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Home » Lunch

26 Fall Lunches So Good, You Won’t Believe They’re This Quick

Published: Oct 21, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Fall lunches don’t have to be complicated to be great. These quick, easy meals are perfect for when you want something that feels comforting but doesn’t take forever to whip up. Whether you're working from home or just need a quick break during a busy day, this list has the best fall flavors without any hassle. You’ll find something that's simple, fast, and perfect for cozying up during the cooler months. These lunches are all about bringing you big flavors without big effort.

An overhead iimage of two spicy alfredo pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Alfredo Sauce. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

An image of cranberry salad with pecans served in a white salad bowl with a fork on the side.
Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cranberry pecan salad, featuring tangy goat cheese and sweet cranberries, comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a quick and fresh option for fall lunches. With added crunch from pecans and packed with protein, it’s perfect for those busy fall days when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

Spinach Avocado Salad

An overhead image of spinach avocado salad in a wooden bowl with lemon in the background.
Spinach Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spinach and avocado salad with cherry tomatoes and radishes, finished with a lemony vinaigrette, is a light, refreshing dish perfect for fall lunches. Its fresh ingredients and quick preparation make it an excellent option when you need a healthy meal on the go.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

A close-up image of gochujang cauliflower tacos on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of lime slices and sliced red onions.
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Korean spiced cauliflower tacos are crispy, flavorful, and versatile, offering a satisfying meal in no time. Great for a quick fall lunch, they can be made ahead, making it easy to enjoy a delicious plant-based meal during your busiest days.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Kale Harvest Salad

An overhead image of kale salad in a large serving bowl.
Kale Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This fall kale salad with carrots and dates is prepared in just 15 minutes, providing a fast and nutritious option for lunch or as a side dish. The earthy flavors and crunchy textures make it a go-to choice when you need a quick, healthy fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale Harvest Salad

Spicy Alfredo Pasta

An overhead iimage of two spicy alfredo pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy Alfredo sauce with a creamy red pepper base is ready in just 30 minutes, pairing well with your favorite pasta for a comforting fall lunch. It’s a quick, easy option that brings rich flavors to your midday meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta

Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

A top-down view of stir-fried green beans with coconut on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin and fork.
Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stir-fried green beans with coconut and Indian spices is a flavorful dish that takes just 30 minutes to make. This quick, healthy side is perfect for fall lunches when you want something a little different but still light and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

A straight view of cooked jeera rice in a white plate.
Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Jeera rice, or cumin-infused basmati rice, is a fragrant and simple side dish that comes together quickly. It’s perfect for fall lunches, offering a versatile and flavorful option to pair with any meal in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Horizontal image of fried rice in a white bowl with brown chopsticks on the side.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fried rice, made with day-old rice, comes together in just 15 minutes and makes for a quick, versatile meal for fall lunches. With plenty of flexibility in ingredients, it’s the perfect way to use up leftovers while enjoying a warm, satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Leek and Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of cooked leek mushroom pasta in a pan.
Leek and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Light and creamy leek and mushroom pasta, made in one pot and ready in 40 minutes, offers a simple yet flavorful option for a cozy fall lunch. Fresh herbs and cheese bring out the best in this quick, comforting dish, perfect for the cooler weather.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Kale Salad With Cranberries

A horizontal image of kale salad with cranberries.
Kale Salad With Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale salad with cranberries, lemon, and nuts is a fast, nutritious dish that’s ready in just 5 minutes. Its combination of tangy, sweet, and crunchy elements makes it an excellent addition to any fall lunch, whether as a side or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

An overhead image of broccoli pesto pasta served in a plate.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli pesto pasta with toasted lemon zest and cherry tomatoes takes only 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for fall lunches. The fresh flavors and ease of preparation make it a go-to meal when you need something fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon.
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bucatini cacio e pepe, using only three simple ingredients, is a classic Italian dish that’s quick and satisfying. It’s perfect for fall lunches, offering a comforting meal with minimal prep that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese.
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts, crispy on the outside and tender inside, are drizzled with balsamic, feta, and pomegranate for a flavorful fall side dish. This quick recipe fits perfectly with fall lunches when you want something healthy and delicious in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

pasta aglio olio e peperoncino is mixed with a black pasta fork.
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Aglio Olio e Peperoncino features pasta with garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers, making it a flavorful and fast dish that’s perfect for fall lunches. The simplicity of this meal, combined with bold flavors, makes it a satisfying choice when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Tomato Burrata Salad

An assembled tomato burrata salad with sliced basil and burrata on a cutting board and a bowl of chopped heirloom tomatoes.
Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Tomato burrata salad enhances the classic caprese with heirloom tomatoes, fresh burrata cheese, and a balsamic reduction. This refreshing dish is a great choice for fall lunches when you need something light, flavorful, and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Coconut cauliflower rice is a flavorful and healthy dish that pairs well with many fall meals. Ready in minutes, this quick recipe is a great side for fall lunches, adding a fresh and unique touch to your meal without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Spicy Tofu Tacos

Side view of tacos on a plate, one with bite taken out.
Spicy Tofu Tacos. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Spicy tofu tacos offer bold flavors and a satisfying texture, making them an excellent choice for quick fall lunches. These plant-based tacos are easy to prepare and provide a flavorful, healthy meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos

Italian Chicken Cutlets

Breaded italian chicken cutlets on a black plate with sliced lemon.
Italian Chicken Cutlets. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Italian chicken cutlets are crispy, savory, and ready in a short amount of time, making them an excellent choice for fall lunches. This simple recipe offers a versatile meal that fits easily into busy fall schedules without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake-and-bake pork chops are a fast and crispy alternative to traditional frying, making them a perfect dish for quick fall lunches. With only 25 minutes from start to finish, they’re a great option when you need a satisfying meal on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Tuna pesto pasta with burst cherry tomatoes and spinach is an easy meal that’s perfect for fall lunches. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines rich flavors with fresh ingredients, making it a quick and nutritious option for any day.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Indian-Style Okra Curry

A black bowl filled with vegetables on a table.
Indian-Style Okra Curry. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Bhindi masala gravy, an Indian-style okra curry with onions and tomatoes, is a comforting dish that’s perfect for fall lunches. Easy to prepare and full of earthy flavors, it’s a warm, cozy meal for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic butter chicken bites, cooked in a savory garlic sauce, are ready in just 20 minutes, making them a great option for quick fall lunches. These tender, flavorful chicken pieces are perfect for busy days when you need a simple but satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Pizza

A pizza is being cooked in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air fryer pizza delivers a crispy crust and melted cheese in minutes, providing a fun, quick lunch for fall days. It’s a great option for when you want the ease of homemade pizza without the hassle of traditional preparation methods.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Curry Chicken with Onion

Curry Chicken with Onion inside golden pan.
Curry Chicken with Onion. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Juicy chicken and caramelized onions in a spicy curry sauce make for a flavorful and comforting dish, perfect for fall lunches. It’s a great option for those cooler fall days when you want something hearty and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach, made in one pan and ready in just 30 minutes, combines shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk into a quick, flavorful fall lunch. This dish provides rich flavors with minimal effort, perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Panko Crusted Rockfish

panko crusted rockfish on a plate with spinach.
Panko Crusted Rockfish. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Panko-crusted rockfish offers a light yet crispy seafood dish, ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for fall lunches. The crunchy coating and tender fish create a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and fits well into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

More Lunch Recipes

A bowl of Sheet Pan Bibimbap with a pair of chopsticks.
Sheet Pan Bibimbap. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Say goodbye to boring sandwiches! These 40 quick and easy lunches are fresh, delicious, and perfect for busy days.
Read it Here: 40 Lunches That Will Save You From Another Boring Sandwich

More Quick and Easy Fall Potluck Dishes

Horizontal shot of Bombay Potatoes on a plate with naan, with extra naan and red onions on the side.
Authentic Bombay Potatoes (Spicy Indian Potatoes). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Discover quick, flavorful recipes for your Fall Office Potluck. Perfect for busy schedules and packed with autumn-inspired goodness!
Read it Here: 23 Quick and Easy Dishes to Bring to Your Fall Office Potluck

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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