Let’s face it, lunchtime is often the most overlooked meal of the day, but it’s time to change that narrative with these 25 easy dishes. Say goodbye to last-minute, lackluster options and hello to lunches that are eagerly anticipated. Whether you’re in the mood for a soup that soothes the soul or a salad that feels like a burst of sunshine on a plate, there’s something in this collection for every craving.
Chicken Zoodle Soup
Say goodbye to the regular noodle soup and hello to a lighter, zestier version with zucchini noodles. It’s packed with all the comforting flavors you love, with a fresh twist that’ll make your lunch break something to look forward to. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies without even noticing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
This is a classic, easy-to-make dish that brings back memories of simpler times. It’s creamy, savory, and has just the right amount of crunch, making it the perfect spread for crackers or bread. Ideal for a quick lunch or a nostalgic snack anytime.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Dig into a bowl of this vibrant soup that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The blend of roasted red peppers and tomatoes offers a sweet and smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s a warming, comforting dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
This salad is a delightful mix of textures and tastes, with tender chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. It’s a refreshing take on chicken salad that’s both nutritious and filling. Whip it up in minutes for a lunch that’s both sophisticated and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
This Italian classic is a hearty and comforting soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. With its rich tomato base, pasta, and beans, it’s a filling meal that’s both rustic and delicious. Plus, it’s just as good the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Salmon Pasta Salad
Imagine a pasta salad that’s both light and filling, thanks to the addition of flaky, omega-rich salmon. It’s tossed with a lemony dressing that gives it a bright, fresh flavor, perfect for shaking off the lunchtime slump. It’s a dish that’s as healthy as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Fully Loaded Baked Potato Soup
This soup takes all the best parts of a fully loaded baked potato and turns it into a creamy, comforting meal. With cheese, bacon, and sour cream, it’s like the best kind of indulgence for your lunch break. And it’s surprisingly easy to make, which is always a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Fully Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Pesto Orzo Salad
Here’s a dish that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in color, thanks to the fresh basil pesto and cherry tomatoes. The orzo makes it hearty enough to keep you full, but it’s still light enough to not weigh you down. It’s a quick, refreshing salad that’s perfect for a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Take the convenience of rotisserie chicken and mix it with pasta, veggies, and a creamy dressing for a lunch that’s both easy and exciting. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and turn them into something special. This salad is proof that quick meals can also be mouth-wateringly good.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup brings a smoky depth of flavor that’s complemented by the crunch of tortilla strips on top. It’s a cozy, comforting dish with a kick of spice that’s just the thing to brighten up your lunchtime. Plus, it’s loaded with protein to keep you powered through the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Shirazi Salad
This Persian salad is a refreshing combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick side or a healthy lunch option. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing make it a bright spot in any meal.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
The combination of tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and creamy broth in this soup makes for a satisfying and comforting lunch. It’s a sophisticated take on the classic chicken soup, and the best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need something warm and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
This salad is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber-rich wheat berries, protein-packed tuna, and juicy tomatoes. It’s dressed in a light vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Ideal for a health-conscious lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this soup, where cheese-filled tortellini, kale, and chicken come together in a savory broth. It’s a filling meal that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. Perfect for warming up your lunch break on a cool day.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Give your Caesar salad a fun twist with Tex-Mex flavors, including crunchy tortilla strips and a spicy dressing. It’s a lively, flavorful dish that’s far from the ordinary salad, making it a lunch you’ll actually look forward to. Plus, it’s quick to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup
This hearty soup is a flavor-packed option that combines split peas, ham, and sausage for a truly satisfying meal. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s ideal for prepping ahead and enjoying throughout the week. Each spoonful is a reminder that lunchtime can be both easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
This isn’t your average potato salad; it’s elevated with fresh herbs and green garlic for a burst of flavor. It’s a side dish that stands out, perfect for when you want something a little more gourmet without much extra effort. Great for picnics, potlucks, or just a delicious lunch at home.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Smoked Beef Stew
Dive into a bowl of this rich, smoky stew for a lunch that’s both hearty and comforting. The smoked beef adds a depth of flavor that’s unmatched, making it a stew that’s sure to impress. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for colder days.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
This salad mixes tender yellow beans and potatoes with a light, herby dressing for a fresh take on the classic potato salad. It’s a bright, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a great way to brighten up your mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Potato & Green Pea Chowder
This chowder is a creamy, comforting blend of potatoes and green peas, making it a satisfying lunch option. It’s a simple, hearty dish that’s perfect for warming up on a brisk day. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some veggies in a delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Potato & Green Pea Chowder
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
This salad brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your lunch with tuna, olives, and a lemony dressing. It’s light, flavorful, and packed with protein, making it a great option for a healthy, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easy to toss together, even on the busiest of days.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of butternut squash and sweet potatoes blended together in this delightful soup. It’s a touch sweet, a bit savory, and entirely warming, making it a fantastic lunchtime treat. And it’s surprisingly simple to make, offering gourmet flavors without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
This salad mixes crisp asparagus, zesty lemon, and shaved Parmesan cheese. It’s light and refreshing, perfect for a quick, healthy lunch. The bright flavors and simple ingredients make it a standout dish that’s effortlessly elegant.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Cream of Onion Soup
Enjoy a bowl of this rich, velvety soup that elevates the humble onion to star status. It’s a warming, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy lunch. With a depth of flavor that’s both simple and sophisticated, it’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup
Steak & Pasta Salad
Combines tender steak with pasta in a flavorful dressing, t his dish makes it a hearty, satisfying lunch option. It’s a great way to turn last night’s dinner into today’s lunchtime star. Easy to assemble and packed with flavor, it’s a surefire way to beat the lunchtime blues.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad