Fresh Meal Ideas for Busy Lunch Breaks

Finding something filling and tasty for lunch can be a daunting task – particularly when you’re in a hurry. Soggy sandwiches and a packet of crisps continue to be the way for many of us, when in actual fact there are plenty of affordable options to make working lunches a far more pleasurable experience. I have shared FIVE Fresh Meal Ideas for Busy Lunch Breaks below, and I hope you’ll find the list handy next time you are faces with “what shall I eat today”!

Homemade couscous

Couscous is a great option for lunch on the go. It’s quick to prepare, cheap to make and pretty healthy, too. Steaming a mixture of flour, water and semolina for 15 minutes can make the base for your couscous, although there are also plenty of store-bought options available, too.

Once the couscous is prepared, you’re free to add just about anything you like to give the dish texture and flavour. Roasted vegetables are a particular favourite, although everything from mixed herbs to fresh salmon can be used for a unique twist on this lunchtime classic.

Cold pasta salad

For a filling meal that packs in plenty of flavour, you can’t go wrong with pasta. For lunchtime, why not try a serving of cold pasta, prepared with fresh tomatoes, olives and an Italian-style dressing. The best part? Preparing a large batch on Sunday evening will give you lunch all week long.

Simply boil the pasta until cooked through and leave to cool. Slice some fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onions and olives and mix in the pasta, adding a drizzle of Italian-style salad dressing as you go. Cover with cling film and pop in the fridge for a fresh and filling lunch in a hurry.

Buffalo chicken wrap

If you’re not prepared to give up your sandwiches quite yet, swapping your usual bread for a tortilla wrap is a great way to update a lunchtime staple. Opt for a flavoursome buffalo chicken wrap by layering cold chicken breast, lettuce and tomatoes, before adding chilli sauce and finishing with a dollop of Hellman’s Mayonnaise.

Storing the wraps in the fridge until lunchtime will ensure that everything inside is kept crisp and fresh. Easy to eat and incredibly tasty, they make the perfect alternative to soggy sandwiches and are great for kids lunchboxes, too.

Classic baked potato

Gone are the days of needing a few hours to create the perfect baked potato. McCain Jacket Potatoes come pre-baked and can be taken straight from the freezer to the microwave. 5 minutes later and you’ll have the perfect baked spud – soft and fluffy on the inside with a crisp, flavoursome skin.

You can fill your jacket potato with whatever you like, with everything from the classic Heinz Baked Beans to mashed avocado taking just moments to prepare. Finish with a nob of melted butter and you have a hearty, filling lunchtime meal in minutes.

Mason jar salad

Mason jar salads look set to be the next big thing and it’s easy to see why. The premise is simple – fill a mason jar with layers of ingredients and you have a fuss-free lunch packed full of goodness. Stocking your fridge with a selection of veggies at the beginning of every working week allows you to pick and choose what goes inside depending on what you fancy that day.

The standard rules of mason jar stacking involve adding a layer of dressing first, before topping with any grains, nuts or proteins and finishing with a handful of leafy greens. Mixing flavours and textures is key. You can then serve the salad in a bowl or eat straight from the jar for a super simple lunch in a rush.

Disclaimer: Collaborative Post