Skip the same old PB&J! Instead, try one of these quick and easy lunch ideas to change up your routine.
41 Easy Lunch Ideas Perfect for Every Day
Updated on Apr. 21, 2025
1/41
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 646 calories, 50g fat (18g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
This easy lunch idea combines mayonnaise, cream cheese, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for an indulgent sandwich you’ll want to pack for lunch every day. Wrap it in aluminum foil to maintain its warmth and crispiness until 12 o’clock rolls around.
2/41
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. —Nancy Pratt, Longview, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 337 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Chicken Caesar wraps are a classic lunch option for a reason: They’re easy to assemble, they travel well and they taste amazing. To prevent your tortillas from ripping while you fold the wraps, warm them in a skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
3/41
Chorizo Burrito Bowls
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always on the hunt for fast and filling meals. Chicken sausage makes an awesome one-dish dinner by itself or served with brown rice in a burrito bowl. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 425 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1275mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
I recommend that those who like some spice in their office lunch make a batch of pickled jalapenos to go with this burrito bowl. They take about 10 minutes to prep and add both heat and zing!
4/41
Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 295 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
Enjoy a zesty work lunch with this chickpea sandwich. It’s a breeze to make. Simply mash the chickpeas, toss in the remaining ingredients, mix and serve! It’s the perfect lunch idea when you’re running short on time but don’t want to compromise having a tasty meal.
5/41
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Frying anything at home is a little intimidating for me, but I love egg rolls. With this recipe, I've figured out a way to get the best part of the egg roll without the mess. If you prefer traditional egg rolls made with wrappers, you can use this as the filling! —Sue Mitchell, Leakey, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 451 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
The best thing about this egg roll bowl is that it can easily be adjusted to your dietary needs, tastes or the ingredients you have on hand. Swap in crumbled tofu if you’re vegetarian, skip the mushrooms if you’re not a fan, or use white or basmati rice in place of the brown rice if that’s what’s sitting in your pantry.
6/41
Chicken Salad with Grapes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when you use rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken salad: 311 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
Use up leftover roast chicken with this easy chicken salad recipe. Featuring a creamy sour cream and mayo sauce, sweet grapes and crunchy celery, this sandwich is ready in minutes. Find more inspiration with our best cold lunches.
7/41
Cowboy Caviar (Corn and Black Bean Salad)
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of nutrition that all ages love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
This dense bean salad is a staple on appetizer plates, but it’s great as a lunch too! I like to eat cowboy caviar by the spoonful, either with tortilla chips or pieces of butter lettuce.
8/41
Quick Tortilla Pinwheels
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare these easy, cheesy pinwheels several days in advance if desired. Serve them with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 47 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
These pinwheels are like grown-up Lunchables. In your lunch bag, pair the pinwheels with some chips or crackers, fruit, nuts and a sweet treat for the perfect snack lunch.
9/41
Tuna Melt
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were young, I often fixed these warm, crunchy sandwiches. They go well with chips and a salad for a quick lunch. —Carole Anhalt, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 363 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
This sandwich combines the creaminess of tuna salad and the gooey richness of melted cheese. The result is a simple but satisfying lunch.
10/41
Chicken Pesto Wraps
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This makes a really quick meal for us. Using prepared pesto makes it so easy to put together. My wife likes to put a little dollop of sour cream in hers. —Gary Phile, Ravenna, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 323 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 512mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
This recipe makes a quick and easy lunch. Swap in basil pesto or your own homemade pesto for the sun-dried tomato pesto to make the most of what you have on hand.
11/41
Turkey Spinach Salad with Maple Dressing
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love to hike in New England. The maple syrup in Vermont is wonderful, and we always bring some home to extend the vacation spirit. This recipe I created reminds us of those lovely days. —Jessica Gerschitz, Jericho, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3-1/2 cups: 387 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 617mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
Toss together fresh spinach, savory turkey, crunchy walnuts and dried cranberries for a vibrant salad that’ll give you the energy to power through until the end of the workday.
12/41
Peanut Butter, Chicken and Basil Sandwich
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Stay with me, here. These classic Thai flavors work on so much more than noodles. Try them on a sandwich and you won't be disappointed. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 263 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
You’ve heard of PB&Js, but what about a peanut butter and chicken sandwich? This easy lunch uses creamy peanut butter, shredded cooked chicken and fresh basil to turn flavors you’d normally find on Thai noodles into a comforting sandwich.
13/41
Hasselback Tomato Clubs
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed tomatoes: 272 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
No bread in the pantry? No problem. This hassle-free version of a club sandwich uses tomatoes instead of bread for a juicy version of the classic. Simply cut four or five crosswise slices in each tomato and stuff with meat and cheese—or whatever your heart desires.
14/41
Pesto Quinoa Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter-in-law got me hooked on quinoa, and I'm so glad she did! I've been substituting quinoa in some of my favorite pasta recipes, and this dish is the happy result of one of those experiments. I love using my garden tomatoes and peppers in this salad; however, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers are equally delicious. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 183 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 268mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
Have a well-balanced lunch with this vibrant salad. It’s filled with protein-rich quinoa, heart-healthy olive oil, and a medley of vegetables like onions, red peppers and tomatoes. Customize it by adding crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts to fit your taste.
15/41
Pizza Burgers
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not sure where I first saw this pizza burger recipe, but I'm glad I did! My family requests this meal often. A dash of oregano livens up canned pizza sauce. —Sharon Schwartz, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 205 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
Get the best of both worlds by combining juicy ground beef with the classic flavor of a cheese pizza. This recipe mixes ground beef with pizza sauce, mushrooms and oregano before placing it on a bun and topping it with ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese.
16/41
Thai Noodle Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined several recipes to come up with my healthier twist on traditional pad thai. My version has only one-third the sodium of frozen versions you find in the store. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 400 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
For convenience, this recipe calls for whole wheat spaghetti since it can be found at most grocery stores. If you want a more authentic noodle option, I recommend using rice noodles. Rice noodles can be found in the Asian aisle of the grocery store or in the noodle section of an Asian grocery store, like H Mart.
17/41
Pork Banh Mi Wraps
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crunchy veggies and Asian flavors make this a great wrap for summer. You can substitute a baguette for the wrap, or switch up the meat for five-spice chicken or spicy beef. Even lemongrass shrimp would be delicious! —Nicole Hood, Leesville, Lousiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled wrap: 471 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1344mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 26g protein.
As a shortcut, I’ll use leftover pork chops from the night before as the base of these wraps. That way, all I have to do is cut up the chops and warm them up with the sweet chili and soy sauce. It is easy and uses up my leftovers!
18/41
Quinoa Tabbouleh
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tabouli is a super fresh, mostly parsley salad with finely cracked wheat, juicy tomatoes, onion, fresh lemon juice, good quality extra virgin olive oil and a hint of fragrant mint. I added a little gluten-free twist to this recipe by replacing the cracked wheat with quinoa and then added some cucumbers for a nice crunch. For a delicious and colorful appetizer, serve in butter lettuce cups or endive leaves. —Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 258mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
Knowing how to make quinoa is important to get the right texture for this easy lunch idea. For extra flavor, I’ll cook my quinoa in some chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
19/41
Tomato Sandwiches
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomato sandwiches are a southern delicacy that uses ripe tomatoes as its star. Placed between two slices of white bread slathered in mayo, it's a simple lunch that uses the bright flavors of the season. —Jenna Urben, McKinney, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 341 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 617mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
With tomato season right around the corner, you can’t go wrong with a classic tomato sandwich. Bulk it up with some leftover chicken, thick slices of cheese, seeded bread, a few pieces of bacon or use some gorgeous heirloom tomatoes.
20/41
Chicken and Rice Bowls
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is so easy to toss together on a busy weeknight, and I usually have the ingredients on hand. I start sauteing the onion and pepper first, then I prepare the instant rice. If you like, top it with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. —Tammy Daniels, Batavia, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 239 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 914mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
You can use store-bought cooked chicken strips, rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for this bowl. I’ll meal-prep a week’s worth of these bowls and then pack a new condiment or sauce each day to keep things interesting.
21/41
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. —Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 280 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
This spinach salad with warm bacon dressing proves that it’s not difficult to get through an entire bag of spinach if it’s dressed in a tangy, mustardy, brown sugar-bacon vinaigrette. Customize this classic salad with any toppings you like.
22/41
Basil Chicken Sandwiches
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the inspiration for this recipe when I knew my parents and in-laws were coming to see our new home. My mother-in-law has food allergies, my father-in-law has some very specific food preferences and my parents appreciate light meals. I created this chicken sandwich with fresh basil for our lunch. —Kerry Durgin Krebs, New Market, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 308 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 824mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
This sandwich is the perfect choice for a light and satisfying lunch. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and paprika before cooking it in a skillet. Then, assemble the sandwiches by brushing salad dressing on the ciabatta rolls, adding the chicken, and layering basil leaves, red peppers and Romano cheese on top. Try these other healthy sandwich ideas for tomorrow’s lunch.
23/41
Indian Spiced Chickpea Wraps
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Raita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you're in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber instead of the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 321 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
Enjoy global flavors for lunch with these chickpea wraps. Featuring seasonings like curry powder, coriander, cumin and cayenne pepper, this easy lunch brings the taste of India right to your fingertips.
24/41
Southwestern Pork Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As pork producers, we're proud to cook and serve the delicious product we raise. This tempting salad is refreshing and colorful. It's a succulent showcase for pork. I know your family will enjoy it as much as we do.
—Sue Cunningham, Prospect, Ohio
—Sue Cunningham, Prospect, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 450 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 675mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 8g fiber), 29g protein.
If cowboys in the Wild West had salad for lunch, it would’ve looked like this. Pork loin is the base of the salad, complemented with refreshing tomatoes, ripe olives, hearty kidney beans, and the crunch of green peppers and onions.
25/41
Focaccia Sandwiches
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 113 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Get a little fancy with your lunch sandwich by using focaccia bread. Packed with ham, turkey, salami, peppers, tomato and provolone cheese, this sandwich is a lunch idea you won’t mind making again and again.
26/41
Quick Taco Wraps
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was running late one night, so I shopped in my own fridge and came up with ingredients that became taco wraps. Everybody at the table was a happy camper. —Katie Mitschelen, La Porte, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 533 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1538mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
These wraps are perfect for a quick Taco Tuesday lunch. Smear the cream cheese mixture on a tortilla, then layer on bean dip, guacamole, cheese, olives and more. Just roll it up and tada! Your lunch wrap is ready to go.
27/41
Curried Egg Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A curry kick gives this egg salad big appeal. We love it when the weather gets warm. —Joyce McDowell, West Union, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 273 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
Here’s a twist on the typical egg salad sandwich! Serve it open-faced, with a few slices of tomato and some pepper on top, for the perfect afternoon bite.
28/41
White Bean Arugula Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My red, white and green salad is inspired by the Italian flag. Top it with shaved Parmesan. —Malia Estes, Allston, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 340 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 915mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein.
Prep your lunch in just 30 minutes with this bean salad. Made with onions, tomatoes, cannellini beans and fresh herbs, this lunch is packed with protein to energize you for the workday.
29/41
Tuna Wrap
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
These tuna wraps not only taste good but are also veggie-packed, making them an ideal healthy lunch! Roll up these wraps tightly and secure each with a toothpick so everything stays in place until noon.
30/41
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
Tuna Nicoise salad is a perfect lunch for the weekend or even to make ahead for the work week. Our recipe is traditional with tuna, tomatoes and beans, but it’s easily adaptable to suit your tastes.
31/41
Sweet Macaroni Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 400 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
Not feeling a green salad? Whip up this pasta salad instead. Mixed with carrots, green peppers, onions, mayo, sweetened condensed milk and vinegar, you won’t want to stop at just one bowl of this creamy goodness.
32/41
Italian-Style Veggie Wraps
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Yummy! There are so many great flavors and textures in these wraps. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients—use mozzarella, pepperoni or any combo you like. —Maria Simmons, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 373 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 1298mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
These easy-to-assemble wraps are filled with everything we love about an Italian sandwich. They are stuffed with zucchini, broccoli, tomatoes, olives, onions, hard salami, hot peppers and lettuce, but you can easily customize this lunch. Check out these other sandwich wraps ready to be packed in your lunchbox.
33/41
Skinny Cobb Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Filled with chopped apple, feta cheese, chicken, bacon and garbanzo beans, this light salad is topped with a creamy dressing made of Greek yogurt and ranch. Put this one at the top of your list of easy lunch ideas!
34/41
Grilled Cheese & Pepper Sandwiches
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a tasty and wholesome sandwich to make for one or two. It’s a nice twist on a grilled cheese, very tasty and filling, and especially good with rye bread. —Arline Hofland, Deer Lodge, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 470 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein.
This upgraded grilled cheese stuffs green and red peppers, sauteed onions and jalapeno between melted Monterey Jack cheese for the ultimate lunch. Pair the sandwich with a side salad or tomato soup for a well-rounded, satisfying lunch.
35/41
Bacon Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted. At this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 339 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
This BLT sandwich-turned-salad incorporates avocado for a quick, well-rounded lunch. The creamy avocado, smoky bacon and juicy tomatoes keep the flavors balanced.
36/41
Guacamole Tossed Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The fresh blend of avocados, tomatoes, red onion and greens in my salad gets additional pizazz from crumbled bacon and a slightly spicy vinaigrette. —Lori Fischer, Chino Hills, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 531 calories, 51g fat (7g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 868mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein.
Skip the tortilla chips with this easy-to-make guacamole salad. Packed with juicy tomatoes, red onion, crispy bacon, creamy avocados, fresh greens and a few drops of hot pepper sauce, this salad is full of flavor.
37/41
Microwave Egg Sandwich
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 218 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
Have breakfast for lunch with this ready-in-minutes egg sandwich. Made with Canadian bacon, cheddar cheese, egg and salsa, this breakfast sandwich is high in protein and low in fat. The best part? You can cook it in the microwave for the easiest lunch you’ll ever devour.
38/41
Almond Strawberry Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's easy to love this pretty salad topped with strawberries and sliced almonds. With just a few ingredients, it's loaded with flavor. —Renae Rossow, Union, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 75 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Whip up a refreshing salad in minutes! This easy lunch tosses together spinach, strawberries and almonds before being topped off with a dressing made with vinegar, honey and sugar for a sweet and light meal.
39/41
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Blue cheese dressing and hot pepper sauce enhance these yummy tortilla wraps. Filled with chicken, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, these Buffalo chicken wraps are colorful, fun to eat and tote-able too! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 879 calories, 55g fat (18g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 1589mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
Spice up your lunch with Buffalo chicken wraps—they’re everything you love about Buffalo wings in wrap form.
40/41
Apple Chicken Quesadillas
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister came up with an easy recipe that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. People are surprised by the combination of chicken, apples, tomatoes and corn inside the crispy tortillas, but they love it. —Stacia Slagle, Maysville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 300 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
Enjoy a twist on classic quesadillas with this apple chicken quesadilla recipe. Chicken, apple slices, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, tomatoes, onions and corn are tossed together and placed between two warmed flour tortillas for a sweet and savory lunch.
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Lemon Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As the family cook, I appreciate how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, this salad never gets boring. One of my favorite variations is to substitute diced fresh mango for the cranberries, cilantro for the parsley, and lime for the lemon juice and zest. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
Enjoy a medley of quinoa, cucumber, onion, cranberries and fresh herbs dressed in a tangy lemon dressing. Looking for more protein? Add shredded chicken or shrimp for a rounded meal. If you’re a fan of the whole grain, check out these other quinoa salads that are perfect for lunch.
Easy Lunch Ideas FAQ
What’s the easiest thing to make for lunch?
The easiest thing to make for lunch is probably a simple sandwich. In this list, the tomato sandwich, ultimate grilled cheese and focaccia sandwich are the easiest lunches and will take just a couple of minutes to throw together.
If sandwiches aren’t your favorite, you could also make a bowl of various leftovers. Think leftover roasted potatoes, chicken and carrots with barbecue sauce or leftover salmon, rice and edamame with bottled teriyaki sauce. Or, use the lunch bowls in this collection as a starting point and substitute ingredients you already have on hand.
What are the best healthy lunch ideas?
In my opinion, the best healthy lunch idea is some sort of quinoa bowl. These meals have whole grains, protein and veggies, and are typically drizzled in an irresistible sauce. Other great options for healthy lunches are salads with a lot of mix-ins and homemade dressing or a vegetable-packed soup.
What are some quick lunch recipes to make at home?
A quick work-from-home lunch can be a simple wrap or burrito, a simple sandwich, or a protein salad, like chicken salad or tuna salad, with crackers. When I work from home, I love to take advantage of my access to a stovetop and make a quesadilla or a quick pot of soup.
