground beef and hearty vegetables in a rich broth. One of the easiest soups to throw together on a busy, chilly day.
- Broccoli Cheese Soup – A warm, inviting soup loaded with cheesy goodness. Add potatoes and chicken to this soup for extra flavor.
- Lasagna Soup – All the flavors of the popular Italian dish in a bowl! Tender noodles, hearty meat, and a tomato-based sauce made with canned tomatoes from Europe.
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup – An absolute staple when it’s cold outside or you have a cold on the inside. It is the most comforting of comfort foods.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup – This Loaded Baked Potato Soup is loaded with potatoes, bacon, corn, and cheese. Our hearty recipe is a perfect way to warm up when it is cold outside.
- Italian Wedding Soup – A tasty Italian soup with meatballs, pasta, and fresh herbs. Source: cookingclassy.com
- More soup recipes – see all of our soup recipes here.
Hot Lunch Ideas
Sometimes, you just need a hot meal to hit the spot. These are some of my faves!
- Healthy Pizza – This is a favorite healthy lunch idea because it is so customizable. Load this pizza with delicious veggies like tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. Pizza never looked so good!
- Black Bean Tacos – Not only are these tacos easy to make and budget friendly, they taste sooo good! I love the crispy taco shell, the flavorful filling, and the ooey-gooey cheese.
- Homemade Mac and Cheese – Homemade Mac and Cheese with ham and peas is a perfect, quick meal that is always creamy and NEVER grainy. Get creative with the add-ins and toppings.
- Chicken Flautas – These Chicken Flautas are filled with chicken, salsa, and cheese and baked in the oven until crispy. Your whole family will love this easy, delicious recipe.
- Hawaiian Lunch Plate – There are few things in this world better than a good Hawaiian Plate Lunch. Here you will find everything you need to make a Hawaiian Plate Lunch at home!
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Bowls – Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki Bowls are the perfect quick, easy lunch for any busy day.
- Homemade Chicken Ramen – Noodles in a flavorful broth with roasted chicken, veggies, and a soft boiled egg. Source: forkknifeswoon.com
- Ham and Cheese Crepes – These crepes are made with slices of delicious ham and melted cheese and served with the option of juicy cherry tomatoes. This is a favorite recipe from our friend, Jamielyn at iheartnaptime.
- More Lunch Recipes – Haven’t found the perfect lunch yet? Find more lunch recipes here!
Frequently Asked Lunch Questions
If you’re short on time, go for simple and delicious options like wraps, sandwiches, or salads that can be prepped in advance. Yogurt parfaits and bento boxes are also great grab-and-go choices.
Absolutely! Many of these lunches, like wraps, salads, and soups, can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for easy access during the week.
If you’re looking for healthier choices, try salads packed with protein, lean wraps, or soups made with fresh ingredients. Avocado toast with an egg or grilled chicken with veggies are also great options!
Kids love fun and easy lunches! Try yogurt parfaits, bento boxes with fruit and protein, or simple sandwiches like turkey and cheese. Wraps and pasta salads also work well for picky eaters.
Yes! Many of these recipes can be modified. Swap out meats for plant-based proteins like tofu, chickpeas, or beans. Dairy alternatives can be used for cheese and yogurt-based dishes.
Absolutely! Many of these lunch ideas can easily be made gluten-free. Swap out regular bread for gluten-free bread or wraps, use gluten-free pasta in salads, and check ingredient labels for hidden gluten in dressings and sauces.
How to Make a 10-Minute Club Sandwich
One of my all-time favorite quick lunches is a classic Club Sandwich. A club sandwich layers turkey, ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomato between three layers of toasted bread. Cut the sandwich in fourths and hold each fourth together with a toothpick for easy serving and eating. Here’s how you can make it in just 10 minutes:
Easy Lunch Ideas – Club Sandwich
Video
Ingredients
- 6 slices bread
- mayonnaise to taste
- 8 slices deli turkey
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 Tomato slices
- 8 slices deli ham
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- romaine lettuce
- mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the bread slices if desired. Spread mayo on one side of one piece of bread. Top with half the turkey slices, a slice of cheddar, and a slice of tomato.
- Spread mayo on both sides of another piece of bread. Place it on top of the tomato. Add half of the ham, two bacon slices, and lettuce.
- Spread mayo on one side of the third piece of bread and place on top of the lettuce. Repeat the process for the second sandwich. Cut into fourths and serve with chips and a pickle spear.
Nutrition Information
I hope you found some new lunch ideas to try! Whether you’re packing a lunch or making something fresh at home, these recipes will make midday meals a breeze. Let me know in the comments which lunch idea is your favorite or if you have any go-to lunches to share! Happy lunching! 🍽️
Loving these lunch ideas?
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My kids were so impressed with this sandwich! Delicious too.
Love these lunch ideas! And the Club Sandwich is perfect! That’s one of my son’s favorite sandwiches! All those delicious layers make for one really delicious meal!
This post was SO helpful! Lunch is always the hardest meal of the day for me! All of these ideas are great!
This post is awesome! It helped me get out of my lunch rut! I never knew what to make myself for lunch working from home, and this had so many quick and delicious ideas! Thank you!!
Such a fantastic list of recipes!! I love all of these lunch ideas! Can’t wait to try them all! YUM!
All great ideas! Its just what I need with my kids going back to school this week!
Just a note to say I love this site and your recipes. I came here looking for a Dole Whip recipe and I wasn’t disappointed. Thank you for doing what you do!
Thank you so much, I’m so glad you found us!
These are great lunch ideas and all look so delicious! My family is going to love this recipe! Excited to make some of these throughout the week!
Loving all your lunch ideas!! They all look so tasty!! I am excited to make some of them!
I needed this! I have already tried 3 of the lunch ideas and they went over really good. I can’t wait to try them all. Thanks!