Australian cuisine is a vibrant blend of traditional favorites and multicultural influences, offering a diverse range of lunch options that cater to every taste and lifestyle.
From iconic meat pies and sausage rolls to fresh seafood dishes and inventive salads, Australian lunches are known for their hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Whether you’re after quick, portable meals or comforting dishes to enjoy at home, this collection of 23+ Australian lunch recipes provides something delicious for everyone.
Explore these recipes to bring the fresh, bold flavors of Australia to your midday table and discover new favorites that are perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.
23+ Delicious Australian Lunch Recipes You Need to Try
Exploring Australian lunch recipes reveals a rich tapestry of flavors that combine both tradition and innovation.
The 23+ recipes presented here showcase the versatility of Australian cuisine—from comforting classics like chicken parmigiana and beef pies to fresh, healthy salads featuring native ingredients.
These dishes emphasize quality ingredients and straightforward preparation, making them accessible and enjoyable for cooks of all levels.
By incorporating these recipes into your lunch routine, you can enjoy the taste of Australia’s diverse culinary heritage, whether at home, work, or on the go.
Chicken and Avocado Sandwich
Chicken and avocado sandwich is a classic Australian lunch favorite that combines tender grilled chicken with creamy avocado and fresh greens, all layered between soft bread.
It’s a wholesome and satisfying option perfect for a quick lunch or picnic.
- Grill chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until cooked through.
- Toast slices of wholegrain or sourdough bread lightly.
- Mash ripe avocado and spread it on the bread slices.
- Layer the grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato slices, and cucumber on top.
- Add a drizzle of mayonnaise or aioli, then close the sandwich and slice.
This sandwich offers a wonderful balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
The creamy avocado complements the juicy chicken, making it a filling and nutritious lunch that’s easy to prepare and enjoy anywhere.
Vegemite and Cheese Scrolls
Vegemite and cheese scrolls are a beloved Australian snack and lunch option featuring soft, buttery pastry swirled with savory Vegemite and melted cheese.
They’re perfect for a flavorful and portable meal.
- Roll out puff pastry or bread dough into a rectangle.
- Spread a thin layer of Vegemite evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice into rounds.
- Bake until golden and cheese is bubbly.
These scrolls combine the iconic salty umami flavor of Vegemite with the richness of cheese, creating a deliciously addictive snack or lunch treat.
They’re easy to make ahead and perfect for packing in lunch boxes or enjoying on the go.
Pumpkin and Feta Salad
Pumpkin and feta salad is a fresh and vibrant Australian lunch choice that features roasted pumpkin cubes, crumbly feta cheese, and mixed greens tossed with a tangy dressing.
It’s hearty yet light and packed with seasonal flavors.
- Roast pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until caramelized and tender.
- Toss mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Add the roasted pumpkin and crumbled feta cheese.
- Dress with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
This salad offers a delightful contrast of sweet roasted pumpkin and salty feta, balanced by crisp greens and a zesty dressing.
It’s a nutritious and satisfying lunch that highlights fresh Australian produce and simple, bold flavors.
Beef Pie
Beef pie is a quintessential Australian lunch dish that features tender, slow-cooked beef encased in flaky pastry.
It’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a satisfying midday break.
- Slow-cook diced beef with onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs until tender and flavorful.
- Prepare or buy shortcrust pastry and line individual pie tins or a baking dish.
- Fill with the beef mixture and cover with a puff pastry lid, sealing the edges.
- Brush with egg wash and bake until the pastry is golden and crisp.
This classic beef pie combines rich, savory filling with buttery, flaky pastry, making it a beloved Australian comfort food.
It’s a filling lunch option that can be enjoyed warm and pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.
Barramundi with Mango Salsa
Barramundi with mango salsa is a fresh and vibrant Australian lunch recipe featuring flaky, mild fish topped with a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
It’s light, healthy, and packed with bright flavors.
- Season barramundi fillets with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime.
- Pan-sear or grill the fish until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Prepare mango salsa by combining diced mango, red onion, coriander, chili, and lime juice.
- Serve the barramundi topped with mango salsa alongside steamed rice or salad.
This dish offers a delicious contrast of tender fish and zesty, sweet salsa, making it a refreshing and nutritious lunch that highlights Australia’s fresh seafood and tropical flavors.
Sausage Roll
Sausage roll is an iconic Australian lunchbox staple featuring seasoned sausage meat wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry.
It’s a tasty and convenient meal ideal for lunches and picnics.
- Mix ground pork or beef with breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and herbs.
- Roll out puff pastry and shape the meat mixture into a log along one edge.
- Roll pastry over the meat and seal the edges.
- Cut into individual rolls, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden brown.
Sausage rolls are a satisfying and flavorful lunch option that’s easy to make ahead and enjoy on the go.
Their savory meat filling and crispy pastry crust make them a perennial favorite in Australian cuisine.
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken parmigiana is a popular Australian lunch dish featuring breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese.
It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Pound chicken breasts thin and season with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken in flour, dip in beaten egg, then cover with breadcrumbs.
- Pan-fry until golden and cook through, then place in a baking dish.
- Top with tomato sauce and slices of mozzarella or shredded cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This dish combines crispy chicken with rich tomato sauce and creamy cheese, making it a filling and tasty lunch option.
It’s often served with salad or chips for a complete meal that’s loved across Australia.
Lamb and Mint Salad
Lamb and mint salad is a fresh and flavorful Australian lunch that pairs tender grilled lamb with crisp greens and a zesty mint dressing.
It’s a balanced and nutritious meal perfect for warm days.
- Grill lamb cutlets or sliced lamb seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Toss mixed salad greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh mint leaves.
- Prepare a dressing from lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Slice the lamb and serve it atop the salad, drizzling with the dressing.
This salad offers a great mix of savory, fresh, and aromatic flavors.
The mint adds a cooling note that complements the rich lamb, making it a delightful and healthy lunch choice.
Beetroot and Goat Cheese Sandwich
Beetroot and goat cheese sandwich is a colorful and nutritious Australian lunch option that balances sweet roasted beetroot with tangy goat cheese and fresh greens.
- Roast beetroot slices until tender and caramelized.
- Toast wholegrain bread slices lightly.
- Spread goat cheese generously on the bread.
- Layer roasted beetroot, rocket (arugula), and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze or olive oil before closing the sandwich.
This sandwich offers a delicious combination of earthy sweetness, creamy tang, and peppery greens.
It’s perfect for a wholesome, vegetarian-friendly lunch that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Meat Pie
Meat pie is a beloved Australian lunch classic featuring a savory filling of minced beef and gravy encased in flaky pastry.
It’s a comforting and hearty meal ideal for a satisfying midday break.
- Prepare a rich beef filling by slow-cooking minced beef with onions, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning until thickened.
- Line small pie tins with shortcrust pastry and fill with the beef mixture.
- Cover with puff pastry lids, seal the edges, and brush with egg wash.
- Bake until golden brown and crisp on top.
This meat pie combines tender, flavorful filling with buttery pastry, making it a filling and nostalgic Australian lunch favorite that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Grilled Kangaroo Salad
Grilled kangaroo salad is a uniquely Australian lunch recipe that highlights lean, flavorful kangaroo meat served over fresh salad greens with a tangy dressing.
It’s a healthy and distinctive meal option.
- Marinate kangaroo steaks in olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
- Grill to medium-rare for tender, juicy meat.
- Slice thinly and serve on a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.
- Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette.
This salad offers a bold, gamey flavor balanced by fresh, crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing.
It’s a nutritious lunch that introduces a traditional Australian ingredient in a fresh way.
Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin soup is a comforting and nourishing Australian lunch option, especially popular during cooler months.
It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect for a warming meal.
- Roast pumpkin chunks with olive oil and seasoning until caramelized.
- Sauté onions and garlic, then add roasted pumpkin and vegetable stock.
- Simmer and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in cream or coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
This soup offers rich, velvety texture and sweet, earthy flavors that make for a satisfying and wholesome lunch. It’s easy to prepare ahead and perfect for packing in a thermos for on-the-go warmth.
Veggie Burger
Veggie burger is a popular Australian lunch choice that offers a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional meat burgers.
Packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings, it’s both satisfying and wholesome.
- Prepare patties using mashed chickpeas, grated carrots, zucchini, breadcrumbs, and spices.
- Pan-fry or bake the patties until golden and cooked through.
- Toast burger buns and layer with lettuce, tomato, avocado slices, and your cooked veggie patty.
- Add sauces like aioli or tomato chutney for extra flavor.
This veggie burger delivers a hearty texture and rich flavors from fresh ingredients, making it a perfect lunch for vegetarians and anyone looking for a healthy, delicious meal option.
Barramundi Fish Tacos
Barramundi fish tacos bring a fresh Australian twist to a lunch favorite, combining flaky grilled fish with vibrant slaw and zesty sauces inside soft tortillas.
- Season and grill barramundi fillets until cooked and flaky.
- Prepare a crunchy slaw with cabbage, carrot, coriander, and lime juice.
- Warm soft corn or flour tortillas.
- Assemble tacos by layering fish, slaw, and a drizzle of tangy aioli or salsa.
These tacos are light yet flavorful, offering a refreshing and satisfying lunch with bright textures and bold flavors that highlight Australian seafood.
Beetroot and Feta Salad
Beetroot and feta salad is a colorful and nutritious Australian lunch option that combines sweet roasted beetroot with creamy feta and fresh greens, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Roast beetroot cubes until tender and caramelized.
- Toss mixed salad greens, arugula, and toasted walnuts in a bowl.
- Add roasted beetroot and crumble feta cheese on top.
- Dress with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
This salad balances sweet, salty, and earthy flavors with crunchy and creamy textures, making it a refreshing and wholesome meal perfect for lunch.
Lamb Meatballs with Mint Yogurt
Lamb meatballs with mint yogurt are a flavorful Australian lunch choice that blends tender spiced lamb with a cooling, creamy sauce.
This dish offers a perfect balance of hearty and fresh flavors.
- Mix ground lamb with garlic, cumin, coriander, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into small meatballs and bake or pan-fry until cooked through.
- Prepare a yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with fresh mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve meatballs drizzled with mint yogurt alongside a simple salad or flatbread.
This meal provides a rich, savory protein paired with a refreshing sauce, making it a satisfying and balanced lunch that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap
Grilled chicken Caesar wrap is a popular Australian lunch option that combines tender grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing all wrapped in a soft tortilla.
- Grill chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until cooked and juicy.
- Toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Slice grilled chicken and layer it on the tortilla with the dressed lettuce.
- Wrap tightly and slice in half for easy eating on the go.
This wrap delivers familiar Caesar flavors in a convenient handheld form, making it a delicious and portable lunch perfect for busy days.
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Sweet potato and chickpea salad is a hearty and nutritious Australian lunch that combines roasted sweet potatoes with protein-rich chickpeas and fresh herbs, tossed in a zesty dressing.
- Roast sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until caramelized.
- Combine roasted sweet potatoes with cooked chickpeas, chopped coriander, and spinach leaves.
- Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Optionally, sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled feta.
This salad offers a wonderful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, along with varied textures, making it a satisfying and healthy lunch option that’s easy to prepare ahead.
Barramundi and Avocado Salad
Barramundi and avocado salad is a fresh, light Australian lunch that highlights flaky grilled fish paired with creamy avocado and crisp greens.
It’s perfect for a healthy and flavorful midday meal.
- Season barramundi fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then grill until cooked through.
- Slice ripe avocado and toss with mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Flake the grilled barramundi and add to the salad.
- Dress with olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
This salad offers a great balance of textures and flavors—the richness of avocado complements the delicate fish, while fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness.
It’s a nutritious and satisfying lunch option.
Pumpkin and Lentil Soup
Pumpkin and lentil soup is a hearty and warming Australian lunch choice, combining sweet roasted pumpkin with protein-packed lentils in a flavorful broth.
It’s comforting and nutritious.
- Roast pumpkin chunks with olive oil and seasoning until caramelized.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and coriander in a pot.
- Add lentils, roasted pumpkin, and vegetable broth; simmer until lentils are tender.
- Blend partially for a creamy texture, leaving some chunks for bite.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice.
This soup is rich in flavor and texture, offering a comforting meal that’s easy to make ahead and enjoy on cooler days.
Beetroot and Walnut Salad
Beetroot and walnut salad is a colorful and crunchy Australian lunch option that pairs sweet roasted beetroot with toasted walnuts and fresh greens for a satisfying meal.
- Roast beetroot slices until tender and caramelized.
- Toss mixed salad greens with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and the roasted beetroot.
- Dress with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
This salad delivers a wonderful mix of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors with varied textures, making it a delicious and wholesome lunch choice.
Chicken Avocado Wrap
Chicken avocado wrap is a simple yet flavorful Australian lunch that combines juicy grilled chicken with creamy avocado and fresh veggies wrapped in a soft tortilla.
It’s perfect for a quick, nutritious meal on the go.
- Grill chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until cooked through.
- Slice avocado and prepare fresh lettuce, tomato, and cucumber slices.
- Spread a light layer of mayonnaise or aioli on a tortilla, then layer with chicken, avocado, and veggies.
- Roll up tightly and slice in half for easy packing.
This wrap offers a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh flavors, making it a filling and satisfying lunch option for busy days.
Vegemite and Cheese Toastie
Vegemite and cheese toastie is a classic Australian lunch favorite that combines the salty, umami-rich Vegemite with melted cheese in a warm toasted sandwich.
It’s quick to prepare and deeply satisfying.
- Spread a thin layer of Vegemite on slices of bread.
- Add grated cheddar cheese or your favorite melting cheese.
- Grill or toast the sandwich until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
This simple yet flavorful toastie offers a comforting and nostalgic taste of Australia.
It’s perfect for a quick lunch that delivers savory satisfaction with minimal effort.
Conclusion
The variety found in Australian lunch recipes reflects the country’s multicultural spirit and love for fresh, wholesome food. With over 23 recipes to choose from, you can enjoy everything from quick sandwiches and wraps to more elaborate dishes like lamb meatballs and barramundi with mango salsa. Each recipe brings its own unique flavor and texture, making lunchtime exciting and satisfying. Embracing these recipes allows you to create lunches that are not only delicious and nutritious but also rich in character and cultural heritage—perfect for anyone looking to spice up their midday meals.
