Fall is here, and it’s time for lunches that feel warm and satisfying without eating up your whole afternoon. We’ve gathered 40+ quick, flavorful fall lunch ideas that are simple enough for busy days and delicious enough to keep the family happy. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead option, a one-pan lunch, a hearty soup + sandwich combo, or a healthy meatless dish, this list has lunch solutions you’ll actually want to eat.
Quick & Easy Fall Lunches
Fast, fuss-free, and totally doable—these recipes are made for busy weekdays when you just need something simple and satisfying.
- Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders
- Garlic Bread Pizza – another family favorite
- Italian Turkey Meatballs
- Crockpot Hot Dog Chili – perfect chili recipe for my Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
- Baked Turkey Cheese Sliders
- Creamy Chorizo Pasta
- Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Baked Creamy Garlic Pork Chops
Healthy Fall Lunch Ideas
Wholesome, balanced, and full of flavor, these healthy lunches prove that “quick” and “nutritious” can go hand in hand.
- Kale Salad – top with salmon or other protein, if desired
- Arugula Pear Salad
- Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Turkey Teriyaki Bowls
- Big Mac Skillet – gluten free and low carb
Family Friendly Fall Lunches
Kid-approved and mom-loved! These fall recipes are easy to make, picky-eater friendly, and will disappear fast.
- Baked Roast Beef Sliders
- Chicken Cheesesteaks
- Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry with Zucchini
- Chicken Noodle Casserole – all the flavors of chicken noodle soup in casserole form
- Big Mac Sliders – kids love these bite sized burgers
- Ground Beef Quesadillas
Make-Ahead Lunches
Meal prep made easy! These lunches store well and taste even better the next day – perfect for packing or reheating!
- Easy Crockpot Chili
- Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast
- Roasted Veggie Breakfast Casserole – with sweet potatoes, peppers, and mushrooms
- Crockpot Chicken Ramen – with juicy chicken, tender veggies and ramen noodles….yum!
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Million Dollar Spaghetti
One Pan and One Pot Lunches
Keep it simple (and save yourself the cleanup). These one-pan fall lunches make busy days feel a little easier.
- 4 Ingredient Baked Tortellini Casserole
- Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Skillet
- Instant Pot Baked Potatoes – just add your favorites toppings
- Carnitas Nachos
Cozy Soups and Sandwiches
Nothing says fall and soup season like a warm bowl of soup and a melty sandwich. These easy pairings are comfort made simple.
- Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup – maybe some crusty bread for dipping
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Green Chili Chicken Corn Chowder
- Sheet Pan Roasted Veggies Soup
- Turkey Bean Soup – perfect for Thanksgiving turkey leftovers
- Top Roast Steak Sandwich with Mushrooms
- Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup
- Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup or Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
- Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
- Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
If you’re looking for some simple and delicious fall lunch recipes, this list will be a keeper. If you need more recipe ideas check out my weekly meal plans here.
If you have a tried and true recipe fall lunch recipe, make sure and let me know in the comments!
What produce is in season in the fall?
In these fall months, find in-season foods like apples, pears, cranberries, pumpkin, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beets, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and mushrooms. These foods ripen in the cooler weather.
What foods are good for a fall party?
Think warm comfort foods like chili or casseroles, or a fall salad or dessert featuring apples or pumpkin.
Any ideas for fall desserts?
Of course! Embrace the flavors of the harvest season fall desserts featuring seasonal ingredients like apples, pumpkin, cranberries and pecans. Here are a few of my favorites: Cranberry Upside Down Cake, Gooey Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust, and my Cinnamon Crumble Coffee Cake.
Fall Arugula Pear Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 5 ounces arugula
- 2 bosc pears, sliced
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
For Red Wine Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon sugar, or honey
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, pressed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the dressing by whisking all red wine vinaigrette ingredients together. Alternatively, you can place all of the dressing ingredients in a mason jar and vigorously shake.
- To assemble the Arugula Pear Salad, arrange the arugula in a large shallow bowl. Top with pomegranate seeds and crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
- Remove the core from the pear and slice the pear into thin slices. Arrange the slices over the top of the salad.
- Dress the salad by tossing it with the red wine vinaigrette all at once, or leave the dressing on the side and let each person dress it to their liking. The dressing makes a generous amount, so you may not want to use all of it on the salad depending on how heavily you like it dressed.
Recipe Notes
- Arugula: Swap the arugula out for baby spinach or mixed greens.
- Gorgonzola Cheese: Use feta or parmesan in place of the gorgonzola cheese.
- Dressing: Try swapping the red wine vinaigrette out for a balsamic vinaigrette.
- in the refrigerator for 1-2 days
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