The lunch hour often gets overlooked in a busy workday. But, with these quick and tasty recipes from EatingWell, you can have a great meal in just 10 minutes. They’re packed with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and lots of nutrition. You’ll look forward to your next break.
Our readers love these 10-minute lunch recipes, giving them four- and five-star reviews. You’ll find everything from a creamy Cucumber Sandwich to a Black Bean and Quinoa Power Bowl. And the best part? They’re ready in the time it takes to heat up a frozen TV dinner.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- 10-minute lunch recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious
- Variety of flavors and cuisines to satisfy any craving
- Recipes designed with minimal ingredients for simplified cooking
- Focus on both taste and nutrition with fresh, wholesome ingredients
- Positive reviews from EatingWell readers on the recipe collection
Quick and Delicious Cucumber Sandwiches
Creamy, crunchy, and refreshing, these cucumber sandwiches are a perfect light lunch option. They can be made in just 10 minutes. The filling is a mix of cream cheese and yogurt, paired with crisp cucumber slices.
These veggie sandwiches offer a great balance of taste and freshness. They are not only delicious but also nutritious.
Each sandwich has 240 calories, 32g of carbs, 8g of sugars, and 9g of fat. It also has 4g of saturated fat, 10g of protein, 3g of fiber, and 399mg of sodium. According to the Weight Watchers (WW) app, each sandwich is 8 WW Points. This makes it a guilt-free quick lunch option.
This creamy sandwich recipe is easy to make in any quantity. You can make just a few or a lot for a tea party. With only 5 ingredients, including less fat cream cheese and nonfat Greek yogurt, it’s quick to prepare.
To make these cucumber sandwiches, mix cream cheese, yogurt, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. Spread the mix on bread and top with cucumber slices. The result is a flavorful and textured easy lunch.
These quick and delicious cucumber sandwiches are perfect for a light meal or a tea party. They offer vibrant flavors and a satisfying crunch. They are a great choice for a quick lunch that’s both healthy and tasty.
Black Bean and Quinoa Power Bowl
This black bean and quinoa power bowl is a great way to fuel your body. It’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins. You can make it in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect healthy lunch.
Quinoa is the base, a complete protein with all the amino acids your body needs. Black beans add more protein, making it a filling meal. Add fresh veggies like red bell pepper, corn, and cherry tomatoes for color and flavor.
A zesty lime dressing with apple cider vinegar and garlic adds a burst of flavor. Top it with avocado and cilantro for a creamy, satisfying lunch.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 74g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 20g |
| Total Sugars | 11g |
This power bowl is not just nutritious but also versatile. You can add your favorite veggies or top it with an egg or feta. It’s perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or a meal prep option.
“This power bowl is a game-changer for busy weekday lunches. It’s so easy to make, and the flavors are out of this world. I find myself craving it all the time!”
The vibrant colors, satisfying texture, and bold flavors make this bowl a must-try. It’s a great way to add more plant-based meals to your diet. Try it and see why it’s becoming a favorite for many!
Mason Jar Power Salad with Cashew Sauce
Take your lunch to the next level with this mason jar power salad. It’s easy to carry around because it’s layered in a mason jar. The vegan power salad has a creamy cashew sauce and bold flavors to keep you going all day.
The secret to this mason jar salad is how it’s layered. Start with the cashew sauce at the bottom. This keeps the greens fresh until you’re ready to eat. As you eat, you’ll enjoy a mix of veggies, beans, and crunchy toppings.
This power salad packs 26 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber. It’s a great choice for busy days when you need a quick, healthy lunch. You can also change up the ingredients to fit your diet and what’s in season.
“This mason jar salad is a game-changer. The cashew sauce adds a creamy, indulgent element that really elevates the flavors. I feel energized and satisfied every time I enjoy it for lunch.”
Whip Up This Nutritious Lunch in 10 Minutes
This vegan salad is quick to make, just 10 minutes. Layer the ingredients in a mason jar, add the cashew sauce on top, and you’re ready. Say goodbye to boring midday meals.
- Packed with 26g of protein and 8g of fiber
- Customizable ingredients to suit your taste preferences
- Convenient and portable for easy meal-prepping
- Prepared in just 10 minutes for a quick, nourishing lunch
Elote-Inspired Cucumber Sandwiches
Make your lunchtime special with these cucumber sandwiches inspired by elote. This easy vegetarian recipe brings the bold flavors of Mexican street food into a refreshing sandwich. It’s perfect for a vegetarian lunch.
The filling is key, with sliced cucumbers and crumbled cotija cheese. Add fresh lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Crisp arugula leaves add a peppery bite that complements the creamy, tangy flavors.
This cucumber sandwich recipe is quick, ready in just 10 minutes. It’s great for busy weekday lunches. Serve with a side salad or tortilla chips for a full meal.
Elote-Inspired Cucumber Sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 16-ounce packages frozen corn
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cucumber, seeded and sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or vegan mayo
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon diced green chilies or jalapeños
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegan parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
Nutrition:
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Sodium | Fiber | Sugar | Vitamin C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 143kcal | 33g | 5g | 2g | 340mg | 4g | 2g | 15mg |
Zoodle Salad with Fresh Vegetables
Looking for a light and refreshing lunch? This zucchini noodle salad is perfect. It’s full of fresh veggies and is great for a zucchini noodles, veggie salad, low calorie lunch, and healthy lunch.
This salad uses 20 ounces of pre-sliced zucchini noodles. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. The zoodles are tossed with a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. They’re joined by a mix of crunchy veggies like:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons of chives
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 yellow or red bell pepper
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
The salad also has 1/2 cup of grated parmigiano Reggiano and 1/2 cup of pine nuts. With only 65 calories per serving, it’s a great choice for a zucchini noodles, veggie salad, low calorie lunch, and healthy lunch.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 65kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 89mg |
| Potassium | 11mg |
| Sugar | 1g |
This salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and healthy option for busy days. Try it and enjoy the fresh flavors of this zoodle salad!
10-minute lunch recipes
When you’re busy at work and need a quick, healthy lunch, these 10-minute recipes are perfect. They’re full of flavor and good for you, showing that a tasty lunch doesn’t have to take long.
From creamy cucumber sandwiches to zoodle salads, this collection has many options. They use fresh ingredients and simple methods, proving fast lunches can be both tasty and healthy.
Looking for something light or something more filling? These easy lunch ideas have you covered. Check out these recipes for quick and satisfying meals ready in 10 minutes or less.
Cucumber Sandwiches
These 10-minute lunch cucumber sandwiches are creamy, crunchy, and refreshing. They’re a great light option that’s easy to make. With a creamy spread and crisp cucumber, they’re a delightful and healthy choice for lunch.
Black Bean and Quinoa Power Bowl
This quick lunch black bean and quinoa bowl is packed with protein and fiber. It’s a nutritious and filling option. With fluffy quinoa, black beans, avocado, and a zesty dressing, it’s a meal that keeps you going all day.
Mason Jar Power Salad
This vegan 10-minute lunch power salad is layered in a mason jar for easy transport. It has a creamy cashew sauce and bold flavors. With fresh vegetables, it’s a great choice for busy days.
Elote-Inspired Cucumber Sandwiches
These quick lunch cucumber sandwiches mix the flavors of elote with the ease of a sandwich. They have a creamy, spiced spread and crunchy cucumber. They’re a tasty and portable option for lunch.
Zoodle Salad
This fast lunch zoodle salad is both nourishing and refreshing. It has spiralized zucchini noodles, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing. It’s a flavorful and satisfying choice for lunch.
| Recipe | Preparation Time | Key Ingredients | Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cucumber Sandwiches | 10 minutes | Cucumbers, cream cheese, herbs | Assembly |
| Black Bean and Quinoa Power Bowl | 10 minutes | Quinoa, black beans, avocado | Assembly |
| Mason Jar Power Salad | 10 minutes | Mixed greens, vegetables, cashew sauce | Assembly |
| Elote-Inspired Cucumber Sandwiches | 10 minutes | Cucumbers, cream cheese, spices | Assembly |
| Zoodle Salad | 10 minutes | Zucchini noodles, vegetables, dressing | Assembly |
These 10-minute lunch recipes show that a great lunch can be made quickly. They use fresh ingredients, simple methods, and bold flavors. These quick lunch ideas offer many satisfying options to keep you energized and happy all day.
Buffalo Chicken Couscous Bowl
This protein-packed couscous bowl is ready in just 35 minutes. It’s filled with juicy buffalo chicken, nutritious veggies, and tangy homemade ranch dressing. It’s a quick lunch that keeps you energized all day.
A Protein-Packed Lunch with Bold Flavors
The secret to this dish is its perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and crunchy. Use 3 parts chicken breasts to 1 part buffalo sauce. Also, mix 1 part quinoa with 2 parts water or broth for the couscous base. This makes a protein-rich base topped with fresh, colorful veggies.
| Ingredient | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Chicken | 1 part |
| Quinoa | 1 part |
| Water or Chicken Broth | 2 parts |
| Fresh Vegetables | 1 part |
| Homemade Ranch Dressing | 1 part |
This recipe cooks in just 35 minutes. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping and 25 cooking. Plus, 100% of the ingredients can be easily substituted to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Top your bowl with avocado, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and green onions. Add a creamy homemade ranch dressing for extra flavor and nutrition.
“This buffalo chicken couscous bowl is a game-changer for quick, protein-packed lunches. The bold buffalo flavor and satisfying textures keep me full and fueled all afternoon.”
This buffalo chicken couscous bowl is a nutritious and delicious protein-packed lunch ready in just 10 minutes. It brings the flavors of your favorite buffalo chicken wings into a convenient, easy-to-make bowl. You’ll feel energized and satisfied all day.
Open-Faced Pesto Chicken Sandwiches
Make your lunch special with these open-faced pesto chicken sandwiches. They’re full of flavor and quick to make. Perfect for days when you’re in a hurry but want a good meal.
Mayonnaise is used in a clever way here. It’s brushed on the bread’s outside, making it crispy when cooked. Greek yogurt replaces mayo in the pesto chicken salad, adding creaminess and protein.
Crunchy celery, roasted red bell peppers, and scallions add freshness and color. A big dollop of homemade pesto chicken on top makes this lunch both filling and tasty.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 311 |
| Fat | 7.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 71 mg |
| Sodium | 449 mg |
| Potassium | 136 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
These open-faced pesto chicken sandwiches are ready in under 30 minutes. The pesto takes about 10 minutes to make. You get 4 servings, making it a great choice for those on the go.
I love how these sandwiches come together so quickly, yet they’re packed with flavor and nutrition. The pesto chicken salad is a game-changer!
Here are some tips to improve quality and save money:
- Try different breads like ciabatta or focaccia to find your favorite.
- Make extra pesto to use later, cutting down on costs.
- Use less cheese or skip the red bell peppers to save money.
- Enjoy the sandwiches within 2-3 days, as they’re not good to freeze.
Upgrade your lunch with these easy-to-make open-faced pesto chicken sandwiches. They’re packed with protein, veggies, and creamy pesto. A great choice for busy days when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
Chickpea Wraps with Tahini Dressing
Try these chickpea wraps for a tasty and healthy lunch. They come with a creamy tahini dressing. They’re great for a vegetarian lunch or meal prep on busy days.
To start, mix the tahini dressing. In a bowl, blend ⅓ cup (85g) of tahini, ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This makes a tangy, nutty dressing that goes well with the chickpeas.
Then, cook the chickpeas in a skillet with olive oil and spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. It only takes 3 to 5 minutes. This makes the chickpeas crispy and flavorful.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tahini | ⅓ cup (85g) |
| Lemon Juice | ¼ cup |
| Chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed) | 1 15-ounce can |
| Coconut Wraps | 2 |
| Lettuce, chopped | 1 cup |
| Carrot, peeled and julienned | 1 |
| Cucumber, peeled and sliced | ½ |
| Heirloom Tomato, sliced | ½ |
| Bell Pepper, julienned | ½ |
To make the wraps, spread tahini dressing on the coconut wraps. Add sautéed chickpeas, lettuce, carrots, cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper. Then, wrap it up for a satisfying meal.
These chickpea wraps are a tasty way to eat more vegetarian food. The creamy tahini and protein-rich chickpeas make for a filling meal. They’re also quick to make, perfect for weekdays.
Vegan Burrito Wraps with Brown Rice
Craving a satisfying, meatless lunch? Look no further than these delectable vegan burrito wraps with brown rice! This easy-to-make recipe lets you use leftover brown rice and roasted veggies. It makes a flavorful, portable vegetarian lunch perfect for meal prep.
To start, gather your vegan burrito essentials: flour tortillas, Spanish rice, black beans, charred red bell peppers, spinach, guacamole, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño for heat. These vibrant ingredients create a nutritious and flavorful burrito.
For added convenience, prepare some components in advance. This includes Spanish rice, seasoned black beans, and pickled onions. When ready, layer the fillings on the tortilla, fold it up, and enjoy. To serve warm, microwave for about a minute before eating.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your vegan burrito variations. Swap Spanish rice for cilantro lime rice or try different beans like cumin-spiced pinto. Substitute spinach with lettuce or add veggies like corn salsa or roasted broccoli. For something creamy, choose vegan sour cream or cheese instead of guacamole.
These vegan burrito wraps with brown rice are perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch or a satisfying vegetarian meal prep option. Enjoy a delicious, handheld meal that’s also good for you.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour tortillas | 10-inch size |
| Spanish rice | For filling |
| Black beans | For plant-based protein |
| Charred red bell peppers | For flavor |
| Spinach | For crunch |
| Guacamole | For creaminess |
| Pickled red onions | For a tangy twist |
| Fresh cilantro | For added flavor |
| Jalapeños | For heat |
| Olive oil, salt, and pepper | As needed |
Conclusion
Lunch is more important than we often think. It gives us the energy to get through the day. These quick 10-minute lunch recipes show you can have tasty, healthy meals fast. They include everything from turkey dishes to grain-based meals and California rolls.
Looking for something like a cucumber sandwich, a quinoa bowl, or a vegan burrito wrap? These ideas have you covered. They’re easy to make and use healthy ingredients like nuts and seeds. This makes them both tasty and good for you.
Don’t settle for boring lunches anymore. Try these easy 10-minute recipes for a delicious meal. They’ll keep you full and energized until dinner. Give your lunchtime the attention it deserves with these quick and tasty options.