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Home » Lunch

29 Quick Lunch Ideas for Busy Days This Fall

Published: Sep 3, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Quick fall lunch ideas are exactly what you need when you’re juggling a busy schedule and still want something great to eat. These recipes are easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for those crisp autumn days. Whether you’re working from home or need to bring something to the office, these lunches will keep you fueled and happy without taking up too much of your time. Get ready to enjoy simple and satisfying meals that make fall feel even more special.

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

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 in 15 minutes with day-old rice and assorted ingredients, is a versatile and easy meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner as the seasons change.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

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. It serves as a quick and nutritious choice for either a side dish or light main course during autumn.
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 prepared in just 30 minutes. It pairs well with pasta, making it an easy and flavorful choice for fall weeknight dinners.
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.

Green beans stir-fried with coconut and Indian spices come together in just 30 minutes. This South Indian dish is a flavorful and healthy choice to complement fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

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, is ready in just 10 minutes. This protein-packed dish is a quick and easy choice for fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Salad with Pecans

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 ready in just 5 minutes. It makes an excellent side dish and is an efficient addition to any fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

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 staple in Indian cooking and doesn’t require a pressure cooker. It’s a fluffy, straightforward side that pairs well with many fall dishes.
Get the Recipe: Quick Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)

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 ingredients, is a classic Italian dish that is straightforward and easy to prepare. It’s a reliable choice for a quick, comforting fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

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, prepared in one pot in 40 minutes, offers a simple yet flavorful option for a fall dinner. Fresh herbs and cheese enhance this quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

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 and versatile, making them a great make-ahead meal. With various toppings, they offer a quick and customizable option for fall dinners.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

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 summer salad with cherry tomatoes and radishes, finished with a lemony vinaigrette, offers a light and refreshing option. It’s great for quick cookouts or as a fresh side during early fall.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Avocado Salad

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 make. It provides a simple yet flavorful option for busy fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, cooked on the stovetop in just 20 minutes, produce tender chicken pieces in a savory garlic sauce. This quick recipe is great for a fast fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 side dish that’s quick to prepare. It’s a great choice for a nutritious option that fits well into various fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

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, spinach, and garlic makes for a quick weeknight meal. It combines flavors in an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye's Copycat)

Blackened chicken tenders in a white dish.
Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye's Copycat). Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened chicken tenders, inspired by the popular recipe from Popeye's, are juicy and savory. They offer a healthier and more affordable option for a flavorful addition to various fall dishes.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeye's Copycat)

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 30 minutes, combines shrimp, tomatoes, spinach, and coconut milk. It’s a straightforward and impressive meal for autumn dinners.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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 paired with garlic cooked until golden, rich olive oil, fresh basil, and spicy Calabrian chili peppers. It’s a straightforward dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

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 are crispy on the outside and tender inside, drizzled with balsamic, feta, and pomegranate. They make a quick and flavorful side dish that fits well with fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Air Fryer Pizza

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

Air Fryer Pizza provides a quick and easy way to enjoy pizza with a crispy crust and melted cheese. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or a fun twist on traditional pizza nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

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 is a simple way to achieve flavorful, crispy pork chops without frying. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a great choice for a fast, satisfying fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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 tangy balsamic reduction. It’s a refreshing option for a summer salad that works well into early fall.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

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 a meat-free alternative with bold spices and a satisfying texture. They’re perfect for Taco Tuesday or any meal where you want a plant-based option.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos

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 satisfying dinner with its crispy coating. In about 25 minutes, you can enjoy a seafood meal that’s perfect for a comforting fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

Sauteed Rainbow Chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs.
Sauteed Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sauteed rainbow chard, prepared with just three ingredients, is a simple and healthy side dish. This quick recipe is perfect for those looking for a low-carb option that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Rainbow Chard

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 create a flavorful and comforting fall dish. It’s a perfect option for a cozy night in or a fall dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Curry Chicken with Onion

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 (Okra Curry) is an easy stir fry of fresh okra with onions and tomatoes. It’s a mild, earthy dish that’s great for a warm and comforting fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry

Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes is a stovetop side dish that takes only 25 minutes to prepare. It’s an easy and flavorful way to add a nutritious vegetable to your fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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 quick and versatile, offering a crispy and savory treat. This easy recipe is a great choice for a flavorful and uncomplicated fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

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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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