Over 50 Quick and Easy Lunch Ideas to Enjoy in 2023
Are you tired of the same old lunch routine and meal prep? Fear not, because we have compiled 50+ quick and easy lunch ideas to add some excitement to your midday meal in 2023! From delightful chicken salad variations to sensational sandwiches, fresh and flavorful salads, make-ahead meals, and no-cook lunch ideas, there’s something for everyone. So let’s dive in and explore these delicious and easy lunch options that will keep you satisfied and energized throughout your day!
Short Summary
Delight in 50+ delicious lunch ideas for 2023, from classic chicken salad to gourmet grilled cheese and veggie-packed wraps!
Enjoy protein-packed bento boxes and overnight oats for convenient make ahead meals.
Treat your taste buds with tantalizing Caprese Skewers or smoked salmon & cream cheese bagels!
Delightful Chicken Salad Variations
Need a yummy lunch option that’s convenient and fulfilling? Our delicious chicken salad recipes are just the thing! With three different colorful salad flavors to try — Classic, Greek yogurt-based, or Asian Inspiration — you’ll be sure your taste buds will never get bored. These tasty dishes can also easily be prepped ahead for an effortless weekday meal. Mixing and matching ingredients is simple with these options, they give plenty of opportunity for creative expression in making your lunch salads the perfect plate each time!
Classic Chicken Salad
A beloved recipe, Classic Chicken Salad is a savory lunch option comprised of shredded cooked chicken blended with mayonnaise and celery along with diced onions. Using leftovers like rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken or grilled chicken makes it even more delicious. Spice up your traditional dish by adding dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill for tartness and sweetness provided by grapes as well as nuts which gives an extra crunchy texture to this classic meal prep go-to! Have it on croissants, breads, crackers or top green salads off. The possibilities are endless when you make Classic Chicken Salad!
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
For an easy and delicious light lunch, try the flavorful Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad. This protein-packed dish swaps out mayonnaise for creamy Greek yogurt to create a healthier alternative that’s still incredibly delicious. You can combine shredded chicken, celery, together with fresh fruit like grapes and almonds with this dressing - plus add in some extra seasonings such as green onions, dill or even avocado if you’d like - at just $1.55 per serving! Make sure not to miss out on trying your hand at making this yummy meal packed full of nutritious ingredients perfect for any time of day.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad
This delicious chicken salad is sure to be a hit with its unique Asian-inspired flavor. Featuring sweet and crunchy apples, with tart dried cranberries paired with a light and creamy homemade dressing, this dish offers an enticing combination of flavors. To make it even more delicious, include ingredients like bell peppers, steamed broccoli or mandarin oranges for added texture.
Whether served as the main course or side dish, accompanying grilled shrimp or chicken makes a classic recipe for a mouthwatering meal that will surely impress guests!
Sensational Sandwiches
For an easy lunch, why not make something a bit more exceptional? Our fantastic sandwich recipes are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and provide an easy meal solution. These delicious dishes include Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Pesto Chicken Sandwiches, and Veggie-Filled Wraps that will be surefire hits! You can also turn this into a fun food exploration with mini sandwiches it is great and can also be a filling lunch.
We encourage you to explore our range of delicious sandwiches for the perfect change up from typical lunches, give them a try today! From super simple cheese melts all the way through to loaded wraps packed with vegetables. These exciting options promise each day’s meal times won’t get boring again.
Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese sandwiches have taken on a whole new level of deliciousness, with combinations such as brie and fig, goat cheese and roasted red pepper or feta with sun-dried tomatoes. There's nothing like that melted cheese experience. To add even more indulgence to the classic comfort food try out double grilled cheeses which use two slices of bread plus some melty goodness in between them! Whether you eat it by itself or alongside a warm soup, these gourmet creations are guaranteed to be tasty treats that will please everyone’s palate.
Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Create an amazing lunch with our Pesto Chicken Sandwich. This dish features grilled chicken, pesto, and mozzarella for a scrumptious meal. Start by adding shredded chicken onto your preferred type of bread followed by tomato slices and mozzarella cheese then spread the sandwich evenly with basil pesto before toasting it. Enjoy it alongside some chips or salad as well! Feel free to experiment too – swap out the toppings for lettuce, avocado or pickles depending on your own preference. This tasty alternative to traditional chicken sandwiches is surefire way to satisfy hunger during lunchtime.
Veggie-Packed Wraps
For a fulfilling and nutritious midday veggie packed meal, why not try our veggie-filled wraps or pita bread? Our wrap selections boast hummus with roasted veggies or creamy avocado made with sprouts, both are packed full of flavor and nutrients. Create your own custom concoction by adding in whatever vegetables you prefer plus grilled chicken or tofu for some protein.
Not to mention that these wraps make eating more produce fun! Enjoy fresh flavor and the convenience of having an exciting lunch every day without skimping on nutrition – it’s a win-win situation!
Fresh and Flavorful Salads
For a light and nutritious lunch, why not try our range of delectable salads? We’ve got Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Spinach Apple Walnut Salad or Southwest Chicken Salad to choose from. All these tasty options are made using healthy ingredients that will tantalise your taste buds while giving you all the nutritional goodness you need!
So pick up your fork and tuck into one of these scrumptious dishes - it’s sure to be an enjoyable meal time experience!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This nutritious and filling Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is the perfect lunch option! Red onion, bell pepper, grape tomatoes, cucumber artichoke hearts and garbanzo beans are brought together with cooked quinoa to provide a protein-packed meal. Everything comes together as an amazing side dish or entree when you add the zesty flavor of lemon and olive oil dressing, it pairs great with grilled chicken or fish. Serve chilled for best results, but can still be enjoyed at room temperature too!
Spinach, Apple, and Walnut Salad
This delightful and easy-to-make salad is a great combination of sweet and savory flavors. The Spinach, Apple, & Walnut Salad features fresh baby spinach leaves with sliced apples and toasted walnuts that are tossed together in an enjoyable vinaigrette dressing. For extra flavor complexity try adding goat cheese or feta as well as cranberries or other vegetables for texture. This way you can enjoy your meal even more!
Southwest Chicken Salad
Our Southwest Chicken Salad offers a delicious and nutritious lunch option packed with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, cilantro and lime as well as fresh vegetables like tomatoes or avocados. To make it extra flavorful, add some tortilla strips or cheese into the mix! For maximum flavor use only top-notch ingredients including fresh herbs and a homemade chipotle ranch dressing. All of these come together in an amazing salad that can also be spiced up by adding bell peppers or jalapenos for a bit of heat. Enjoy this heavenly dish any time you crave something hearty but light at the same time!
Quick and Tasty Make-Ahead Meals
If you’re short on time but don’t want to sacrifice quality meals, pre-making lunches is the perfect solution. Our quick and easy make-ahead hearty lunch recipes will simplify your lunch hour with delightful Mason Jar Salads, Protein-Packed Bento Boxes, and Overnight Oats for added convenience.
Take a break from rushing around at mealtimes by having something healthy that’s ready when you are! Make preparing ahead of time part of your lifestyle – it’ll free up more hours in the day while still allowing delicious nutrition into your diet.
Mason Jar Salads
Mason Jar Salads make for the perfect on-the-go lunch, maintaining their crispness until mealtime. Begin by putting in elements such as onions, cucumber, apple slices,, tomato wedges and other vegetables like corn or avocados into your jar first, these will stay firm even after a few days refrigerated. You can also add proteins to increase taste – such as diced chicken or cheese cubes. Then pour over dressing of choice for a flavourful finishing touch! Keep them cool up to 5 days so they are always fresh when you’re ready to have your tasty packed lunch feast!
Protein-Packed Bento Boxes
Prepare a delightful and satisfying lunch with protein-filled bento box ideas, combining different types of proteins, veggies, and complex carbohydrates. There are several delicious high-protein options to choose from like turkey cheese wraps accompanied by carrots as well as hummus. Quinoa bowls can be spiced up with grilled chicken and roasted vegetables. Tuna salad sandwiches served along cucumber slices plus an apple make for another yummy filling meal!
These bento boxes provide you with all the nourishment necessary so your body is full before tackling your day’s tasks ahead.
Overnight Oats
When you are looking for a fast and nourishing option, overnight oats is the perfect choice. This effortless dish can be customized to your taste with fruits, nuts or sweeteners of your choosing so that it’s prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator priorly. Providing an immediate meal when needed.
To make these delicious oats: mix together oat flakes, milk and seeds within a bowl or jar then add extra ingredients like yogurt, fruit chunks if desired and some sweetness too! By morning you will have breakfast/lunch ready without having to spend any time preparing it before hand.
No-Cook Lunch Ideas
Are you searching for a simple and quick lunch with no need to cook? We have the perfect answer: our convenient, flavourful and no-cook easy lunch ideas! Included on this list are Caprese Skewers, Smoked Salmon Bagel with Cream Cheese spread, as well as Veggie Sushi Rolls or a Tuna salad with sundried tomatoes. Satisfy your appetite in record time without needing any cooking whatsoever!
Let’s check out these yummy recipes that require minimal effort while still providing an enjoyable, light meal even at midday. These three mouthwatering lunch dishes make having an uncomplicated luncheon easily achievable, even when time is tight.
Caprese Skewers
Prepare a tasty yet simple lunch with our Caprese Skewers! You’ll need cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves to thread onto the skewers. Add some flair by drizzling balsamic glaze or additional ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for an exciting kick of flavor. You can lightly dress it with homemade Italian dressing. This light and refreshing snack is perfect for when you want a quick meal that’s sure to impress - making it ideal if you’re in search of an easy lunch option!
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel
Enjoy a delightful and nourishing lunch with either a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel or opt for an alternative like natural peanut butter and jelly. You could always replace the peanut butter in favor of almond butter, cashew butter or other types of nut butters to avoid the use peanut butter due to the high prevalence of peanut allergies.
Toast the bread of your choice, spread on some creamy cheese, layer with pieces of smoking fish (plus optional add-ons such as tomatoes) then you’re ready to eat! For those wanting something sweeter try slathering smooth nutty PB onto toast topped off with sticky preserves. Serving this delicious meal alongside fresh fruits or crisp greens provides additional protein and nutrition making it balanced too!
Veggie Sushi Rolls
For a sweet and savory lunch and satisfying lunch, try veggie sushi rolls. With the flavors of nori (seaweed) and sushi rice as well as choices like cucumber, avocado, carrots, bell peppers, and even tofu or mushrooms for extra flavor, it’s easy to customize these nutritious bites just the way you want them. You can also add some pickled radish if desired before dipping your homemade rolls in soy sauce for an irresistibly delicious meal. Enjoy these fresh vegetable-packed wraps with friends or family and satisfy those midday cravings!
Summary
If you’re looking for ways to make your lunch more enjoyable and interesting, our 50+ quick & easy lunch ideas for 2023 can help! From flavorful chicken salad variations to sandwiches, salads that are fresh and tasty as well as make-ahead meals or no cook options - there’s something here suitable for all tastes. So why not try one of these scrumptious recipes out the next time you need a hassle free meal? With them on hand, boring lunches will be a thing of the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good ideas for lunch?
Why not make a tasty lunch in no time with some grilled cheese made of apple and bacon, mini bagel pizzas, cheesy-crust skillet pizza, or easy chorizo tacos? It is always best if you make your own pizza dough. Or try something different like a sweet and spicy turkey sandwich, mexi-chicken avocado cups or creamy mashed potato soup.
What are 10 good lunch foods?
Healthy and delicious lunches don’t have to be complicated. Make some pasta, soup, salad sandwiches or toast for a simple meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds! You should also try to eat veggies with every meal. For something different try one of the mug recipes, jar recipes such as grilled chicken with dip or smoothies. Avocado toast is also very popular but we recommend adding a hint of chili powder and lime juice to elevate the flavor profile.
What are some unique chicken salad variations to try?
If you’re looking to add some variety, why not give one of these unique chicken salads a try? A classic version consists of mayo, celery, onion and herbs for a flavor-packed meal. For something lighter yet still delicious, there is Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad made with yogurt in place of the traditional heavy condiment. And lastly, an Asian inspired twist provides another great way to enjoy this tasty dish! All three variations offer yummy new flavors that are sure to please everyone’s palate - so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your next batch of chicken salad! You can also use homemade roasted and sliced turkey in favor of store bought rotisserie chicken.
How can I elevate my grilled cheese sandwich game?
Transform a regular grilled cheese sandwich into something special with combinations like brie and fig, or goat cheese and roasted red pepper. Enjoy the delicious flavor these gourmet additions bring to this classic dish! We recommend adding some pickled vegetables or your favorite veggies to the side of your plate.
What are some make-ahead lunch ideas for busy schedules?
Meal prep with Mason Jar Salads, Bento Boxes packed full of protein and Overnight Oats can help make hectic days run smoother.