Simplify your A.M. meal prep with these quick lunch recipes you can make in minutes.
41 Quick Lunch Recipes You Can Master in a Morning
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
1/40
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
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.
2/40
Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings (1 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad has been a family favorite for a while! I love to bring this to parties or simply eat as a wonderful lunch or side dish. —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups with about 2 tablespoons dressing: 280 calories, 24g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
3/40
Super Fast Mexican Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 254 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 998mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
4/40
Makeover Reuben Melt
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This twist on a classic Reuben keeps the corned beef and uses a sauce made with Swiss (and plenty of thousand-island flavor). Fresh slaw on top replaces the sauerkraut. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
5/40
Almond Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 351 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
6/40
Easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One time when making sloppy joes, I wanted mine spicy, so I doused it in hot sauce. After that, my mind went wild and I made it Buffalo chicken-style with ground chicken, diced celery and blue cheese crumbles. I've been making it this way ever since. —Jennifer Nielson, Spanish Fork, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 lettuce wraps: 198 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
7/40
Almond Strawberry Salad
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.
8/40
Taco Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1369mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
9/40
Blueberry Romaine Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to bring this delicious salad to school gatherings. The homemade dressing couldn't be simpler, so I whip it up in advance and just give it a quick toss with the other ingredients when I get to any event. —Kris Bristol, Charlotte, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 443 calories, 40g fat (6g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
10/40
Sparkling Fruit Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
11/40
Turkey-Jalapeno Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When a turkey sandwich meets modern Thai, it’s a fun mix of classic and trendy food. I love it when my mixing and matching turns out so tasty. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 483 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1500mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
12/40
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This mildly cheesy cauliflower soup is a favorite of mine. I make it often in summer, although it's good any time. —Karen Brown, West Lafayette, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 186 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
13/40
Garden Chickpea Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 38g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
14/40
Chicken Parm Sandwich
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coat tender chicken breasts with seasoned bread crumbs and smother in marinara sauce. Served on a hoagie, it’s a real treat! —Sue Bosek, Whittier, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 669 calories, 32g fat (10g saturated fat), 198mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 48g protein.
15/40
Guacamole Tossed Salad
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.
16/40
Powerhouse Protein Parfaits
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Parfaits have marvelous taste and texture, but many are loaded with sugar and leave you peckish for more. Here’s my protein-inspired option with yogurt, fruit and nuts. —Jen Hubin, Minnetonka, Minnestoa
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 518 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 12g fiber), 15g protein.
17/40
Grilled Pesto, Ham and Provolone Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These Italian-style sandwiches are loaded with zesty flavors. To lighten them a little, use fat-free mayo. We serve them with minestrone or a crisp salad. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 panini: 464 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1701mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
18/40
Curried Egg Salad
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.
19/40
English Muffin Egg Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't beat the delicious combination of mushrooms, onions, peppers and cream cheese! Leave out the red pepper flakes for a less spicy taste.—Amy Lloyd, Madison, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 265 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 487mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
20/40
21/40
Apple Chicken Quesadillas
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 of 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.
22/40
Broiled Pizza Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made Broiled Pizza Burgers when I was growing up. We like them for Sunday supper, and they're even faster to fix if you use pre-browned hamburger from the freezer. We sometimes substitute slices of cheddar for the process cheese. —Mrs. Ann Bailes, Anderson, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 560 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1550mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
23/40
24/40
Spinach Quesadillas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 wedges: 281 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
25/40
Buffalo Turkey Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Celery and blue cheese dressing help tame the hot sauce on this turkey burger recipe. For an even lighter version, pass on the buns and serve the burgers with lettuce leaves, sliced onion and chopped tomato. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 312 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
26/40
Tuna Wrap
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.
27/40
Tuna Nicoise Salad
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.
28/40
Berry Turkey Sandwich
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sliced fresh strawberries, Swiss cheese and a nutty cream cheese spread make this turkey sandwich different. Try it on whole wheat, oatmeal or sunflower seed bread. It's tasty and easy to put together.
—Edward Meyer of Arnold, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 319 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 847mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/40
Quick Beef Vegetable Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings (1-3/4 quart)
From the Recipe Creator:
At the end of a long day, you want to put something quick, warm and substantial on the table for your family. This hefty vegetable soup delivers. It will have you out of the kitchen in no time flat! —D.M. Hillock, Hartford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 318 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein.
30/40
Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 279 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
31/40
Classic Avocado Toast
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This is such an easy way to add avocados to your diet. Use healthy multigrain bread and top with sliced radishes and cracked pepper or lime zest, or chipotle peppers and cilantro. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 160 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
32/40
Lunch Box Pizzas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 94 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
33/40
Blueberry Fruit Smoothie
Total Time
5 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fruit smoothie recipe is one of my favorites. The yummy blend just might take you back to soda-fountain days…but it's a nutritious low-fat alternative to traditional malts, shakes and sodas. —Mary LaJoie, Glenoma, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 168 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
34/40
Quick Taco Wraps
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.
35/40
Fiesta Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I serve this make-ahead, easy pinwheel recipe, they disappear fast. When a friend at the office shared them with me, I knew in one bite I'd be taking her Mexican pinwheels home for the holidays. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 59 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
36/40
PBJ on a Stick
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
Take the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the go with these skewers. They also make easy snacks. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 skewers: 415 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
37/40
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken tortilla soup is as good as (if not better than) any I've had in a restaurant. I get so many compliments when I serve it: you will, too. —Laura Black Johnson, Largo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 200 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
38/40
Caprese Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
39/40
Caramel Apple and Brie Skewers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a caterer, and this is one of my best-selling appetizers. The shortcut of using prepared caramel makes these little apple skewers a snap to assemble. —Camille Ellis, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 272 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
40/40
Zucchini Frittata
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we travel by car, I make the frittata the night before, stuff it into pita bread in the morning and microwave for a minute or two. I wrap them in a towel so down the road we can enjoy a still-warm breakfast! —Carol Blumenberg, Lehigh Acres, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 261 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 304mg cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
