Simple & Quick (and Healthy) Lunch Recipes

In this busy world it can be a challenge to eat healthy during the week. It takes time to get the right ingredients and prep a healthy meal…and fast food is just so available and quick it can be hard to avoid! These recipes are so easy to whip up and way yummier than anything you can get in the drive through. None of these Simple and Quick recipes take longer than 10-15 minutes to make and they will leave you feeling much better than a burger and fries.

Black Bean Avocado Wraps

These spicy wraps pack a punch, both in flavor and protein! Use your favorite wrap or if you prefer pita bread, use that instead! Eat with corn chips and your favorite salsa for a yummy southwest lunch. These wraps keep great in the fridge!

• 1 can black beans
• 1 TBSP oil of your choice
• ½ cup chopped bell peppers
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tbs taco seasoning
• 1 small tomato chopped
• 1 tbs cilantro minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 6 medium tortillas

In a small pan heat the oil. Once hot add onions, bell peppers, garlic. Cook for a few minutes or until onions are slightly browned. Add beans and taco seasoning and cook another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl stir together the avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. To assemble lay your tortilla on a plate, spoon some sour cream on and spread it out. Then add a few spoonfuls of both the avocado and black bean mixture, then wrap up that wrap and you are good to go!

Zesty Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad

This simple and quick salad recipe is yummy and versatile by itself, but there are so many options to dress it up! Scoop it up with pita chips, eat it in a pita pocket, put chicken on top, even mix it with salad greens! The lemony vinaigrette makes all the flavors pop and this salad will taste even better on day two.

• 1 cucumber, diced
• 5 scallions, diced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup mint, chopped
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

For dressing:

• Juice and zest of 3 lemons
• 2 teaspoons pesto
• 1 clove minced garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Get out a large bowl and a small bowl. In the large bowl mix together all the chopped veggies, herbs, and feta cheese. Toss it well so it is really mixed up! In the small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the dressing. Once you have it well mixed pour the dressing over the salad and toss the salad again!

Waldorf Salad Sandwich

This classic sandwich is so delicious! Crunchy, sweet and tangy flavors that just taste so fresh all together. You can eat this as a sandwich on grainy bread, in a pita or wrap, or just serve in a bowl as a salad!

• 1 rotisserie chicken, meat torn into bite size pieces
• ½ cups of grapes, halved (your choice of green or red!)
• 1 celery stalk thinly sliced
• 1 apple cored and cut into bite size pieces
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1 heaping Tablespoon honey
• 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl combine chicken, grapes, celery, apples and walnuts. Keep in fridge while you make the dressing. In a smaller bowl combine mayo, yogurt, honey, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until evenly coated. Serve as desired!

Chopped Caprese Salad

Another classic salad. The fresh summery flavors are abundant in this dish: sun-soaked tomatoes, earthy basil, fresh mozzarella, and complex balsamic dressing complimenting everything. This simple and quick recipe is usually served as a salad, but is also a delicious topping for crusty bread.

• 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into ½ inch chunks
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil over it and add salt and pepper to taste. Toss well and serve immediately! A little prep work will go a long way. If you are doing prepping lunches for the week simply double the recipe to make enough for a few days! Hopefully these simple and quick recipes will help keep you eating healthy throughout the work week and avoiding fast food or junky snacks! Modernistic has been providing Simple & Quick solutions to Michigan residents for over 45 years! Trust the experts to make your carpet cleaning, air duct cleaning, and upholstery cleaning needs as easy as possible!