Quick and Easy Flavorful Lunch Ideas

The quickest shrimp tacos ever. Marinate shrimp in chili and lime, then cook in a skillet. Warm tortillas, slice avocado, chop cilantro. Assemble and devour. The bright, fresh flavors take just 15 minutes to put together.

Lemony White Bean Salad

For a lemony kick, toss cooked cannellini beans, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. The beans stand up well to the tart lemon dressing, and the salad comes together in under 10 minutes. Serve the salad with crusty bread to sop up the flavorful dressing.

Turkey Bolognese

Ground turkey stands in for beef in this lighter but still hearty Bolognese sauce. Simmer the turkey with tomatoes, garlic, basil and red wine until thickened. Toss with pasta and top with parmesan cheese. A soul-satisfying meal in about 30 minutes.

Black Bean Burgers

For vegetarian burgers, mash black beans and mix with egg, breadcrumbs, chili powder, cumin, garlic and cilantro. Form into patties and pan-fry until crisp. Tuck into buns and top with sliced avocado, ketchup, mustard and cheese. A homemade burger without the beef.

Grilled Cheese with Kimchi

Spice up grilled cheese by adding shredded kimchi, the spicy Korean pickled cabbage. Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and grill the sandwich in butter until the cheese is melted. The kimchi adds heat, tang and texture to an old favorite.

Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables

For whole-grain salad, toss cooked farro with roasted zucchini, eggplant, peppers, lemon juice and fresh herbs. The nutty farro stands up well to bold Mediterranean flavors. Hearty but not heavy, this salad works as a meal on its own or a side to grilled fish or chicken.

Teriyaki Salmon

A quick pan-sear in a teriyaki-style marinade gives salmon loads of flavor. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and garlic, then marinate salmon fillets for 10 minutes. Sear skin-side down until crisp, about 5 minutes per side. The salmon stays moist, and the sweet and savory marinade clings to each bite. Serve over rice or salad.

Mini Frittatas

Whip up individual frittatas in a muffin tin for a handheld snack or brunch. Whisk eggs, cottage cheese or ricotta, herbs such as basil and chives and seasonings such as salt, pepper and nutmeg. Pour into a greased muffin tin and top with cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes or cooked crumbled bacon before baking at 350 F until the eggs are set, about 15-20 minutes.

Hummus and Veggie Wrap

Spread hummus on a large flour tortilla or wrap and top with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts and avocado. Roll up tightly and cut into pieces. The cool crunch of the veggies pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy hummus.

Pasta e Fagioli

Cook elbow pasta, then stir in canned diced tomatoes, white beans, chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Simmer until heated through, about 3 minutes. The pasta soaks up the flavorful broth, and the beans add protein and substance. Garnish with parmesan cheese, basil and olive oil. A cozy dinner in 20 minutes.

Quesadillas with Sweet Potato and Kale

For hearty quesadillas, fill flour tortillas with mashed sweet potato, shredded kale, monterey jack cheese, and spices such as chili powder, cumin and garlic powder. Cook in a hot skillet with oil until the tortillas are lightly browned and the cheese is melted. Fold and cut into wedges. The earthy kale and sweet potato pair deliciously with melted cheese.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

For whole-grain salad, toss cooked orzo with feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil and red wine vinegar. The briny, salty ingredients flavor the nutty orzo. Add cooked chickpeas for extra protein. Chill before serving for maximum flavor. A bright, fresh salad that’s perfect for warm weather.

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