Home » Trending » Beyond Basic Sandwiches: 17 Lunches Worth Looking Forward To

Beyond Basic Sandwiches: 17 Lunches Worth Looking Forward To

Lunch doesn’t have to mean settling for the same old sandwich every day, and these ideas prove there’s more to explore. By going beyond the basics, you can transform your midday meals into something that feels exciting and fresh. These dishes bring creativity, flavor, and ease to your table, turning your lunch break into a moment to truly enjoy.

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup were placed on a marble surface next to two spoons.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Warm up your lunch routine with a flavorful spin on a comforting classic, Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup. This heartwarming dish brings nostalgia to the table, reminding you of cozy days indoors. It’s simple enough for a weekday lunch yet special enough to share with friends over a casual brunch.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Retro Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Retro Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Add a crisp, refreshing twist to your midday meal with Retro Horiatiki Salad. This dish is a nod to timeless recipes and is certain to brighten any drab afternoon. It pairs perfectly with a heavier entrée or shines on its own as a light yet fulfilling option. Escape the chill outside by enjoying a plate of this classic that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Retro Horiatiki Salad

Chicken Zoodle Soup

A person holding a bowl of chicken and zucchini soup.
Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Zoodle Soup takes the classic comfort food to new, wholesome heights. It’s the ideal pick-me-up for those days when you need a little extra warmth. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a health-conscious choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. After braving the cold winds, this soup offers a comforting embrace in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Liven up your day with the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexican Street Corn Salad. It’s a festival on a plate that’ll brighten any gloomy day and is a surefire way to bring some cheer to your lunch hour. This dish is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or just as exciting to enjoy solo. When the gray skies seem endless, let this meal add a burst of color to your table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

A pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich on a slate plate.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Experience the blissful harmony of meaty and melty with Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. This hearty sandwich turns an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary affair, sure to keep you full through the chilliest afternoons. A good grilled cheese is a classic, but when combined with savory pulled pork, it transforms into a gourmet experience.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Egg Salad

The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Egg Salad is an ageless staple that proves simplicity can be profoundly fulfilling. This familiar favorite makes for a quick, delicious fix on a bustling day. It’s smooth and creamy, ideal for spreading on your favorite bread or enjoying by the forkful. Let this lunchtime classic be a smooth intermission between your daily tasks.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving something hearty, Pastrami Reuben Sandwich delivers the robust flavors you seek. It’s a warm, toasty choice that’s as suitable for a chilly day indoors as it is for a brisk picnic. This sandwich isn’t just a meal, it’s a delicious escape from the everyday sandwich scene. Each bite invites a sense of contentment, perfect for when you’re wrapped up by the fireplace.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a unique twist on lunch, try the incredibly flavorful Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Even on the coldest days, this dish stands out with its unique blend of tastes that are usually unexplored in colder seasons. This preparation combines comfort with a touch of the unexpected, offering an enjoyable break from traditional winter dishes. Warm up your kitchen with this inviting, hearty salad.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Reinvent last night’s dinner with the mouthwatering Leftover Steak Quesadilla. This resourceful dish is easy to create and packs a punch of flavor, making any meal feel like a special occasion. It’s a fantastic way to add a touch of excitement to your lunch lineup. After all, who wouldn’t love a bit of gourmet without the hassle, especially on a frosty afternoon?
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring a dash of Asian flair to your lunchtime with Chinese Chicken Salad. This meal offers a balance of flavors that are both invigorating and comforting when it’s cold outside. It’s also light enough to keep you energized without feeling weighed down. Whether you’re at home or the office, it’s a salad that makes lunchtime something to really look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy the familiar flavors from your favorite fast-food joint with Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. This homemade rendition offers the same excitement as the original without the need to brave the elements for takeout. It’s ideal for a fulfilling, no-fuss lunch that packs a flavor punch. Unwrap this burrito to reveal a treasure trove of warmth and comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Opt for an unconventional yet utterly fulfilling Wild Rice Salad as your lunch choice. It’s a wholesome dish that promises to nourish and fuel you through the rest of your day. The hearty texture and rich taste stand up to even the most blustery of days. As you settle into eating, this salad makes staying indoors feel like the best decision you’ve made all week.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Texas BLT

Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A Lone Star State twist on a beloved classic, Texas BLT, will bring a sense of adventure to your lunch hour. This sandwich is as robust as the region it hails from, offering a satisfying crunch and deep flavors. It’s the perfect pick for a noontime treat that keeps the spirit of long, hearty meals alive. Wrap your hands around this sandwich and let it transport you to a cozy Southern kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoy the hearty combination found in Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. This meal is a bowl filled with wholesomeness and heartiness, designed to be both nourishing and inviting. It’s a versatile dish that fits neatly into a quiet lunch at home or a gathering of close friends. This salad is sure to be a reliable favorite when you need a warm pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

A close-up of a sliced Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bite into the surprising union of flavors in Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese. This innovative sandwich mix allows for a delicious contrast that livens up any grey day. It strikes an excellent balance between savory and mildly sweet, leading to a full satisfying midday meal. Enjoy the comforts of home cooking while discovering an unexpected combination that works beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Luscious meats and herbal notes define the experience of eating Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. This handheld treat wraps traditional Mediterranean tastes into a convenient format, perfect for a lunch that’s both exotic and easy. Each bite is a mini getaway for when you can’t escape to the sunny Aegean seas.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turkey & Apple Panini offers an inviting crunch and succulent flavor, perfect for a midday rejuvenation. This pressed sandwich does more than just satiate hunger; it provides a joyful experience for anyone in need of a lunch upgrade. It’s the ideal blend of juicy and crispy, making every bite a mini-celebration of the colder season.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

By

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.