Hey there! I know sometimes it’s hard to come up with new lunch ideas, so today I’m going to show you five quick and easy lunches that you can take to work or school. The video, created by Julia Pacheco, features delicious recipes like taco chicken salad wraps, ranch party mix, cheesy chicken crescents, fruit salad, and pepperoni and cheese pasta salad. Each recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor. In addition to the main dishes, the video also suggests various side items to complement your lunch, such as crackers, cheese sticks, apple slices, and more. So if you’re looking for some tasty lunch ideas, let’s get cooking and try out these amazing recipes!
In the video, Julia Pacheco provides step-by-step instructions for each lunch recipe, making it easy for you to follow along. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing salad, a cheesy treat, or a satisfying pasta dish, this video has got you covered. Plus, Julia’s Instagram handle, julia.pacheco.cooking, is provided if you want to check out more of her recipes. So, say goodbye to boring lunches and get ready to enjoy some delicious meals at work or school with these quick and easy recipes!
Taco Chicken Salad Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortillas of your choice
To make these delicious taco chicken salad wraps, start by combining the mayonnaise, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a big bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. Next, add in the cooked shredded chicken, red onion, red bell pepper, tomato, and cilantro. Give everything a good stir to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the flavorful dressing.
Now it’s time to assemble the wraps. Use your favorite tortillas as the base, and spoon the chicken salad mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up tightly, and cut into smaller portions for easy eating. These wraps are perfect for packing in your lunchbox or enjoying at home. Serve alongside some fresh fruit or chips for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Ranch Party Mix
Ingredients:
- 4 cups pretzel twists
- 3 cups rice chex
- 2 1/2 cups goldfish crackers
- 3 cups cheerios
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup ranch seasoning mix
For this tasty snack mix, you’ll need a mix of pretzel twists, rice chex, goldfish crackers, and cheerios. Combine these ingredients in a big bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and mix in the ranch seasoning until well combined.
Pour the melted butter and ranch seasoning mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is coated. Spread the mixture onto a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top starts to change color.
Once the ranch party mix is done baking, allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. This mix is perfect for snacking on throughout the day or packing in your lunchbox. It’s a delicious and satisfying treat that will keep you energized and satisfied.
Cheesy Chicken Crescents
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can crescent rolls
To make these cheesy chicken crescents, start by combining the cooked shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and shredded cheese in a bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
Next, unroll the crescent rolls onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cut along the lines of the crescents to form individual crescents.
Take a scoop of the cheesy chicken and broccoli mixture and place it in the center of each crescent. Roll them up and place them on the sheet pan.
Bake the crescents in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 13 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
These cheesy chicken crescents make a great lunch or dinner option. They are a delicious combination of flavors and textures, and are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cool whip
- 2 oz vanilla pudding
- 3 cups green grapes, sliced in half
- 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries
- 15 oz mandarin oranges
- 8 oz pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
This simple and refreshing fruit salad is perfect for any time of year. Start by whisking together the cool whip and vanilla pudding in a bowl until well combined.
Next, add in the sliced green grapes, chopped strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and mini marshmallows. Stir everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Feel free to add any additional fruits or toppings that you enjoy. This fruit salad is highly customizable and can be tailored to your taste preferences.
Chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator to keep it cold before serving. It pairs well with cookies, pickles, or other snack items for a complete lunch or light meal.
Pepperoni and Cheese Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 10 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 lb pepperoni, cut into triangles
- Homemade dressing or Italian dressing
To make this flavorful pasta salad, start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to cool it down completely. This step is important to prevent the cheese from melting when mixed in.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the sliced cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and cut pepperoni. Feel free to adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your liking.
If you prefer a homemade dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and Italian seasoning in a separate bowl. Alternatively, you can use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing to save time.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until well coated. Adjust the seasoning to taste, if needed.
This pepperoni and cheese pasta salad is perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch. It’s also great for parties or potlucks. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Corn Dog Muffins
Ingredients:
- Box of Jiffy mix
- Eggs
- Milk
- Hot dogs
These tasty corn dog muffins are a fun twist on a classic fair food. To make them, start by following the instructions on the box of Jiffy mix to prepare the batter. This usually involves combining the mix with eggs and milk.
Next, slice the hot dogs into small pieces.
Pour the cornbread batter into greased muffin tins, filling each cup about halfway.
Place a piece of hot dog into each muffin cup.
Bake in a preheated oven according to the instructions on the Jiffy mix box, usually at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
These corn dog muffins are great for lunch or as a snack. They can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a versatile lunch option. Serve with your favorite condiments, such as ketchup or mustard, for a complete meal.
Huge Submarine Sandwich
Ingredients:
- Bread of your choice
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Honey ham
- Submarine dressing
- Bacon slices
- Cheese slices
To create this massive submarine sandwich, start by choosing your favorite type of bread. Cut it in half lengthwise to create a top and bottom portion.
Layer lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, honey ham, bacon slices, and cheese slices on the bottom portion of the bread.
Drizzle submarine dressing or your favorite sauce on top of the ingredients.
Place the top portion of the bread on top and press down lightly to create a sandwich.
You can slice the sandwich into smaller portions for easier eating or leave it whole for a bigger appetite.
This huge submarine sandwich is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a filling lunch option. It’s customizable with your favorite toppings and condiments, so feel free to get creative!
Side Items
For a complete lunch, here are some suggested side items that you can add to your meal:
Crackers
Crackers are a great accompaniment to any lunch. Choose your favorite type, such as saltine crackers, whole wheat crackers, or cheese crackers. They add a crunchy element to your meal.
Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are a convenient and tasty snack that you can easily pack in your lunchbox. They provide a good source of protein and make for a satisfying bite.
Apple Slices
Fresh apple slices are a healthy option for a side item. They provide natural sweetness and crunch, and are packed with vitamins and fiber.
Doritos Chips
If you’re looking for a salty and flavorful snack, Doritos chips are a great choice. They come in a variety of flavors and add a burst of crunch to your lunch.
Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter cups are a delicious treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. They pair well with fruit or can be enjoyed on their own as a dessert.
Cookies
Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you prefer chocolate chip, oatmeal, or sugar cookies, they make for a satisfying and indulgent side item.
Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is a delicious and nutritious option. Packed with shredded zucchini, it adds moisture and a hint of sweetness to your lunch.
Gatorade
Gatorade is a refreshing drink that helps replenish electrolytes and hydrate your body. It’s a good option for those who prefer a flavored beverage with their lunch.
Lucky Charm Bars
For fans of sweet and crunchy treats, Lucky Charm bars are a fun addition to your lunchbox. They are made with marshmallows and cereal, creating a chewy and delightful snack.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great option for a portable and versatile snack. You can customize it with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and even chocolate for a sweet and savory blend.
Including side items in your lunch adds variety and allows for different taste experiences. Mix and match these options to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
With these lunch ideas, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your work or school lunches exciting and delicious. From taco chicken salad wraps to corn dog muffins and a huge submarine sandwich, there’s something for everyone’s taste preferences. Don’t forget to add some tasty side items like crackers, cheese sticks, apple slices, Doritos chips, peanut butter cups, cookies, zucchini bread, Gatorade, Lucky Charm bars, and trail mix to complete your meal. Enjoy these quick and easy recipes and make lunchtime something to look forward to every day!