Lunch Recipes

Browse lunch recipes with ingredients, cooking times, original sources, and step-by-step instructions on Julienne.

• Blueberry Muffin Sugar Cookies

  These cookies are an essential component of my ice cream sandwiches (see page 207), but they're a terrific cookie in their own right. Light and fluffy, with a hint of cinnamon and pockets of jammy blueberries, they're a perfect midmorning or afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. And, of course, if there were such a thing as a breakfast cookie, this would surely be it.

• Spaghetti with Sweet Corn Pesto

  When I started writing this book, I knew there was one recipe that had to make the cut. This spaghetti was one of the first recipes I ever published on my website, and to this day it's by far the recipe I hear about the most from friends, family, and readers online. With fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and basil, this pasta is a celebration of all things summer, but it's the corn 'pesto' — a sauce made with sautéed corn, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil — that really makes it special. It's sweet, creamy, and savory with a flavor truly all its own. This recipe epitomizes the kind of food I like to make — it's colorful, fun to eat, and a little bit unexpected. And while it may use more pans and equipment than my average recipe, when you want to make a serious summer crowd-pleaser, it's worth every minute.

• Shaved Carrot Salad with Creamy Sesame-Ginger Dressing

  A refreshing salad featuring tender shaved carrots and crunchy carrot matchsticks, perfectly complemented by a creamy sesame-ginger dressing. Ideal as a picnic side in summer or a fresh, crunchy dish in winter.

• Honey Cornbread Waffles

  These Honey Cornbread Waffles offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any meal of the day.

• Garlic Lime Chicken Skewers with Quinoa Salad

  Chicken is marinated briefly with garlic, lime, olive oil, and oregano, then grilled on skewers. The quinoa salad is mixed while the chicken cooks and brings cucumber, tomato, parsley, and a simple lemon dressing. The result is a complete main course with hot, charred chicken and a fresh grain-based side that is ready in under 30 minutes.

• Restaurant-Style Crispy Chicken Burgers (McDonald's-Inspired, Modern Fusion)

  A modern, restaurant-quality take on the beloved McDonald's-style chicken burger. Extra juicy, crisp, and loaded with layered flavors: umami-spiced patties, an elevated Dijon burger sauce, and fresh iceberg lettuce. Chef-driven technique ensures maximum crunch and tender chicken, all easily achievable at home.

• Spicy Shrimp and Corn Salad

  Cooked shrimp are seasoned in a hot skillet, then tossed with corn, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and a lime-cumin dressing. The salad is served chilled or at cool room temperature with a crisp, juicy texture and a clean citrus finish.

• Crispy Baked Falafel

  These falafel are made from soaked dried chickpeas rather than canned beans so they hold together and bake up with a craggy, crisp surface. A sesame-tahini sauce adds acidity and richness, making the side suitable for serving with salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.

• Crispy Gnocchi With Sausage And Brussels

  A one-pan, 30-minute dish featuring crispy pan-seared gnocchi, savory Italian turkey sausage, and caramelized Brussels sprouts in a tangy maple-cider sauce with garlic and rosemary.

• Asian Spice Chicken Tenders

  Sweet and savory with a hint of spiciness, inspired by Wingstop.

• Gochujang Chicken Salad

  A delicious chicken salad with a spicy, sweet, and tangy gochujang dressing, served on toasted bread with thinly sliced cabbage.

• Balsamic Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad

  Fig Balsamic Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with Chickpea Crispies to welcome more nutritious fall meals

• Crispy Chicken And Avocado Cucumber Salad

  Crispy Chicken and Avocado Cucumber Salad! So simple and fresh!

• Buttery Mushroom Fried Rice

  A simple mushroom and rice recipe with a buttery twist.

• Chicken, Bacon & Boursin Mash Bowls

  Buttery mash topped with juicy chicken and crispy bacon in a creamy Boursin sauce. Pure comfort food.

• Chicken Alfredo Gnocchi

  A delicious and cozy chicken alfredo gnocchi meal that kids love

• Creamy Tomato Rigatoni with Fennel Sausage & Crispy Sage Crumbs

  A cozy, creamy tomato rigatoni with savory fennel sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, a splash of white wine, and buttery crispy sage breadcrumbs.

• Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon with Lemon

  An herb-coated salmon side dish with a crisp breadcrumb topping and a lemon finish. The fish bakes quickly at high heat so the crust browns while the salmon stays moist and flakes cleanly. It works as a protein-forward side alongside salads, grains, or roasted vegetables.

• Chickpea Salad with Avocado and Feta

  A no-cook main salad built from chickpeas, avocado, feta, cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs, dressed with lemon and olive oil. The chickpeas provide the featured plant protein, while the avocado and feta add richness and saltiness. Toasted pita is included as the essential accompaniment so the dish functions as a complete main within the 30-minute series limit.

• Grilled Beef Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  Beef is marinated with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and warm spices, then grilled on skewers. The skewers are served with a quick garlic yogurt sauce, warm pita, and a cucumber-tomato salad for a complete weeknight meal.

• Cheesy Egg & Maple Chicken Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches

  These elevated breakfast sandwiches combine fluffy baked eggs with cottage cheese and mozzarella, sweet-and-savory maple chicken sausage, and a fresh hit of tomato and spinach—all stacked on toasted English muffins. Perfect for meal prep and busy mornings, they're packed with protein, texture, and chef-level flavor.

• Broccoli-Cheddar Soup

  This soup aims to replicate the familiar taste of the broccoli-Cheddar soup you might enjoy at your favorite lunch spot, like the one at Panera Bread. Rich and creamy, it's a comforting favorite.

• French Onion Soup

  A rich and flavorful French Onion Soup made with caramelized onions, vegetable broth, and Gruyère cheese.

• Roasted Tomato Soup

  I love to make this soup in early fall when the weather has just started to cool off and the last of the tomatoes are still lingering at the farmers' market. To make sure the star ingredient really shines through, I use freshly roasted tomatoes, canned tomatoes, and tomato paste. Although this soup is delicious on its own, the Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese Croutons (page 215) will take it over the top. Make a batch while the tomatoes are roasting and serve them on top. You may not need a full tablespoon of sugar if your tomatoes are sweet, so start by adding just a little bit, taste, and add more as needed.