26 Fast Lunch Recipes Ready In Under 20 Minutes

When hunger strikes and time is short, these quick lunch ideas deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Each recipe takes 20 minutes or less to prepare.

From creative pizza alternatives to fresh salads and hearty wraps, these recipes prove that fast food can be both delicious and satisfying.

01. Skillet Cheese-Crust Pizza

This creative pizza uses melted mozzarella cheese as the crust instead of traditional dough. The cheese gets crispy and golden in a hot skillet.

This method creates a low-carb pizza that’s ready in minutes. Just add your favorite toppings over the melted cheese base.

Perfect for quick lunches when you’re craving pizza without the wait. This approach works great for busy weekdays.

02. Fresh Fig and Gorgonzola Salad

This colorful salad combines sweet fresh figs, tangy gorgonzola cheese, and bright orange segments. The flavors balance perfectly together.

This version works best during fig season when the fruit is at peak sweetness. Mandarin oranges make a great substitute for fresh ones.

This elegant salad takes just minutes to assemble but looks restaurant-quality. Great for impressing guests or treating yourself.

03. Quick Pita Bread Pizza

Pita bread creates the perfect personal pizza base with your favorite toppings and cheese. The bread gets crispy while toppings melt.

This method works better when you toast the pita lightly first. This creates a stronger base that won’t get soggy.

You can customize these pizzas with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish.

04. Easy Turkey Wrap Sandwiches

These portable wraps use sliced turkey, fresh vegetables, and spread wrapped in soft tortillas. They’re perfect for eating on the go.

This approach lets you prep multiple wraps at once for the whole family. Cut in half for easier handling and packing.

Great for busy schedules when you need lunch that travels well. Takes less time than making traditional sandwiches.

05. Cold Sesame Noodle Bowl

This simple noodle salad uses cooked pasta tossed with sesame oil, soy sauce, and whatever vegetables you have available.

This version works perfectly for using up leftover vegetables from your fridge. Raw or cooked vegetables both work great.

This method creates a satisfying meal that tastes even better after sitting. Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead lunches.

06. Quick Mixed Green Salad

This throw-together salad combines mixed greens, protein, and vegetables with your favorite dressing. The combination provides lasting energy.

This approach lets you use whatever ingredients need to be used up. The key is balancing flavors and textures.

Perfect for hectic days when you need something healthy fast. Takes just minutes to assemble with maximum nutrition.

07. Speedy Tuna Tostadas

These vibrant tostadas use canned tuna, crispy tortillas, and fresh toppings for a Mexican-inspired lunch. Everything comes together in 10 minutes.

This method transforms basic pantry tuna into something special and flavorful. The crispy tortillas add great texture contrast.

This version works great for using up pantry staples creatively. Much more exciting than regular tuna sandwiches.

08. Chicken and Avocado Spinach Salad

Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese

This hearty salad combines fresh spinach, cooked chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese. A homemade vinaigrette brings everything together.

This approach works faster when you prep vinaigrette in advance. You can also use bottled dressing for convenience.

Perfect for a filling lunch that feels light but satisfying. The combination of protein and healthy fats keeps energy steady.

09. Peanut Butter Shrimp Noodles

This unique noodle bowl combines cooked shrimp, noodles, and a creamy peanut butter sauce. The flavors are surprisingly delicious together.

This method works great made ahead and served cold the next day. You can also enjoy it hot right after cooking.

This version satisfies noodle cravings with an unexpected protein twist. Ready in just minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.

10. Crisp Cucumber Jicama Salad

This refreshing salad combines crunchy cucumbers, sweet jicama, and bright lemon dressing. The textures and flavors complement each other perfectly.

This approach balances the jicama’s natural sweetness with tart lemon juice. The combination creates a light, refreshing meal.

Perfect for hot days when you want something cooling and light. This salad keeps well for several days.

11. Classic Chicken Salad

This crowd-pleasing chicken salad uses leftover chicken, celery, onion, and creamy dressing. Rotisserie chicken makes prep even faster.

This version lets you use your favorite bottled dressing instead of making mayo-based sauce. The vegetables add important crunch.

Great for using up leftover chicken in a completely different way. Takes just minutes to mix together.

12. Mini Bagel Pizzas

These cute mini pizzas use halved bagels topped with sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. They bake quickly in the oven.

This method creates a homemade version of frozen bagel pizzas that tastes much better. Just arrange on baking sheets and bake.

Perfect for kids or anyone who loves personal-sized pizzas. Much cheaper than buying frozen versions from the store.

13. Chorizo Street Tacos

These authentic-style tacos use spicy Mexican chorizo cooked quickly and served in small corn tortillas. The chorizo brings plenty of heat.

This approach delivers restaurant-style street tacos without leaving home. The chorizo cooks fast and packs big flavor.

Perfect for family lunches when you want something special but quick. Everyone can customize their own tacos.

14. Club Chicken Wraps

These hearty wraps combine chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato in soft tortillas. Turkey lunch meat works great as a substitute.

This method lets you cook bacon quickly in the microwave to save time. The combination tastes like a classic club sandwich.

Great for when you want club sandwich flavors in portable form. Much easier to eat than traditional stacked sandwiches.

15. No-Tortilla Burrito Bowl

This burrito bowl skips the tortilla and focuses on seasoned meat, rice, beans, and fresh toppings. Everything cooks in one skillet.

This approach makes the meal easier to pack and eat anywhere. Add avocado, lettuce, and other fresh toppings you enjoy.

Perfect for burrito cravings without the mess of wrapped tortillas. Takes less time than assembling individual burritos.

16. Mexican Chicken Rice Bowl

This colorful bowl combines seasoned chicken, corn, salsa, and rice for Mexican-inspired flavors. Fresh white rice works best.

This method creates extra chicken and corn mixture that makes great sandwich filling later. The leftovers are very versatile.

This version comes together while rice cooks, making timing simple. Perfect for satisfying Mexican food cravings quickly.

17. Topped Avocado Toast

This nutritious option tops mashed avocado on toast with a fried or poached egg. The combination provides protein and healthy fats.

This approach works for any meal, not just breakfast. The egg adds protein that makes it more filling.

Perfect for quick, satisfying meals that feel both healthy and indulgent. Ready in just minutes with simple ingredients.

18. Pesto Turkey Toasterdilla

This creative sandwich uses just four ingredients: tortillas, turkey, pesto, and cheese. It toasts up golden and melty.

This method works great in a toaster oven or regular oven. Ham, chicken, or roast beef work as substitutes.

Perfect for when you want something more interesting than regular sandwiches. Takes just minutes to prepare and cook.

19. Crunchy Egg Salad

This simple egg salad uses just five ingredients including chopped cucumber for extra crunch. Hard-boiled eggs make the base.

This version adds vegetables for texture and nutrition beyond traditional egg salad. The cucumber keeps things fresh and light.

This method couldn’t be easier for using up hard-boiled eggs. Great for sandwiches or eating with crackers.

20. Mexican Chicken Avocado Bowls

These nutritious bowls use halved avocados filled with seasoned chicken, cilantro, chili powder, and lime juice. The avocado acts as the bowl.

This approach creates a complete meal that’s naturally low-carb and filling. Keep the chicken moist for the best flavor.

Perfect for healthy lunches that feel special and satisfying. Leftover turkey or diced onions work great as additions.

21. Deluxe Tuna Salad

This upgraded tuna salad includes a secret ingredient: canned crab meat mixed with the tuna. The combination elevates regular tuna salad.

22. Cheesy Pizza Toast

This quick lunch combines the best of grilled cheese and pizza toast. Bread gets crispy while cheese melts perfectly.

This approach satisfies both pizza and grilled cheese cravings at once. The combination is absolutely irresistible when done right.

Perfect for comfort food cravings that need to be satisfied quickly. Takes just minutes in a skillet or toaster oven.

23. Classic Tuna Melt

This cozy sandwich combines tuna salad and melted cheese on toasted bread. A panini press creates the perfect crispy exterior.

This method also works great in a regular skillet if you don’t have a panini press. The key is getting everything hot and melty.

You can’t beat this classic comfort food combination. Perfect for when you want something warm and satisfying quickly.

24. Customizable Quesadillas

These speedy quesadillas provide the perfect template for whatever ingredients you have on hand. Cheese and tortillas are the only requirements.

This approach lets you add leftover chicken, fresh avocado, or any other favorites. The possibilities are endless for customization.

Perfect with fresh pico de gallo or salsa for serving. Takes just minutes to cook until golden and melty.

25. Perfect BLT Sandwich

This humble sandwich proves that lunch doesn’t need to be complicated to be fantastic. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes shine.

This classic combination lets each simple ingredient be the star. The key is using the freshest ingredients you can find.

Sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying. Perfect for when you want comfort food without any fuss.

26. Chickpea Sandwich Spread

This vegetarian alternative to chicken salad uses mashed chickpeas, lemon juice, and fresh dill. The combination is surprisingly satisfying and flavorful.

This method creates a protein-rich, meat-free option that’s both inexpensive and easy. Feel free to add your favorite herbs.

Perfect for adding variety to your lunch rotation without spending much. The bright, fresh flavors make it feel special.

Final Thoughts

These quick lunch ideas prove that delicious, satisfying meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and basic techniques, you can create lunches that beat any takeout.

Keep your pantry stocked with versatile ingredients like canned proteins, tortillas, and good cheese. You’ll always be ready to whip up something tasty when hunger strikes.

26 Fast Lunch Recipes Ready in Under 20 Minutes