I Keep 29 Fall Lunch Recipes Saved for Rainy Days

Rainy days can make even the smallest chores feel like climbing a mountain, which is why having 29 fall lunch ideas tucked away is smarter than it sounds. It saves the trouble of pretending you’ll be creative when all you really want is something quick that still feels like a proper meal. It’s less about cooking inspiration and more about avoiding the desk meal trap.

Close-up of fettuccine pasta tossed with grated cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes being lifted with a fork.
Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

A shredded chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, raisins, and a creamy dressing served in a brioche bun.
Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A quick lunch can really make a day better. Many people enjoy a Chicken Salad Sandwich since it’s easy to carry and has a creamy texture people look for in a lunchtime meal. It’s made to be filling while still being light enough to enjoy in the middle of the day. You’ll find people often pack it for work or keep it for those days when they want something simple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice with peas, eggs, and diced vegetables being stirred with a wooden spatula.
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

People often choose something a little lighter for lunch, and Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice is perfect for that purpose. The mix of crisp flavors and soft bites makes it a weekday favorite among those who want something different. Families like making a big batch so everyone can grab some when they’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi with pieces of chicken, wilted spinach, and a creamy sauce, garnished with black pepper.
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Those looking for comfort food to brighten up their meal often go with Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi. It combines a rich, creamy sauce with richy bits that stick with you all afternoon. Many people recommend it when friends need something special for lunch. You’ll see this one pop up a lot during colder months.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Some people want something colorful and packed with different tastes for lunch, so they reach for Easy Bibimbap. It’s fun to mix everything together yourself and create each bite the way you like it. This type of lunch gets talked about a lot for its variety. Many keep the ingredients ready so they can put it together fast.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Philly Cheesesteak

A sandwich roll filled with grilled steak strips, melted cheese, green bell peppers, and onions on parchment paper.
Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes the best idea is a warm, hearty sandwich, which is why folks go for this dish. It’s comfort food wrapped in a roll, packed with flavors people love. Philly Cheesesteak often comes up as a favorite on casual days, especially if you want a filling lunch. Nothing beats a quick trip to the stove to put this meal together.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

There are times when only soup will do for lunch, especially with Leek and Potato Soup. People know it’s filling without being too heavy, so it’s chosen often on slow afternoons. Warm and simple, this is a favorite for anyone spending lunch indoors. It has a way of making breaks feel longer and more relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Close-up of sliced chicken wraps with lettuce, cheese, and a creamy sauce, next to an open jar of mustard on a wooden surface.
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Those who like grab-and-go meals would love a Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap for lunch. It’s easy to eat with one hand and makes for a quick cleanup. These wraps are great for busy days or when you don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen. Lunch feels a bit fresher with this fold-up meal. It shows up on a lot of lunch menus at home and work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Tom Yum Soup

Close-up of a spicy tom yum soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato chunks, lime wedge, and chopped herbs in a rich, red broth.
Tom Yum Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rainy days often call for something comforting, and many people turn to Tom Yum Soup. The mix of flavors always feels like a treat, no matter where you are. It’s well-loved for how quickly it can warm you up between tasks. People who have busy schedules keep this in mind for a fast but rich meal. It often becomes a favorite for anyone who tries it.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Taco Salad

A taco salad served in an edible tortilla bowl, topped with ground meat, lettuce, black beans, diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese.
Taco Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Lunch can use a little variety. This is why Taco Salad is often picked. Combining crunch and flavor, it’s a hit for family meals or solo lunches. Mixing up this meal means you get something new in every bite. When you want something packed with energy, this is a reliable choice. A lot of people keep it in their rainy day recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad

Grilled Cheese

Close-up of two stacked grilled cheese sandwiches made with multigrain bread and melted cheese oozing out.
Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A simple meal makes a big difference, and Grilled Cheese is one everyone gets excited about. Melted, crispy, and perfect for dunking, this sandwich fits any lunch table. It goes with nearly anything or shines on its own. People often remember the taste from childhood lunches. This recipe sticks around for those wanting something quick and hot.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese

Chicken Shawarma

Close-up of a wrap filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, red onion, and sauce in a folded flatbread.
Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Anyone wanting something with bold flavor could go for Chicken Shawarma at lunch. It’s easy to wrap up and bring along wherever you’re headed next. People often share it at get-togethers, but it’s just as good solo. After one try, many add it to their regular lunch list. This one offers something unique when you want to change up your usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma

Shrimp Fried Rice

A red plate of shrimp fried rice garnished with chopped green onions, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Shrimp Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick but filling is the goal for lunch, so Shrimp Fried Rice is chosen often. It packs a lot into a single bowl, which makes it ideal for busy days. People who want a reliable meal reach for this recipe often. It’s a way to keep lunch interesting without too much work. Everyone from kids to adults seems to enjoy it every time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley.
Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Having small bites instead of one big sandwich feels fun and different. These rolls fit almost any lunchbox, so Italian Sub Pinwheels are great for sharing. They’re quick to make ahead and perfect for when friends drop by. These snacks have become popular at parties for that reason, too. It’s easy to see why this recipe is a recurring favorite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Corn Chowder

A close-up of a hearty potato and corn chowder with diced vegetables and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with fresh parsley.
Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort at lunchtime sometimes means Corn Chowder. It has a creamy texture that people recommend for a quick, warm meal on rainy days. This soup gets requested often at family gatherings. Long workdays become easier to manage with a bowl of it. Some even make a double batch to have leftovers on hand.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

French Bread Pizza

Four slices of French bread pizza with tomatoes and cheese on a cutting board.
French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes it helps to have a quick lunch option like French Bread Pizza. It’s handy for busy days when you want a bit of crunch and flavor. People like to let everyone build their own at the table. This meal always brings people together. It’s a top pick for group lunches or when you want something different at home.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Unique lunches can be a lot of fun, and Birria Ramen brings some excitement. Mixing broth and noodles together makes for a tasty meal on its own or with friends. It’s a newer recipe that gets people talking. There’s something about a spicy noodle soup that’s just right when skies are gray. Many have added this one to their lunch lineup.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Potato Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy soup topped with grilled bacon pieces and chopped parsley.
Potato Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy and warm, Potato Soup is often the answer for a cozy lunch at home. Many people like how easy it is to store and reheat. This soup is always ready to comfort you after a busy morning. When you need to slow down, it’s one to keep on hand. Families often choose it when they want everyone to slow down and relax for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

A Copycat Chipotle burrito bowl, filled with rice, fajita veggies, corn salsa, tortilla chips. and topped with a lime wedge.
Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When people crave a filling meal without a lot of effort, Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl is what they make. It’s a solid choice for meal prepping ahead of a busy week. The bowls get a lot of love for being easy to personalize. Those with big appetites appreciate how much they get in every bite. It’s always a hit when shared with friends or packed for work.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Anyone wanting a richer lunch with extra comfort usually likes Marry Me Chicken Soup. It offers a creamy texture that sticks with you through the afternoon. People enjoy pairing it with bread or crackers for a bit more crunch. Big batches work well for families or meal prep. This soup keeps coming up as a favorite when lunch needs a lift.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick breakfast foods often become lunch, and Hash Browns prove that point. Golden outside and soft inside, they never seem to last long on the table. These treats are perfect alone or with other dishes. Many enjoy keeping them in their meal plan for days when only comfort food will do. Their popularity definitely goes beyond morning hours.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Quesadillas stacked on a plate, topped with sliced jalapeños, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Some meals just fit every occasion, and BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is one of them. Its crisp outside makes it easy to enjoy for lunch on a busy day. Cutting them up makes for great snack-size bites, so they work for groups too. Anyone looking to add a bit of variety to their lunch will appreciate this option. It’s a fun way to mix up routine meals.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Sweet Potato Tacos

Two tacos on a plate with a sauce.
Sweet Potato Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick lunch ideas often mean tacos for many, with Sweet Potato Tacos being a popular pick. The soft texture contrasts nicely with crunchy toppings. It’s common to find people suggesting this recipe when friends want something out of the ordinary. These tacos always start a conversation at the table. They’re a good choice for easy meals on short notice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Close-up of a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado pieces, corn, cheese, and herbs in a rich red broth.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is something people reach for often. Having it during a midday break feels just right. Many say it’s easy to make a big batch, so leftovers are never a problem. It pairs well with all sorts of sides, keeping your lunch interesting. This soup comes up again and again when talking about go-to lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Easy Burrito

Someone stacking veggie burritos.
Easy Burrito. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Wrapping up a meal to eat anywhere makes Easy Burrito work well for lunch. People like it since it can be made ahead and packed for busy days. It has become a standby for those who want something both simple and hearty. Burritos are easy to customize for picky eaters too. This option really fits any mood or plan for the day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of fettuccine pasta with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper.
Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When lunchtime needs to feel special, Shrimp Alfredo is a strong choice. Creamy pasta combined with shrimp makes a filling and rich meal. Those who love classic dishes keep this recipe close by. It works great for lunch at home or to share with friends. The meal offers something different when you’re looking for a break from the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

Chicken Taco

Three soft tacos filled with seasoned ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, red onion, shredded cheese, and topped with sour cream and green sauce sit on a plate.
Chicken Taco. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

One of the quickest ways to get lunch on the table is with Chicken Taco. People like being able to grab one on the go or sit down and enjoy a few at a time. It’s common to set up a taco bar and let everyone build their own. This approach works well when feeding several people at once. These always seem to get everyone excited.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lunches can be simple or packed with flavor, and Stuffed Peppers show how much you can do in one meal. They’re individual-sized, so everyone gets their own serving. People like how easy it is to customize each one for different tastes. Making them ahead saves time during the week, which many people appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Mushroom Soup

Mushroom soup that's delightfully creamy, adorned with sautéed mushrooms, a dollop of cream, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of parsley.
Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those who want something earthy and warm, Mushroom Soup fits perfectly. The creamy taste keeps lunches interesting even on boring days. It’s easy enough to make for one or for a whole group. Having leftovers makes it even easier to go back for more. Many people enjoy a quiet lunch with just this soup and a piece of bread.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup

Aglio e Olio

Close-up of fettuccine pasta tossed with grated cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes being lifted with a fork.
Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes simple pasta wins, especially when making Aglio e Olio for lunch. Its light taste means you won’t feel weighed down during the afternoon. Quick to prepare, many turn to this pasta when time is tight. It’s the kind of meal that feels just right with a side salad or bread. A classic option always worth keeping nearby for easy, last-minute lunches.
Get the Recipe: Aglio e Olio

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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