19 Easy Lunch Recipes for When You Don’t Want to Lift a Finger

When lunchtime rolls around, the last thing you want is to spend ages in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve put together a list of easy lunch recipes that are perfect for those days when you just want something quick, simple, and satisfying. These dishes are all about getting a good meal on the table with minimal effort, so you can enjoy your break without any hassle.

Grilled shrimp served over spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges. — Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Minestrone Soup with Sausage

A bowl of hearty vegetable and meat soup with a spoon. — Minestrone Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This hearty soup is perfect for a quick lunch, offering a mix of vegetables and sausage that feels comforting without much effort. The slow-simmered flavors come together easily, making it a go-to option when you want something warm but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. Ideal for days when a filling lunch is all you need.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Close-up of a hand holding a seasoned chicken wing garnished with fresh herbs, with more pieces on a plate in the background. — Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These wings bring a refreshing lemony flavor with a hint of pepper, making them a great choice when you’re short on time. Simply cook them up, and you’ve got a protein-packed lunch that’s easy to enjoy. Perfect for those days when you want something a little more flavorful but without any extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

A bowl of shrimp pasta salad garnished with lemon slices and diced vegetables. — Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salad combines tender shrimp with creamy macaroni, creating a cool and easy lunch option. The prep is straightforward, and the flavors are light yet satisfying, making it great for those warm days when you don’t want to cook much. It’s a refreshing choice that can be made ahead for even less work at lunchtime.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

A bowl of hearty bean soup with chopped vegetables and chunks of ham, served in a rustic terracotta bowl on a light pink table. — Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This soup is a comforting mix of beans and ham, offering a hearty lunch option that doesn’t require much time or effort. It’s a simple recipe that delivers rich flavors, perfect for when you want a warm meal without a lot of preparation. Great for keeping you full through the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A ladle serving vegetable soup with diced tomatoes, potatoes, and green beans into a white bowl. — Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This vegetable soup is a breeze to make in the slow cooker, providing a nutritious and filling lunch with little effort. Simply set it and forget it, and you’ll have a warm meal ready when you are. Perfect for those days when you want something healthy and comforting without the work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Bowl of chili with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chili is perfect for a cozy lunch, especially when you’re cooking for just two. The crock pot makes it incredibly easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a flavorful meal without spending much time in the kitchen. Ideal for when you want something hearty and comforting with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Wet Burrito

Two chicken enchiladas topped with red sauce and sour cream, garnished with cilantro, served with a side of corn and black beans. — Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The wet burrito is a comforting, hearty lunch that’s easy to assemble and full of flavor. With minimal prep time, it’s a great choice for those days when you want something filling but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The smothered sauce adds a nice touch without adding much effort.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

A plate of creamy salmon pasta garnished with lemon slices and parsley. — Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pasta Alfredo with salmon is a creamy, rich lunch option that’s surprisingly easy to make. The salmon adds a nice touch of flavor without requiring much effort, making it perfect for when you want a meal that feels special but doesn’t take much time. Ideal for those days when you want something hearty and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Mexican Steak Pizza

This steak pizza offers a flavorful twist on a classic, combining tender steak with traditional pizza toppings for a hearty lunch. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for when you want something a little different but still easy to make. A great choice for when you want a warm, satisfying meal without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Crab Fried Rice

Close-up of a spoon holding fried rice with crab meat, green onions, and red bell peppers. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crab fried rice is a simple, flavorful lunch option that’s easy to throw together. The crab adds a nice touch of richness, making it perfect for when you want something quick but still a bit special. Ideal for busy days when you need a satisfying meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Fish Stew with Chorizo

A bowl of seafood and sausage gumbo with a spoon, served on a white surface with a red checked napkin beside it. — Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This fish stew combines tender fish with spicy chorizo, creating a warm, hearty lunch that’s easy to make. It’s a great choice for when you want something a bit more substantial without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for those cooler days when you want something comforting with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Bowl of hearty vegetable soup with a spoon on a checked napkin. — Crock Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This cabbage soup is a nutritious, filling lunch option that’s incredibly easy to make in the crock pot. Simply set it up, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready when you need it. Ideal for busy days when you want something healthy and satisfying with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

A grilled chicken skewer on a white plate with barbecue sauce and fresh parsley, beside a plate of more chicken skewers. — Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These chicken skewers are quick to cook in the air fryer, offering a simple yet flavorful lunch option. The ease of preparation makes them perfect for when you want a protein-packed meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy them with your favorite sides for a complete, effortless lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

This pasta dish is a quick, easy lunch option, combining tender shrimp with fresh tomatoes for a light yet satisfying meal. It’s perfect for when you want something flavorful without spending too much time cooking. The simple ingredients come together quickly, making it ideal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

A chicken and cheese sandwich with avocado on a white plate. — Copycat Chipolte Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This chicken avocado melt is a great lunch option that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of chicken, avocado, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare. Perfect for when you want a warm, comforting lunch without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A roasted sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, and green onions, garnished with lime wedges on a white plate. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These stuffed sweet potatoes offer a flavorful, easy lunch option, filled with all the classic taco ingredients. The sweet potatoes are simple to prepare, making this a great choice for when you want a filling meal without much work. Ideal for busy days when you need something both hearty and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

A vibrant ciambotta vegetable stetw in a pot garnished with chopped herbs, served on a white surface with a spoon on the side. — Ciambotta Italian Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

This Italian vegetable stew is a hearty, flavorful lunch option that’s easy to prepare. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for when you want something warm and comforting. Perfect for those days when you need a filling meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ciambotta Italian Vegetable Stew

Ground Pork Tacos

An easy dish to look forward to cooking every night: a colorful taco with ground meat, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and a slice of lime on the side. — Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These ground pork tacos offer a quick and flavorful lunch that’s easy to put together. The seasoned pork is rich and satisfying, making it perfect for those days when you want a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort. The toppings are customizable, allowing you to create a meal that suits your taste without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Easy Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy potato soup garnished with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, served on a wooden table. — Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This potato soup is a comforting, simple lunch option that’s ready in no time. With minimal ingredients, it’s a great choice when you need something warm and filling without a lot of preparation. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it perfect for days when you want a homemade meal without much work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup