You don’t need a retreat or a meditation app to feel pampered at lunch. These 19 recipes deliver all the comfort and joy without any extra fluff. With simple, feel-good meals that take no time to prepare, you’ll be wondering why you ever thought self-care had to be complicated. Just sit down, take a bite, and let your lunch work its magic.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
If you’ve had a long morning, this creamy classic is one of those choices that feels like a warm hug. Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup is all about keeping things simple and soothing with its rich textures and familiar taste. You’ll appreciate the way this soup brings back comforting memories without being fussy. It’s a lunch that feels more like a reset button for your day.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Ever thought pasta salad could feel a bit more fun? Deviled Egg Pasta Salad takes something from your picnic memories and makes it ready for your lunch table. It’s got a bold, flavorful twist that brightens up your midday without overwhelming you. Every bite feels like a fresh spin on something you already love.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
You'll get ad-free recipes like:
- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!Cabbage and Bean Soup
This option is for those moments when you want something that’s hearty but uncomplicated. Cabbage and Bean Soup doesn’t try to be trendy—it just gets the job done with its filling and wholesome elements. You’ll notice how seamlessly everything comes together without overshadowing your day. It’s a bowl that matches the pace of your life while still fueling it.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Bean Soup
Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
These salmon cakes carry the kind of charm you’d expect straight out of a family cookbook. Grandma’s Salmon Cakes combine practicality with a touch of home, making them perfect for slower lunches. They pack in flavor while keeping things straightforward and easygoing. These cakes remind you that simple doesn’t mean boring when it’s done right.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
There’s something about this that just works perfectly for midday meals. Creamy BLT Pasta Salad steps in to combine those classic sandwich vibes with a no-fuss bowl of goodness. It’s filling but not heavy, making it ideal for keeping you energized after lunch. Plus, it’s more interesting than the usual salad and a little less predictable.
Get the Recipe: Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw
For a lunch that feels hearty but manageable, this sandwich is your answer. Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw brings two familiar favorites together, balancing bold flavors with a crisp, refreshing layer. It’s easy to see why this makes such a great option—it gives variety without feeling overcomplicated. Perfect when you want a lunch worth slowing down for.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw
Greek Salad
When you want something light but still interesting, this is a great way to go. Greek Salad keeps things simple and refreshing, but it still finds a way to feel gratifying. It’s colorful without being too extravagant, letting you enjoy a lunch that feels clean and straightforward. This salad never tries too hard, and that’s exactly why it works.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
If quick and flavorful is what you’re after, this lunch nails it. Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos bring fast-food vibes into a homemade space, and it works. Bold flavors combined with an easy-to-make format make for a great midday option. It’s exactly what you need when you want something uncomplicated but tasty.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Sometimes, you just want something fresh that doesn’t feel basic. Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan mixes simplicity with a touch of elegance, offering a lunch that keeps things interesting. It’s light enough to avoid that post-lunch crash yet flavorful enough to feel special. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy greens without going the boring route, this is solid.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Italian Wedding Soup
For those days when you want your lunch to feel like a break, this soup makes sense. Italian Wedding Soup combines hearty pieces with a balanced broth to give you something both filling and enjoyable. Whether you’re eating solo or sharing, this works well without taking over your day. It’s midday comfort done the easy way.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup
Classic Caprese Salad
This salad gets right to the point; it’s fresh and balanced without any fuss. Classic Caprese Salad reminds you that simplicity can hit the spot, especially when the basics are done right. It’s a great choice when you’re aiming for something light but not bland. This isn’t just a dish—it’s a mini break wrapped in a plate of clean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese
Ever had a grilled cheese that feels upgraded rather than overcomplicated? The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese brings a good mix of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and unexpected. It’s as if your regular sandwich decided to try something new and totally nailed it. Great for those moments when you want a familiar food with a slight twist.
Get the Recipe: The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
This option is easygoing yet dependable—just what you need when the day feels a little busy. Short on time but need something that feels comforting? Old Fashioned Ham Salad is the kind of dish that fits the bill without requiring too much effort. It’s creamy, straightforward, and great for spreading or pairing.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Turkey Chaffwich
Trying to mix up lunch without making a fuss? Turkey Chaffwich takes a different approach to sandwiches, using an unexpected base that adds texture and interest. It’s unique but not complicated, giving you something easy to enjoy while breaking the monotony. Lunch doesn’t have to be boring, and this makes sure of it.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich
Easy Salmon Cakes
Having a quick yet satisfying meal doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Easy Salmon Cakes deliver a solid punch of flavor while keeping things simple and manageable for a lunchtime option. They work for both quick bites or slower meals, depending on what your day looks like. They strike the balance between feeling homemade and being easy enough to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Cakes
Chicken Zoodle Soup
Something light but not boring fits perfectly into a busy schedule. Chicken Zoodle Soup feels like a modern choice for switching things up while keeping the flavors familiar. It’s ideal for days when you don’t want to go heavy but still want some warm, comforting vibes. A lunch option that doesn’t take over your list of plans.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Needing a change from your usual routine? Mediterranean Tuna Salad switches up the typical tuna experience with a combination of bold and fresh elements that make lunch worth looking forward to. It’s straightforward but hits just enough exciting notes to feel fun and different. Great when you’re after something balanced but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Tuscan Soup with Sausage
Hungry but don’t want anything too complicated? Tuscan Soup with Sausage finds a way to feel hearty without dragging you down for the rest of the day. It’s robust enough to hold its own but still fits into a lunch slot easily. Perfect for those days when a simple soup just doesn’t cut it.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Soup with Sausage
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
A lunch option that makes you feel like you’ve treated yourself—all without leaving your space. Ever thought of recreating fast classics at home? Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich brings restaurant vibes into a homemade setting and does it well. It’s filling, flavorful, and feels just like a step up from your regular sandwich without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich