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Avoid #SadDeskLunch with these easy lunch ideas perfect for workdays and school days. From classic sandwiches to salads, soups, bento boxes, and more.
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Lunch is the one meal that can easily get lost when planning meals. If you need inspiration for delicious, quick, and easy lunch ideas, there’s plenty here to choose from.
Most are 10 minutes or less or they’re easily made in advance for delicious lunches you’ll actually look forward to.
Tips for Making Quick and Easy Lunches
Quick and easy shortcuts to help make lunches during the week:
Prep vegetables ahead: Cut and peel carrot and celery sticks, chop cabbage for quick slaws and use pre-cut and washed vegetables when possible.
Rostisserie chicken: One of my favorite shortcut tips. Shred chicken to use for salads, sandwiches and more. If you have extra, freeze for quick soups and stews too.
Store-bought dressings: They add flavor and bring lunches together quickly.
Make ahead: Make as much ahead as possible. Pasta and quinoa salads are delicious for lunch, use the Instant Pot to make it ahead and have it ready to go.
How to Pack a Healthy Lunch for School
Insider Magazine says you should include the following for a child’s healthy lunch each day. I would say it’s a great rule of thumb for not sad desk lunches too!
Protein
Whole grain
Fruit
Veggie
Healthy fat
Water or other non-sugary drink
Napkins or wet ones
Something fun or sweet (this doesn’t have to be every day!)
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Avocado Toast
5 ways to make avocado toast for quick and easy lunch ideas.
"You don’t have to reserve hummus just for carrots and pita triangles! It works as a sandwich spread that’s full of plant-based protein to keep you full for hours. Throw it on bread with all your favorite crunchy veggies and it’s a lunch or snack that couldn’t be easier to whip up."
"I love a go-to recipe that’s every bit as delicious (and satisfying) as the first time I made it, regardless of how many times it’s on repeat. Even better? When the said recipe is as easy as tossing everything into a bowl and dressing it up with whatever ingredients I have on hand. Enter: my chickpea salad sandwich."
The Easy Chicken Salad Recipe You Should Know by Heart
"Who doesn’t love a fresh and easy chicken salad recipe? With the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, this lunchtime staple can be enjoyed on its own, over greens or sandwiched between two slices of crusty bread. While you can buy premade varieties at the store, nothing tops the flavor of homemade chicken salad. It’s also a yummy way to use up last night’s leftover chicken."
"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 for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint."
"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."
This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup recipe is amazingly delicious, packed with flavor, and super quick and easy to make. The flavors blend beautifully and makes for a delicious lunch or light dinner.
10 Minute Make Ahead White Bean Salad with a Quick Vinaigrette
If you have 10 minutes, this White Bean Salad is for you. Packed with healthy protein, this creamy salad is filled with fresh vegetables and herbs. And then dressed in a deliciously simple vinaigrette.
A simple ham salad recipe elevated to incredible with the addition of a few unique ingredients. And is utterly delicious. Ready in 10 minutes, it's a salad you'll make all season!
"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."
If you're a fan of noodle cups but shy away from unhealthy ingredients, these ideas are perfect for making your own lunch with healthy ingredients you actually recognize.
"Fresh or leftover beans (black, pinto, or kidney beans work here) and rice come together to make a simple but tasty lunch. The beans are flavored with spices, garlic, and hot sauce while the rice gets a dressing of lime juice and cilantro. Add additional fillings to the burrito if you like and serve with salsa."
This iconic chopped salad is finely diced, flavor-packed, and endlessly craveable—just like the original from La Scala in Beverly Hills. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining!
An easy, lightened-up version of classic chicken salad made even healthier in lettuce wraps. It's a delicious, low-carb meal that is perfect for the season and ready in minutes!
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