29 Quick Lunch Ideas for Any Day of the Week

Whether it’s pulled together before soccer practice on a Saturday, a healthy lunch al desko as you work from home, or a meal for one after a morning appointment, sometimes lunch just has to happen fast! But on days when you don’t want that to mean a cold, sad sandwich, hit up one of these ideas for something a little more special. The beauty of these dishes is how many of them are riffable, too. Sometimes you just need a new idea to jog you out of your routine, and then suddenly that fridge full of leftovers will be ripe with possibility. Just take these vegan tostadas, for example. They’re made with a bunch of pantry staples and veggies that are probably already hanging out in your kitchen. Walnuts add an almost meaty texture and richness to a bean filling, too. Spend a mere 20 minutes making some on Monday, and enjoy a few times throughout the week.

Turn your usual instant slurp into something a little heartier, a little richer, and a little more nourishing, with fresh corn and mushrooms.

You’ll never think of a turkey sandwich as boring again, once you marry it with everything that makes baked Brie so exciting. Tyler Florence tucks in gooey Brie and slicks the bread with apple butter, then cooks the sandwich in butter for a warm, sophisticated finish.

Fried chickpeas may become your new best friend, as they are tasty enough to snack on right out of hand. They boost this quick salad from Ree Drummond, as does spiking the dressing with store-bought pesto.