Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD
These simple recipes are perfect for days when you barely have time to think about lunch. Since you can whip up these lunches in just five minutes, you’ll want to pack your pantry and fridge with the common grocery items we rely on for these meals, like avocados, rice and tinned fish. Recipes like our Cucumber & Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Wrap and our 3-Ingredient White Bean & Cherry Tomato Salad are easy standards that will soon be go-tos during busy weeks.
01 of 16
Matcha powder and spinach give this healthy smoothie bowl a beautiful green hue. If you don’t have spinach on hand, try swapping in another dark leafy green like kale.
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02 of 16
This easy vegetarian wrap makes a great grab-and-go lunch for work or school. Roasted red pepper hummus adds color and a little extra flavor, but any flavor hummus will work well here. Cucumber, sprouts, salad greens or spinach all add a refreshing crunch. For a peppery kick, try using arugula.
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03 of 16
This cheesy bean toast is perfect for using up leftover refried beans. We recommend using a larger piece of bakery bread for the ideal beans-to-bread ratio. Any salsa works well here—you can easily adjust based on your spice preferences.
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04 of 16
This strawberry–passion fruit smoothie is bright, creamy and naturally sweet. Frozen strawberries and tangy passion fruit blend with Greek-style yogurt and almond milk for a refreshing drink that’s ready in just 5 minutes.
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05 of 16
This healthy chopped salad is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. You can reserve the remaining hard-boiled egg half for a snack.
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06 of 16
This pickled tuna salad gets its flavor from chopped dill pickles and uses the pickle brine to enhance the flavor. Serve it on a slice of toasted whole-wheat bread, on crackers or with crisp veggies for an easy snack.
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07 of 16
This peanut butter–banana flaxseed smoothie is a creamy, satisfying drink that’s perfect for breakfast. The banana adds natural sweetness and helps create a smooth, rich texture. Peanut butter brings delicious nutty flavor along with plant-based protein to keep you full longer. Ground flaxseed boosts the smoothie with fiber and omega-3s. Blended with almond milk, it’s a quick and delicious way to fuel your day.
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08 of 16
Spin leftovers from taco night into this easy salsa-topped avocado toast for a quick snack, or use it as a jumping-off point for breakfast by adding an egg on top. Single-serve packages of mashed avocado or guacamole can stand in for the fresh avocado.
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09 of 16
This healthy smoothie bowl features three of the best foods to eat to reduce inflammation: tart cherry juice, spinach and avocado. If you don’t have spinach on hand, swap in another dark leafy green. This smoothie bowl provides 18 grams of fiber—enough to help keep you full until lunchtime.
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10 of 16
Had your fill of toast that barely takes the edge off your hunger? Say hello to our delicious and nutritious cottage cheese toast! This toast, made with whole-grain bread and topped with creamy cottage cheese, is just the beginning. We’ve added six variations, both sweet and savory, perfect for kick-starting your morning or powering through the afternoon. Savory toasts are packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats and plenty of plant-based fiber, while sweeter versions feature fruits like antioxidant-rich blueberries and raspberries. No matter which version you choose, satisfaction is guaranteed.
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Bright, creamy and packed with staying power, this protein shake blends juicy mandarin, tropical mango and tangy strained yogurt into a sunshine-hued drink. With protein from the yogurt to keep you satisfied and natural sweetness from the fruit, it’s equally at home as a quick breakfast or a post-workout refresher.
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This three-ingredient lunch takes a packaged salad kit to the next level with the addition of two pantry staples: cherry tomatoes and white beans. The Mediterranean flavor profile works well here, but another mix would be just as simple and satisfying.
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This caprese sandwich is fresh from the basil and hearty from thick, crusty ciabatta. The sun-dried tomatoes deepen the flavor. Topping the bread with a layer of basil leaves and using toasted bread helps to keep the sandwich from getting soggy if you need to make it a few hours ahead.
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We put a flavor twist on the classic chicken salad by using a lemon-herb mayonnaise. Try other mayo varieties—like roasted garlic or chipotle lime—in this fast, no-cook lunch recipe. Serve this rotisserie chicken salad with whole-grain crackers.
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This fresh blueberry salad is perfect for a backyard cookout or poolside party. Pair it with grilled chicken, pork chops or fish—or serve it up with a smorgasbord of classic summer sides like potato salad and coleslaw. The blueberries are the stars here, so select the best ones you can find. Look for ripe berries that have a dark blue color and a juicy “pop” when eaten. If you can’t find fresh berries, you can substitute frozen ones in a pinch. Simply thaw the blueberries under room-temperature water, then pat them dry with paper towels.
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Plain yogurt is a great base for dressing. Pairing it with prepared salsa is an easy way to add flavor to canned black beans, which can be a bit bland. An added boost of herby cilantro and slightly spicy pepper Jack cheese ensures this healthy, five-minute lunch idea packs plenty of flavor.
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