13 Fresh and Filling Lunch Recipes You’ll Want on Repeat

When lunchtime rolls around, you need recipes that are both fresh and filling to keep you going through the day. These 13 lunch ideas are packed with simple ingredients and great flavors, making them meals you’ll want to keep on repeat. From light salads to hearty grain bowls, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick bite, these recipes make lunchtime easy and satisfying.

Salmon salad on white plates and lettuce greens in a bowl. — Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

A white bowl filled with fresh kale topped with shaved cheese slices creates a delightful salad perfect for impressing guests. A glass of water, fork, and a napkin are elegantly placed on the dark wooden table. — Rubbed Kale Salad with-Parmesan. Photo Credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This rubbed kale salad features tender kale leaves massaged with olive oil and tossed with shaved Parmesan. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, offering a light yet filling meal. The Parmesan adds a salty richness that balances the earthiness of the kale. It’s a simple, nutritious lunch that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

An overhead shot of a wooden serving bowl filled with salad next to cornbread on a cutting board. — Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This Carolina BBQ chicken salad combines juicy grilled chicken with a tangy barbecue dressing, served over a bed of fresh greens. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and offers a blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The BBQ sauce adds a kick without overpowering the dish. It’s a satisfying and fresh lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Carolina BBQ Chicken Salad

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it. — Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This broccoli slaw salad is made with shredded broccoli, carrots, and cabbage, all tossed in a light dressing. It takes just 15 minutes to whip up and delivers a crunchy, refreshing bite. The fresh vegetables make it a great option for a light yet filling meal. It’s a crisp, healthy lunch that’s easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Roasted bell pepper salad

Two plates with roasted peppers, a quick simple salad topped with almonds and herbs. A fork rests on the smaller plate, while a serving spoon adorns the larger one. — Roasted bell pepper salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This roasted bell pepper salad features sweet, smoky peppers mixed with fresh herbs and olive oil. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is both light and flavorful. The roasted peppers offer a tender texture and rich taste. This salad makes a perfect lunch for those who want something simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted bell pepper salad

Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes

A plate with pitas and vegetables on it. — Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This Sabich sandwich combines fried eggplant, boiled potatoes, and fresh vegetables in pita bread, creating a filling and flavorful meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, the sandwich is hearty and packed with different textures. The eggplant adds a rich, savory bite, while the vegetables keep it fresh. It’s a great vegetarian lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes

Roasted delicata squash salad

A brown plate with roasted acorn squash slices, topped with chopped green onions, creates a quick and simple dish reminiscent of fresh salads. — Roasted delicata squash salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This roasted delicata squash salad pairs tender, caramelized squash with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette. It takes about 35 minutes to make, with the squash bringing a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. The crisp greens balance the richness of the roasted squash. It’s a refreshing yet hearty lunch that’s perfect for fall.
Get the Recipe: Roasted delicata squash salad

Veggie Couscous Salad

This veggie couscous salad features fluffy couscous mixed with fresh vegetables and a simple lemon dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s light but filling, with a refreshing citrusy flavor. The couscous absorbs the dressing, creating a balanced bite with the crunch of the veggies. It’s an easy, wholesome lunch that’s great for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Roasted Beet, Apple, and Goat Cheese Salad

Side view of roasted beet salad on white platter. — Roasted Beet, Apple, and Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This salad pairs roasted beets with crisp apples and creamy goat cheese, offering a mix of sweet, earthy, and tangy flavors. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, with the beets becoming tender and slightly caramelized. The goat cheese adds richness, while the apples bring freshness. It’s a well-balanced and filling lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet, Apple, and Goat Cheese Salad

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges. — Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These grilled shrimp skewers are quick to make, offering tender shrimp with a smoky, charred flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can have a light, protein-packed meal. The shrimp are flavorful and juicy, perfect for pairing with a simple salad or grain bowl. It’s a fresh, satisfying lunch that’s full of protein.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains. — Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This grilled shrimp grain bowl combines tender shrimp with hearty grains and fresh vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying lunch option that’s packed with protein and fiber. The grains soak up the shrimp’s smoky flavor, while the vegetables add a refreshing crunch. It’s a wholesome lunch that keeps you full for hours.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

This shaved Brussels sprouts salad mixes thinly sliced sprouts with nuts and a tangy vinaigrette for a crunchy, flavorful dish. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and offers a refreshing bite. The vinaigrette brightens the earthy taste of the Brussels sprouts. It’s a crisp, filling lunch that’s perfect for any day.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

California Steak Salad

This California steak salad features grilled steak slices over fresh greens with avocado, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a protein-packed lunch that’s both filling and flavorful. The steak is tender and juicy, while the avocado adds creaminess. It’s a satisfying and healthy option for lunch.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Salmon Salad

This salmon salad combines flaky salmon with fresh greens and a light dressing, making it a refreshing yet filling meal. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful, protein-rich lunch. The salmon adds a rich, savory taste that pairs well with the crisp greens. It’s an easy, healthy lunch that you can enjoy on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad