Do you have a hard time coming up with lunch ideas? I’ve got you covered in this blog post, featuring 20 easy and delicious lunch ideas for busy moms.
Being a mom is a full-time job, and sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. One thing that often gets pushed to the back burner is lunch. I get it, as a mom of four kids myself, I know how hard it can be to fit everything in during the day.
But just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. Here are 20 simple and satisfying lunch ideas for busy moms that will keep you fueled throughout the day without taking up too much of your precious time.
- Mason Jar Salads: Layer salad ingredients in a mason jar for an on-the-go meal. Start with dressing, then add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, chickpeas, and lettuce. Leave some room at the top to allow for mixing it all together later. Shake it up when ready to eat!
Check out this list of high-protein mason jar salads to give you some ideas on different flavor combos to try! - Wrap it Up: Fill whole wheat wraps with sliced turkey/chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and hummus/mustard. Roll tightly and slice for a satisfying lunch. If you are serving this for your little ones, slice it into pinwheels for a fun lunch.
Give some of these wrap recipes a try if you need some ideas.
- Quinoa Salad: This is an easy, no-fuss meal prep option. Toss cooked quinoa with bell peppers, cucumbers, chickpeas, red onion, feta cheese, and vinaigrette for a nutritious meal.
There are lots of ways to mix up a quinoa salad – give one of these recipes a try! - Soup and Sandwich Combo: Pair a sandwich with a cup of soup. There are endless pairings, such as a whole grain bread grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup, or turkey and avocado sandwich with vegetable soup.
- Leftovers Remix: Repurpose last night’s dinner. For example, chop leftover baked or grilled chicken for salad or use in wraps, tossed onto a salad, or as a stuffing for tacos.
- Pita Pockets: Stuff whole wheat pitas with tuna or chicken salad, Greek salad, or leftover stir-fry for a portable lunch. If need some inspiration on what to stuff your pita with, check out these ideas.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend fruits and veggies with Greek yogurt or milk, then top with granola, nuts, seeds, and a small drizzle of honey or pure maple syrup for a nutritious meal. Need to take lunch on the go? Skip the bowl and keep your smoothie in a cup!
Try my peachy green smoothie bowl or peach & pistachio smoothie bowl recipes. - Stir-Fry: Whip up a quick stir-fry with your choice of veggies and protein. Serve over brown rice or quinoa. This easy chicken stir-fry recipe is sure to be a winner.
- Egg Muffins: Make egg muffins filled with diced veggies, cheese, and cooked ham or turkey sausage for a protein-packed lunch. Give my spinach and parmesan egg muffins a try, or try adding a different variety of ingredient combinations to make it your own!
- DIY Lunchables: Pack sliced meats, cheeses, crackers, and veggies in a bento box for a customizable meal. Try one of these adult lunchable ideas out!
- Avocado Toast: Top whole grain toast with mashed avocado, sliced tomato, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a simple and satisfying lunch. Try one of these avocado toast variations for lunch!
- Taco Salad: Enjoy a vibrant taco salad with a bed of lettuce topped with seasoned lean ground turkey or beef, lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, diced onion, avocado, shredded cheese, and salsa. Crush a few tortilla chips on top for some added crunch. Meal prep several taco salads beforehand to enjoy throughout the week. Need a recipe? Give this one a try.
- Veggie Quesadillas: Fill whole wheat tortillas with black beans, sautéed peppers and onions, and cheese. Cook until crispy and serve with salsa and Greek yogurt. Try out this fajita quesadilla recipe!
- Chicken Caesar Wrap: Take your salad on -the-go! Fill a whole wheat wrap with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing for a classic and flavorful lunch option. Here’s a recipe to try out.
- Sub in a Tub: Enjoy your favorite sub sandwich ingredients served in a tub with cooked pasta instead of bread. Layer turkey, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, shredded lettuce, diced red onion, and other toppings for a portable twist on a classic lunch. Keep dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent things from getting soggy. Try out this Jersey Mike’s copy cat recipe if you want another variation.
- Mediterranean Plate: Make your own charcuterie board at home for a simple, you satisfying meal. No recipe needed! Choose what you want! Arrange items such as hummus, olives, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and whole grain crackers on a plate for a quick and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
- BLT Salad: Toss together chopped lettuce, cooked turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle with a bit of ranch dressing for a twist on the classic BLT sandwich. If you want to follow a recipe, give this one a try.
- Pesto Pasta Salad: Toss cooked whole grain pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pine nuts for a flavorful and filling lunch option. Try this pesto pasta salad with asparagus for a delicious lunch. Add in some cooked chicken for an extra boost of protein.
- Turkey and Veggie Skewers: Thread skewers with turkey slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and cheese cubes. Serve with whole grain crackers and hummus for dipping. This post can give you some inspiration.
- Vegetable Frittata: Whip up a quick frittata using eggs, chopped veggies, and cheese. Bake until set and enjoy for a protein-rich lunch or breakfast throughout the week. Try this easy frittata recipe.
These 20 quick and delicious lunch ideas for busy moms that are perfect for both working or stay-at-home women looking for nutritious and satisfying meals. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy a variety of flavorful lunches without sacrificing precious time during your busy day. Happy eating!
What did I miss? Let me know in the comments what your go-to lunch is as a busy mom!
I'm a registered dietitian nutritionist and mom of four with a passion of helping families build confidence in the kitchen. I share family friendly recipes and helpful tips to help you navigate mealtime one bite at a time.
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