Mamá Maggie's Kitchen
menu icon
search icon

17 Quick Lunch Recipes That’ll Make You Look Forward To Noon

Published: by

These quick lunch recipes are perfect for busy afternoons. They are delicious meals that are easy to make yet big on flavor. From hearty soups to crunchy tostadas, you’ll find a tasty midday meal here to keep you going all day long. Say hello to lunches that you are sure to love!

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ensalada de Atun (Mexican Tuna Salad)

A wooden bowl filled with a creamy tuna salad, garnished with a sprig of cilantro, is placed on a wooden platter alongside square and triangular crackers. The tuna salad has visible chunks of tuna, diced tomatoes, onions, and green herbs.

Ensalada de Atún is a yummy and simple lunch option that won’t cost you much. This Mexican tuna salad is made with canned tuna and is ready in just a few minutes!

Get the recipe: Ensalada de Atun

Italian Grinder Sandwich

Close-up of a sandwich with sliced ham, cheese, lettuce, and salami between crusty bread halves, placed on a wooden surface. The sandwich is cut in half, showing the layered ingredients.
Italian Grinder Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Italian Grinder Sandwich combines mortadella, burrata, and pesto with arugula on a crusty focaccia. It’s the perfect blend of Italian flavors, ideal for gatherings or a family meal.

Get the recipe: Italian Grinder Sandwich

Tostaguac (guacamole tostadas)

A colorful plate holds a crispy tostada topped with layers of guacamole, black beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. The vibrant ingredients create a visually appealing and appetizing dish.

This Tostaguac is a crunchy tostada topped with rich guacamole. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves Mexican food!

Get the recipe: Tostaguac

Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl

A bowl filled with smoked salmon, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, capers, and cream cheese, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Pesto Tuna Pasta. Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

This Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl is a quick, delicious meal that comes together in just a few minutes. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed any time of day, offering a satisfying combination of flavors.

Get the recipe: Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl

Bean Tostadas (Tostadas de Frijoles)

A bean tostada served on a decorative blue plate.

Bean Tostadas are a simple yet satisfying meal that’s ready in no time. Pile on the toppings and enjoy this crispy, crunchy delight!

Get the recipe: Tostadas de Frijoles

Curried Black Eyed Pea Salad Sandwiches (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

A sandwich on a white plate, cut in half to reveal a filling of chickpeas, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Beside the sandwich are a few tortilla chips. The bun is lightly toasted.
Curried Black Eyed Pea Salad Sandwiches. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

These Curried Black Eyed Pea Salad Sandwiches are a healthy lunch option that are gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free. Easy to prepare ahead of time, they’re perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for later.

Get the recipe: Curried Black Eyed Pea Salad Sandwiches

Salpicon de Res (Cold Mexican Beef Salad)

Salpicon de res served on a tostada and topped with avocado slices.

Salpicón de Res is a refreshing Mexican beef salad tossed in a tangy lime-vinegar dressing. Serve it on a tostada for a tasty party dish or a clever way to use leftovers.

Get the recipe: Salpicon de Res

Caprese Grilled Cheese

A close-up of a grilled sandwich cut in half on a wooden board. The sandwich is filled with melted cheese, tomato slices, green pesto, and a cooked egg. The golden-brown bread appears crispy and lightly toasted.
Caprese Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Swirls Of Flavor.

A Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings together fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and pesto. All the flavors of a Caprese salad are melted into a warm and toasty sandwich.

Get the recipe: Caprese Grilled Cheese

Corn Tuna Salad

Corn Tuna Salad in a large white bowl surrounded by toppings.

Corn Tuna Salad is a delightful and easy meal. With its fresh ingredients, it’s perfect for any lunch. Your family will love this light and tasty dish.

Get the recipe: Corn Tuna Salad

Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

A bowl of egg salad garnished with chopped herbs is placed on a marble surface. Fresh eggs are nearby, along with a wooden spoon containing a dollop of mayonnaise and a few chopped green onions. A white cloth napkin is partially visible on the left.
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad. Photo credit: Healthy Foodie Girl.

This Cottage Cheese Egg Salad is a game-changer! With a creamy texture and lighter ingredients, this healthier alternative to traditional egg salad replaces most of the mayo with cottage cheese for a delicious new flavor.

Get the recipe: Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Ensalada de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Salad)

Ensalada de pollo, or chicklen salad, served on a plate with tortilla chips and jalapeño

Ensalada de Pollo, also known as Mexican Chicken Salad, is a popular party dish in Mexico. It’s a mix of chicken and veggies tossed in a creamy mayo dressing—a real treat for everyone!

Get Recipe: Ensalada de Pollo

Pesto Tuna Pasta

A white plate filled with rigatoni pasta coated in green pesto sauce, topped with chunks of cooked chicken. The plate is set on a red and white checkered tablecloth.
Pesto Tuna Pasta. Photo credit: The Short Order Cook.

Pesto Tuna Pasta is a quick and easy meal that combines hearty pasta with the flavors of pesto and tuna. With just six ingredients and 20 minutes, it’s a fast and delicious recipe you’ll want to make all the time.

Get the recipe: Pesto Tuna Pasta

Salpicon de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Salad Tostadas)

Two tostadas of Salpicon de Pollo topped with avocado slices and surrounded by cilantro leaves and jalapenos.

Salpicon de Pollo is a flavorful and versatile dish, perfect for casual gatherings or picnics. Served with a lime vinaigrette, it pairs beautifully with chips or tostadas.

Get the recipe: Salpicon de Pollo

Pasta With Coconut Milk

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta mixed with mushrooms and chickpeas, garnished with parsley. The bowl is placed on a gray cloth, with a blurred background featuring cutlery. "Thyme for Flavor" text is visible at the bottom right.
Pasta With Coconut Milk. Photo credit: Thyme For Flavor.

Pasta with Coconut Milk is a dairy-free recipe that’s both quick to make and full of flavor. Try this recipe if you’re looking for a simple, tasty pasta option.

Get the recipe: Pasta With Coconut Milk

Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup

A white bowl filled with creamy orange-colored carrot soup, garnished with a dollop of cream, a sprinkle of red chili flakes, and a fresh cilantro leaf on top. The bowl is placed on a light wooden surface with a green and beige napkin in the background.
Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup. Photo credit: A Cedar Spoon.

Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup is a flavorful and meatless soup. Red lentils, carrots, and warming spices like cumin and coriander create a comforting meal that freezes well for meal prep.

Get the recipe: Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup

Torta de Jamon (Mexican Ham Sandwich)

Torta de Jamon, Mexican Ham Sandwich

Torta de Jamon is a quick and delicious Mexican ham sandwich that’s perfect for lunch. Made with a soft telera or bolillo, it’s a simple meal packed with flavor.

Get recipe: Torta de Jamon

Tuna Fried Rice

Close-up of a dish featuring fried rice mixed with chunks of cooked meat, scrambled eggs, and green onions, all served in a black bowl.
Tuna Fried Rice. Photo credit: The Rice Chick.

Tuna Fried Rice is a simple recipe that’s great for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish. It brings together pantry staples for a quick and tasty meal.

Get the recipe: Tuna Fried Rice

More General