30 Lunch Ideas For Teens That Prove Lunchtime Is The Best Period
Lunch is an incredibly important part of the day, and it breaks my heart to see it pushed aside as an afterthought. But I understand, life can get busy with school, sports, clubs, and maintaining a social life. These recipes are hand picked to prove that lunch can be not only quick and easy, but delicious—no cafeteria slop here. I’ve selected 30 of our best recipes for a combination of meals ready to be eaten right away at home or packed away for lunchtime, perfect for teens. From bowls and salads, to wraps and sandwiches, you’re sure to find something here that will become your new go-to.
Who doesn’t have a soft spot for fast-food? But waiting in line, spending your money on something you can only hope has been made hot and fresh is not always the move. Fortunately, we’ve got some great copycat recipes here on this list that taste just as good—if not better—and are always served up hot. Try our Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl, Crunchwrap Supreme, or Copycat Panera Bread Strawberry Poppyseed Salad. And if you want to get even more adventurous, we’ve created a few of our own fast-food mashups, like the Big Mac Crunchwrap and Big Mac Salad.
Fast food not your thing? Don’t worry, we have plenty of healthier options that look and taste just as good. Check out our Crispy Chili-Lime Chickpea Salad, Salmon Tacos, or Turkey Lavash Wrap. And speaking of wraps, not only are they convenient and so easy to make ahead of time, but they are also incredibly versatile. With our Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Chicken Caesar Wraps, and Pinwheel Sandwiches, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Whatever you choose, each of our recipes are a perfect way to make sure you feel full and prepared to take on the rest of your busy day, but if you’re still not convinced that lunch is just as special and breakfast or dinner, we’ve got plenty of inspiration there as well. Check out our collections of quick breakfast recipes or easy weeknight dinners.
Black Bean Tostadas
With only 5 ingredients and less than 30 minutes, these black bean tostadas will have you serving up an easy and delicious vegetarian dinner on the table with hardly any work at all, using ingredients you’re more than likely to have on hand. The best part? Because of their simplicity, these tostadas are endlessly versatile.
Get the Black Bean Tostadas recipe.
Tomato, Basil, Feta Omelet Quesadilla
A pillowy omelet is attached to a crispy tortilla and then folded onto jammy cherry tomatoes, soft melting feta, and bright basil leaves for the ultimate one-skillet quesadilla. Wrap this in a piece of foil and eat on the go, or pair with a side salad and dig in with a fork for brunch.
Get the Tomato, Basil, Feta Omelet Quesadilla recipe.
Queso Mac & Cheese
This creamy, spicy mac and cheese is a surefire favorite that'll have you contemplating reaching for the tortilla chips to scoop up every delicious bite. This one-pot recipe starts by cooking macaroni, then uses the same pot and pasta water to create a very creamy queso sauce that coats every curly noodle. For an extra kick, finish it off with a crunchy salsa crumble.
Get the Queso Mac & Cheese recipe.
Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a new twist using chicken tenders, enter this cornflake-crusted chicken recipe. Perfectly sliced chicken is coated in a blend of crispy cornflake crumbs, and seasoned just right for the extra pop of flavor. The golden-brown exterior showcases the distinct texture of those crunchy cornflakes. These tenders aren’t just a meal; they’re an adventure on a plate.
Get the Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders recipes.
Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie
Wondering what could possibly make a classic chicken pot pie even more delicious? Enter: tater tots! Picture a creamy and comforting casserole made with onions, peas, and tender chicken, all topped with a crown of crispy potato tots. No fussing with pie crusts here—just a crunchy, seasoned potato in every bite.
Get the Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie recipe.
Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These garlic-Parmesan chicken skewers are more than the sum of their (already wonderful) parts. Dripping with a buttery sauce made from fresh summer herbs, nutty Parmesan, and punchy garlic, these flavorful little wonders on a stick are made in the air fryer so they’re super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Get the Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe.
Burger Bowls
To make this easy bowl, I skip the carb-coma-inducing potato bun and swap it for a bed of fresh romaine lettuce topped with everything you’d find on a classic American diner cheeseburger—tangy dill pickles, thinly sliced red onion, juicy tomatoes, smoky bacon, cheddar cheesy ground beef, a drizzle of burger sauce, and of course a few golden crispy fries.
Get the Burger Bowls recipe.
Turkey Lavash Wrap
Lavash—the ultra-thin flatbread that's integral to Armenian cuisine—is great with pretty much everything. Traditionally baked on the hot walls of a clay oven, it boasts a deliciously subtle smoky flavor and slightly chewy texture that's perfect for dipping and scooping up all sorts of foods, making it great for wraps.
Get the Turkey Lavash Wrap recipe.
Big Mac
The Big Mac, an iconic burger that debuted in the late '60s, has ingrained its list of components into our minds, thanks to the hit jingle that goes a little like this: "Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a sesame seed bun." This is my stab at making a copycat version of the classic at home: “I’m lovin’ it,” and you will too!
Get the Big Mac recipe.
Taco Salad
Few summer salads are more hearty and versatile than classic taco salad. Loaded with meat, veggies, and a fair amount of cheese, it’s got all the right things to make for an extra-satisfying weeknight meal. I went for a classic version in this recipe, but the best thing about taco salad is how customizable it is.
Get the Taco Salad recipe.
Crunchwrap Supreme
If you can't get enough of Taco Bell's iconic fast-food meal, then today is your lucky day. Save yourself a trip to the drive-thru, with my copycat recipe, you can perfect the classic right at home, exactly how you like it.
Get the Crunchwrap Supreme recipe.
Pinwheel Sandwiches
Pinwheel sandwiches are here with their totally retro swirls, ready to be packed into lunchboxes, piled onto game day spreads, or just eaten as an afternoon snack. They’re easy to assemble, look great on a platter, and are ideal for a party. To make them, you'll layer flour tortillas with ranch-flavored mayonnaise, sliced cheese, deli meats, and lettuce.
Get the Pinwheel Sandwiches recipe.
Flaming Hot Nachos
I took sheet-pan nachos and gave them the flamin’ hot treatment—and I don’t just mean making them spicy, I mean amping them up with the zest, zing, and delicate heat of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. This recipe is spicy, slightly meaty, totally delicious take of a classic plate of nachos, perfect for a quick lunch.
Get the Flaming Hot Nachos recipe.
Big Mac Salad
We’ve created our fair share of dishes that reinvent the classic Big Mac, from Big Mac hotdogs, to Big Mac tacos, and now we decided to turn the classic Big Mac flavors into a delicious salad. Think of your favorite burger plus the satisfying crunch of a salad all in one bite…what’s not to love?
Get the Big Mac Salad recipe.
Chicken Caesar Wraps
For this chicken Caesar wrap, I kept things pretty straightforward. I wanted to put an end to the debate of whether croutons belong in a chicken Caesar wrap (spoiler: they do), but I encourage you to make your own golden wonders out of white bread. They come together in less than 15 minutes and make a huge difference.
Get the Chicken Caesar Wraps recipe.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
I think what you order at Chipotle really says something about a person: Do you spring for extra guac? Go for the spicy salsa, or stick with mild? Fill your bowl with brown rice, white rice, or just greens? While I'm all about switching things up, when I want a tried-and-true perfect meal, I always go back to the chicken burrito bowl.
Get the Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl recipe.
Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta
Vegan or not, this indulgent pasta is sure to have everyone going back to the pot for another serving. In this recipe, a homemade vegan cream made from quick-soaked cashews rounds out our robust sauce of sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. The result is a complex, rich sauce that rivals even our favorite dairy-filled varieties.
Get the Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta recipe.
Big Mac Crunchwrap
If you've ever had to make the post-party decision between Taco Bell and McDonald's, this one is for you. Eliminate the need to choose and make a Big Mac Crunchwrap instead. It's everything you love about both fast food treats, all in one. It features two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed… large flour tortilla.
Get the Big Mac Crunchwrap recipe.
Copycat Panera Bread Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
As much fruit salad as a green salad, this salad features a juicy orange and onion poppyseed dressing and pops of fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, Mandarin oranges, and pineapple. This copycat recipe is crazy easy to make at home so you can enjoy it whenever you want.
Get the Copycat Panera Bread Strawberry Poppyseed Salad recipe.
Tuna Salad
For this tuna salad I've found the perfect mixture of mayo, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper for a light, zingy dressing that generously coats the tuna without overwhelming it. I included celery for crunch, as well as chopped red onion and dill pickle for brightness and tang. And finally, I added a couple tablespoons of chopped dill to bring some welcome freshness.
Get the Tuna Salad recipe.
Summer Stuffed Shells
Who said summer meals can’t be cozy? These stuffed shells are bursting with seasonal flavor from sweet corn, zucchini, and basil, but they also hit the comfort food spot thanks to the cheesy, rich ricotta, and, to keep these stuffed shells feeling light and bright, I’ve added a lemony punch to the ricotta filling.
Get the Summer Stuffed Shells recipe.
Burrata Pizza Sandwiches
If you love pizza crust, then this is the next-level rendition of that perfect crunch. This gorgeous pizza sandwich is super-crusty sandwich stuffed with creamy burrata, salty prosciutto, sweet fig jam, and peppery arugula.
Get the Burrata Pizza Sandwiches recipes.
Sloppy Joe Cups
Our sloppy joe cups come together as store-bought crescent dough is stuffed with our sloppy joe recipe before being covered in gooey cheese—what more could you want? They only take a little over half an hour to come together, meaning they're the perfect comfort food.
Get the Sloppy Joe Cups recipe.
Chopped Sandwich
Imagine not having to unhinge your jaw like a snake to enjoy your favorite Italian deli hero. This chopped sandwich is here to turn that dream into a reality. Turns out, running a knife through your sandwich ingredients before piling them into a roll makes the whole ordeal of crushing a big hoagie a lot easier to manage. Not to mention—completely even dressing coverage.
Get the Chopped Sandwich recipe.
Parmesan Tortellini Bites
As far as stuffed pasta goes, tortellini is highly versatile, convenient, and—the best part—filled with cheese. You may have heard of toasted ravioli, but these crispy Parmesan tortellini bites will soon become your new favorite appetizer. Here are some tips on how to make this recipe:
Get the Parmesan Tortellini Bites recipe.
Beef & Broccoli Ramen
Ramen noodles are the king quick-lunch hacks. This take on classic beef and broccoli may just be my new favorite way to spruce up a simple meal. Thinly sliced steak and tender broccoli join those unmistakable noodles in a savory ginger soy sauce for an all-in-one lunch masterpiece.
Get the Beef & Broccoli Ramen recipe.
Salmon Tacos
The first thing you might think of when you hear the words "fish tacos"are probably Baja-style tacos filled with crispy fried fish. But tacos can be made with all manner of marine life, from shrimp to salmon! These tacos are cinch to make and are fresh, zesty, and absolutely delicious.
Get the Salmon Tacos recipe.
Crispy Chili-Lime Chickpea Salad
Spicy, creamy, and crunchy—this satisfying chickpea salad hits all the notes. It’s like cowboy caviar took a trip to Baja California! Crispy baked chickpeas are the star, tossed with lime juice and chili powder for a spicy little bite of intrigue. Juicy tomatoes and lightly roasted corn bulk everything out and add a touch of sweetness.
Get the Crispy Chili-Lime Chickpea Salad recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
When it comes to making a quick and delicious meal in minutes, you can't go wrong with a wrap. Our Buffalo chicken wraps are stuffed with spicy Buffalo chicken and a crunchy blue cheese slaw made with carrots and cabbage that will absolutely keep you coming back.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe.
Chicken Taco Torta
If you've had a Mexican torta, you know it's hearty and delicious. This iteration of the torta is inspired by the Americanized version of the chicken taco, complete with shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and a layer of crunchy tortilla chips as an homage to the beloved hard shell taco.
Get the Chicken Taco Torta recipe.
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