HEALTH

When you're already juggling a busy schedule full of school, friend hangouts and other obligations, it can be pretty difficult to find time to make an elaborate lunch every afternoon. Not to mention how daunting it can be to try making a nutritious meal in the first place...especially if you don't have lots of cooking experience!

Trust me, I can relate to your worries—as someone who struggles to even boil a pot of water, cooking is one of my worst nightmares.

But don't worry: I've got you covered with six easy and foolproof recipes that are perfect for lunch (and dinner!) that don't require much experience in the kitchen. 

Caprese sandwich

This is one of my favorite sandwiches to make when I'm craving a good bistro sandwich—with only a few ingredients courtesy of Trader Joe's.

@mindfulmuncheese

Ingredients:

+ Ciabatta Bread
+ Green pesto
+ 1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced
+ 3-4 slices of mozzarella cheese
+ A handful of basil leaves
+ Balsamic glaze (optional)
+ Olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Slice your ciabatta bread in half and place slices of mozzarella on one half. Toast both halves in the oven for eight minutes. If you don't want to turn your oven on, toast your bread in a toaster and layer the mozzarella directly afterward.
3. Layer the tomato slices and basil leaves on the slice of bread with the mozzarella.
4. Coat the other half of the bread with a layer of green pesto.
5. Drizzle one half with balsamic glaze or olive oil if desired before putting both halves together!

Smoothie bowl

Similar to an acai bowl, this yummy mix is super healthy and perfect for a sweet lunch.

@adventuresofabean

Ingredients:

+ 1 cup frozen mixed berries
+ 1 ripe banana
+ 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
+ 1/4 cup of any milk of your choice
+ Optional Toppings: granola, sliced fruit, honey, Nutella, peanut butter, almonds, chocolate chips, shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine your frozen fruit, banana, yogurt and milk.
2. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adding more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. If you want your smoothie base to be a bit sweeter, try adding a teaspoon of granulated sugar or a tablespoon of honey into the blender.
4. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and finish off with an assortment of toppings!

Avocado toast

This California classic is often made in restaurants for absurdly high prices...so why not make this quick and easy lunch right at home for a much lower cost?

@bowlofdelicious

Ingredients:

+ 1 slices of sourdough bread
+ 1 ripe avocado
+ 1 small tomato, sliced
+ Handful of arugula
+ Honey
+ Trader Joe's Crunchy Chili Onion spread

Instructions:

1. Toast both slices of sourdough in a toaster to your desired crunch.
2. Cut open and slice up your avocado. You can either mash it to spread across your bread or cut it into slices to lay on top of your bread.
3. Top with slices of tomato and as much arugula as you desire.
4. Add a tablespoon of the crunchy chili onion spread and drizzle with honey to top it all off.

Pita pizza

This is a mix of Greek and Italian, so if you're a big fusion foodie, you'll heart it.

@marialottesdk

Ingredients:

+ 1 whole wheat pita bread
+ 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce
+ Handful of shredded mozzarella cheese OR 4 slices of cut mozzarella
+ Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, red onions, bell peppers, sliced pineapple

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pita bread.
3. Sprinkle your mozzarella on top of the sauce and then add any toppings.
4. Place your pita on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Careful when you pull it out of the oven—it's hot!

Chicken salad wrap

Craving a typical chicken salad sandwich? Take it to a new level and try this classic wrap-style!

@adashofcait

Ingredients:

+ 1 cup of cooked chicken breast, shredded
+ 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
+ 1/4 cup of diced celery
+ 1/4 cup of diced red onion
+ 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
+ Salt and pepper as needed
+ 1 tortilla

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine your chicken, yogurt, vegetables and dill.
2. Season with as much salt and pepper as you'd like.
3. You can serve your chicken salad in several ways! Place your mixture in the center of your tortilla for a simple wheat wrap or wrap it in a bed of lettuce.

Quinoa salad

If you're looking for something quick and nutritious, try this twist on a classic salad!

@gardeninthekitchen

Ingredients:

+ 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa
+ 1/2 cup of carrots
+ 1/2 cup of sliced red onions
+ 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
+ 1/2 cup of diced cucumbers
+ 1/4 cup of chickpeas
+ Handful of spinach
+ Handful of feta cheese
+ Dressing of your choice (I recommend lemon vinaigrette!)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine your quinoa, carrots, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, cheese and spinach.
2. Drizzle with your choice of dressing and mix thoroughly to ensure your ingredients are evenly coated.

Looking for more cooking inspo? Head over to our Instagram @girlslifemag!

Top and slider image: @zestmylemon

by Megha Gupta | 5/12/2024