12 Energizing Lunches That’ll Power You Through the Day

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When you need a lunch that keeps you going through the day, it’s important to choose meals that are filling and energizing. These lunches are made to fuel you up without slowing you down, helping you power through your afternoon. Each option combines satisfying ingredients for a lasting meal. With these energizing choices, you’ll be ready to handle whatever the day brings.

A cheeseburger with avocado spread, bacon, and spinach on a bun is served on a black plate with green beans on the side—a perfect movie night snack. Another cheeseburger and a halved avocado are in the background.
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Greek Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad in a brown bowl, garnished with pita bread
Greek Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Greek Quinoa Salad takes about 30 minutes to make and combines quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. The quinoa gives it a light, nutty flavor, while the veggies add a refreshing crunch. With feta cheese and a lemony olive oil dressing, it’s savory with a hint of brightness. It’s a perfect choice to keep you energized throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Grilled shrimp grain in a black bowl.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo Credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl is a quick 25-minute lunch that features juicy grilled shrimp, hearty grains, and fresh veggies. The shrimp adds a tender, slightly smoky flavor, complemented by the earthy grains and a tangy dressing. Avocado and leafy greens add freshness, making each bite a balanced mix of flavors. This bowl is perfect for a midday boost that keeps you full.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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These Roasted Cabbage Steaks take about 40 minutes and are topped with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of cheese. The roasted cabbage becomes tender with slightly caramelized edges, and the bacon adds a smoky crunch. It’s a savory and filling dish that’s surprisingly hearty for a vegetable-based option. Perfect for a satisfying lunch that’s a little different.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Chicken Shawarma Plate

Close up of chicken shawarma.
Chicken Shawarma Plate. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Chicken Shawarma Plate is ready in 45 minutes and is packed with marinated chicken, warm spices, and a fresh cucumber-tomato salad. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, with a bit of smoky heat from the spices. It’s served with a creamy garlic sauce for a bright, tangy finish. This meal is full of vibrant flavors and perfect for powering you through your day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Plate

Panko Crusted Rockfish

A close-up of breaded and fried fish fillets served with fresh green spinach leaves on a gray ceramic plate. A must-try dish for any foodie.
Panko Crusted Rockfish. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Panko Crusted Rockfish takes 30 minutes to prepare and features tender fish fillets coated in crispy panko crumbs. The rockfish is mild, while the crust adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite light but flavorful. A lemon wedge on the side brightens it up, making the dish feel fresh. It’s a great choice for a lunch that’s both light and filling.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Rockfish

Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

A serving of creamy balsamic chicken skillet next to a serving of green salad.
Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet is ready in 30 minutes and combines tender chicken breasts with a rich balsamic cream sauce. The balsamic vinegar adds a sweet tanginess, while the creamy sauce makes it feel indulgent without being too heavy. It’s paired with veggies for a balanced, satisfying meal. This is a comforting dish that’s ideal for keeping you fueled through the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Balsamic Chicken Skillet

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini noodle salad in a white plate.
Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo Credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Zucchini Noodle Salad is a 20-minute dish made with spiralized zucchini, fresh tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing. The zucchini noodles have a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavor. Tossed with olive oil and lemon, this salad is light but still satisfying. It’s a perfect lunch for when you want something fresh and energizing.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf takes 40 minutes and combines juicy pork chops with succulent shrimp. The pork is grilled to perfection with a smoky, savory flavor, while the shrimp adds a touch of sweetness. The pairing creates a hearty, balanced meal that feels like a treat. It’s perfect for a satisfying lunch that’ll power you through the day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A buttermilk brined roasted surrounded by festive holiday side dishes.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

The Buttermilk Brined Turkey takes a bit longer at around 3 hours, but the result is worth it. The turkey breast comes out tender and juicy, thanks to the buttermilk brine, with a rich flavor that’s comforting and familiar. It’s perfect for a special lunch or when you want something a little more substantial. While it takes longer to prepare, it can still be made in advance and used for lunch. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Loaded bruschetta salad on crostini on a white plate.
Loaded Bruschetta Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Loaded Bruschetta is a quick 15-minute recipe featuring toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The tomatoes are juicy and sweet, balanced by the tangy balsamic and fragrant basil. It’s a light, yet flavorful bite that’s perfect for a simple, refreshing lunch. This bruschetta brings a burst of flavor that’ll keep you going.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

A cutting board with several slices of breaded, cooked chicken beside a knife, creating the perfect spread of comfort foods for all those groovy Boomers out there.
Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast takes about 45 minutes and features tender turkey coated in a crunchy hazelnut crust. The hazelnuts add a rich, nutty flavor, while the turkey remains juicy and succulent. Paired with a simple side salad, it’s a satisfying meal that feels a little special. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Hazelnut Crusted Turkey Breast

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

A cheeseburger with avocado spread, bacon, and spinach on a bun is served on a black plate with green beans on the side—a perfect movie night snack. Another cheeseburger and a halved avocado are in the background.
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger takes only 25 minutes and brings together juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado. The beef is hearty and rich, while the bacon adds a salty crunch and the avocado smooths everything out. All the flavors work together for a satisfying, flavorful bite. It’s a great option to keep you going through the day.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

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