55 Easy Lunch Ideas You Can Whizz Together In No Time

Lunch is an integral part of your day, so why not make it tasty with some of the most satisfying lunch ideas from around the web?

These easy-to-make, healthy, and hearty recipes will be your go-to list for lunches that you can whip up in a jiffy.

Whether you’re dining solo or feeding your entire crew, we’ve done the menu planning on your behalf. All you have to do is choose your day’s pick and conquer the kitchen!

Table of Contents

Easy Lunch Ideas to Make at Home

If you’re short on time but still want a tasty meal, we’ve picked out a few recipes you can try at home to make lunches extra special.

1. Instant Noodles With Vegetables and Miso-Sesame Broth

A colorful lunch idea featuring stir-fried noodles mixed with chopped vegetables, including carrots, green onions, and peas, served in a silver pan.

Image credits: MikMikBidirBidir

If the cupboard is running bare, go gourmet with your stash of insta-noodles. This “DIY” recipe by Niki Achitoff-Gray comes with crunchy veggies and rich miso-sesame broth, perfect for when you’re out of kitchen ideas.

Recipe from: Serious Eats

2. Sheet-Pan Bibimbap

A vibrant lunch idea featuring a bowl of rice topped with a sunny-side-up egg, sautéed mushrooms, roasted sweet potatoes, pickled red onions, and a side of leafy greens.

IImage credits: Agreeable-Lychee-558

If you need a K-fix, this easy Sheet-Pan Bibimbap by Eric Kim is an excellent choice to satisfy your cravings. It’s super quick to prep and incredibly delicious.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

3. Shakshuka with Feta

A hearty lunch idea featuring shakshuka in a cast iron skillet, with poached eggs nestled in a spiced tomato sauce, topped with crumbled cheese and fresh cilantro.

Image credits: bob-the-cook

Shakshuka with Feta by Melissa Clark will be the ultimate lunch delight if you love eggs for any meal. Dip some brioche or challah for a flavorful bite. Once you master the recipe, you should be able to nail it in under 30 minutes.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

4. Shrimp Orzo

A delicious lunch idea featuring a pan of orzo pasta mixed with shrimp, garnished generously with fresh parsley and a light sauce.

Image credits: reddit.com

Shrimp scampi is a classic favorite, often served with pasta or bread. Instead, consider making Shrimp Scampi with Orzo by Ali Slagle for your next lunch. The fast-cooking orzo complements the shrimp perfectly, ensuring both are cooked just right. It’s an impressive dish to serve to your guests.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

5. Avocado Toast With Boquerones and Smoked Paprika

A simple lunch idea featuring toasted bread topped with slices of avocado and sardines, drizzled with a light sauce, served on a white and blue plate.

Image credits: Kawasumiimaii

Avocado toasts are easy, healthy, and filling. Give yours a twist by adding salty slivers. This Avocado Toast with Boquerones and Smoked Paprika by Niki Achitoff-Gray adds new dimension and flavor to the usual fare.

Recipe from: Serious Eats

6. Stuffed Peppers

A delicious lunch idea featuring stuffed bell peppers filled with ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, served on a white plate with a background of greenery.

Image credits: nobueno_

Rian Handler’s Classic Stuffed Peppers recipe is a breeze to follow, and the end result is a perfect blend of satisfying crunch and savory flavors.

Recipe from: Delish

7. Chicken and Cabbage Bowls with Sesame Dressing

A flavorful lunch idea featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets drizzled with sauce, served on a bed of shredded cabbage, and garnished with sesame seeds and herbs in a white bowl.

Image credits: carissa0816

These Chicken and Cabbage Bowls with Sesame Dressing by EatingWell Test Kitchen are easy to prepare and use ingredients found at any local grocery store. For a lighter lunch option, switch things up by using chicken instead of the typical ground pork or beef.

Recipe from: EatingWell

8. Pork, Pineapple, and Onion Skewers

A savory lunch idea featuring grilled skewers of marinated meat, pineapple, and red onions, served on a dark plate with a caramelized glaze.

Image credits: knittykitty26

For a delicious protein-packed dish with a fresh taste, these Pork, Pineapple, and Onion Skewers by The Editors of Women’s Health are a feast for the taste buds and a great centerpiece for your table. Serving these at your next lunch barbecue will make it feel like enjoying a meal by the beach.

Recipe from: Women’s Health

Lunch Ideas to Pack in Your Lunch Box

Pack a lunch that’s nutritious but also fun to eat. We’ve compiled a list that includes everything from tasty sandwiches and wraps to delicious all-in-one bowls and comforting soups. Say goodbye to boring lunches!

1. Ham and Egg Sandwich

55 Easy Lunch Ideas You Can Whizz Together In No Time Image credits: REDA/Getty Images

This classic breakfast item by Helen Rosner can also be a reliable and convenient lunch option for those hectic days when you need to pack a quick meal. It’s straightforward and consistent, perfect when you crave something familiar.

Recipe from: Saveur

2. Pho to Go

A fresh lunch idea featuring a bowl of Vietnamese pho, garnished with bean sprouts, jalapeño slices, basil, and onions. In the background, a plate with additional herbs, lime wedges, and condiments is visible alongside sauces and chili paste.

Image credits: Fbeezy

Add creativity to your lunch box with Jeff Mauro’s delightful Pho-to-go soup. This comforting dish is ready in 15 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal at work or school.

Tip: Pack it in a mason jar for easy reheating.

Recipe from: Food Network

3. Philadelphia Roll

A plate of sushi rolls filled with salmon, avocado, and cream cheese, served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side. The dish is arranged on a dark plate with a small dipping bowl of soy sauce.

Image credits: angerpiexo

Prepare these delicious Philadelphia Rolls by Casey Elsass the night before and enjoy a hassle-free, tasty meal on your way to work.

Recipe from: Delish

4. Bacon and Prawn Rice

A savory lunch idea featuring fried rice with grilled shrimp, garnished with chopped chives and small pieces of carrots, served in a skillet.

Image credits: ieatzapizza

Make lunch a little more special. This upgrade from the regular fried rice is quick to prep and oh-so-easy (and yummy!) to eat. We don’t know about you, but this Bacon, Egg, and Prawn Fried Rice pretty much had us with bacon.

Recipe from: Food Network

5. Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl

55 Easy Lunch Ideas You Can Whizz Together In No Time

Image credits: Huyen Bui/Unsplash

For a satisfying and tasty meal, try this Buffalo Chicken Grain Bowl. It’s a zesty dish perfect for quick lunches, and we love its deep, savory flavor.

Recipe from: Eating Well

6. Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry

A vibrant lunch idea featuring stir-fried chicken with bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, and fresh herbs, served on a beige plate with a fork.

Image credits: pumpkinpenne

If you’re searching for a healthier, gluten-free lunch box option, consider trying Gina Homolka’s Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry recipe. Packed with protein and fresh veggies, it’s a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your midday meal.

Recipe from: Skinny Taste

7. Cool Comfort Egg Drop

A warm lunch idea featuring a bowl of dumpling soup with noodles, garnished with strips of seaweed, sliced egg, green onions, and enoki mushrooms, served in a light broth.

Image credits: missgeecooks

When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing like a bowl of soup to brighten your lunch hour. This Egg Drop Dumpling Soup recipe by Hana Asbrink combines all your favorite shortcuts for a comforting, heartwarming dish perfect for colder days.

Recipe from: Bon Appétit

8. Smoked Salmon and Sugar Snap Pea Salad (In a Jar)

A fresh lunch idea featuring a colorful salad packed in a mason jar, with layers of leafy greens, sliced radishes, carrots, and other vegetables, placed on a yellow and red tablecloth with greenery in the background.

Image credits: towms

Salads in jars are perfect for on-the-go lunches. Prepare this Omega-rich Smoked Salmon and Sugar Snap Pea Salad by Food Network Kitchen the night before so you can grab it on your way out in the morning.

Recipe from: Food Network

9. Greens and Garlic Frittata

A Lunch idea featuring a colorful vegetable frittata topped with feta cheese and green onions, sliced into squares in a baking dish, with a side of fresh greens.

Image credits: clean_and_delicious

Pack this in your lunch bag for a meal that can adapt to your busy schedule. Each slice of Martha Rose Shulman’s Greens and Garlic Frittata is packed with delicious flavors, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

10. Midnight Pasta With Garlic, Anchovy, Capers, and Red Pepper

55 Easy Lunch Ideas You Can Whizz Together In No Time Image credits: Danijela Prijovic/Unsplash

Get ready to delight your taste buds with this fantastic Midnight Pasta With Garlic, Anchovy, Capers, and Red Pepper by David Tanis. Not only will it make a scrumptious dinner, but it will also power you up for a fantastic lunch the next day.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

Healthy Lunch Ideas

If you’re monitoring your blood work, tracking calories, or building muscle, these meal prep ideas will help you reach your fitness goals more effectively.

1. Grilled Chicken Salad

55 Easy Lunch Ideas You Can Whizz Together In No Time Image credits: Alina Chernysheva/Unsplash

If you want to increase your protein intake, this nutritious Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Cucumber Salad recipe by the Food Network Team is perfect. It’s a satisfying dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, even when pressed for time.

Recipe from: Food Network

2. California Sandwich

A stacked sandwich filled with layers of fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and creamy spread, served between slices of whole wheat bread.

Image credits: LetsJustChillOk

Indulge in a towering sandwich filled with all your California favorites that will surely put a big smile on your face. Note: You might want to consider making an extra serving of this Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Cucumber Salad by Betsy Andrews to pass around.

Recipe from: Saveur

3. Tandoori Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowl

A healthy lunch idea featuring grilled chicken slices served over a bed of white rice, accompanied by roasted cauliflower, fresh lettuce, diced vegetables, and a lemon wedge, all arranged in a bowl.

Image credits: paragontrainingmethods

Indulge in a delightful Tandoori Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowl from Food Network. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures will tantalize your taste buds while keeping your meal nutritious.

Recipe from: Food Network

4. Turkey Lavash Wrap

A Lunch idea featuring handheld lavash wraps filled with a variety of ingredients including lettuce, tomato, cheese, and scrambled eggs.

Image credits: zaatarwzeiteg

Let’s make a positive change by swapping red meat for flavorful turkey slices in a delicious wrap by Lena Abraham.

Recipe from: Delish

5. Kale and Pistachio Pesto Spaghetti

A Lunch idea featuring a bowl of spaghetti coated in a green pesto sauce, garnished with a lemon wedge and a fork resting on the side of the bowl.

Image credits: sjbailey99

We’re sticking to the idea that if the pasta is green, it must be healthy. This Kale and Pistachio Pesto Spaghetti by Food Network is a guilt-free carb dish with all the benefits of kale.

Recipe from: Food Network

6. Quick-Marinated White Bean Salad and Feta Lettuce Cups

A Lunch idea featuring a vibrant Mediterranean bean salad with white beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and chopped bell peppers.

Image credits: Salt and Lavender Recipe Blog

You’ll enjoy making—and eating—healthy lettuce cups. This Quick-Marinated White Bean Salad and Feta Lettuce Cups Recipe is protein-rich alternative and uses beans that are far from boring.

Recipe from: Serious Eats

7. Healthy Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa

A healthy lunch idea featuring a pan of cooked quinoa topped with seasoned shrimp, garnished with fresh parsley and served with a lemon wedge.

Image credits: Aide9920

This Healthy Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa is a quick and delicious option if you’re counting macros but want a tasty lunch for you and your roomies.

Recipe from: Well Plated

8. Watermelon Feta Salad

A refreshing lunch idea featuring a watermelon salad with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of olive oil, served in a dark bowl on a colorful woven mat.

Image credits: downbytheriverside

Something about watermelon always seems so satisfyingly crisp. This Watermelon-Feta salad by Eric Kim is an excellent option for a light yet delightful lunch to help you push through the rest of the day.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

Lunch Ideas for Kids

Feeding picky eaters can be quite a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of kid-friendly dishes to make lunchtime something your little ones will eagerly anticipate.

1. Pinwheel Sandwiches

A Lunch idea featuring a plate of tortilla pinwheels filled with cream cheese, bacon bits, shredded cheese, and herbs, served as bite-sized rolls.

Image credits: plainchicken

The kids will love seeing these swirls of deliciousness in their lunchbox. Don’t forget to include a few extra slices of the adorable Pinwheel Sandwiches by Olivia Mack McCool so they can share them with their lunch buddies.

Recipe from: Delish

2. Cheesy Jacket Potatoes

A Lunch idea featuring a baked potato stuffed with steamed broccoli and topped with melted cheese, served on a white plate.

Image credits: SylvieJay

While these Cheesy Jacket Potatoes by Food Network may take more time to prep, the kids will love eating these pockets of oozing goodness. It’s totally worth their satisfied smiles.

Recipe from: Food Network

3. Parmesan Fish Fingers

A Lunch idea featuring crispy golden fish fingers arranged on a white plate with a side of creamy dipping sauce, ready to serve.

Image credits: The Kochi Cookhouse

Food Network’s Parmesan Fish Fingers are a hit with kids and adults alike. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a few bites while preparing this meal for the little ones.

Recipe from: Food Network

4. Open-Faced Pizza Burgers

A savory lunch idea featuring two portions of baked stuffed mushrooms topped with a rich meat sauce and melted cheese, garnished with grated parmesan and fresh herbs, served on a white plate.

Image credits: an_affair_from_the_heart

Get the kids excited about mealtime with this kid-friendly Open-Faced Pizza Burger by Kristine Hansen, a delightful fusion of two beloved dishes: pizza and burgers.

Recipe from: Taste of Home

5. Fruit Sandwich

A light and refreshing lunch idea featuring two fruit sandwiches filled with fresh strawberries, kiwi, and cream, served on soft white bread, with a whole strawberry on the side, placed on a gray plate.

Image credits: Sly-Moose

Don’t forget to pack these fruity sandwiches for your kids. When they bite into these Fruit Sandwiches by Yudai Kanayama, they’ll think they’re having dessert for lunch.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

6. Korean BBQ-Style Meatballs

A hearty lunch idea featuring two bowls of brown rice topped with tender meatballs coated in a rich, dark sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, served in white bowls.

Image credits: thecookbookhoarders

These Korean BBQ-style meatballs by Kay Chun are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for protein-packed flavor. Kids enjoy the Korean twist, and adults do, too, which is why we’ve included them in this list.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

7. Spam Musubi

A Hawaiian-inspired lunch idea featuring Spam musubi, consisting of a slice of grilled Spam placed on seasoned rice and wrapped with nori seaweed, served on a white plate.

Image credits: Amhk1024

Try giving the kids a lunch they know and love but with a fun twist. These Spam Musubi by Alana Kysar are easy to pack when the kids need a quick lunch or midday snack.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

8. Pecan-Miso Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

A Lunch idea featuring a grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich with golden toasted bread, oozing with creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly.

Image credits: Fresh Market

This pecan miso butter gives regular peanut butter and jelly sandwiches a twist. Chris Morocco’s Pecan Miso Butter and Jelly Sandwiches recipe will make your kids feel extra special.

Recipe from: Bon Appétit

9. Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

A Lunch idea featuring crispy baked tofu nuggets with a golden brown breaded coating, seasoned with herbs and spices, one nugget bitten to reveal tender tofu inside.

Image credits: jessicainthekitchen

These vegan nuggets by Zoe Denenberg taste like the animal-shaped ones you loved as a kid. Your kids won’t notice the difference, and they’ll make you the lunchbox hero.

Recipe from: Bon Appétit

10. Mac and Cheese

A lunch idea featuring creamy macaroni and cheese served on a white plate, with perfectly coated macaroni in a rich cheese sauce.

Image credits: macncheeeeese

If the kids ask for Mac and Cheese again, you can make Cheesemonger’s Mac and Cheese by Kate Thorman and Matt Jennings. Prepare it the day before and then reheat it for lunch. It will save you from the hassle and the complaints.

Recipe from: Bon Appétit

Vegetarian Lunch Ideas

We absolutely love the satisfying crunch and vibrant freshness of a nourishing veggie meal. Contrary to popular belief, veggie dishes are anything but dull — these incredible options offer mouthwatering proof.

1. Crisp Gnocchi With Brussels Sprouts and Brown Butter

A gourmet lunch idea featuring a plate of pan-fried gnocchi with sautéed Brussels sprouts, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, served in a white bowl on a wooden table.

Image credits: mtoomtoo

Looking to switch up your regular pasta routine? Try this Crisp Gnocchi with Brussels Sprouts and Brown Butter recipe by Ali Slagle. This quick and easy one-pan veggie dish will be on the table in just 20 minutes.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

2. Spicy Warm Silken Tofu With Celery and Cilantro Salad

A lunch idea featuring soft tofu topped with a spicy, savory sauce, garnished with a generous amount of fresh cilantro. The food is served on a decorative white plate with blue floral patterns, accompanied by a spoon.

Image credits: psychobabble451

This recipe is incredibly easy to make yet offers a complexity of flavors. If you frequently cook with tofu, this Tofu with Celery Salad recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt will add a unique twist to this beloved protein.

Recipe from: Serious Eats

3. Spinach-Artichoke Flatbread

A lunch idea featuring spinach artichoke flatbread slices topped with melted cheese and herbs, arranged on a wooden cutting board.

Image credits: Sur La Table

This Spinach Artichoke Flatbread Dish by Dona Giorgadze is a breeze to make and brings together our beloved flavors in one delightful dish. The best part is that it also looks stunning.

Recipe from: Delish

4. Sesame Soba Noodles

A lunch idea featuring sesame soba noodles topped with edamame, cabbage, and sesame seeds, served in a white bowl on a marble table.

Image credits: Island Provisions

To satisfy your craving for Asian flavors, these Sesame Soba Noodles by Food Network are a filling alternative that’ll hit the savory spot.

Recipe from: Food Network

5. Lentil Salad

A lunch idea featuring a vibrant lentil salad with grapes, diced veggies, and herbs on an oval plate, ready to be served with a spoon.

Image credits: yummyyatra

Lentils are a fantastic source of fiber, folate, and vitamin B1 (Healthline, 2023) (1). Indulge in the nourishing Italian Lentil Salad from Food Network, a genuinely satisfying choice that promotes heart health.

Recipe from: Food Network

6. Korean Fried Cauliflower

A lunch idea featuring crispy fried cauliflower tossed in a spicy sauce, served on a bed of white rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

Image credits: kay_lerr

Remember this: Korean Fried Cauliflower by J. Kenji López-Alt is like Korean poppers but healthier. Make this crispy cauliflower for guilt-free, flavorful, fried perfection when craving something deep-fried.

Recipe from: Serious Eats

7. Indian Spiced Chickpea Wraps

A lunch idea featuring two Indian-spiced chickpea wraps, filled with vegetables and served on a white plate by a window, with natural light.

Image credits: The Walnut

Indulge in a global lunch experience with Jennifer Beckman’s Indian Spiced Chickpea Wraps. Packed with the vibrant flavors of curry powder, coriander, cumin, and cayenne pepper, this laid-back lunch option delivers the essence of India right to your plate.

Recipe from: Taste of Home

8. Creamy Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

A lunch idea featuring creamy vegetarian stuffed mushrooms topped with golden breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh herbs on a white plate.

Image credits: lovingitvegan

We love these Creamy Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms by Renu Dhar and Genevieve Yam. They hit the spot by combining delicious flavors with our daily serving of veggies.

Recipe from: Serious Eats

9. Cheesy Cabbage Tteokbokki

Lunch idea featuring a bowl of tteokbokki topped with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, cabbage, and halved boiled eggs, served on a wooden table.

Image credits: Zitaneco

This recipe, inspired by Korean cuisine and created by Eric Kim, combines the chewy texture of rice tteokbokki with the delicious gooeyness of cheese. If you’re tired of the same old vegetable dishes, try this unique twist on a traditional recipe in your kitchen.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

Lunch Ideas on a Budget

When your cupboards need a little love, and you’re eagerly anticipating your next market visit, these wallet-friendly solutions are just what you need. You can savor a delicious lunch without breaking the bank. With a touch of creativity, you’ll be amazed at the results.

1. Garlic Bread Pizza

Lunch idea featuring two long flatbread garlic bread pizzas topped with pepperoni, melted cheese, and grated Parmesan on a wooden serving board placed on a marble surface.

Image credits: sprinklesapple

Fed up with those pesky pizza delivery fees? Now, you can whip up your delicious Garlic Bread Pizza using Taylor Ann Spencer’s recipe and any leftover bread you have at home.

Recipe from: Delish

2. Olive Oil Fried Potatoes with Over Easy Eggs

A Lunch idea featuring a skillet with crispy fries topped with poached eggs, garnished with parsley and sprinkled with paprika.

Image credits: youtube.com

If you have only eggs and potatoes in the kitchen, you can elevate them with this simple and cost-effective recipe by Benjamin Kemper. Show off your cooking skills with a confident wrist flick while using the pan.

Recipe from: Seveur

3. Microwave Egg Sandwich

A Lunch idea featuring a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, ham, cheese, and tomato on a toasted bun, served on a red and black plate.

Image credits: NickolasLandry

This quick microwave dish by Brenda Otto is a perfect grab-and-go for busy days when you need to rush out. The Microwave Egg Sandwich is so easy to make that you’ll want to make it regularly.

Recipe from: Taste of Home

4. Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich

A Lunch idea featuring a hearty sandwich with tuna salad, greens, and vegetables stacked between two slices of whole grain bread on a wooden surface.

Image credits: lightleakage

Trusty tuna comes to the rescue when you need a satisfying lunch on a budget. Follow Craig Claiborne’s recipe and add your special touch to create a signature spread.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

5. Spaghetti with Fried Eggs

A Lunch idea featuring spaghetti mixed with fried eggs, topped with shaved Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

Image credits: nytcooking

It sounds odd, but Spaghetti and Eggs by Mark Bittman works well for a budget meal. You likely have these ingredients in the kitchen already. All you have to do is put them together and enjoy.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

6. Garlicky Alfredo Beans

A lunch idea featuring a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce being whisked in a stainless steel pan, ready for adding to a delicious meal.

Image credits: Fit Foodie Finds

This five-ingredient recipe transforms canned beans into some fancy dare. Garlicky Alfredo Beans is a no-fuss, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up for a quick lunch.

Recipe from: NYT Cooking

7. Broccoli and Egg Fried Rice

A Lunch idea featuring a bowl of broccoli and egg fried rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, offering a colorful and healthy meal.

Image credits: cookwithbrad

Feed the family with a pan of healthy goodness. This super easy-to-make Broccoli and Egg Fried Rice Dish by Kat Boytsova will make a tasty lunch light on the grocery budget.

Recipe from: Bon Appétit

8. Smash Burger

A Lunch idea featuring a stacked smash burger with multiple layers of crispy beef patties, melted cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard on a soft bun.

Image credits: theburgershow

This budget-friendly recipe by Adam Rapoport is easy to prepare and incredibly juicy. Next time you need to feed a group on a budget, whip up some crowd-pleasing Smash Burgers.

Recipe from: Bon Appétit

9. Chicken Piccata

A Lunch idea featuring a skillet of chicken piccata with golden-brown chicken breasts, lemon slices, capers, and a savory sauce garnished with fresh parsley.

Image credits: damn_delicious

Chris Morocco’s recipe makes cooking easier and more affordable. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for serving over pasta or alongside a crisp iceberg salad. Add some crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon-caper sauce, and you’ve got yourself a delightful weekday lunch.

Recipe from: Bon Appétit

10. Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans and Greens

A lunch idea featuring a hearty bowl of bean soup with a rich tomato-based broth, topped with grated cheese and pepper, served with a spoon on the side.

Image credits: pooldancer

Take your pantry essentials to the next level with some clever kitchen tricks. Don’t overlook canned ingredients — you can easily elevate them with a few simple techniques. Whip a delicious lunch with Carolyn Hodges’ Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans and Greens. It’s sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you full.

Recipe from: Eating Well

What Should You Eat for Lunch, Advice from Nutritionists

While everyone knows that eating a balanced breakfast can keep you healthy, eating lunch is equally important. According to Josephine Serino, Founder and CEO of My Hot Lunchbox, which advocates for ”making lunch the best part of the day,” the midday meal raises your blood sugar level and gives you the energy you need to go about the rest of the day (2).

A good lunch enables you to focus and concentrate for the rest of the afternoon. Carbs, protein, and fat serve unique purposes in our bodies, and it’s essential to include them throughout the day. Eating even a small lunch with all three will help you feel refreshed and fuel you for the next several hours if you’re sluggish.

Contrary to popular belief, skipping one food group or the other isn’t as beneficial as you think. You need the benefits of more hours of focused energy. Just substitute for healthier options, like lean protein, quality carbs, and beneficial fats.

How to Avoid the Afternoon Slump

According to Alysse Pike, an afternoon slump is usually caused by a dip in blood sugar, which causes us to feel tired and lethargic (Food Insight, 2021) (3).

This could be because we’ve been eating larger, spaced-out meals or skipping entire meals altogether, resulting in a sudden influx of energy, followed by a slump.

Pike recommends “eating smaller, more frequent meals and snacks throughout the day (every 3-4 hours).” This means a light breakfast should be followed by a healthy lunch a few hours later. This will help minimize fluctuations in blood sugar caused by inconsistent energy intake.

Paying attention to our hunger levels and not depriving our bodies (and brains) of the energy we need to stay sharp throughout the day is crucial to avoid that afternoon crash.