Home » Recipe Gallery » These 17 Lunch Recipes Always Help Me Avoid Ordering Out

These 17 Lunch Recipes Always Help Me Avoid Ordering Out

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Ordering lunch sounds great until the total hits, and these 17 recipes help skip that spiral. They’re quick, dependable, and make midday meals feel like less of a chore. Good for workdays, random breaks, or when nothing else sounds right. Lunch gets handled without the app and without the regret.

Tacos in a brown basket.
Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak

A plate of grilled cabbage wedges topped with herbs.
Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Crispy edges and a tender inside make this cabbage steak unforgettable. Using the air fryer adds a layer of convenience and consistency every time. With Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak, skipping lunch delivery becomes easier. Great for when you want a filling meal quickly.
Get the Recipe: Best Air Fryer Cabbage Steak

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad on a salad leaves.
Avocado Egg Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Creamy texture meets a touch of protein for something quick and easy. Avocado Egg Salad is perfect for keeping lunch simple but filling. It’s great on its own or paired with bread. You’ll look forward to this easy throw-together meal.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken with tomatoes and basil.
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Smoky flavors with a lighter feel keep this dish an excellent choice to avoid ordering out. Mediterranean Grilled Chicken feels wholesome without being complicated. Packed with bold flavors, it fits both lunch prep or anytime meals.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Cast iron skillet with cream cheese sausage balls arranged around a bowl of white dip, garnished with chopped herbs.
Cream Cheese Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

These little bites are perfect if you’re tired of overcomplicated lunches. Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are compact, flavorful, and easy to grab. They offer a quick protein boost to power through the day. You won’t miss fast food snacks anymore.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

Pork Fillet Easy Recipe

A plate of pork fillet meal garnished with onions.
Pork Fillet Easy Recipe. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Tender and straightforward, this pork fillet comes together perfectly when you need simplicity. The dish feels like restaurant quality while being minimal. Pork Fillet Easy Recipe saves time without compromising textures. Perfect for keeping lunchtime decisions low-key yet rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fillet Easy Recipe

Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Keto Friendly Sushi Rolls served on a black board.
Low Carb Sushi Rolls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When you’re craving something fresh but don’t want restaurant prices, these do the trick. Low Carb Sushi Rolls are homemade, healthier takes on the original. They offer a light yet flavorful option that feels like a treat without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Sushi Rolls

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

A bowl of golden-brown fried chicken pieces.
Homemade Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Fast food nuggets can’t compare to these homemade ones with better quality. Homemade Chicken Nuggets bring juicy bites you control the portions for. They’re great for dipping or pairing with sides. Younger ones love them just as much as grownups.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Pretzels Fathead Dough

Pretzels Fathead Dough on a blue board.
Pretzels Fathead Dough. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Soft, chewy, and shaped just right, these pretzels feel like they came from a local bakery. The low-carb dough adds a smarter twist to a classic favorite. Pretzels Fathead Dough are the perfect snack-meets-lunch option. Great when paired with dips you love.
Get the Recipe: Pretzels Fathead Dough

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls.
Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Looking for light yet filling options? Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad does the trick with its refreshing bite and clean feeling after lunch. Skip heavy takeout salads when you can make something so simple yet enjoyable at home. A must for quick meal planning!
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup inside blue bowl with spoon.
Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Sometimes a warm bowl is all you need, and that’s what Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup delivers. It’s comforting, simple, and quicker than ordering from your favorite place. You’ll love having homemade soup as a go-to lunch option instead of delivery.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Egg Drop Soup

Farmers Bread with Fiber

Girl holding Farmers Bread loaf.
Farmers Bread with Fiber. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A hearty slice that feels just right for keeping you full without feeling heavy. Farmers Bread with Fiber offers a wholesome base for any lunch toppings. Pair with spreads or dip for something light. Your midday snack just got more creative.
Get the Recipe: Farmers Bread with Fiber

Rainbow Chia Pudding

Rainbow Chia Pudding with dark background in a glass.
Rainbow Chia Pudding. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Lunchtime doesn’t have to be all savory, thanks to Rainbow Chia Pudding. Layered in color and better for you than anything store-bought, every spoonful brightens your day. Homemade keeps it fresher, more doable, and fun for keeping midday energy balanced, too.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Chia Pudding

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Pasta Marinara inside a grey plate with extra sauce and basil leaves on the side.
Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Skipping heavy lunches is easier when there’s pasta with a twist. Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara gives a comforting bowl without traditional carb overload. It’s perfect for when you need something warm and fulfilling. Add it to your simple meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Tuna Salad

Tuna Salad as appetizer on a pieces of baked zucchini.
Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Convenient and protein-packed, this dish makes lunch prep a breeze. Tuna Salad fits right into any busy schedule while keeping it healthy. Pair it with greens or keep it simple on its own. Great option for avoiding pricey store-bought options.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad

Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Rainbow Pizza filled with colorful tomatoes and green fresh chives around it.
Rainbow Fathead Pizza. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Who doesn’t love a colorful spin on traditional pizza? Rainbow Fathead Pizza adds vibrant appeal to your lunch plate while keeping carbs low. It’s customizable and fun for any pizza lover. Say goodbye to delivery and hello to something better.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fathead Pizza

Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos

Tacos in a brown basket.
Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Lunch gets fun and filling with Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos. You can enjoy bold flavors without leaning on drive-thru favorites. A switch to homemade saves money and keeps things within reach. Quick prep means it works anytime without hassle!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos

Dalgona Coffee Chia Seed Pudding

Dalgona Coffee Chia Seed Pudding in a glass with a straw.
Dalgona Coffee Chia Seed Pudding. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Smooth coffee flavors meet pudding for a sweet fix that feels refreshing. Dalgona Coffee Chia Seed Pudding is quick yet unique if you want a mid-day twist. It’s energizing and great for dessert-like moments without overdoing it. Add it instead of sugary coffee runs.
Get the Recipe: Dalgona Coffee Chia Seed Pudding

Sharing is caring!

By Zuzana Paar on June 27th, 2025
Photo of author

About Zuzana Paar

I'm Zuzana, the creator of Tiny Batch Cooking. With my skills as a content creator, recipe developer, food writer, videographer, blogger, and photographer, I focus on small batch recipes that are easy and delicious. My aim is to help you enjoy cooking.

More Posts by this author.

Leave a Comment