It can be tricky to find tasty lunch ideas for two people—most recipes create a lot of leftovers! These small-batch sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes are the perfect solution.
1/25
Nicoise Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This garden-fresh salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Add some crusty bread and you have a mouthwatering meal.
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 613 calories, 49g fat (8g saturated fat), 242mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
2/25
BLT Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
3/25
Meat Loaf Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes, leftovers are even better the next day! This egg-topped version of a classic meat loaf sandwich is so good that you'll want to make a double batch of meat loaf next time to have more left over. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 498 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 303mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
4/25
Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Inspired by Chick-fil-A chicken salad, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, and your family will love it. The sweet pickle relish gives it that signature taste. I like to use a thick crusty oat bread. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 651 calories, 29g fat (5g saturated fat), 222mg cholesterol, 1386mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 51g protein.
5/25
Quick Ginger Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are empty nesters. It was a challenge learning to cook for just two again, but recipes like this give us delicious scaled-down dinners. —Esther Johnson Danielson, Lawton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 216 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
6/25
Classic Egg Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 332 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 281mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
7/25
Shrimp Quesadilla
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick and simple enough for any weekday, this dish boasts a refreshing flavor special enough for guests. Serve with salsa on the side and a frosty smoothie, if you'd like. —Tiffany Bryson, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 523 calories, 27g fat (8g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
8/25
Maple Sausage Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
Maple syrup adds sweetness to this yummy stir-fry. I sometimes add a little broccoli, too, for a change of pace. Add a green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal in minutes. —Dottie Tarlton, Malvern, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without rice): 472 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1244mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
9/25
Tuna Wrap
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/25
Shrimp Asparagus Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It is easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 488 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
11/25
Chicken Gyros
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy chicken gyro recipe is a cinch to prepare. Just take tender chicken, coat it in a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce, then tuck it into pita pockets. Some folks like lettuce and diced tomato on top. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 gyro: 367 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 397mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
12/25
Beef with Broccoli
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 816mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/25
Cajun Catfish
From the Recipe Creator:
This well-seasoned fish nets me compliments from family and friends whenever I serves it. The fish is moist and flakey, the coating crisp, crunchy and flecked with paprika. —Jim Gales, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 242 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
14/25
Shrimp and Scallop Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this tempting seafood pasta for my wife. It’s a terrific meal served with crusty sourdough. If you don't like spice, skip the red pepper flakes. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 733 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 210mg cholesterol, 1263mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 47g protein.
15/25
Steak and Fries Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very popular dish at restaurants in central Pennsylvania. Prepared sweet-and-sour dressing is good on this salad, too. —Nancy Collins, Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 513 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
16/25
Greek-Style Ravioli
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a flavorful Greek twist on an Italian classic. It’s an easy weekday meal that’s become one of our favorites. My husband and I enjoy it with garlic cheese toast. —Hetti Williams, Rapid City, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 333 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 851mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/25
Garden Chickpea Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 38g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
18/25
Crab Melt
From the Recipe Creator:
These special open-faced sandwiches from Donna Bennett of Washougal, Washington have wonderful crab and cheese flavor. 'This recipe closely resembles a dish my husband and I enjoyed at a favorite restaurant several years ago,' Donna writes.
19/25
Ham Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
The great dressing is what makes the wraps so special. They're so easy to make, and if you don't have tortilla wraps, the ingredients go nicely with good, homestyle bread, too. —Ruth Peterson, Jenison, Michigan
20/25
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love this cheesy dish. It is proof that soup doesn't need to be made in big batches to be good. —Cheryl McRae, West Valley, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 494 calories, 37g fat (24g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1145mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
21/25
Turkey Melt
From the Recipe Creator:
When days feel rushed, these sandwiches with turkey and green chiles are one of my favorite standbys. They stack up in about 10 minutes, honestly. —Leah Carter, San Pedro, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 428 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1146mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
22/25
Couscous & Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have a tiny apartment, zero counter space and only two people to feed, hefty meals are out. This acorn squash with couscous is just the right size. —Jessica Levinson, Nyack, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 521 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 979mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein.
23/25
Chicken & Onion Caesar Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My Caesar with grilled chicken is a healthier alternative to heavy meat and potatoes dishes. After grilling the kabobs, we serve them family style. —Melissa Adams, Tooele, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 441 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
24/25
Eggplant Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill this eggplant, tomato and goat cheese sandwich to perfection...it makes a delicious meatless meal. —Jennifer Jaras, Corona, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 538 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 958mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
25/25
Chicken Quinoa Bowl
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 491 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
Lunch Ideas for Two FAQ
What are some easy, small-batch lunch recipes?
The easiest small-batch lunch recipes require minimal prep and come together in about 30 minutes, like sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas or simple grain bowls made with quinoa or rice. These dishes often use few ingredients, need little or no cooking and can be assembled quickly without much cleanup. If you’re craving something cozy, try making soups for two and pairing them with crusty bread for a filling meal. Keep ingredients like canned beans, cooked grains and frozen veggies on hand for quick mix-and-match lunches.
How can I make quick meals for two?
To make a quick meal for two, choose simple recipes that take advantage of time-saving ingredients like deli meats, pre-chopped vegetables, bagged coleslaw mix or ready-to-eat salad mixes. These grocery store shortcuts help cut down prep time and eliminate the need to pull out a knife and cutting board. Rotisserie chicken recipes are a particularly great starting point for quick lunches, whether you’re layering wraps, tossing together a salad or piling ingredients into a warm pita. You can also prep ahead of time, like chopping vegetables or stirring together salad dressings, so lunch comes together more quickly.
What can I make as an easy lunch for couples or lunch with a friend?
For a simple yet delicious lunch for couples or lunch with a friend, try making paninis, hearty entree salads, grain bowls or skillet recipes for two. These dishes are easy to make and can be customized to your tastes. Add a special touch by pairing lunch with a fancy beverage like sparkling lemonade and a bite-sized sweet treat. If you’re planning a lunch picnic for two, pack foods that travel well and taste great at room temperature, like sturdy sandwiches, pasta salads or other picnic food ideas.
