Simple Lunch Recipes to Make at Home (and Eat Alone)

Are you getting bored with the same old lunch? Do you need uncomplicated but satisfying meals you can make at home? You are in the right place. In this article, we will cover easy recipes for lunch that will please your taste buds and your busy schedule.

Why a Good Lunch Matters

So, before we share our recipe collection, let us first remind you of the importance of a balanced lunch to your health and well-being. A wholesome lunch fuels you to finish your day strong, supports blood sugar balance, and increases your daily nutrient intake. When you pack your lunch bag at home, you are in control of what goes into your meals the flavors, portions, and nutritional value.

Quick and Easy Sandwich Ideas

Sandwiches are a classic lunch possibility, and quite right, too. They’re flexible, mobile devices, that can be set up in minutes. For some creative sandwiches, you can try:

The Ultimate Veggie Sandwich

·         Whole grain bread

·         Hummus

·         Sliced cucumber

·         Sliced tomato

·         Sliced avocado

·         Sprouts or microgreens

·         Red onion (thinly sliced)

Lettuce leaves

Slather hummus on both pieces of bread. On one slice, layer on the vegetables, beginning with the cucumber, followed by the tomato, avocado, sprouts, onion, and lettuce. Place the second slice of bread on top and enjoy.

 Gourmet Grilled Cheese

·         Sourdough bread

·         Sharp cheddar cheese

·         Sliced apple

·         Dijon mustard

 
Butter

Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one slice of bread. Layer cheese and apple slices on top of that. Top with the second slice of bread. Spread butter on the outside of both pieces. Grill in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

 Hearty Salads for a Light Lunch

Salads need not be boring. With the right mix of ingredients, they can be filling, flavorful, and nutritious. Here are two simple salad lunches to make at home:

 
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

 

·         1 can of chickpeas drained and rinsed

·         1 cucumber, diced

·         1 bell pepper, diced

·         1/4 red onion, minced

·         1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

·         1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

·         2 tablespoons olive oil

·         1 tablespoon lemon juice

·         Salt and pepper to taste

 

Optional: fresh chopped herbs (parsley, mint, or dill)

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and toss gently. Wait at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Read More: Classic Pancakes Recipe

 
Other Mother Recipes Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad

Optional: crumbled goat cheese

In a bowl, mix prepared quinoa and roasted vegetables. Add the pine nuts and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Add goat cheese, if you want, and season with salt and pepper.

 
Warm and Comforting Soups

Soups are a perfect choice for one of those warm, cozy lunches at home. They are make-ahead and easy to reheat. Below are two easy soup recipes to try:

Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

·         One (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes

·         1 onion, diced

·         2 cloves garlic, minced

·         2 cups veg or chicken broth

·         1/2 cup heavy cream

·         2 tablespoons olive oil

·         Salt and pepper to taste

 Optional: for garnish, some fresh basil

1.      In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sandwich in between oil, onion, and garlic, and bake until softened.

2.      Add tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.

3.      With an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.

4.      Add heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.

5.      Briefly heat through and serve hot with extra basil if you fancy.

 

Lentil and Vegetable Soup

·         1 cup dried lentils, rinsed

·         1 onion, diced

·         2 carrots, diced

·         2 celery stalks, diced

·         2 cloves garlic, minced

·         1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

·         6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

·         1 teaspoon cumin

·         1 teaspoon dried thyme

·         Salt and pepper to taste

·         2 tablespoons olive oil

 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Stir in onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. (cook until softened)

 Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, cumin and thyme. Add salt to taste and bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.

 Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

·         1 cup cooked quinoa

·         1/2 cup chickpeas

·         1/4 cup diced cucumber

·         1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

·         2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

·         2 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives

·         2 tablespoons hummus

·         Lemon wedge for serving

·         Combine everything in a bowl. Squeeze lemon juice on top right before eating.

·         No-Cook Lunch Ideas

 Here are some no-cook lunch options for days when you’re short on time or don’t feel like cooking:

 

Veggie and Hummus Wrap

·         Large whole wheat tortilla

·         1/4 cup hummus

·         Sliced cucumber

·         Sliced bell pepper

·         Shredded carrots

·         Spinach leaves

First, spread some hummus on the tortilla. Fill the center with layers of vegetables. Tightly roll and cut in half.

 

Greek Yogurt Parfait

·         1 cup Greek yogurt

·         1/2 cup mixed berries

·         1/4 cup granola

·         1 tablespoon honey

Alternate layers of yogurt, berries, and granola in a jar or bowl. Serve drizzled with honey.

 

Lunch Formula for a Successful Lunch

Here are some tips to help make packing your lunch easier and quicker:

1.      Plan your meals in advance: Dedicate a small amount of time at the start of the week to plan your lunches.

2.      Prep ingredients ahead of time: Wash and chop vegetables, and batch-cook grains or proteins.

3.      Invest in good storage containers: Good containers will keep your food fresh, and will help prevent spills.

4.      Use leftovers creatively: Repurpose dinner leftovers for new lunch meals.

5.      Stock your pantry: Keeping staples means you can whip up a quick lunch.

 

Conclusion

For some reason, making simple recipes for lunch at home seems so complicated and troublesome. With a bit of preparation and imagination, you can have tasty, healthy meals that align with your timetable and food preferences.

Sandwiches, salads, soups, grain bowls: There’s an easy lunch out there for you. Making your own lunches will save you money, allow you to control your choice of ingredients, and have the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. So why not start today? Pick one of these recipes and have a homemade, tasty lunch tomorrow!

When preparing home lunches, the most important thing to keep in mind is creating a good balance between convenience and nutrition. Try different recipes until you find what fits your lifestyle.