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.
·
Sourdough bread
·
Sharp cheddar cheese
·
Sliced apple
·
Dijon mustard
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.
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:
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
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups mixed roasted veggies (zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
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.
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)
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
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.