10 Quick and Easy Lunch Recipes

The time has come to think up a few meal ideas for both kids’ and adults’ lunchboxes. Check out these 10 recipes that’ll whet the whole family’s appetite. With a prep time of 15 minutes or less, they’ll make time spent in the kitchen much easier and more efficient.

1. Chicken and Pesto Bagel

Among the many sandwiches you can make using leftover chicken, this one is a particular hit. The firm texture of the bagel is a nice change of pace from lighter, airier slices of bread. Spread on a mix of basil pesto, yogurt and mayonnaise for maximum flavour.

2. Creamy Tzatziki Pasta Salad

Putting together quick lunches with basic ingredients is often easier than you may think. This pasta salad combines beans, cherry tomatoes and cucumber, tossed in store-bought tzatziki sauce that will add a load of flavour with minimal effort.

3. Sunshine Tortilla Wraps

Varying the presentation of a child’s lunch is a great way to rekindle their appetite. This kid-approved meal passes the test with flying colours. The filling consists of canned tuna, vegetables and mayonnaise, which is spread on a tortilla with lettuce, and then rolled up tightly.

4. Easy Red Lentil Soup

A warm soup can bring comfort to one’s day, which is why an insulated food container is essential for keeping it at the right temperature in a lunchbox. Set aside some time the night before school to whip up this lentil version that boasts several aromatics.

5. Tabbouleh with Sweet Potato, Feta and Currants

Bulgur, sweet potato, crumbled feta, pumpkin seeds and currants: this colourful salad is both visually stunning and delicious. All it takes is 15 minutes to prepare and then the same amount of time to cook, allowing you to get it done the night before without the need to rush.

6. Ham, Egg and Avocado Sandwich

The ham sandwich is a lunchbox classic, elevated here with sliced hard-boiled eggs and avocado. Cut it down the centre to reveal the generous fillings that will be the envy of your child’s classmates.

7. Thai-Style Salmon Spaghettini

Your kids will adore this simple recipe, making it a winning lunch option. The pasta is coated in a delicious Thai sauce, and it can be eaten either hot or cold, so there is no need to wait in line for the microwave.

8. Applesauce

Whether as a snack or dessert, homemade applesauce always hits the spot. Seasoned with star anise and cinnamon, it can even be frozen in individual portions. Take it out of the freezer in the morning and it’ll thaw by lunchtime, simultaneously keeping the lunchbox’s contents cool.

9. Squash Muffins

Fall is squash season, so take advantage of their abundance by using them in a variety of recipes, including muffins. This version, which also features carrots, is perfect for a quick boost of energy between meals.

10. Oven-Baked Fruit Roll-Ups

Five minutes is all you need to make the fruit base for this recipe. Then bake your mixture at a low temperature for 3 hours in order for it to dehydrate. It’s better than the store-bought version and doesn’t come with single-serve packaging that ends up in the trash!