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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Lunch Recipes That Will Make You Wish It Was Noon Already

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 22, 2024, updated December 4, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Lunchtime can often feel like a routine, but it doesn't have to be boring. With these 20 lunch recipes, you'll find a variety of flavors and ingredients that will make you excited for your midday meal. From fresh salads to hearty sandwiches, these dishes are sure to brighten your day and keep you satisfied.

    Fried Potato & Poached Eggs Bowl

    Breakfast bowl with egg.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Leftover potatoes are pan-fried until crispy and paired with salty Feta cheese and a perfectly poached egg. This dish is a satisfying option for lunch that will have you looking forward to noon.

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    Cashew Caprese

    Caprese salad with cashews.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a filling take on the classic caprese salad, packed with fresh spinach, crunchy cashews, and a tasty vinaigrette. It's a great option for a satisfying lunch.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

    Pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Nutmeg and Vinegar.

    This salad is healthy and easy to make, perfect for a quick lunch. It's a great option when you need something light and refreshing.

    Get the recipe

    French Bread Pizza

    French bread pizza.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    These "pizzas" are crispy, cheesy, and super simple to prepare. They’re perfect for when you want something delicious and satisfying for lunch.

    Get the recipe

    Cold Soba Noodle Salad

    Cold soba noodle salad.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This cold noodle salad is great for lunch and can be packed easily. You can add your favorite protein or enjoy it on its own.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Salad Sandwich

    Chickpea salad sandwich.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This sandwich is perfect for taking with you to work or school. It's a tasty option that will make lunchtime something to look forward to.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These wraps are a hit with everyone, from kids to food lovers. The combination of halloumi cheese, pesto, and crunchy walnuts really sets them apart.

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    One Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This one-pot hummus pasta is ready in under 15 minutes. It's a simple and tasty meal that's perfect for a quick lunch.

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    Orzo Pesto Salad

    Orzo pesto salad.
    Photo credit: Healthfull Blondie.

     

    This orzo pesto salad is loaded with vegetables and fresh mozzarella, all mixed together with a tasty nut-free basil pesto. It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at a spring or summer gathering.

    Get the recipe

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad

    Bruschetta Pasta Salad.
    Photo credit: Walder Wellness.

    This cold bruschetta pasta salad features fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil, all tossed together for a refreshing dish. With crunchy homemade sourdough breadcrumbs, it’s perfect for a dinner party, barbecue, or a tasty lunch.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    Caprese pasta salad.
    Photo credit: Leftovers Then Breakfast.

    Caprese Pasta Salad is a simple and tasty dish packed with fresh ingredients. The zesty balsamic dressing brings together juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and soft pasta, making it a great choice for lunch.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Grilled Cheese

    Grilled cheese.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This grilled cheese sandwich is super easy to whip up in the air fryer. It's cheesy and really satisfying, perfect for a quick lunch.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for lunch. It's a satisfying meal that you can have ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Ceasar Salad

    kale cesar salad.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This vegetarian take on a lunch favorite is sure to please. It's a satisfying option that you'll look forward to enjoying.

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    Tapenade Sandwich

    Sandwich topped with tapenade and Feta cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Tapenade, whether you make it yourself or buy it, is the highlight of this dish, especially when it's topped with Feta cheese and spicy jalapeños. This is a tasty option for lunch that will have you looking forward to noon.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Mason Jar Salad

    Mason jar salads.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This is a great lunch option to take with you. It's simple to prepare and delicious enough to look forward to at noon.

    Get the recipe

    Healthy Chicken Salad

    A bowl of chicken salad with dill.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This is a lighter take on your favorite creamy salad, ideal for a lunch sandwich. It's a tasty option that you'll look forward to enjoying.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl

    Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl.
    Photo credit: Fresh Apron.

    The Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a simple and tasty meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It's packed with flavor and perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Hashbrown Quiche

    Hashbrown quiche.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish combines the best of breakfast and lunch into something truly tasty. It's a great option for lunch that will have you looking forward to mealtime.

    Get the recipe

    Ricotta Toast

    Herbed ricotta toasts.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    Lunch can be super simple and fast. Just spread herbed ricotta cheese on sourdough bread and add your favorite toppings.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Chicken, Cucumber and Tomato Salad

    Mediterranean Chicken, Cucumber and Tomato Salad in a wooden bowl.
    Photo Credit: Moderately Messy RD.

    This chicken, cucumber, and tomato salad is full of fresh veggies and protein. It's easy to whip up, especially if you have leftover chicken, making it a perfect choice for a quick lunch or a simple dinner on a busy night.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Vegetarian Casseroles That Will Change Your Dinner Game
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      18 Elegant Lunch Ideas to Impress Mom This Mother’s Day
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      18 Cheap Ground Beef Recipes That Are Perfect for Spring

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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