Some days just don\u2019t go\u00a0as\u00a0planned\u00a0\u2014 school drop-offs, activities, calls, errands. And yet, your family is\u00a0still waiting for lunch. The good news? A\u00a0warm, satisfying homemade lunch can be\u00a0ready in\u00a015\u201320\u00a0minutes.<\/p>\n
Here are five simple ideas that have saved\u00a0us more than once. Maybe they\u2019ll help you, too.<\/p>\n
What you\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n How to\u00a0make it<\/strong><\/p>\n Saut\u00e9 the onion and garlic, add the beans, and heat through. Toast the bread\u00a0\u2014 in\u00a0a\u00a0toaster or\u00a0a\u00a0pan. Spoon the warm beans onto the toast and top with cheese and herbs.<\/p>\n Why it\u00a0works<\/strong><\/p>\n Filling, fast, and rich in\u00a0protein. Chickpeas or\u00a0kidney beans work just as\u00a0well\u00a0\u2014 it\u2019s hard to\u00a0go\u00a0wrong here.<\/p>\n What you\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n How to\u00a0make it<\/strong><\/p>\n Spread sauce on\u00a0the tortilla, add chicken, veggies, and cheese. Bake in\u00a0the oven or\u00a0heat in\u00a0a\u00a0skillet or\u00a0grill pan for 10\u201312 minutes until lightly crispy.<\/p>\n Why it\u00a0works<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s like a\u00a0homemade mini pizza\u00a0\u2014 simpler and a\u00a0bit healthier. Kids especially enjoy choosing their own toppings.<\/p>\n What you\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n How to\u00a0make it<\/strong><\/p>\n Chop the veggies, add chicken or\u00a0tuna, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle with cheese. Serve with bread or\u00a0a\u00a0tortilla on\u00a0the side.<\/p>\n Why it\u00a0works<\/strong><\/p>\n Fresh, filling, and not too heavy. Perfect for warmer days\u00a0\u2014 and easy to\u00a0pack if\u00a0lunch isn\u2019t at\u00a0home.<\/p>\n What you\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n How to\u00a0make it<\/strong><\/p>\n Saut\u00e9 the veggies for 2\u20133\u00a0minutes. Add beaten eggs with milk and spices. Cook over medium heat until set. Cover with a\u00a0lid for a\u00a0softer, fluffier omelet.<\/p>\n Why it\u00a0works<\/strong><\/p>\n Ready in\u00a0about 10\u00a0minutes. You can add whatever you have\u00a0\u2014 spinach, cheese, peas. It\u00a0tastes a\u00a0little different every time.<\/p>\n What you\u2019ll need<\/strong><\/p>\n How to\u00a0make it<\/strong><\/p>\n While the pasta cooks, saut\u00e9 the vegetables with chicken. Mix the drained pasta with sauce and oil, then combine everything.<\/p>\n Why it\u00a0works<\/strong><\/p>\n Dinner is\u00a0ready in\u00a020\u00a0minutes. Kids usually love\u00a0it, especially if\u00a0it\u2019s their favorite pasta. Leftovers reheat well the next day.<\/p>\n\n
Chicken Tortilla Flatbread<\/h2>\n
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Greek-Style Salad with Chicken or\u00a0Tuna<\/h2>\n
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Veggie Omelet with Paprika<\/h2>\n
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Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables<\/h2>\n
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How to\u00a0Make Quick Lunches Even Easier<\/h2>\n
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References<\/h2>\n