29 Simple Lunch Ideas That Aren’t Sandwiches

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Are you looking for lunches that are both quick and delicious? Well, here are some simple lunch ideas that make a great change from the same old sandwiches.

From savory soups to nutritious and tasty salads, these easy-to-make recipes will give your lunchtimes a much needed boost. Try them now for an energizing midday meal!

Easy Beef Stew

Beef stew in yellow bowls.
Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Delicious and hearty, our easy beef stew recipe is perfect for a warm and cozy dinner. Try this simple dish for a satisfying meal.
Get The Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets. Photo Credit: Little Bit Recipes

Try this easy and delicious homemade air fryer chicken nuggets recipe. Making these simple golden, crunchy nuggets takes less than a half hour.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges.
Shrimp skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Cooking shrimp on skewers is quick and easy. They have a crispy exterior and juicy interior to satisfy your seafood cravings.
Get The Recipe: Shrimp Skewers

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

This refreshing and light seafood pasta salad is perfect for lunch. It combines shrimp, crab, and pasta in a flavorful creamy dressing.
Get The Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken in bowl with one piece cut to show inside.
Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Love the taste of popcorn chicken but want a lighter option? Our baked version delivers all the flavor without all the fat.
Get The Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Mexican Steak Pizza

Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.
Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This unique Mexican pizza with carne asada steak is packed full of flavor. It’s the perfect combination of ingredients to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup in a serving crock.
Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Enjoy the classic comfort of navy bean and ham soup! This hearty dish is filled with savory, smoky flavor and will warm you up on a cold day.
Get The Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Santa Fe Salad

Santa Fe Salad with creamy dressing.
Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Salads are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. This Santa Fe Salad is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.
Get The Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Slow Cooked Chili

Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.
Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

When it’s cold outside and you are craving something hearty, this slow-cooker chili is the perfect dish. The best part is that it can be made and left to cook until you are ready to eat.
Get The Recipe: Slow-Cooked Chili

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spooon.
Vegan Mexican rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

An easy and delicious dish that can be whipped up in no time is vegan Mexican rice. Serving alone or with your favorite Tex-Mex foods like tacos or burritos is an excellent option.
Get The Recipe: Mexican Rice

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with bacon on a plate.
Broccoli salad with bacon. Photo Credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Packed with crunchy vegetables and savory bacon, this broccoli salad with bacon will surely be a hit. It is an easy, delicious side dish for any meal.
Get The Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Shrimp and Corn Bisque in a serving bowl.
Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Have you been looking for a new delicious dish to add to your lunch rotation? If so, this easy shrimp and corn soup bisque will become a favorite!
Get The Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Personal Pizza

Single serve pepperoni pizza.
Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little BIt Recipes

Do you love eating pizza but have no one to share it with? No problem! You can enjoy a delicious homemade personal pizza to serve just one person without fuss.
Get The Recipe: Personal Pizza

Individual Mini Frittata

Individual Frittatas in ramekins.
Individual Frittatas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

This mini frittatas recipe creates convenient single-serving dishes, perfect for busy mornings or relaxing weekend brunches. The best part? It’s made with five simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!
Get The Recipe: Individual Mini Frittata

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings on white plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

You can cook frozen chicken wings with minimal effort and no added fat or oil with an air fryer. Only a few simple ingredients are needed to quickly whip up crispy and flavorful wings.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Easy Potato Soup

Potato soup in a white serving bowl.
Easy Vegetarian Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Cooking a delicious soup doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This easy potato soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation.
Get The Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Salmon Salad

Salmon salad served on two white plates.
Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Treat yourself to a delicious, healthy meal with the best salmon salad recipe! This flavorful dish is simple to prepare with fresh ingredients and is ready in about fifteen minutes.
Get The Recipe: Salmon Salad

Seafood Pot Pie

Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.
Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

If you’re in the mood for something savory and comforting, bake this savory seafood pot pie recipe. This tasty pie is sure to please, made with a creamy sauce and a variety of seafood. And, it’s easy to make!
Get The Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone Soup with Sausage
Italian Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo Credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The smell of freshly cooked Italian minestrone soup makes anyone’s mouth water. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this hearty and delicious soup in no time.
Get The Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Air Fryer French Bread Pizza

Air Fryer French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Air Fryer French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This simple air fryer recipe turns a loaf of French bread into pizza.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer French Bread Pizza

Keto Sausage Balls

Sausage balls on platter with dip.
Keto Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb No Carb

Quick and easy Keto Sausage Balls made with our homemade Low Carb Sausages, and 3 additional ingredients you already have in your kitchen is a perfect idea as a spring lunch, appetizer, brunch, or any party.
Get The Recipe: Keto Sausage Balls

Mediterranean Grain Bowls

Mediterranean Grain Bowls in white bowls.
Mediterranean Grain Bowls. Photo Credit: Two Cloves Kitchen

Mediterranean Grain Bowls combine pre-cooked grains, lots of healthy vegetables, and fresh, bright, bold Mediterranean flavors for an easy, nourishing, and delicious weeknight meal that comes together in about 10 minutes!
Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowls

Carrot and Parsnip Soup

Two bowls of soup and a crusty loaf.
Carrot and Parsnip Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy carrot and parsnip soup, slightly sweet flavors with a hint of cumin and a sprinkling of spice, add a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got a hearty soup, perfect lunchtime treat. Quick and easy to make, you need this on your menu!
Get The Recipe: Carrot and Parsnip Soup

Quick Sage Pasta

Quick Sage Pasta on plate.
Quick Sage Pasta. Photo credit: Simply Beyond Herbs

This quick sage pasta recipe is a comfort dish that requires just a few ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Quick Sage Pasta

Keto Cheeseburger Skillet

ketchup over cheesy onion and ground beef
Keto Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This keto Cheeseburger Skillet recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and is the perfect quick meal. Ground beef cooked in a delicious creamy tomato sauce with all the flavor of a cheeseburger but without the carbs!
Get The Recipe: Keto Cheeseburger Skillet

Italian Tuna and Green Bean Salad

Italian Tuna and Green Bean Salad on plate.
Italian Tuna and Green Bean Salad Photo Credit: Coley Cooks

This recipe for Italian Tuna and Green Bean Salad is incredibly simple to make. It only has 7 basic ingredients and makes a tasty and healthy meal!
Get The Recipe: Italian Tuna and Green Bean Salad

Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes

Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes on white plate.
Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes Photo credit: The Bella VIta

Quick, easy, and absolutely unforgettable, this Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is one of my favorite easy meals! Fresh, plump cherry tomatoes make the most amazing pasta sauce in combination with earthy garlic.
Get The Recipe: Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes

Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocado

Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocado on white plates.
Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocado. Photo credit: Fearless Dining

This quick and easy tuna salad stuffed avocado makes a great lunch. Add in your favorite diced veggies!
Get The Recipe: Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocado

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad in large white bowl.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Photo credit: Eat Mediterranean Food

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is light and refreshing yet still filling and satisfying. Best of all, it’s effortless and quick to make. It takes 30 minutes to cook the pasta, chop the vegetables, and mix everything together.
Get The Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta Salad

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