Now that the glorious days of summer vacation have come to an end, it’s time to shift into back-to-school and back-to-routine mode. And that means packing lunches again. Whether you’re tucking a bento box into your work tote or grabbing a quick lunch at home between activities, the goal is the same: make food that still tastes great hours after it’s packed. We’ve compiled a go-to guide of simple yet satisfying, easy lunch recipes to keep everyone fueled throughout the day. Each recipe is perfectly packable, conveniently easy, and crave-worthy enough to make you actually look forward to lunchtime.
Harvest Salad with Apples, Turkey & Cheddar
Enjoy the flavors of fall with this easy-to-pack salad. Tender, massaged kale serves as the base, topped with seasonal favorites like crisp apples, dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts. When it’s time to eat, drizzle the vibrant dressing made from apple cider vinegar, mustard, and maple syrup to make those fall flavors pop. Requiring only 25 minutes of prep time, of all our easy lunch recipes, this will be a staple for parents to enjoy season-long.
Get the recipe: Harvest Salad with Apples, Turkey & Cheddar
Mason Jar Tortellini Spinach Salad
We love desk-friendly, easy lunch recipes, and this one packs a burst of flavor into a convenient mason jar. Start with a tangy base of Italian dressing, then layer in cooked frozen tortellini, juicy tomatoes, baby spinach, and creamy mozzarella balls. Store the jars in the fridge, and when it’s time to eat, just give it a good shake or dump it into a bowl to enjoy.
Get the recipe: Mason Jar Tortellini Spinach Salad
Big-Batch Tomato Lentil Stew
Perfect for busy professionals, this big-batch stew makes bringing lunch into the office effortless. Lentils, a mix of vibrant veggies, and flavorful vegetable broth come together in one pot to create a comforting, satisfying meal. Make it over the weekend and portion it into containers for easy weekday lunches. It stays in the fridge for up to five days or can be frozen for up to two months.
Get the recipe: Big-Batch Tomato Lentil Stew
Big-Batch Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
This flavorful Instant Pot recipe makes meal prep a breeze. Chicken thighs and brown rice are marinated in a jarred sofrito, then pressure-cooked to perfection. Simply spoon the mixture into microwave-safe containers, top with black beans and salsa for an extra kick, and stash them in the fridge. Just grab one on your way out the door for a quick, satisfying lunch that’s perfect for the break room.
Get the recipe: Big-Batch Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
Peanut Butter Rice Cakes and Apples with Cinnamon-Yogurt Dip
Turn to snack meals for delicious, light, easy lunch recipes that kids and adults both love. Affordable and easy to assemble, rice cakes are coated in a generous layer of peanut butter for a little punch of protein. Finished off with seasonal sliced apples and a homemade cinnamon-yogurt dip, these hand-held delights add a touch of sweetness to your lunch spread.
Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Rice Cakes and Apples with Cinnamon-Yogurt Dip
Air Fryer Quesadilla with Salsa-Stuffed Peppers
Use an air fryer to make this quesadilla lunch in a flash. Pile your tortilla with shredded cheese and refried beans and cook until perfectly melted. Mini bell peppers, stuffed with a guacamole-salsa dip, help round out the meal. Want a little more in your duo? Pack some extra tortilla chips and fresh fruit for something extra special.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Quesadilla with Salsa-Stuffed Peppers
Chicken Salad and Hummus Snack Meal
Store-bought essentials help this snack meal come to life. Chicken salad (picked up from the deli) and a package of hummus (check the refrigerator section) come together to make a hearty addition to your lunchbox. Pair them with your favorite raw veggies and crackers for dipping, and you’ll be set to power through the rest of your day. We love adding in some fresh fruit for something more filling.
Get the recipe: Chicken Salad and Hummus Snack Meal
Italian Chopped Kale Salad
Take your deli counter favorites to the next level with this parent-approved salad. Add chopped turkey, salami, and provolone cheese to a base of massaged bagged kale. Toss in some signature Italian salad toppings, like pepperoncini and artichoke hearts, to pack an extra punch of flavor in every bite. To keep things crisp, pack the homemade tangy dressing on the side— just drizzle and shake when you’re ready to eat.
Get the recipe: Italian Chopped Kale Salad
Greek Orzo Salad with Chicken
Enjoy bright Mediterranean flavors at lunchtime with this easy 25-minute recipe. With a hearty orzo base, topped with rotisserie chicken and a mix of vegetables, this balanced pasta salad is as flavorful as it is filling. Delicious when served cold or at room temperature, it’s a great option for making ahead and packing for an on-the-go lunch. Bonus: Kids love it, too!
Get the recipe: Greek Orzo Salad with Chicken
Mason Jar Noodles with Veggies
You can simplify your week with make-ahead mason jar easy lunch recipes. Each jar is layered with tender noodles, cubed tofu, assorted veggies, and a dollop of miso paste— perfect for a quick, grab-and-go lunch. When you’re ready to eat, just add boiling water and enjoy a warm, nutritious meal in minutes.
Get the recipe: Mason Jar Noodles with Veggies
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
This is a great recipe to set and forget on the weekend for a weeks-worth of delectable lunch. Each bowl has heart green peas, carrots, celery, ham, and aromatics for the warming bite that is filling enough to power you through the rest of the day.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Stew
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Tortilla Wrap
If your refrigerator is running low on ingredients on a school night, these wraps are the best thing to whip up. Requiring just a tortilla, bacon, eggs, and cream cheese, this recipe turns simple staples into a delicious lunch for your little ones. Complete the meal with some pretzels, fruit, and sliced veggie sticks for a well-rounded option that will keep them fueled all day long.
Get the recipe: Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Tortilla Wrap
Vegetable Soup with Meatballs
Transform a can of vegetable condensed soup with a bag of frozen turkey meatballs and some frozen spinach. It takes just 20 minutes to throw together, so you can prep it in advance or toss it on the stove between meetings. And did we mention it’s veggie-packed and takes just three ingredients? That’s a win-win when it comes to easy lunch recipes.
Get the recipe: Vegetable Soup with Meatballs
Chickpea and Quinoa Mediterranean Salad
The Mediterranean-inspired flavors in this salad come to life as it sits, making it a perfect choice for a packable, make-ahead lunch. The zesty lemon dressing soaks into the quinoa, adding a punch of flavor in every bite. Fresh parsley adds a refreshing touch throughout the dish, while crushed pita chips (sprinkled on top prior to enjoying) give it a satisfying crunch. It’s the ultimate, flavor-packed lunch to take on the go!
Get the recipe: Chickpea and Quinoa Mediterranean Salad
Salad with Chicken and Avocado Dressing
This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, thanks to pre-washed bagged lettuce and rotisserie chicken. The perfect go-to for busy weeknights or rushed mornings, it’s as simple to prepare as it is to eat during your lunch hour. Especially yummy with the side of creamy avocado dressing that adds a rich, mouthwatering touch, this tasty lunch will have you looking forward to mealtime all day long!
Get the recipe: Salad with Chicken and Avocado Dressing
Chicken Meatballs with Rice and Peas
Freezer staples come to the rescue with this easy lunch recipe. A favorite among little ones, frozen meatballs and peas are added to a bed of fluffy rice to make a satisfying main dish. Pack up some extra fruits, veggies, or snacks to complete the meal, and send your kid off to school with a lunch they’ll love.
Get the recipe: Chicken Meatballs with Rice and Peas
