10 Easy Simple Lunch Recipes for Midday Meals
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.The midday meal, often the most chaotic and stressful part of the day. Rushing to grab something quick and easy, sacrificing flavor and nutrition for the sake of convenience. But what if you could break free from the cycle of sad desk lunches and instead, look forward to a delicious and satisfying meal that refuels your body and mind?
With these simple lunch recipes, you’ll be able to do just that. From classic combinations to creative twists, we’ve rounded up a collection of easy and inspiring ideas to elevate your lunch game and make mealtime a true highlight of your day.
The Workweek Lunch Cookbook: Easy, Delicious Meals to Meal Prep, Pack and Take On the Go
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for a simple lunch. This Italian classic features ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. It’s not only visually appealing but also bursts with flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
1. Start by slicing fresh, ripe tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into even slices. 2. On a serving plate, alternate layers of tomato and mozzarella slices, adding whole basil leaves between each layer. 3. Drizzle with high-quality balsamic glaze, and finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. 4. Serve immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for a short while to enhance flavors.
Turkey and Avocado Wraps
Turkey and Avocado Wraps are a deliciously simple lunch option that combines lean turkey, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a soft tortilla. This nutritious meal is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for a satisfying on-the-go lunch. Packed with protein and healthy fats, these wraps are a great way to fuel your day.
1. Start by laying a large tortilla flat on a clean surface. 2. Spread a layer of hummus or cream cheese over the tortilla to enhance flavor and help bind the ingredients. 3. Layer slices of turkey, avocado, lettuce, and any other desired fillings like tomatoes or cucumbers. 4. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly, starting from one end, and tuck in the sides as you go. 5. Once rolled, slice the wrap in half diagonally and serve immediately or pack it for lunch.
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
The Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl is a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a simple lunch. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing, this bowl offers a balance of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. It’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
1. Cook 1 cup of quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool. 2. In a bowl, combine 1 diced cucumber, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 cup of feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped red onion. 3. Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture. 4. For the dressing, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. 5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and mix well. 6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a timeless favorite that combines simple ingredients for maximum flavor. With golden, crispy bread enveloping melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting snack. Pair it with a warm bowl of tomato soup for a nostalgic experience.
1. Begin by buttering one side of two slices of bread. 2. Place one slice, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat. 3. Add cheese slices on top of the bread in the skillet. 4. Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up. 5. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted, about another 3-4 minutes.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu is a colorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch. Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich tofu, it’s both delicious and satisfying. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
1. Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes. 2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat, then add the tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides. 3. Remove the tofu and set aside, then add more oil if necessary and stir-fry your choice of chopped vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots) for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. 4. Add the cooked tofu back into the pan, followed by soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, stirring to combine. 5. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then serve hot over rice or noodles.
Chickpea Salad with Feta Cheese
Chickpea Salad with Feta Cheese is a nutritious and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch. This salad combines protein-rich chickpeas with creamy feta, colorful vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a refreshing meal. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for meal prep or a picnic, making it a versatile addition to your lunch recipes.
1. Begin by rinsing and draining one can of chickpeas. 2. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper. 3. Crumble about 1 cup of feta cheese over the top. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. 5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. 6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple and delicious meal that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Bursting with fresh flavors, this dish combines ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and al dente pasta, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
1. In a large pot, combine 12 ounces of pasta, 4 cups of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 onion (sliced), 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 4 cups of vegetable broth. 2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. 3. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced to create a sauce. 4. Stir in 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, salt and pepper to taste, and a splash of olive oil. 5. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Egg Salad Sandwich on Whole Grain
The Egg Salad Sandwich on Whole Grain is a delicious and nutritious choice for any simple lunch. Packed with protein from the eggs and fiber from the whole grain bread, this sandwich is both satisfying and healthy. It’s perfect for a quick meal at home or a grab-and-go option for busy days.
To make the Egg Salad Sandwich on Whole Grain, start by boiling 4 large eggs for about 10 minutes until hard-boiled. Once cooled, peel the eggs and chop them in a bowl, then mix in 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Toast two slices of whole grain bread, spread the egg salad generously between the slices, and add lettuce or tomato if desired. Cut in half and enjoy your homemade sandwich!
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Sauce
Zucchini noodles, also known as ‘zoodles’, are a healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Tossed in a vibrant homemade pesto sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and color. Perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch, zucchini noodles provide a delightful crunch and satisfy your cravings without the guilt.
1. Begin by spiralizing 2 medium-sized zucchinis to create the noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create long strips. 2. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/3 cup of pine nuts, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/2 cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth to create the pesto sauce. 3. In a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the zucchini noodles for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. 4. Remove from heat and toss in the pesto sauce until the noodles are fully coated. 5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of pine nuts if desired.
Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery
Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery is a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a simple lunch. Packed with protein and fiber, this soup offers a comforting blend of flavors that will warm you up on a chilly day. It’s easy to make, using staple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until they soften, about 5 minutes. 2. Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. 3. Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
