These delicious and satisfying lunches are packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients to power you through your day with ease and energy. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy workdays or craving something fresh and filling, these recipes strike the perfect balance between taste and nutrition—making lunchtime the highlight of your day.

Southern Fried Chicken

A plate filled with crispy, golden-brown fried chicken pieces arranged on a white rectangular dish—perfect for satisfying meals or indulgent lunches.
Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Southern fried chicken doesn’t have to be complicated, and this old-fashioned recipe proves it. There’s no buttermilk or egg wash, just seasoned flour and a hot skillet. It’s how my family has made fried chicken for generations, and the crispy, lightly breaded crust comes out just right every time. If you want a simple, reliable method that delivers real flavor, this is the one.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Antipasto Farro Salad

A salad on a plate with mixed greens, mozzarella balls, prosciutto, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and grains, garnished with herbs.
Antipasto Farro Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This antipasto farro salad is a delicious dish jam-packed with flavor. Mediterranean and Italian ingredients make this salad recipe so tasty.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Farro Salad

Cranberry Turkey Wraps

Turkey wraps on plate.
Cranberry Turkey Wraps. Photo credit: Recipes from Leftovers..

Who said berries are only for sweet dishes? The Cranberry Turkey Wraps introduce a savory twist to our berry theme. With a splash of cranberry sauce to add tanginess, these wraps turn a regular lunch into something extraordinary, cementing their place in the list of best berry recipes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Turkey Wraps

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Air fryer chicken pesto sandwich on a white plate.
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Tired of buying the same old soggy sandwiches for lunch? Why not make your own crispy and delicious air fryer pesto chicken sandwich? It’s a simple way to enjoy a satisfying lunch without the disappointment of store-bought options. Give it a try!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Quick and Easy Salmon and Summer Squash

Quick and easy salmon and summer squash meal.
Quick and Easy Salmon and Summer Squash. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

When the weather is hot and you’re craving a light and refreshing meal, our Salmon and Summer Squash recipe has got you covered. In just a matter of minutes, you can have a delicious and healthy dish on the table that showcases the vibrant flavors of salmon and seasonal summer squash.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Salmon and Summer Squash

Loaded Chorizo Baked Potato

Three loaded baked potatoes topped with crumbled meat, cheese, and sauce on a blue platter, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
Loaded Chorizo Baked Potato. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This is the ultimate loaded chorizo baked potato recipe that promises a flavorful feast for everyone who loves those amazing Mexican flavors.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Chorizo Baked Potato

Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla

Chicken tostadas with cheese shell on plate on a terra cotta tray.
Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Tostadas with cheese shells are packed with protein, veggies, and fun toppings for a flavorful lunch or light dinner. Top crispy cheese shells with your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings like taco meat, lettuce, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla

Easy Homemade Avocado Maki Sushi Rolls (Vegan!)

A plate of sushi rolls with avocado filling on a rectangular dish. A small plate with ginger and wasabi, and a halved avocado are beside it.
Easy Homemade Avocado Maki Sushi Rolls (Vegan!). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Love sushi but don’t feel like going out to sushi restaurants? Making your own avocado maki rolls at home is easier than you think!
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Avocado Maki Sushi Rolls (Vegan!)

Street Corn Smash Tacos

Up close hand holding taco.
Street Corn Smash Tacos. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This recipe is a delicious mashup of flavor! Enjoy these easy street corn smash tacos with the family!
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Smash Tacos

Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

A bowl of tuna rice with sliced avocados.
Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This 20-minute spicy tuna rice bowl is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s loaded with contrasting flavors and textures – every bite is tasty.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A lettuce leaf filled with a chopped salad mixture and topped with sriracha sauce—one of the best healthy lunches for easy meal ideas.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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