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    Home / Collections

    21 Easy Recipes To Spice Up Your Lunch Routine

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Sep 30, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    When lunch starts feeling a little too routine it's time to mix things up with easy, flavorful meals that don't take much effort. I've put together some simple recipes that are perfect for adding variety to your midday break without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're looking for something quick, light or a bit more filling, these options will keep lunch interesting and satisfying.

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

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    Santa Fe Salad

    A colorful chicken salad with avocado, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and lime slices, presented in a white bowl.Pin
    Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Packed with flavors and vibrant ingredients, this salad is a refreshing break from the usual sandwich. It combines fresh veggies with a bit of kick for a bold bite. Easy to toss together, it offers a quick and flavorful lunch. Adding this to your routine will keep lunch from feeling repetitive. You can whip it up with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

    Seafood Pasta Salad

    Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.Pin
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This seafood pasta salad brings together a mix of textures and light flavors that work well for a lunch on the go. It's a cold dish, making it easy to pack and take along. The seafood adds a nice change from the typical lunch salads. It's filling without being too heavy, perfect for a mid-day energy boost. Definitely worth adding into your lunch rotation.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

    Bang Bang Shrimp

    Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.Pin
    Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    If you're looking for something with a bit of spice, bang bang shrimp offers a bold flavor profile that's easy to make for lunch. It's quick to fry up and pairs well with a light salad or some rice. Perfect for those days when you want something more exciting than the usual fare. This dish adds some heat and variety to your routine without a lot of hassle.
    Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

    Frito Chili Pie

    A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions.Pin
    Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Frito chili pie is an easy lunch that's packed with flavor and crunch. It's a fun and filling way to enjoy chili, offering a break from your regular meals. This one-dish meal is simple to throw together and perfect for a cozy lunch. It brings a lot of texture and taste without requiring much cooking time. Great for a casual, satisfying midday meal.
    Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

    Crab Fried Rice

    A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat.Pin
    Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crab fried rice is a fast and easy dish that brings seafood into your lunch without much effort. The rice and crab combination make it a hearty meal that's easy to pack for work. The flavors are light, and it heats up well if you need something warm mid-day. This dish offers variety without a lot of extra time in the kitchen. A refreshing switch from standard lunches.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

    Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    A bowl of bean soup with chunks of ham and diced vegetables, served in a rustic terracotta bowl with a spoon on the side.Pin
    Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This navy bean and ham soup is a hearty and wholesome option that's perfect for a simple lunch. It's a filling meal that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week. The ham adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the beans, making it a satisfying meal. It's a great way to mix things up from the usual sandwiches. Ideal for chilly afternoons.
    Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    Broccoli Salad with Bacon

    Broccoli salad with bacon bits on a white oval plate, accompanied by a wooden serving spoon on a linen napkin.Pin
    Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Broccoli salad with bacon offers a crunchy and savory lunch that's both light and satisfying. It's easy to prepare ahead of time, and the bacon adds a flavorful punch. The combination of fresh broccoli and crispy bacon makes this salad stand out as a fun alternative to the usual greens. Perfect for adding some variety to your meals. A quick, flavorful option for busy days.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.Pin
    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This shrimp and tomato pasta is a light, flavorful option that's perfect for a quick lunch. The shrimp adds protein, while the tomatoes bring a bright flavor that keeps the dish fresh. It's simple to prepare and doesn't require much time, making it ideal for a busy day. This pasta dish is a great way to add some variety to your routine without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.Pin
    Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp macaroni salad is a cool and refreshing lunch option that's perfect for warmer days. It's easy to prepare in advance, making it great for packing to take with you. The shrimp adds a bit of a twist to the classic macaroni salad, giving it a bit more flavor and texture. This dish is ideal for those looking for a quick, make-ahead meal.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn.Pin
    Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This dish brings together the heartiness of sweet potatoes with the flavors of a taco filling for a filling and flavorful lunch. It's a plant-based option that's easy to prepare and keeps well for leftovers. The combination of textures makes it a fun and practical lunch choice. A great way to add variety to your midday meals without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    A single barbecued chicken skewer on a white plate, with a small bowl of barbecue sauce and a parsley garnish, next to a plate of additional chicken skewers.Pin
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air-fried chicken skewers are an easy and flavorful option for lunch, offering a bit of variety from your usual meals. They're simple to prepare and cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a practical choice for busy days. The skewers make for an easy-to-eat lunch that you can pair with a simple side. These kabobs are a great way to add some fun to your lunch routine.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Broccoli Slaw Salad

    A plate of colorful broccoli slaw with shredded purple cabbage and carrots topped with dried cranberries and pine nuts, next to a red-checked napkin.Pin
    Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Broccoli slaw salad offers a crunchy and light lunch option that's easy to prepare in advance. The mix of fresh veggies keeps it refreshing, while the simple dressing ties it all together. It's a fun and practical alternative to a regular salad, giving you something new to enjoy. A quick, make-ahead option that fits well into any lunch routine.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

    Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    A close-up image of a platter of ham and cheese slider sandwiches sprinkled with poppy seeds and garnished with chopped herbs.Pin
    Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Hawaiian roll sliders are a convenient and easy lunch that's perfect for making ahead. The soft rolls and flavorful fillings make for a fun, handheld meal that's quick to assemble. It's a great way to bring a bit of variety to your lunch, offering something different from the usual sandwich. These sliders can be packed up for a lunch on the go.
    Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Grilled shrimp skewers make for a light yet filling lunch that's easy to prepare. The shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with a simple side for a balanced meal. This dish is a great option when you want something fresh and flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's an easy way to bring variety to your lunches.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.Pin
    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer chicken tenders offer a quick and crunchy lunch option that's perfect for busy days. They cook up fast and pair well with different dipping sauces, giving you some variety. These tenders are a great way to keep lunch interesting without a lot of prep time. Easy to pack up for an on-the-go meal.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.Pin
    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crock pot mac and cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that's perfect for lunch when you need something hearty. It's easy to prepare in advance, and the slow cooker does most of the work. This dish can be made in a large batch and enjoyed throughout the week, adding variety to your routine. It's a satisfying way to break up the usual lunches.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    Salmon pasta Alfredo served on a white plate with lemon.Pin
    Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Salmon pasta Alfredo is a rich and filling option that's perfect for a midday meal when you want something a little different. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the salmon for a flavorful dish. It's a quick recipe that doesn't take much time to prepare, making it great for lunch. This meal offers a break from the usual fare and adds some variety to your lunch lineup.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    Fish Stew with Chorizo

    A bowl of soup with sausage and fish.Pin
    Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Fish stew with chorizo offers a warm and hearty lunch option that's full of flavor. The combination of fish and spicy chorizo makes for a filling meal that feels like a treat. It's a great option when you want something a little different to break up your lunch routine. This stew is easy to reheat and perfect for making ahead.
    Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

    Salmon Salad

    A grilled salmon fillet served on a bed of fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and olives on a white plate.Pin
    Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Salmon salad is a light and refreshing lunch option that's easy to prepare in advance. The salmon adds a nice source of protein, making this salad more filling than your usual greens. It's perfect for days when you want something quick and simple without a lot of effort. This salad is a great addition to your lunch rotation for those looking to add some variety.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

    Wet Burrito

    Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.Pin
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A wet burrito is a hearty and filling lunch option that's easy to prepare and satisfying enough to keep you full through the afternoon. The rich sauce and hearty filling make it a great alternative to your usual sandwiches. It's an easy way to add some variety to your meals. Perfect for when you want something warm and comforting at midday.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    Popcorn Chicken

    A bowl of golden brown popcorn chicken on a table.Pin
    Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Popcorn chicken is a fun and easy lunch that can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces for extra flavor. It's quick to cook and doesn't take much effort, making it ideal for a busy lunch hour. This dish is a great way to add some variety to your lunch routine without a lot of hassle. Simple, crunchy, and easy to eat on the go.
    Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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