55+ Delicious Leftover Lunch Recipes

Leftovers don’t have to be boring! This collection of 55+ lunch recipes will show you how to turn last night’s dinner into a delicious midday meal. From quick wraps to hearty salads, you’ll find easy and creative ways to repurpose your leftovers, making lunch both enjoyable and satisfying.

Savory Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

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This Savory Quinoa Salad is a colorful and nutritious option for lunch, especially when you’re looking to use up leftovers. The vibrant mix of roasted vegetables adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the fluffy quinoa.

To make this dish, start with cooked quinoa as your base. Toss in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and black olives for a burst of color and taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can elevate the flavor even more.

For a simple dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad and give it a good toss. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any lunch.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu

This Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu is a colorful and healthy option for lunch. The vibrant mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and tofu creates a visually appealing dish that is packed with nutrients.

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh vegetables like red and green bell peppers, zucchini, and firm tofu. Start by cutting the tofu into cubes and sautéing it until golden. Then, add the sliced vegetables and stir-fry everything together. Season with soy sauce and sesame seeds for added flavor.

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover veggies from your fridge. It’s quick to prepare and can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a great choice for meal prep.

Chili Mac and Cheese

Chili Mac and Cheese is a warm, comforting dish that combines the best of both worlds: chili and mac and cheese. This hearty meal is perfect for lunch, especially when you have leftovers. The image shows a bowl filled with creamy macaroni, savory chili, and topped with fresh green onions and cheese.

To make this dish, you’ll need some elbow macaroni, ground meat (beef or turkey), kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and your favorite cheese. Start by cooking the macaroni until al dente. In a separate pot, brown the meat and add the beans and tomatoes. Mix everything together, stir in the cheese until melted, and you’re ready to enjoy!

This recipe is not only easy to make but also a great way to use up leftovers. You can customize it by adding more veggies or spices to suit your taste. It’s a filling meal that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a classic dish that’s perfect for lunch leftovers. The vibrant colors of the broccoli and tender beef make it not just tasty but visually appealing too.

To whip this up, you’ll need some simple ingredients: beef strips, fresh broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of ginger. Start by marinating the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for extra flavor.

Next, stir-fry the beef in a hot pan until it’s browned. Add the broccoli and cook until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. Toss everything together with more soy sauce for a delicious finish.

This dish is quick to prepare and makes for a satisfying lunch. It’s great served over rice or noodles, making it a versatile option for your meal prep.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans

Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and nutritious option for lunch. They are easy to prepare and make great leftovers. The image shows vibrant red, green, yellow, and orange peppers filled with a tasty mixture of quinoa and black beans.

This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with protein and fiber. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor, while black beans contribute a creamy texture. Together, they create a satisfying filling that keeps you full.

To make these stuffed peppers, start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions. Mix it with cooked black beans, spices, and any veggies you like. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Fill each pepper with the quinoa mixture and bake until the peppers are tender.

These stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them for lunch. Just reheat and serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

Mediterranean Chickpea Wrap

This Mediterranean Chickpea Wrap is a colorful and healthy option for lunch. It’s packed with chickpeas, fresh veggies, and creamy feta cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and greens make it visually appealing, while the combination of flavors keeps it exciting.

To make this wrap, start with a tortilla as your base. Add a generous scoop of chickpeas, which are not only filling but also loaded with protein. Toss in some chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and red onion for crunch. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.

For a little extra zing, drizzle some olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice over the top. Roll it up tightly, and you have a nutritious meal that’s easy to take on the go. This wrap is perfect for using up leftovers and can be customized with whatever veggies you have on hand.

Pasta Primavera with Leftover Veggies

Pasta primavera is a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies from your fridge. The colorful mix of vegetables makes this dish not only tasty but also visually appealing. Just look at that bowl of pasta topped with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and cheese!

To make this dish, start with your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, sauté any leftover vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli work great!

Once the veggies are tender, toss them with the cooked pasta. Add a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and season with salt and pepper. Top it off with some grated cheese and fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for lunch. You can enjoy it hot or cold, making it a versatile option for any meal. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce food waste!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This creamy chicken and rice casserole is a perfect dish for lunch leftovers. It combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce. The vibrant colors from the veggies make it visually appealing too!

To make this dish, you’ll need cooked chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, and some veggies like bell peppers and peas. Topping it with breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch. Simply mix everything together, bake it, and you have a hearty meal ready to go.

When stored in the fridge, this casserole keeps well and reheats beautifully. It’s a great option for those busy days when you want something comforting without much fuss. Just pop it in the microwave, and you’re set!

Curried Lentil Soup

Curried lentil soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for lunch. It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal. The image shows a bowl of rich, golden soup, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside some crusty bread. This setup invites you to dig in and savor each bite.

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need ingredients like lentils, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, curry powder, and vegetable broth. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add the spices to release their aroma. Toss in the lentils and broth, letting it simmer until everything is tender. Finish with coconut milk for creaminess and top with cilantro for a fresh touch.

This soup not only tastes great but also stores well, making it ideal for leftovers. You can easily reheat it for a quick lunch option. Pair it with bread for a complete meal, and you’ll have a satisfying dish that warms you up.

Egg Fried Rice with Vegetables

Egg fried rice with vegetables is a colorful and tasty dish that makes for a perfect lunch. The image shows a vibrant plate of rice mixed with fresh vegetables like bell peppers and green onions. The rice is fluffy and has a lovely golden hue, hinting at the delicious flavors waiting to be enjoyed.

This dish is not only easy to make but also a great way to use up leftover rice. You can toss in any veggies you have on hand, making it a versatile option. The addition of eggs adds protein, making it a filling meal.

To prepare this dish, start by cooking your rice. Then, in a pan, sauté your choice of vegetables until tender. Add the rice, scramble in some eggs, and season with soy sauce for that extra kick. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for those busy lunch hours.

Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a fantastic way to enjoy a lighter version of pasta. They soak up marinara sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. This dish is perfect for lunch, especially when you have leftovers from dinner.

To make this dish, start with fresh zucchini. Use a spiralizer to create those lovely noodle shapes. Sauté them briefly in a pan to soften, but keep them a bit crunchy. Meanwhile, heat up your favorite marinara sauce. Combine the two, and you have a delicious meal ready in minutes!

Top it off with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. It’s a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy lunch without sacrificing taste.

Taco Salad with Leftover Ingredients

This taco salad is a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients from your fridge. It’s colorful, fresh, and packed with flavor. The base is a crispy tortilla bowl filled with a mix of veggies, beans, and cheese. You can customize it based on what you have on hand.

Start with a tortilla bowl as your foundation. Then, add chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch. Black beans bring protein, while shredded cheese adds a creamy touch. Top it off with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also a great way to enjoy a healthy lunch. Just toss everything together, and you have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

Sweet potato and black bean enchiladas are a fantastic choice for lunch, especially when you have leftovers. They are colorful, hearty, and packed with flavor. The image shows a delicious plate of enchiladas topped with a rich sauce, cheese, and fresh cilantro. This dish not only looks good but is also nutritious.

To make these enchiladas, you’ll need sweet potatoes, black beans, tortillas, cheese, and your favorite enchilada sauce. Start by roasting the sweet potatoes until they’re tender. Then, mix them with black beans and some spices for extra flavor. Roll this mixture in tortillas, place them in a baking dish, and cover with sauce and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.

These enchiladas are perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week. They reheat well, making them a convenient option for busy days. Plus, they are vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy them!

Caprese Sandwich with Pesto

The Caprese sandwich with pesto is a delightful way to enjoy leftovers for lunch. This sandwich features fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. The layers of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant pesto create a burst of flavor in every bite.

To make this sandwich, start with slices of your favorite bread. Toast them lightly for a nice crunch. Spread a generous layer of pesto on one slice. Then, add slices of fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes. Top it off with some fresh basil leaves for an extra touch.

This sandwich is not only tasty but also quick to prepare. It’s perfect for using up leftover ingredients. Whether you have extra pesto or some tomatoes that need to be used, this recipe is flexible. Enjoy it with a side salad or some chips for a complete meal!

Leftover Roast Chicken Tacos

Leftover roast chicken tacos are a fantastic way to turn yesterday’s dinner into a delicious lunch. Just look at those soft tortillas filled with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and vibrant toppings!

Start by shredding your leftover roast chicken. Mix it with some diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro for a fresh kick. You can even add some avocado for creaminess. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over the top for a zesty finish.

These tacos are super easy to assemble. Just warm up the tortillas, pile on the chicken mixture, and top with your favorite salsa. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any day of the week.

Enjoy these tacos with a side of lime wedges and extra salsa for dipping. They’re a great way to make the most of your leftovers!