18 Easy 5-Ingredient Lunches for Summer

By

Camryn Alexa Wimberly

Updated on June 27, 2024

Simplicity doesn’t mean compromising on flavor, especially with these delicious lunch recipes. With only five ingredients, they come together easily and taste amazing. Recipes like Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & Onions or 5-Ingredient Brie and Blackberry Jam Grilled Cheese will delight your taste buds this summer without overwhelming your grocery list!

01 of 18

Ham and Broccoli Topped Baked Potato

Jazz up your simple baked potato with a quickly microwaved topping.

02 of 18

Cheese Quesadillas with Peppers & Onions

These 15-minute quesadillas are a notch above basic with the addition of sautéed peppers and onions.

03 of 18

5-Ingredient Brie and Blackberry Jam Grilled Cheese

a recipe photo of the 5-Ingredient Brie & Blackberry Jam Grilled Cheese — Photography: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

This irresistible sandwich pairs creamy Brie cheese with a sweet-and-savory blackberry jam spread for the perfect ultra-quick lunch or dinner option.

04 of 18

English Muffin Pizza with Tomato & Olives

English Muffin Pizza with Tomato & Olives — Ted & Chelsea Cavanaugh

This pizza-inspired English muffin topped with tomato, cheese, olives and oregano does triple duty—it's great as a snack or as part of a delicious breakfast or lunch.

05 of 18

Spinach & Egg Sweet Potato Toast

Skip the gluten and get some vitamin C with this healthy sweet potato toast recipe. Topped with spinach, egg and a dash of hot sauce, it's a delicious alternative to eggs Benedict.

06 of 18

Southwest Black-Bean Pasta Salad Bowls

Southwest Black-Bean Pasta Salad Bowls

In this Southwestern-style pasta salad, we're using pasta made with black beans to bump up the fiber to an impressive 14 grams per serving.

07 of 18

Meal-Prep Curried Chicken Bowls

Curry doesn't have to take hours to prepare. With the help of our sheet-pan meal-prep chicken (see associated recipe) and some cooked whole grains, you can make these meal-prep bowls in just a few minutes! Keep them in the fridge for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight or for healthy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

08 of 18

Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

Hearty yet simple to prepare, this stuffed sweet potato with black beans, kale and hummus dressing is a fantastic 5-ingredient lunch for one!

09 of 18

Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich

It only takes 5 minutes to make this healthy sandwich with whole-wheat bread and the classic combination of Cheddar cheese and apples that everyone will love.

10 of 18

Roasted Veggie & Hummus Pita Pockets

These satisfying and tasty pita-pocket sandwiches are packed with roasted veggies and greens. A spread of hummus adds creaminess and keeps everything from falling out.

11 of 18

Spinach & Artichoke Salad with Parmesan Vinaigrette

Inspired by the classic warm party dip, this simple salad can be served up right away or divided into small lidded containers for a week of delicious lunches.

12 of 18

Apple & Cheddar Pita Pockets

The classic combo of apples and Cheddar is highlighted with brown mustard and fresh greens, and tucked in a hearty whole-wheat pita to make a satisfying lunch.

13 of 18

Whole-Wheat Veggie Wrap

Use whichever veggies you have on hand to fill up this veggie wrap. The avocado and hummus help hold the wrap together—and provide heart-healthy fat and fiber.

14 of 18

Chickpea & Veggie Grain Bowl

This high-fiber vegetarian grain bowl is packed with colorful veggies and plant-based protein to keep you feeling energized and satisfied.

15 of 18

Green Goddess Quinoa Bowls with Arugula & Shrimp

With a few simple items, including fully cooked quinoa, cooked shrimp and bottled salad dressing, you'll have all the ingredients you need to make these salad bowls in under 20 minutes.

16 of 18

Build-Your-Own Chicken Tacos

This recipe keeps every element of the tacos separate, so you can have fun building your own mini tacos with all your favorite toppings.

17 of 18

Open-Face Egg Sandwich

In this healthy open-face egg sandwich recipe, Swiss cheese and chives are gently folded into the beaten egg and layered with tomato on multigrain toast.

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Buffalo-Style Bistro Lunch Box

These tailgate-inspired lunch bowls can be assembled in about 15 minutes using just a handful of ingredients from your local specialty grocery store, like pregrilled chicken and spicy Buffalo-flavored hummus.

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