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21 Brown Bag Specials That Don’t Taste Like Sad Leftovers

Brown bag lunches don’t have to be boring or taste like sad leftovers. With these 21 special recipes, lunchtime becomes something to look forward to. These meals are so good that they make lunchtime exciting and enjoyable, proving that packed lunches can be both delicious and satisfying. Say goodbye to dull and hello to tasty with these fantastic brown bag specials.

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

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

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

If you’re looking to add a tasty twist to your lunch routine, melt into the joy of Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Perfectly grilled until golden brown, it brings together rich pork and melting cheese for a heartwarming meal. It packs nicely, ensuring that every bite at lunch is as good as it would be fresh off the stove. Ideal for those chilly days when comfort food is a must.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Wild Rice Salad

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

Enjoy the nutty flavors of Wild Rice Salad, an ideal choice for a nutritious lunch. It holds well together, offering texture and taste that’s great served cold. Perfect when you need something filling but not too heavy. It’s a staple that won’t let you down, even hours after preparation.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Turkey & Apple Panini

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

Crunchy apples and tender turkey come together in a Turkey & Apple Panini that redefines your lunch game. It’s pressed to perfection, making all the flavors meld in just the right way. Easy to carry and doesn’t turn soggy, this panini offers a fresh twist to your noon break. Just right for a light yet fulfilling meal that keeps you powered throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

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.

Refresh your lunch palette with Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. It’s filled with the tastes of spring and keeps excellent in a lunch box. Makes a hearty meal that fuels the rest of your day. Ideal for those looking for something different in their meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

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.

If you’re a fan of iconic fast food, Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito nails it without a trip to the drive-thru. Perfectly portable, it astounds with every bite retaining its intended flavor. You’ll find it as a clever pick-me-up during a busy workday. Just unwrap and enjoy, no sogginess in sight.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Light and refreshing, Cucumber Salad with Feta promises a crisp addition to any meal. With its fresh flavors, it’s a salient pick for escaping the mundane. It stays delightful even when tucked away in your lunch bag. Enjoy a burst of freshness midday with a salad that keeps it cool.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

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

Bite into Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches for a midday treat that’s both filling and delightful. They’re snugly tucked inside a soft pita, keeping everything neat and tidy for your lunchbox. Anticipate a welcomed change from typical midday fare. It’s like a little piece of Greece during your lunch hour.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turn your lunchtime into a celebration with Pizza Pasta Salad. It’s a fun blend of your favorite pizza flavors with the heartiness of pasta. Even when eaten cold, the dish retains a scrumptious charm. Perfect for those days when you crave something both nourishing and joyful.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

An open-face NY Steamer sub copycat on a plate with Italian dressing.
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Lunch looks up when you pack a Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich. It’s stacked and ready to conquer your hunger with gusto. Expert configuration keeps it sublime till lunch. Hearty and flavorful, it’s like a trip to New York without leaving the lunchroom.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich

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.

With a hint of Asian flair, Chinese Chicken Salad is both light and fulfilling. It’s packed with crispy elements and a dash of sweetness. No worries about wilting; it stays fresh and crisp long after packing. Break the monotony of lunch with a dish that brings a lively vibe to your mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Reuben Sliders

Reuben sliders on a slate board.
Reuben Sliders. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Small but mighty, Reuben Sliders pack a punch in your lunch. Their size ensures each piece stays intact and as flavorful as ever. It’s the perfect little break in your day that looks and tastes great. Load up your lunchbox; these sliders are up to the task.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Relish the vibrant flavors of a Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Holds up beautifully throughout the day, ensuring a punch of flavor at lunchtime. It’s a refreshing choice that combines taste with nutritional goodness. A stable option for those who enjoy variety and freshness in their diet.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

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

A classic with a twist, Pastrami Reuben Sandwich offers a hearty option that’s enjoyable cooled down. The flavors meld perfectly by lunchtime, creating a taste sensation. Pack it up and look forward to lunch all morning. It’s robust, flavorsome, and a joy to bite into any day.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Venture into bold flavors with Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. It’s an adventurous take on a traditional dish, offering entirely new layers of taste. Even by lunchtime, it maintains its robust flavor. Ideal for those who love a smoky touch in their meals.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Savor the engaging taste of a Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich that’s made to mimic the best. Just pack the dip separately and you’re in for a moist and tantalizing lunch experience. Even packed away, it retains a just-made quality. Enjoy every bite dipped in rich au jus for true indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Savor the robust blend of freshly prepared Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Its elements blend seamlessly, creating a fulfilling lunch option that’s resilient till eaten. Just what you need for a busy day when lunch needs to be quick and satisfying. A definite go-to for veggie lovers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Texas BLT

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

For a tried-and-true favorite, crank up the flavor with a Texas BLT. Thick slices and hearty bread ensure that every last crumb tastes as good as the first. It’s stacked to withstand travel from the kitchen to the work desk. Relish in the offerings of a classic that just gets better.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Dip into the zestful world of Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Stays delightful and fresh, meshing flavors and textures that thrill. Perfect for a busy day, as it holds up well without refrigeration. Get ready to brighten your lunch experience with a dish that’s both hearty and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing your favorite meals office-side is easier with The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. It’s layered well to keep every ingredient lively. You’ll adore how well it transitions from fridge to lunch break. Every forkful is a reminder of your fast-food favorite.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Experience a refreshing crunch with Horiatiki Salad, an authentic take on Greek salad that’s full of flavor. Plentiful and robust, it carries well until lunchtime. It serves as a bright, crisp break in a day filled with mundane meals. Every bite is crisp and refreshing, guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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

Don’t let dinner’s leftovers be a downer at lunch with Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Expertly repurposed, they capture new life in a cheesy bed within crisp tortillas. They remain tantalizingly good and are a breeze to reheat. Never settle for dull lunch options again with these in your culinary toolkit.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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