Lunchtime lifesavers: 25 quick and delicious recipes

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Are you tired of having the same ordinary lunch every single day? Do you yearn for quick, delicious recipes to excite your lunchtime? Well, your wish has come true! I’ve compiled a fantastic batch of 25 easy-to-make and mouthwatering recipes that will leave you satisfied and happy. These recipes are perfect for those situations when you’re short on time or want to spice up your lunchtime routine.

No more sticking to dull meals! Say farewell to uninspiring lunches and say hello to a wide range of different options that are effortless to prepare. It’s time to add some excitement and flavor to your midday break. So, select your preferred recipe, and get ready to indulge in a kitchen trip that will bring joy to your day. Transform your lunch into a wonderful experience that’ll leave you looking forward to it daily with these quick and delicious recipes, perfect for lunchtime lifesavers!

Hand holding a frankie roll with two more rolls in the background.
Indian Frankies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Pho

When the craving for a steaming bowl of Vietnamese goodness strikes, don’t fret—toss some aromatic spices and your preferred choice of beef or chicken into the Instant Pot. This culinary magic yields a comforting pho ready in a snap, providing warmth and flavor on even the busiest lunch breaks. The richness of the broth and the tender meat create a delightful midday escape.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Green Papaya Salad

Tired of the same old salads? Take a detour to Thailand with a Green Papaya Salad featuring shredded green papaya, carrots, peanuts, and a lime dressing. Its textures and tastes offer a crunchy, tangy, and refreshing departure from the ordinary lunchtime fare. The vibrant colors and the burst of flavors make every bite a trip for your palate.
Get the Recipe: Green Papaya Salad

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Pakora

Craving a flavorful crunch? Look no further than Chicken Pakora—spiced chicken bites that redefine the essence of a satisfying snack or main course. These bite-sized delights bring the bold taste of Indian street food to your lunch, offering a symphony of impossible flavors to resist. The crispy exterior and the explosion of spices—Chicken Pakora is a celebration of textures and tastes that will make your lunch memorable.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Mulligatawny Soup

Give your soup routine a delightful shake-up with Mulligatawny—a hearty Anglo-Indian fusion that harmonizes lentils, vegetables, and spices into a bowl of pure comfort. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, offering a robust blend of flavors that makes it an ideal lunchtime companion. The wholesome goodness and the satisfying feeling with each spoonful warm you up from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

Overhead shot of spicy cucumber salad in a black bowl with a fancy serving spoon on the side.
Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Spice up your salad game with a Spicy Cucumber Salad—sliced cucumbers bathed in a mouthwatering spicy dressing. It’s the kind of crunch that refreshes, the spice that invigorates, making it perfect as a side or a standalone dish to spice up your lunch routine. The crispness of the cucumbers, the kick of the spice—it’s a sensory adventure in every bite, turning an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.
Pork Belly Banh Mi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mochiko Chicken

Craving Japanese flavors for lunch? Mochiko Chicken is your answer. These bite-sized delights, coated in sweet rice flour and fried perfectly, bring a balanced flavor perfect for a quick lunch. The golden exterior and the sweet and savory harmony—Mochiko Chicken is a culinary escapade that turns a regular lunch break into a journey through the vibrant tastes of Japan. Let your taste buds savor every crispy bite.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Pork Belly Banh Mi

Take your palates on a trip with a Pork Belly Banh Mi—a Vietnamese-inspired sandwich that combines succulent pork belly, crisp veggies, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a bold, satisfying, handheld lunch and a celebration of diverse flavors. The layers of goodness, the fusion of textures—every bite transports you to the bustling streets of Vietnam without leaving your lunchtime sanctuary.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Onion Samosas

Golden, flaky, and filled with spiced onions—Onion Samosas are the savory pastries that redefine lunchtime indulgence. The crunch as you bite into the golden exterior, the burst of flavors as you savor the spiced onion filling. These samosas are more than a snack; they’re a lunchtime treat that brings an irresistible touch of India to your palate. Let your taste buds enjoy the moment with every delicious bite.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas

Chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican flavors in a flash! Shredded chicken, beans, corn, and spices meld seamlessly in the Instant Pot to create a hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup. The aroma wafting through your kitchen, the vibrant colors in your bowl—a comforting and flavorful lunch ready in no time, turning your midday break into a mini fiesta of taste and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Asparagus and Shrimp Salad

Looking for a light and nutritious lunch? Enter the Asparagus and Shrimp Salad—an ensemble of grilled shrimp and fresh asparagus tossed together with a simple dressing. It’s a quick and delicious choice that’s perfect for a satisfying midday break. With the vibrant colors and the freshness of the ingredients—this salad is not just a meal; it’s a wholesome experience that turns your lunch into a moment of culinary delight.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Shrimp Salad

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Taquitos

Crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside—Air Fryer Taquitos are a testament to the art of quick and tasty lunch options. Rolled tortillas filled with seasoned goodness, air-fried to perfection, these handheld treats are an experience in every bite. The golden crispness and the burst of flavors—Taquitos are your ticket to a lunchtime trip that’s both convenient and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos

Green Bean Salad

Crunchy green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette—Green Bean Salad is not just a salad but a symphony of tastes and textures perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch. The crispness of the beans, the burst of flavors from the tomatoes and feta. This salad is your ticket to a lunchtime adventure that’s both convenient and delicious, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Empanadas

Flaky, filled, and air-fried to perfection—Air Fryer Empanadas redefines the art of a quick and tasty lunch option. With various savory fillings encased in golden pastry, they’re easy to enjoy on the go, no mess no fuss. The golden exterior and the flavorful filling—it’s a handheld delight that transforms your lunch break into a moment of culinary indulgence. Embrace the convenience without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Wonton Soup

Delicate wontons in a savory broth with greens—Wonton Soup is the epitome of light and comforting Chinese fare. Quick to prepare and satisfying to the last slurp, it’s perfect for a midday meal. The delicate folds of the wontons, the warmth of the broth. This soup turns your lunch into a moment of simple yet wonderful indulgence. Embrace the convenience without compromising on the wholesome experience.
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup

Hand holding a frankie roll with two more rolls in the background.
Indian Frankies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Indian Frankies

Spice up your lunchtime affair with Indian Frankies—flatbread wraps bursting with flavor. Stuffed with spiced potatoes, paneer, or succulent chicken, these handheld delights redefine on-the-go dining. The convenience of holding a taste explosion—each bite a journey through the vibrant and bold flavors of Indian cuisine, making your midday break an unforgettable culinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Indian Frankies

Chicken Tikka Wrap

Spice things up with a Chicken Tikka Wrap. Tender chicken tikka, crisp veggies, and a drizzle of sauce make for a satisfying lunch that brings the bold flavors of India to your hands. The juiciness of the chicken, the crunch of the veggies—each bite is a culinary journey that turns your lunch break into a flavorful trip. Embrace the convenience without compromising on the vibrancy of taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap

Low angle shot of mini tostadas with salpicon de res or shredded beef salad on top.
Salpicon de Res. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Salpicon de Res

Transport your taste buds to Mexico with Salpicon de Res—a beef salad featuring shredded beef, fresh veggies, and a dressing. It’s a light and flavorful lunch that’s the perfect midday escape. The vibrant colors and goodness—each bite celebrates Mexican flavors that turn your lunch into a culinary treat. Embrace the convenience without sacrificing the richness of taste.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Ready to break the lunch monotony? Enter the Watermelon and Feta Salad—a seemingly unconventional yet delightful marriage of sweet watermelon and salty feta. The result is a light, juicy dish that’s not just a salad; it’s a game-changer for your taste buds. The sweetness meets the saltiness and the burst of flavors—this salad is the refreshing break your lunchtime routine has been waiting for.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Feta Salad

A bowl of ramen with karaage chicken.
Spicy Miso Ramen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Miso Ramen

Craving a noodle fix for lunch? Spicy Miso Ramen is your answer. With a miso broth, veggies, and your choice of protein, it’s a comforting and flavorful lunch that’s ready in minutes. The broth’s richness and vibrant colors in your bowl—each slurp is a taste of Japan that transforms your lunch break into a moment of culinary indulgence. Embrace the convenience without sacrificing the authenticity of taste.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen

Chicken Potstickers

Pan-fried dumplings filled with seasoned chicken—Chicken Potstickers are more than a lunch option; they’re a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The golden crispness, the juicy chicken filling. These potstickers offer a taste adventure that turns your lunch into a culinary escapade. Embrace the convenience without compromising on the satisfaction of a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers

Kachumber Salad

Keep it fresh and simple with a Kachumber Salad—a traditional Indian delight featuring diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions with a hint of spices. It’s a burst of freshness, a melody of flavors that’ll transform your midday meal into a refreshing affair. The vibrant colors and the crispness of the veggies—this salad is a celebration of simplicity, making lunchtime a rejuvenating experience for your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad

Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside.
Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Samosas

Flaky pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas—Samosas are more than a snack; they’re a lunchtime delight. Portable and delicious, they offer a satisfying treat that’s easy to enjoy on the go. The golden exterior, the burst of flavors as you bite into the spiced filling. These samosas are an indulgence that turns your lunch into a moment of culinary joy. Embrace the convenience without compromising on the richness of taste.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A deconstructed pot pie in soup form—Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup is your answer to a comforting and quick lunch option. Tender chicken, veggies, and a creamy broth meld seamlessly in the Instant Pot, delivering a comforting and quick lunch option that hits all the right notes. The aroma wafting through your kitchen, the hearty bowl in front of you—this soup transforms your lunch break into a moment of culinary comfort. Embrace the convenience without sacrificing the soul-warming experience.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Hand holding paneer roll.
Paneer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Paneer Rolls

Soft flatbreads filled with spiced paneer and veggies—Paneer Rolls bring the rich flavors of India to your midday meal. Convenient, delicious, and departing from the usual lunchtime fare, these rolls celebrate authentic taste. The softness of the bread, the burst of spices from the paneer filling. Each bite is a culinary journey that transforms your lunch break into a moment of delicious indulgence. Embrace the convenience without sacrificing the vibrancy of taste.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls

Yum Woon Sen

Thai glass noodle salad with shrimp and ground chicken—Yum Woon Sen is not just a salad; it’s a light and refreshing lunch that perfectly balances flavors and textures. The vibrant colors, the lime dressing. This dish is an invitation to a culinary trip that turns your lunch into a moment of Thai-inspired delight. Embrace the convenience without compromising on the authenticity of taste.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen

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