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Home » Lunch

These 30 Quick Lunches Will Change Your Summer Workflow

Published: Jun 4, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Quick lunches can make all the difference when your day starts to blur together and you still need something great to eat. These recipes are fast, full of flavor, and actually worth looking forward to. They're perfect for keeping your energy up without slowing you down, and they don’t require a ton of prep or cleanup. If you're tired of boring desk meals or defaulting to snacks, this is exactly what you need to shake things up in the best way.

An image of three Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp.
Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Cottage Cheese Alfredo

An overhead image of cottage cheese alfredo in a bowl.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A creamy cottage cheese sauce gives this pasta a smooth texture, and the whole dish is ready in 15 minutes. It’s a solid option for a quick lunch that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Pesto Flatbread

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

Built on a crisp naan base and topped with ricotta and cherry tomatoes, this flatbread is ready in 20 minutes. It works well for a quick lunch that doesn’t require much prep or cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl.
Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mango and avocado salad is tossed in a lemon vinaigrette and comes together in just 15 minutes. It's a smart pick for a quick lunch when time is tight but you still want something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

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.

Made in one pot with sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, and garlic, this pasta is ready in about 30 minutes. It keeps things simple while still being a reliable choice for a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

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.

This fried rice uses leftover rice and whatever vegetables you have in the fridge, making it a flexible option that comes together in just 15 minutes. It's a practical choice for a quick lunch when you want to use what's already available.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Veggie Pinwheels

An image of veggie pinwheels on a serving plate.
Veggie Pinwheels. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Rolled with hummus and crisp vegetables, these veggie pinwheels need no cooking and take very little time to assemble. They’re a convenient pick for a quick lunch when you want something light and easy.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

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

Tomato and basil on a crisp crust come together in just 20 minutes to make this Margherita pizza. It’s an easy option for a quick lunch that feels freshly made.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Stuffed shells with beef, peppers, and provolone make for a hearty dish that comes together quickly. It’s a strong choice when you want a quick lunch that still feels like a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Creamy Halloumi Pasta

Creamy Halloumi Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Halloumi, tomatoes, and herbed sauce combine in a creamy pasta that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a reliable option when you need a quick lunch that’s both warm and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Halloumi Pasta

Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

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

This chicken salad sandwich includes chili crisp for added flavor and takes just minutes to prepare. It’s an efficient lunch choice when you want something different without spending a lot of time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chili Crisp

Sweet and Sour Tofu

Sweet and Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With a sticky sauce and crisp texture, this sweet and sour tofu dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It's a fast way to make a flavorful lunch without relying on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Tofu

Green Lentil Curry

Green Lentil Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This green lentil curry is easy to make on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker, depending on what you have. It’s a practical lunch option when you need something fast and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Green Lentil Curry

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Stir-fried beef yaki udon uses one pan and is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a smart lunch choice when you want something quick with easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yaki Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Thai coconut shrimp curry brings bold flavor with a short cooking time and simple steps. It works well as a quick lunch when you’re in the mood for something warm and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos

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

These shredded tofu tacos have a strong mix of spice and texture, and they’re fast to prepare. They’re a great option when you want a quick lunch that still feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos

Kung Pao Tofu

An image of kung pao tofu served in a bowl over rice.
Kung Pao Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Kung Pao tofu is ready in 30 minutes with tofu, peppers, and peanuts in a bold sauce. It’s a quick lunch option that comes together easily with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Vegan Picadillo

Vegan Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Made with tempeh, lentils, potatoes, and bold seasonings, this vegan picadillo is full of flavor and texture. It’s a strong choice when you want a quick lunch that feels substantial.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Picadillo

Sheet Pan Bibimbap

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

Roasted vegetables and crispy tofu bake on one sheet pan for this bibimbap, ready in just 35 minutes. It’s a practical lunch for when you want something hearty without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Spicy Baked Salmon Sushi Muffins

Spicy Baked Salmon Sushi Muffins. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These baked salmon sushi muffins use sushi rice and a spicy topping for a bite-sized meal. They’re an efficient option for lunch when you want something fast and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Baked Salmon Sushi Muffins

Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

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

Spicy buffalo chickpea wraps come together in just 15 minutes and are packed with bold flavor. They’re an efficient option for a quick lunch when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Italian Meatball Marinara Subs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These meatball marinara subs use homemade meatballs and toasted brioche buns for a hearty sandwich. They’re a fast lunch choice when you want strong flavor and simple prep.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Marinara Subs

Naan Pizza

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

Ready in 30 minutes, these naan pizzas are easy to personalize with toppings like tomatoes, olives, or peppers. They’re a fun choice for a quick lunch that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza

Blackened Cod

Blackened Cod. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A quick pan-sear and pantry spices make this blackened cod a simple, fast meal. It’s a great choice when you want a quick lunch with minimal prep time.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod

Spicy Soba Noodles

An overhead image of spicy soba noodles in a bowl.
Spicy Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Soba noodles tossed with vegetables and a spicy sauce make this dish a solid lunch in very little time. Everything comes together quickly, even on a packed day.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Kimchi fried rice is packed with flavor and takes about 30 minutes using just a few basic ingredients. It’s a dependable lunch when you want something quick and punchy.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Fried Rice

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

An image of pimento cheese sandwiches.
Pimento Cheese Sandwich. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pimento cheese sandwiches are assembled in just five minutes and pack a rich, creamy flavor. They’re a practical go-to for a quick lunch when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Bacon Steak Wraps

Bacon Steak Wraps. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These bacon steak wraps use chuck steak and blue cheese dressing for a bold combination, and they come together fast. It’s a good pick when you need a quick lunch that still feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Steak Wraps

Pizza Sliders

An image of a hand picking up one pizza slider from the baking pan.
Pizza Sliders. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pizza sliders with cheese, sauce, and vegetables are easy to put together and bake quickly. They work well as a quick lunch that’s hot and filling without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sliders

Steak Sandwich

Steak Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Ribeye steak, cheese, and pesto aioli come together in this sandwich that’s easy to assemble. It’s a strong option for a quick lunch that feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Steak Sandwich

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 use simple ingredients and are ready in just 20 minutes. They work well for a quick lunch or even a light snack when you’re short on time.
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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