Who said lunches have to be a quick grab-and-go affair that leaves you wanting more an hour later? These 21 recipes are changing the lunch game, offering options that are mouthwatering and packed with everything needed to tackle the afternoon head-on. It’s a lineup that promises to banish the bland and the blah, replacing them with vibrant, nourishing dishes that are a joy to eat and a boon to your day.
Mochiko Chicken
When lunchtime calls for something out of the ordinary, Mochiko Chicken answers with its crispy, flavorful bite. Marinated in a unique blend, it’s a taste of Hawaii that can brighten up any afternoon. Pair it with some steamed rice or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Onion Samosas
Ever bite into an Onion Samosa and feel instantly transported? These little triangles of joy are packed with a spicy onion filling, making them a perfect pick-me-up for any lunch. Crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy, they’re great on their own or with a side of tangy chutney.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas
Air Fryer Taquitos
There’s something about Air Fryer Taquitos that just feels right for a busy day. Stuffed with your favorite fillings and crisped up to perfection, they’re a quick, mess-free lunch that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s the kind of meal that keeps things simple yet utterly delicious, ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
On days when you need a little comfort in a bowl, Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is there to save the afternoon. It’s a whirlwind of flavors, with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and that unmistakable warm spice. Quick to make but slow in savoring, it’s a soup that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Kachumber Salad
For a lunch side that’s as refreshing as it is simple, Kachumber Salad never disappoints. It’s a burst of fresh veggies, perfectly diced and dressed lightly to complement any main dish. This salad is the unsung hero of turning any meal into a feast for the senses.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad
Yum Woon Sen
Bringing a taste of Thailand to your lunch table, Yum Woon Sen is a light yet flavorful noodle salad that dances on the palate. It’s all about the mix of textures and flavors, from tender seafood or meat to the crunch of peanuts. If you’re in the mood for something that’s both refreshing and packed with flavor, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen
Chicken Pakora
Imagine biting into a piece of Chicken Pakora and experiencing that perfect crunch followed by tender, flavorful chicken. It’s a snack turned into a fulfilling lunch, especially when dipped into your favorite chutney. This dish is a midday treat that’s hard to beat, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Asparagus and Shrimp Salad
There’s an elegance to an Asparagus and Shrimp Salad that makes any lunch feel a bit more special. It’s a delightful combination of tender shrimp and crisp asparagus, all tossed together with a dressing that’s light yet flavorful. Perfect for those days when you want something quick, refreshing, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Shrimp Salad
Air Fryer Empanadas
The magic of Air Fryer Empanadas lies in their ability to turn a few simple ingredients into a crave-worthy lunch. These pockets of joy are crispy on the outside, stuffed with savory fillings that melt in your mouth. It’s a hands-on meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for shaking up your lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas
Pork Belly Banh Mi
For a sandwich that truly delivers, the Pork Belly Banh Mi is a fusion of flavors that’s hard to forget. Juicy pork belly, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs come together in a crusty baguette for a lunch that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s a gourmet experience right at your desk or dining table.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi
Chicken Tikka Wrap
This Chicken Tikka Wrap is a spiced, grilled chicken wrap that comes with soft bread and yogurt sauce. It offers a perfect balance of spicy and creamy flavors, making it a delicious portable feast for lunchtime. This wrap is a simple yet wonderful example of how basic ingredients can create a great dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap
Green Bean Salad
Sometimes, all it takes to power through an afternoon is a Green Bean Salad that’s both light and zesty. Crunchy green beans, tossed with a tangy dressing and perhaps a sprinkle of nuts for crunch, can brighten up any plate. It’s the kind of side that reminds you how delicious simplicity can be.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad
Salpicon de Res
Dive into a Salpicon de Res for a lunch that’s both refreshing and satisfying, with shredded beef, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a cold salad that packs a hearty punch, perfect for those warm days when you want something filling but not heavy. This dish is a colorful, flavorful way to break up the day.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res
Chicken Potstickers
When it comes to lunchtime treats, few things can compare to the deliciousness of chicken potstickers. These delectable bites are pan-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a juicy filling on the inside and a crispy, satisfying outer layer. The best part? They pair perfectly with a dipping sauce, which makes them an ideal midday meal that is both comforting and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers
Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of Tomato Soup, especially when it’s this easy to make. It’s warm, comforting, and has a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese or salad. On days when simplicity is key, this soup shines as a lunchtime favorite.
Get the Recipe: Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup
Wonton Soup
Wonton Soup is a bowl of comfort, with delicate dumplings floating in a clear, flavorful broth. It’s a soothing, satisfying lunch option that feels both light and nourishing. Perfect for sipping slowly while catching up on emails or enjoying a quiet moment.
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup
Bacon and Egg Salad
Brings together two breakfast favorites in a surprisingly fitting dish for lunch. Bacon and Egg Salad are creamy, crunchy, and flavorful, a salad that proves lunch doesn’t have to be boring. This dish is a midday boost that combines comfort with a touch of indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Egg Salad
Bombay Sandwiches
Bombay Sandwiches are a vibrant, no-cook lunch option that packs a punch of flavor. Stuffed with fresh vegetables, chutney, and spices, they’re a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something utterly delicious. It’s a sandwich that brings a bit of Mumbai street food magic to your lunch break.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup
For all the cozy vibes of chicken pot pie without the fuss, Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup delivers big time. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with all the veggies and chicken you love, ready in a fraction of the time. This soup is a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a little comfort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Samosas
Samosas are the ultimate pick-me-up, with their crispy pastry shell giving way to a spiced, savory filling. Whether you prefer them stuffed with vegetables or meat, they’re a snack that doubles as a satisfying lunch. It’s the kind of meal that brings a smile to your face, no matter how busy the day gets.
Get the Recipe: Samosas
Paneer Rolls
For a lunch that’s both filling and flavorful, try out our Paneer Rolls – a twist on the classic wrap. These rolls are made with spiced paneer and veggies and offer a great vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on taste. They’re easy to make and a perfect way to add some freshness and excitement to your lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls