7 Healthy, Delicious Lunches You Can Make in 5 Minutes or Less

If COVID-19 has forced you to live the WFH life, you’re likely making far more meals at home than you used to—lunch included. But who has time to make a real lunch when you’re juggling Zoom meetings, deadlines, and in some cases, your child’s remote learning?

Instead of settling for a string cheese and a handful of healthy crackers wolfed down between virtual calls, check out these five-minute lunch recipes that are nutrient-rich and way more satisfying than anything you’d find in bar, bite, or shake form. You don’t need a ton of time to make lunch—you just need the right recipes.

5-minute lunch recipes to make when you’re pressed for time

1. Simple chickpea salad

The secret to a truly satisfying five-minute lunch is using ingredients that bring more than one nutrient to the table, so to speak. Chickpeas definitely deliver on that front. They’re a good source of fiber and protein, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable so you don’t completely crash later. Here, the legume is combined with cucumber, tomato, olive oil, red wine vinegar, celery seed, paprika, salt, and pepper for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Get the recipe: Simple chickpea salad

Watch the video below to learn more about why chickpeas are so good for you:

2. Spinach quesadillas 

You can’t talk about five-minute lunch recipes without including a quesadilla. The cheese provides some protein, but if you want to up it even more, add in sliced mushrooms, pre-cooked shredded chicken, or black beans. Including spinach in your quesadilla adds iron as well as fiber, and opting for a whole wheat tortilla will boost the fiber even more.

Get the recipe: Spinach quesadillas

3. Salmon salad 

Salmon is another one of those nutrient-rich ingredients that fill different nutrient buckets at the same time. It’s a good source of both protein and healthy fats, which are key to staying full until dinner. Enjoy this simple salmon salad on its own, or use it as the filling for a wrap or sandwich.

Get the recipe: Salmon salad

4. Garlicky Tuscan kale salad with savory chickpeas

If you’re looking for a quick lunchtime salad that doesn’t fall into the “sad” category, give this one a try. The key to building a delicious salad you actually look forward to eating is ensuring it has lots of flavor, nutrients, and texture—and this salad has all three. The key is sauteeing the ingredients for two minutes on the stove so that they really soak up the garlic and onion. It takes this salad to a whole new level.

Get the recipe: Garlicky Tuscan kale salad with savory chickpeas

5. Veggie coconut wraps

Virtually every single ingredient in these wraps is high in fiber—and they’re a cinch to make. Bell peppers add a nice crunch while hummus and avocado provide creaminess along with protein and fiber, respectively.

Get the recipe: Veggie coconut wraps

6. Tofu “egg” salad sandwich

If you’ve never tried using tofu as an egg substitute before, this recipe proves it really does work. Mix the plant-based protein with either vegan mayo or Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, turmeric, and a few other key spices. Unlike using real eggs, this vegan take doesn’t require any cooking whatsoever, which is why it comes together so quickly.

Get the recipe: Tofu “egg” salad sandwich

7. Masala vegetable sandwich

It can be tricky to find a good, vegetarian sandwich, which is exactly what makes this one a great find. Besides veggies, the key ingredient is chaat masala, a traditional Indian spice mix that includes a blend of coriander, cumin, mango powder, black rock salt, pepper, citric acid, and mint leaves. Everything But The Bagel may be your go-to breakfast blend, but this mixture has lunchtime on lock.

Get the recipe: Masala vegetable sandwich

Get more easy lunch ideas—and share your own favorites—in Well+Good’s Cook With Us Facebook group.

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