Lunchtime doesn’t have to feel repetitive or rushed.
If you’re stuck in a sandwich loop or tired of last night’s leftovers, it’s time to switch things up.
These 10 lunch recipe ideas are simple, satisfying, and full of fresh flavour.
Say goodbye to boring lunches & hello to better bites!
10 Lunch Recipe Ideas You’ll Keep Craving
These 10 easy recipe ideas are here to shake things up.
Quick to prep, full of flavour, and anything but boring, your midday meals just got an upgrade.
Fresh, fun, and way better than the usual repeat meals.
Time to bring the flavour back!
Additionally, here’s a handy table showing the prep time, cook time, and servings for each dish.
| Dish Name | Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves |
| 1. Thai Noodle Salad | 15 mins | 5 mins | 4 |
| 2. Banh Mi Sandwich | 20 mins | 10 mins | 4 |
| 3. Lentil Salad | 15 mins | 20 mins | 4 |
| 4. Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pockets | 20 mins | 15 mins | 4 |
| 5. Vegetarian Chicken Salad Sandwich | 10 mins | 0 mins | 3–4 |
| 6. Beef & Broccoli Ramen | 10 mins | 15 mins | 4 |
| 7. Chicken Caesar Wraps | 15 mins | 10 mins | 4 |
| 8. Chickpea Salad Sandwich | 10 mins | 0 mins | 3–4 |
| 9. Spicy Tuna Wrap | 10 mins | 0 mins | 2–3 |
| 10. Shrimp and Farro Salad | 15 mins | 15 mins | 4 |
Recipe 1 – Thai Noodle Salad
A zesty, colourful dish that’s light yet fills you up, perfect for a healthy lunch meal prep!
Ingredients
- Rice noodles
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cucumber)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint)
- Sesame dressing
- Optional: tofu or shrimp for protein
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them with cold water.
Step 2: Chop veggies and herbs finely.
Step 3: Mix noodles, veggies, and herbs with sesame dressing.
Step 4: Add tofu or shrimp if desired. Chill and serve.
Chef’s Tip: Double the dressing and add a splash right before eating for a flavour kick.
Recipe 2 – Banh Mi Sandwich
This Vietnamese gem brings bold tastes in every bite. A standout among cheap lunch ideas!
Ingredients
- Baguette or sandwich roll
- Sliced meat (pork, chicken, or tofu)
- Pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon)
- Fresh cilantro
- Sriracha mayo
Instructions
Step 1: Cut baguette and smear sriracha mayo inside.
Step 2: Stack meat and pickled veggies.
Step 3: Sprinkle on cilantro.
Step 4: Close it up and dig in.
Chef’s Tip: Got leftover meat? Toss it in to make this even faster.
Recipe 3 – Lentil Salad
A wholesome bowl of goodness that’s a breeze to prep ahead, one of the best healthy lunch meal prep picks!
Ingredients
- Cooked lentils
- Diced vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion)
- Feta cheese
- Lemon vinaigrette
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Mix lentils and chopped veggies in a bowl.
Step 2: Sprinkle feta on top.
Step 3: Pour lemon vinaigrette over and stir.
Step 4: Finish with parsley.
Chef’s Tip: Throw in some nuts or seeds for a crunchy twist.
Recipe 4 – Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pockets
Warm, cheesy, and handheld. These are a cosy pick for easy lunch recipes!
Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough
- Cooked chicken, diced
- Steamed broccoli, chopped
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Unroll dough into triangles.
Step 3: Combine chicken, broccoli, and cheddar; season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Spoon the mixture onto the dough, fold it, and seal it.
Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Chef’s Tip: Freeze extras and reheat for a grab-and-go lunch.
Recipe 5 – Vegetarian Chicken Salad Sandwich
A creamy, veggie-packed spin on a classic!
Ingredients
- Chickpeas, mashed
- Vegan mayo
- Diced celery and red onion
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley)
- Lettuce and tomato
- Bread or wrap
Instructions
Step 1: Smash chickpeas in a bowl.
Step 2: Stir in vegan mayo, celery, onion, and herbs.
Step 3: Spread on bread or wrap.
Step 4: Add lettuce and tomato, then serve.
Chef’s Tip: A squirt of lemon or dash of hot sauce takes it up a notch.
Recipe 6 – Beef & Broccoli Ramen
Fast, flavorful, and beats takeout, perfect for easy lunch recipes on hectic days!
Ingredients
- Ramen noodles
- Sliced beef
- Broccoli florets
- Soy sauce
- Garlic and ginger, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the ramen, drain it, and set it aside.
Step 2: Fry garlic and ginger, then brown beef.
Step 3: Add broccoli and soy sauce; cook until tender.
Step 4: Mix in noodles and serve hot.
Chef’s Tip: Frozen broccoli keeps it quick and wallet-friendly.
Recipe 7 – Chicken Caesar Wraps
A salad-turned-wrap that’s loaded with flavour. One of our top protein wraps lunch ideas!
Ingredients
- Tortilla wraps
- Grilled chicken, sliced
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Caesar dressing
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Step 1: Spread the tortilla out.
Step 2: Pile on chicken, lettuce, and parmesan.
Step 3: Drizzle with Caesar dressing.
Step 4: Roll the dough tightly and slice it in half.
Chef’s Tip: Toss in croutons or use a whole wheat wrap for extra goodness.
Recipe 8 – Chickpea Salad Sandwich
A tangy, vegan treat that’s super satisfying – another great, simple lunch choice!
Ingredients
- Chickpeas, mashed
- Vegan mayo
- Mustard
- Diced pickles and red onion
- Lettuce and tomato
- Bread
Instructions
Step 1: Mash chickpeas well.
Step 2: Blend in mayo, mustard, pickles, and onion.
Step 3: Spread on bread with lettuce and tomato.
Step 4: Enjoy fresh or pack it up for later.
Chef’s Tip: This mix doubles as a tasty dip with crackers.
Recipe 9 – Spicy Tuna Wrap
A fiery little number for tuna fans!
Ingredients
- Canned tuna, drained
- Mayo
- Sriracha
- Diced celery and red pepper
- Tortilla wrap
Instructions
Step 1: Combine tuna, mayo, sriracha, celery, and pepper.
Step 2: Spread the mixture evenly over a tortilla.
Step 3: Roll up and eat.
Chef’s Tip: Adjust the sriracha heat level or add avocado for added smoothness.
Recipe 10 – Shrimp And Farro Salad
A fresh, filling salad that’s a star for healthy lunch meal prep!
Ingredients
- Cooked farro
- Cooked shrimp
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Lemon vinaigrette
Instructions
Step 1: Mix farro, shrimp, tomatoes, and cucumber.
Step 2: Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss.
Step 3: Serve chilled or room temp.
Chef’s Tip: Swap farro for quinoa if you’re going gluten-free.
