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Home » Lunch

If You’re Packing Lunches Again, These 15 Recipes Help Big Time

Published: Sep 1, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Lunches can get boring fast, but they don’t have to. These recipes are all about food that actually tastes great, feels worth eating, and doesn’t take a ton of energy to pull together. They’re perfect for anyone who’s tired of the same old routine and wants meals that are easy to look forward to instead of just something to get through.

An image of a Steak Sandwich.
Steak Sandwich. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

A close up image of cheesy bean and rice burrito on a plate.
Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These bean and rice burritos come together quickly with pantry staples and keep everyone full. They work well for lunch since they’re easy to prepare and help keep hungry kids energized.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Pesto Flatbread

An image of slices of flatbread on a serving plate.
Pesto Flatbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Naan flatbread topped with ricotta and cherry tomatoes bakes up in about 20 minutes. This makes it a quick lunch option for hungry kids who want something warm without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

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 leftover rice and vegetables can be ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a practical lunch for hungry kids on busy days when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A one-pot pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, and garlic is ready in about 30 minutes, making cleanup simple. This is a reliable choice for lunch when hungry kids need a meal without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

A Margherita pizza with tomato and basil on a crisp crust can be on the table in 20 minutes. It’s a simple lunch that comes together fast and works well for hungry kids looking for something light.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos

Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Shredded tofu tacos are fast to assemble and bring plenty of texture. They work well for lunch when hungry kids need a simple meal prepared quickly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos

One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta

An overview of a bowl of tomato basil pasta.
One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tomato basil pasta with cream, spinach, and Parmesan cooks in about 30 minutes using one skillet. It makes lunch easier by cutting down on dishes while still giving hungry kids a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta

Steak Sandwich

Steak Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Ribeye steak, cheese, and pesto aioli stack into a sandwich that’s quick to put together. This is a solid lunch for hungry kids who want something filling without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Steak Sandwich

Tofu BLT Sandwich

Tofu BLT Sandwich. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A sandwich layered with crispy tofu, fresh greens, and tomatoes comes together in little time. It’s a practical lunch that feels complete and works for hungry kids.
Get the Recipe: Tofu BLT Sandwich

Bacon Steak Wraps

Bacon Steak Wraps. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Bacon steak wraps with chuck steak and blue cheese dressing are simple to assemble. They make a quick lunch choice for hungry kids when there isn’t much time to prepare food.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Steak Wraps

Naan Pizza

An image of naan pizza with different toppings on each.
Naan Pizza. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Naan pizzas can be ready in 30 minutes and customized with different toppings. This makes them a straightforward lunch that works well for hungry kids.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Meatball marinara subs on toasted brioche with homemade meatballs can be assembled quickly. They make a hearty lunch for hungry kids who need a filling meal without spending much time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

An image of buffalo chickpea wraps on a plate.
Buffalo Chickpea Wrap. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Buffalo chickpea wraps can be made in 15 minutes and bring bold flavor. They serve as a convenient lunch for hungry kids, especially during busy days.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A chicken salad sandwich with chili crisp comes together in just minutes. It’s a fast lunch that gives hungry kids a meal with plenty of flavor without taking long to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

Easy Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan egg rolls with a few basic ingredients take around 20 minutes to prepare. This makes them a convenient lunch choice for hungry kids who need something quick to eat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

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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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