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You’re rushing to get to work on time, but you realize that you forgot to pack your lunch. You don’t have time to run out and get something, so you have to come up with a plan fast. What are you going to do?
Luckily, we’ve got some quick and easy lunch ideas that will help you make the most of your time at lunch.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or something that’s a little more indulgent, we’ve got something for everyone. So read on and start planning your next delicious (and quick!) lunch!
12 Vegan Quick and easy lunch ideas for busy people
1. Vegan Wrap With Roasted Vegetables and Hummus
Ingredients:
- Tortilla wrap
- Hummus
- Roasted vegetables (e.g., peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
Instructions:
Simply spread the hummus on the tortilla wrap, add your roasted vegetables of choice, and enjoy!
Recipe Source: myrecipes.com
2. Vegan Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce
- Vegan Caesar dressing
- Croutons
- Shaved vegan Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Start by chopping up your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Then, in a bowl, mix together the vegan Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved vegan Parmesan cheese.
Once everything is mixed together, add in the chopped romaine lettuce and enjoy!
recipe Source: ambitiouskitchen.com
3. Vegan Black Bean Burger
Ingredients:
- Black beans
- Bread crumbs
- Finely chopped onion
- Egg replacer
- Seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, pepper, chili powder, etc.)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix together all of the ingredients until everything is well combined.
Then, form the mixture into patties and cook them however you like (on the stovetop, in the oven, on the grill, etc.).
Serve it on a bun with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Another Recipe Source: hummusapien.com
4. Quinoa and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
Ingredients:
- Cooked quinoa
- Black beans
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded vegan cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and enjoy! If you want, you can warm everything up before eating.
But this dish is just as good cold or at room temperature.
Serve with salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Source: veggiessavetheday.com
5. Spicy Vegan Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- Lentils
- Vegetable broth
- Tomato paste
- Spices of your choice (e.g., cumin, chili powder, coriander, etc.)
Instructions:
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a pot and bring them to a boil. Once everything is cooked through, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth.
Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if desired, and enjoy!
6. Vegan Sushi Rolls
Ingredients:
- Sushi rice
- Nori sheets
- Avocado
- Cucumber
Instructions:
Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
Once it’s cooked, let it cool slightly so that it’s easy to work with. Layout a nori sheet and spread a layer of sushi rice over it.
Then, add in your avocado and cucumber slices. Roll everything up tightly and slice it into pieces.
Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger, if desired, and enjoy!
Related post: What Is Sushi Traditionally Wrapped in?
7. Roasted Portobello Caps With Roasted Kale and Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
- Portobello mushroom caps
- Olive oil
- Kale
- Sweet potatoes
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brush the portobello mushroom caps with olive oil and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes. While the mushrooms are roasting, wash and chop the kale.
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small pieces.
Once the mushrooms are done, add the kale and sweet potatoes to the pan and roast for an additional 15 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
8. Spicy Thai Curry Noodles With Tofu and Vegetables
Ingredients:
- Thin rice noodles
- Tofu
- Thai green curry paste
- Coconut milk
- Vegetables of your choice (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, etc.)
Instructions:
Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked, drain them and rinse them with cold water.
In a pot or wok, stir together the tofu, Thai green curry paste, coconut milk, and vegetables.
Add in the cooked noodles and toss everything together until it’s well combined. Serve it hot and enjoy!
9. Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches With Avocado Mayo
Ingredients:
- Bread
- Avocado
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetables of your choice (e.g., zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, etc.)
Instructions:
Start by making the avocado mayo. In a bowl, mash together the avocado, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set it aside.
Then, grill or roast your vegetables until they’re cooked to your liking. Toast the bread and spread the avocado mayo on one side.
Add the grilled vegetables and enjoy!
10. White Bean and Avocado Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- White beans
- Avocado
- Shredded vegan cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Spread a layer of white beans and avocado on one side of a tortilla. And top with shredded vegan cheddar cheese.
Then, fold the tortilla in half and grill or roast it until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Serve with salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!
11. Curried Chickpea Wraps With Mango Chutney
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- Cooked chickpeas
- Curry powder
- Mango chutney
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix together the cooked chickpeas, curry powder, and mango chutney. Spread the mixture on one side of a tortilla.
Then, fold the tortilla in half and grill or roast it until it’s crispy.
Serve with salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!
12. Fruit salad
How to make fruit salad:
Start with your favorite fruits. Cut them up into bite-sized pieces, mix everything together, and start eating!
It would only take a few minutes to make this.
Related Post: How to Keep Yourself and Your Family Safe in the Kitchen
Non-vegan Quick and Easy Lunch Ideas
1. Spicy Tuna Wrap
How to make Spicy tuna wrap:
All you need is a whole wheat tortilla, some canned tuna, hot sauce, and mayo. Spread the mayo and hot sauce on the tortilla, add the tuna, and then roll it up.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can add some shredded lettuce or diced tomatoes. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About 15 minutes
2. Ham and cheese sandwich
How to Make a Ham and cheese sandwich:
Start with some bread, ham, and cheese. Spread the bread with mayo (optional) and then layer on the ham and cheese. You can either leave it as is or toast it for a hot and melty sandwich. Quick, easy, and tasty!
Time needed to make this: About five minutes.
3. Soup and Salad
How to make soup and salad:
This is a great option if you’re looking for something healthy. Simply make your favorite chicken soup (or buy it pre-made) and pair it with a simple green salad. Quick, easy, and nutritious!
Time needed to make this: About 15 minutes (if you’re making your own soup).
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
How to make a grilled cheese sandwich:
Butter some bread, add your favorite cheese (or multiple cheeses!), and then grill the sandwich in a pan until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Time needed to make this: About five minutes.
5. Tuna Salad Sandwich
How to make a tuna salad sandwich:
Start with some canned tuna, diced celery, chopped onion, and mayo. Mix everything together and then spread it on the bread. You can either leave it as is or toast the sandwich for a hot and melty option. Quick, easy, and tasty!
Time needed to make this: About five minutes.
6. Chicken Salad Sandwich (With Grapes, Apples, or Celery)
How to make a chicken salad sandwich:
Start with cooked chicken, diced celery, chopped onion, grapes (or apples or celery), and mayo. Mix everything together and then spread it on the bread. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About five minutes.
7. Egg salad sandwich
How to make an egg salad sandwich:
Start with boiled eggs, diced celery, chopped onion, and mayo. Mix everything together and then spread it on bread. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About five to ten minutes.
8. Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
How to make a turkey and cheese sandwich:
Start with some bread, turkey, and cheese. Spread the bread with mayo (optional) and then layer on the turkey and cheese. You can either leave it as is or toast it for a hot and melty sandwich. Quick, easy, and tasty!
Time needed to make this: About five minutes.
9. Chicken Caesar wrap
How to make a Chicken Caesar wrap:
All you need is a whole wheat tortilla, some store-bought Caesar dressing, and cooked chicken. Spread the dressing on the tortilla, add the chicken, and then roll it up. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About five minutes.
10. BLT Sandwich
How to make a BLT sandwich:
Start with some bread, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Layer the bacon and lettuce on the bread, add the tomato, and then spread on some mayo (optional). Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About five minutes.
11. French Bread Pizza
How to make French bread pizza:
Start with a loaf of French bread, some pizza sauce, and shredded cheese. Spread the sauce on the bread, add the cheese, and then bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time needed to make this: About 5- 10 minutes.
12. Taco salad
How to make taco salad:
Start with some lettuce, diced tomatoes, black beans, shredded cheese, and crumbled tortilla chips. Mix everything together and then top with your favorite dressing or salsa.
Time needed to make this: About five minutes.
13. Loaded Baked Potato
How to make a loaded baked potato:
Start with a large baking potato. Load it up with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, bacon, and chives. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About five minutes.
14. Chicken noodle soup
How to make chicken noodle soup:
Start with some chicken broth, cooked chicken, and noodles. Add the chicken and noodles to the broth and then heat everything up until it’s nice and hot. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About 10 – 15 minutes.
15. Chili
How to make chili:
Start with some ground beef, diced tomatoes, and beans. Add the beef and tomatoes to a pot and then simmer until the beef is cooked through. Add the beans and then heat everything up until it’s nice and hot. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About 30 – 45 minutes.
16. Cobb Salad
How to make a cobb salad:
Start with some lettuce, diced chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and blue cheese. Mix everything together and then top with your favorite dressing or salsa. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About 15 – 20 minutes.
17. Quiche
How to make quiche:
Start with some eggs, milk, and your favorite fillings. Mix everything together and then pour it into a pre-baked pie crust. Bake until the quiche is set and then enjoy! Quick, easy, and delicious!
Time needed to make this: About 30 – 45 minutes.
Look for the easy recipe here.
Some healthy drinks for lunch (For both vegans and non-vegans)
For drinks, there are many delicious and healthy options that you can enjoy for lunch. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Green smoothie: Start with some spinach, add some fruit (preferably frozen), and blend everything together until smooth.
2. Fruit smoothie: Start with some yogurt or milk, add some fresh or frozen fruit, and blend everything together until smooth.
3. Tea: Green tea, herbal tea, black tea, white tea, there are so many different kinds of tea to choose from!
4. Coffee: Coffee can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including black coffee, iced coffee, and cold brew coffee.
5. Water: Whatever beverage you prefer, you must drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. Drinking water is really important for maintaining good health. Always make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day!
Quick and Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids
The lunchbox has become a daunting task for many parents, especially if they’re on the go.
Luckily, there are plenty of quick and easy lunch ideas for kids that will make packing lunch easier than ever. Let’s explore some delicious options!
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a lunchtime classic for a reason: they’re easy to make, and kids love them! If you want to mix things up a bit, try using different types of bread or adding some sliced fruit.
- Another quick and easy option is soup. Just heat up your favorite vegan soup and pack it in a thermos. For an extra boost of nutrition, add some chopped veggies or tofu.
- A personal favorite of mine is the humble rice bowl. Cook up some rice and top it with whatever sounds good: beans, vegetables, salsa, avocado, etc. The possibilities are endless!
- If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, wraps are always a great option. Fill a tortilla with your child’s favorite fillings, roll it up, and pack it in their lunchbox.
- And of course, no list of quick and easy lunch ideas for kids would be complete without mentioning the ever-popular PB&J! There are endless ways to jazz up this classic sandwich, so get creative and have fun with it.
Packing lunch will be a breeze with these quick and easy lunch ideas for kids. So, get out there and enjoy your day, knowing that your kiddo is well-fed and happy.
Quick and Easy Lunch Ideas for Old People
As we get older, our metabolism slows down, and we generally have less of an appetite. However, this doesn’t mean that we should skimp on lunch!
Quick and easy lunch ideas for old people are vital to maintaining a healthy diet. Let’s explore some delicious options!
- Grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit, and they’re so easy to make! Just grill up some slices of bread with your favorite vegan cheese and you’re good to go.
- Another classic is the humble ham and cheese sandwich. Just mix together some cooked ham and vegan cheese, spread it on a slice of bread, and you’re done.
- If you’re in the mood for something a little more exotic, try making a vegan version of Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches. (theconscientiouseater.com). They’re flavorful and delicious, and sure to please everyone at lunch.
- For something a little lighter, try a salad wrap. Just fill a tortilla with your favorite salad ingredients and you’re good to go.
- You can also try the egg salad sandwich: Start with some boiled eggs, add some diced celery and onions, and mix everything together with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Why it is healthy: This lunch is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and filling option.
- Shrimp salad sandwich: Start with some cooked shrimp, add some diced celery and tomatoes, and mix everything together with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Why it is healthy: This lunch is also packed with protein and healthy fats.
The Final thoughts
Well, this was all about quick and easy lunch ideas for busy people, kids, and older people.
All the lunch recipes mentioned in the blog post are not only easy to make, but they are also very healthy and nutritious. And it is very important for all people to always eat healthy food to lead a beautiful and sound life.
Enjoy your lunch!
