10 Quick Lunch Recipes for Busy Weekdays

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This vibrant salad is packed with protein and flavor, making it perfect for a midday meal. It’s also extremely easy to prepare!

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup quinoa

• • 2 cups water

• • 1 cucumber, diced

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• • 2 tablespoons olive oil

• • Juice of 1 lemon

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.

1. 1. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

1. 1. Fluff quinoa with fork and let cool.

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and feta.

1. 1. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.

2. Turkey and Avocado Wrap

This wrap is nutritious and super filling. It’s a great on-the-go option for lunch!

Ingredients:

• • 1 whole wheat tortilla

• • 4 slices turkey breast

• • 1/2 avocado, sliced

• • 1/2 cup spinach or lettuce

• • 1 tablespoon hummus

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Spread hummus on the whole wheat tortilla.

1. 1. Layer turkey, avocado, and spinach on top.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Tightly roll the tortilla and slice in half.

3. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Chickpeas are a great source of protein, and this sandwich can be prepared in minutes!

Ingredients:

• • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

• • 1 tablespoon mustard

• • 1/4 cup celery, chopped

• • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • 2 slices whole grain bread

Instructions:

1. 1. In a bowl, mash chickpeas with a fork.

1. 1. Add mayonnaise, mustard, celery, and onion. Mix until combined.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper.

1. 1. Spread on bread and serve.

4. Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is the perfect dish that can be prepared the night before and enjoyed cold!

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked pasta (such as bow ties or rotini)

• • 1/2 cup pesto sauce

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 1/4 cup mozzarella balls, halved

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, pesto sauce, tomatoes, and mozzarella.

1. 1. Toss until thoroughly mixed.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

5. Veggie Stir-Fry with Brown Rice

Using leftover veggies and some pre-cooked brown rice makes this recipe quick and nutritious!

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)

• • 1 cup cooked brown rice

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

1. 1. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes until tender.

1. 1. Add cooked brown rice and soy sauce, stir until heated through.

1. 1. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

6. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A refreshing and light option that’s incredibly simple to throw together.

Ingredients:

• • 2 large tomatoes, sliced

• • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

• • Fresh basil leaves

• • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. On a plate, alternate tomato and mozzarella slices.

1. 1. Top with fresh basil leaves.

1. 1. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.

7. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pita

This pita is a delicious option packed with flavor and goodness!

Ingredients:

• • 1 whole wheat pita

• • 1 cup fresh spinach

• • 1/4 cup feta cheese

• • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a skillet, sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted.

1. 1. Mix in feta and tomatoes, and stir until combined.

1. 1. Carefully stuff the mixture into the pita.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

8. Egg Fried Rice

This easy recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite ingredients!

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups cooked rice

• • 2 eggs, beaten

• • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

• • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• • 1 tablespoon oil

• • Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

1. 1. Add beaten eggs and scramble until cooked. Remove from skillet.

1. 1. Add mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes.

1. 1. Add cooked rice and soy sauce, tossing to combine.

1. 1. Return scrambled eggs to the skillet, stir to combine, and garnish with green onions.

9. Black Bean Taco Bowl

A quick and easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Perfect for taco lovers!

Ingredients:

• • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• • 1 cup cooked brown rice

• • 1/2 cup corn

• • 1/2 avocado, sliced

• • 1/4 cup salsa

• • Cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. In a bowl, layer brown rice, black beans, and corn.

1. 1. Top with avocado slices and salsa.

1. 1. Add cheese if using, and enjoy!

10. Hummus and Veggie Platter

When it comes to quick lunches, this platter is versatile and can include any veggies you have on hand!

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup hummus

• • Assorted raw vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)

• • Olive oil drizzle (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. Arrange raw vegetables on a plate.

1. 1. Serve with a generous scoop of hummus.

1. 1. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.