10 Quick Lunches

From crunchy salads to Italian platters, lunch is an opportunity to refuel your body and take a much-needed break from work.  If you struggle to find time in the day because of work commitments or childcare, we’ve created a diverse menu of speedy lunch recipes that can be prepared for your whole family in next to no time. Just because they’re quick doesn’t mean they lack quality!

 

 

Antipasto Selection

This traditional Italian appetiser doesn’t need to be reserved for three-course meals, especially when it’s so delicious and easy to make. Take some Italian-style meats- such as salami and prosciutto- mozzarella, olives, focaccia, sundried peppers, or artichoke and chuck it into a lunchbox or on a plate. It’s simple, filling and fit for the whole family – what’s not to love?

 

Salads

The ultimate lunch on a warm day, salads are both diverse and delicious. Start building your base by piling loads of fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, sweetcorn and carrot. Next, add some protein; this can be cold meats, eggs for vegetarians or chickpeas for vegans. Finally, add a tasty dressing- such a Caesar- or keep it simple with balsamic vinegar- sometimes less is more!

 

Mezze Platter

If you’re unfamiliar with Mezze, it’s an assortment of small dishes which are usually eaten as a light meal or appetizer. To create the perfect Mezze lunch, start by buying, or making some spreads, such as hummus, tzatziki or muhammara. Next, add some chunks of feta cheese, raw vegetables- such as carrots and tomatoes- and slice some warm pitta bread to accompany them. If you want to mix it up with some sweet ingredients, rip off a handful of grapes, otherwise, dig in!

 

Pesto Pasta Salad

What can I say? Lunch doesn’t get any simpler than Pesto Pasta Salad. Boil your pasta until it’s ready. Stir in some pesto (shop- bought or homemade) and add some sliced tomatoes, olives and lettuce and you’re ready to tuck in.

 

Pitta bread pockets

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think pitta breads get the recognition they deserve! They’re light, tasty and can be adapted to any palette, not to mention the fact they take just seconds to prepare. I recommend lining your pitta with a thin layer of mayonnaise, adding some salad, cold meats, or tuna and even a sprinkling of cheddar cheese. You’ll not be disappointed!

 

 

DIY Sushi

In recent years, I’ve become slightly obsessed with sushi but have settled for shop-bought varieties for ease. However, you’ll be surprised how quick and easy it is to make your own. You’ll find all of the ingredients you need in your local supermarket – including sushi rice, seaweed sheets and your fillings of choice, such as smoked salmon, tuna and cucumber. To see how easy it really is, check out this tutorial, it’ll tell you everything you need to know.

 

Grilled tortilla

You may have seen this trend circulating its way around social media lately, but if you haven’t, prepare to be amazed. All you need to do is take a large tortilla wrap, four fillings of your choosing, wrap it up (see video for demonstration) and grill it for a few minutes on each side in a frying or grill pan. I tried it, loved it, and I’m sure you will too.

 

Special fried rice

Special fried rice is one of my favourite go-to lunches, because it can be made with leftover ingredients. Whether it’s vegetables, slices of ham, bacon or strips of chicken, fried rice is the perfect canvas for all your spare ingredients and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Check out one of our favourite recipes here.

 

 

Pizza Bagels

What do you get when you combine two of the best foods on earth together? You get Pizza Bagels, that’s what! Carefully slice your bagel into two equal parts and add some tomato puree to the bases. Next, add your toppings of choice, such as pepperoni, peppers, onions, and chicken, and top with grated cheese. Toast them under the grill for about 5 minutes, and you’re good to go.

 

Omelette

Omelettes are one of my favourite meals to make because they are healthy, budget-friendly, and extremely easy. And what’s more, you can pack them full of fresh vegetables and protein.