Are you tired of leftovers and need something quick to make for lunch? Here are 27 easy 10-minute lunch ideas that are not only delicious but budget-friendly.
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It’s no secret that mornings can be crazy busy because we are running here and there trying to get the kids to school on time in addition to getting ourselves ready to start the day. All this rushing can lead to skipping breakfast which means that we are starving when lunch rolls around.
But it also means we don’t have time to make lunch so we end up ordering fast food instead. We rationalize spending the extra money because we needed to eat and we were too busy doing all the things on our list that need to be done.
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Ideally, having a good hearty breakfast may prevent us from eating out. But, honestly, who has time to prepare a big breakfast when you are struggling to make it out the door on time? Not to mention having the time to pack a well-balanced lunch too?
Luckily, there are lots of 5-minute breakfast options you can make that will help you start your day right. Not to mention, spending a few minutes in the evening preparing some make-ahead lunches.
But, despite all these great options, there are going to be some days when you just need a quick and simple lunch idea that you can make super fast so you can get out the door on time. Enter 10-minute lunch ideas. The perfect way to enjoy a satisfying lunch without all the fuss.
If you are tired of having the same old boring leftovers, these lunch ideas are perfect to eat on the go, pack for work, or school, or to enjoy at home with the kids.
27 Easy 10-Minute Lunch Ideas
You will find easy salad and sandwich ideas for lunch as well as wraps, pinwheels, and more.
Salads
Caesar salad
Caesar salad is a great accompaniment to dinner but can also be a great choice for lunch as well. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together for a delicious and light lunch idea that will please everyone.
Simply combine romaine lettuce, shredded parmesan cheese, croutons, and caesar salad dressing in a bowl. Then, enjoy! Of course, you can add in some rotisserie chicken or some cooked-breaded chicken tenders if you want something a little more hearty.
Wedge salad
Are you looking for an easy way to use that head of iceberg lettuce you have in the fridge? How about putting together a wedge salad for a flavorful lunch option?
To make a wedge salad, you will need a head of iceberg lettuce (make sure to remove the outer leaves) and cut in quarters. Top with diced tomatoes, chopped bacon, red onion (optional), and blue cheese dressing.
Chef salad
Chef salad was one of my favorite salads growing up because it was so customizable. You can use different meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It’s such a versatile salad because it can appeal to everyone’s tastes.
Although, a chef salad can be made any way you like. I like to use a combination of iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce chopped. Then, top with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, turkey, ham, hard-boiled eggs, and ranch dressing.
Greek Salad
Greek salad is my go-to salad, especially during the summer months when I want something lighter. I love the fresh flavors.
To make a quick Greek salad, add cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, and kalamata olives over romaine lettuce. Sprinkle with feta cheese and top with Greek salad dressing. If you want to try and make your own Greek salad dressing, this recipe (Love and Lemons) is delicious.
Although traditional Greek salad doesn’t usually include lettuce, I like to add some to my salad but if you would prefer to leave it out you can.
A few more of my favorite quick salad recipes for lunch
- Cucumber and Onion Salad– The Cookie Rookie
- Broccoli Salad-Sugar Spun Run
These salads are great side dishes for a sandwich, wrap, or leftover chicken from dinner.
You May Like:12 Best Summer Salad Recipes
Sandwiches
Cold Cut Sandwiches
Although cold-cut sandwiches may seem boring and unappetizing to some, they can actually be a great option for lunch. Especially when you want something quick and easy. The best part of a cold-cut sandwich is all of the customizations you can make to it. By changing up the ingredients, you can have a completely different sandwich every day of the week.
Here are a few mix-and-match options to create the perfect cold-cut sandwich:
Bread
- Whole grain
- Sourdough
- Whole wheat
- Italian
- Focaccia
Spreads
- Mayonaise
- Mustard
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Red pepper relish
- Thousand island dressing
Meat
- Ham
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Salami
- Pepperoni
- Roast Beef
- Pastrami
Cheese
- Cheddar
- American
- Provolone
- Swiss
- Colby-Jack
- Pepper-Jack
Vegetables (Toppings)
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Green Peppers
- Red Onions
- Olives
- Spinach
- Avocado
When making my sandwich I like to combine my vegetables in a bowl and add some mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and Italian season so it looks like a slaw and add it to my sandwich after putting on my meats and cheese.
Enjoy a few more delicious cold sandwich ideas:
- Tuna salad sandwich– Fantabulosity
- Egg salad sandwich– Tastes Better From Scratch
- Chicken salad sandwiches– Valerie’s Kitchen
Although, I prefer cold sandwiches in the summer months when the weather is hot. In the winter, I want something more hearty that will warm me up. Here are a few of my go-to 10-minute lunch ideas for hot sandwiches.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
If you love chicken parmesan, you need to try these chicken parmesan sandwiches. I actually make them two ways depending on the type of chicken I have on hand.
Option 1- Breaded
This chicken parmesan sandwich is as easy as cooking a breaded chicken patty in the microwave or air fryer. Then combine some pizza sauce with mozzarella cheese and add it to the top. Microwave or air fry it for another minute or so to melt the cheese. Then, serve on a hamburger or brioche bun.
Option 2- Shredded
If you want a healthier version, you can skip the breaded chicken and replace it with rotisserie or shredded chicken instead. Just add the shredded chicken to a bowl with some pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine and then warm in the microwave and serve on a bun.
If you have sliced mozzarella cheese instead of shredded, you can add it after the sauce and chicken have been warmed and placed on the bun.
Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Who doesn’t love grilled ham and cheese sandwiches? I know it’s a must in our house especially on a cold day with a nice bowl of tomato soup. It’s so easy and delicious to make too!
Simply add your favorite cheese and a few slices of ham to the bread. Butter both sides and cook in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
While I love the traditional way of making grilled cheese sandwiches in a skillet on the stove, I also enjoy making grilled cheese sandwiches in my air fryer.
If you love a gooey, crunchy grilled cheese sandwich, you can find my recipe along with tips and tricks for using your air fryer at 20 Best Air Fryer Tips for Beginners.
Grilled Pizza Sandwich
This sandwich has been a staple for lunch since I was a child. My mom made it for me and my brother and now I make it for my kids. If you love pizza it’s the perfect way to quickly enjoy all those delicious flavors.
You’re basically making a grilled cheese sandwich but adding pizza sauce and pepperoni. I like to layer the sandwich with cheese first, then sauce and pepperoni on top. Avoid putting the sauce on first so it doesn’t get soggy. Then, just cook it like you would cook a grilled cheese sandwich. Easy and delicious!
Tuna Melt
My son just started loving tuna melts and I don’t blame him. They are so quick to make and so filling. If you love tuna sandwiches then you are sure to enjoy this easy 10-minute lunch idea.
To make a tuna melt, you just add mayo to a can of tuna fish in water (make sure to drain the water first). Then, add a slice or two of your favorite cheese (we like cheddar) and the tuna mixture on top. Lastly, just cook it in a skillet just as you would cook a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s done when the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
If you love BLT’s, try this delicious club sandwich recipe:
Club Sandwich– Jo Cooks
Wraps/ Pinwheels/Roll-Ups
Italian Pinwheel
If you haven’t had an Italian pinwheel before, you’ve been missing out. It’s such a great lunch option. Perfect for taking to work, school, or enjoying at home. There is little prep making it an ideal option when you want something quick but filling.
Start out by spreading mayonnaise and a thin layer of red pepper relish on a tortilla wrap. Then, add slices of provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni, and ham, top with some romaine lettuce, and then roll it up. You can wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for a few minutes to help keep them together when you slice them into pinwheels.
Of course, if you want to enjoy them as a wrap, you can do this as well. They are a great make-ahead lunch option or even to enjoy as an afternoon snack or a party appetizer.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Do love chicken caesar salad but you wish it was more of a grab-and-go option? Then, you need to try this tasty chicken caesar wrap. They are super simple to make and have all the delicious flavors of a caesar salad.
*This recipe uses rotisserie chicken but you can also use leftover cooked shredded chicken breast or even a crispy chicken strip that has been heated in the microwave, air fryer, or oven.
To make this recipe, start out by combining the rotisserie chicken with shredded romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and caesar dressing. Add to a tortilla shell and fold the sides in and then roll up the shell. That’s all there is to it. An easy, affordable lunch option to take on the go.
More Delicious Lunch Wraps You Will Love:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap– I Wash You Dry
- Southwest Chicken Wrap- Everyday Family Cooking
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap– Gimme Delicious
- Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups-Food Lovin’ Family
More Quick Lunch Ideas
Loaded Baked Potato
Baked Potatoes are a nice hearty and budget-friendly option for lunch that you can be enjoying in 10 minutes or less.
Start off by poking some holes in your baked potato and place it in your microwave to cook for about 8 minutes. Once your potato comes out, top it with butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Chicken Quesadillas
My boys could eat quesadillas for lunch every day. They are so quick to make and you can customize them with any ingredients you would like. We like to keep it simple but if you have onions, mushrooms, peppers, or any other veggie you love you can add them in.
* This recipe does use rotisserie chicken but you can also shred some leftover chicken to use, add beef instead or leave out the meat entirely.
If you are really short on time, simply add the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and your favorite salsa on a tortilla shell. Then, just microwave for about a minute or so until the cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream and/or guacamole.
However, if you have a few more minutes, prepare your quesadilla the same way, except instead of microwaving, Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and brown the tortilla on both sides to melt the cheese and crisp the shell.
Pizza Bagels
It really doesn’t get any simpler than pizza bagels. These are traditionally cooked for about 10 minutes in the oven but to save even more time, you can toast your bagels in the toaster and then add your favorite pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni then microwave for a minute or so to melt the cheese and warm the sauce.
Do you have an air fryer? Air fryers are great for keeping that crispiness without all the time and effort. Just assemble your pizza bagel with all your favorite toppings and pop it into your air fryer for about 4 minutes at 360°. But, make sure to check it halfway through as air fryers can cook differently.
Don’t have any bagels? Try making them on English muffins instead for a quick and easy lunch option that you and your kids can enjoy.
A few more lunch options you may enjoy
- Microwave Mac and Cheese– Family Food on the Table
- Burrito Bowl– Lil’ Luna
- Tortilla Pizza– Bake it With Love
There you go, 27 easy 10-minute lunch ideas that will let you skip leftovers and make something delicious, simple, and quick instead.
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