Lunch is one of those meals I either skip or eat on the go to keep me going throughout the day. The easiest way for me to ensure I have a good lunch each day is to have something prepared earlier like left-overs from dinner the night before or a salad made up in a container.

It’s not that I’m too lazy to make myself a sandwich. The middle of the day is precious time for me because it’s when my daughters have their day sleep and those 2 hours are usually spent working or cleaning the house and I will push myself to get it all done in that small block of time – even if it means eating a Tim Tam to keep me going.

But lunch is the second most important meal of the day as it helps our metabolism and gives energy for the rest of the afternoon. I’ve been inspired to make some healthy lunches that are quick and easy to make. Some of these dishes need to be baked ahead of time, but once their prepared, you’ll have something to grab during the middle of the day.

Here are 10 easy lunch ideas for busy mums.

1. Bell Pepper Pizzas

This recipe idea is form Peas + Crayons and would be delicious on a cooler day. Just cut a capsicum in half, scoop out the seeds and add your ingredients and cheese and chuck under a grill to cook.

2. Salmon Avocado Boats

This lunch idea is by Willow Bird Baking and it looks so delicious and easy. The full recipe can be found here.

3. Caprese Avocado Toast

Toast doesn’t have to be for breakfast, it can be eaten for lunch instead. Create an open topped toasted sandwich for a filling lunch.

4. Peanut Noodles

Noodles are so easy to prepare and make a filling meal for lunch. This peanut noodle recipe looks delicious and is super quick to make.

5. Corn Dog Muffins

I love hot dogs, but they aren’t so great on the waistline and can be fiddly to cook. These corn dog muffins can be made ahead of time and are bite sized so you can control your portions.

6. Caramelised Onion and Feta Tarts

Why not have some jars of caramelized onions and sundried tomatoes to make these easy tarts? Create Bake Make shows how easy this can be made – for lunch!

7. Antipasto Salad in a Mason Jar

These salads can be prepared ahead of time. You can have a weeks worth of lunches sitting in the fridge to be grabbed and eaten on the go.

8. Mason Jar Salad Wraps

Prepare your mason jars with cut up ingredients to make salad wraps. The full recipe can be found here on Mums Lounge.

9. Cheesy Corn and Zucchini Muffins

This recipe can be baked in bulk, ready to grab for lunch when needed. The full recipe can be found here on Mums Lounge.

10. Cucumber and Turkey Sandwich

If you’re trying to avoid carbs at lunch, why not use cucumber slices to make a sandwich. This clever and healthy idea was by The kitchen is my playground.

What do you usually have for lunch? What makes a great lunch for busy mums?