Some meals make you question why you ever lined up for takeout in the first place. With 21 bold lunch ideas that don’t skimp on flavor or charm, staying in suddenly feels like the better deal. There’s no long wait, no mystery charges, and definitely no lukewarm delivery bags involved. After one of these, your usual spot might start collecting dust.
Horiatiki Salad
When you’re craving something fresh and bright, salads come to mind, but not all salads are created equal. Horiatiki Salad is a game changer, bringing a burst of Mediterranean freshness to your lunch table without needing a passport. It’s fuss-free, yet packs a punch with its vibrant mix of flavors. So, why settle for a regular salad when you can improve your mealtime with this standout dish?
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Sometimes, you just need comfort in a bowl, especially during those busy weekdays. Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup hits the spot with its creamy texture and homely flavors that remind you of your favorite cafe’s offering. It’s proof that you don’t need to dine out to enjoy restaurant-quality soup. This soup invites you to enjoy a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Whoever said salads were boring clearly never had a bowl of Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. This dish brings a splash of color and a fresh vibe to your lunch, combining seasonal veggies in a way that’s both fulfilling and light. It’s the perfect way to welcome the spring season, offering a tasty break from the heavy meals we often lean towards.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Craving that fast-food flavor without the guilt trip afterwards? Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos offer the best of both worlds. They bring the familiar flavors you love, right to your kitchen, without the need for a drive-thru. It’s a clever way to satisfy your cravings with a healthier twist, proving that delicious can also mean nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
Grandma’s Salmon Cakes bring back the nostalgic flavors of home-cooked meals with a touch of elegance. This lunch option bridges the gap between casual and gourmet, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be plain or overly simple. It’s a tribute to traditional recipes, offering a taste of home with each bite. Invite a bit of nostalgia into your lunchtime with this wonderful choice.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
Cream of Poblano Soup
On days when you crave something a little spicy and utterly creamy, Cream of Poblano Soup provides the perfect solution. It’s not your average soup; it introduces a subtle kick that transforms lunch into an experience. Ideal for anyone looking to break the monotony of typical lunch options, this soup ensures that your mealtime is anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Poblano Soup
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Sometimes, a hearty burrito is all you need to power through the rest of your day, and Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito is here to fill that gap. It combines all your favorite flavors in a hand-held delight that’s both fulfilling and convenient. This recipe is proof that you can recreate magic at home, giving a nod to your fast-food favorite while keeping things fresh and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito
Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
Lunchtime is calling for something that hits all the right notes – creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious. Creamy BLT Pasta Salad is a twist on the classic sandwich, turning lunch into an occasion to look forward to. It blends favorite flavors in a dish that’s surprisingly easy to put together. This pasta salad is the perfect way to shake up your lunch routine with something different.
Get the Recipe: Creamy BLT Pasta Salad
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
If you’re in the mood for a sandwich that packs a flavor punch, Pastrami Reuben Sandwich is your go-to. Stacked high with savory goodness, this sandwich is a nod to deli classics, making it a perfect pick for any day of the week. It’s a fulfilling option that brings the essence of New York delis right to your kitchen. This is where comfort food meets convenience in the best possible way.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Easy Hamburger Stew
For those days when only a hearty, warm meal will do, Easy Hamburger Stew comes to the rescue. This dish is a throwback to simpler times, combining ground beef with a rich, savory broth for a meal that feels like a warm blanket on a chilly day. It’s a no-fuss, no-muss kind of lunch that delivers on flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Hamburger Stew
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Missing the flavors of Philly in your lunch lineup? Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak brings the iconic sandwich to your table with a twist. It’s all the beloved elements of a cheesesteak wrapped up in an easy-to-make package. This dish is about simplicity meeting big flavors, offering a fulfilling lunch option that doesn’t skimp on the classic tastes you love.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Chicken Zoodle Soup
When you want the coziness of chicken noodle soup but with a lighter touch, Chicken Zoodle Soup is the answer. Swapping noodles with zoodles adds a fresh and nutritious spin to a beloved classic. It’s a smart way to indulge in the comfort of soup while keeping things light. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a familiar yet slightly healthier option for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup
Mom’s Salmon Cakes
There’s something special about recipes passed down through generations, and Mom’s Salmon Cakes are no exception. These cakes are a testament to time-honored cooking, blending simplicity with rich flavor. They’re a heartwarming reminder of family dinners, updated for your lunchtime enjoyment. Bringing comfort and tradition to the table, this option is a nod to the past with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mom’s Salmon Cakes
Reuben Quesadillas
Reuben Quesadillas offer a creative take on the traditional Reuben sandwich by blending it with the beloved quesadilla. It’s a match made in heaven for those who appreciate the art of fusion cooking. This dish stands out as a lunch option that’s both familiar and new, fulfilling your hunger with every cheesy, savory bite. It’s an ideal choice for adventurous eaters looking to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Quesadillas
Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup
When colder days have you craving something warm and filling, Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup is like a cozy embrace in a bowl. It combines simple ingredients in a rich broth for a meal that’s both comforting and hearty. This soup is all about bringing simplicity and warmth to your table, making it a favorite for anyone seeking solace in their lunch. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Brighten up your lunch with Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp, a dish that’s as flavorful as it is colorful. It marries the light, fresh tastes of the Mediterranean with the succulent texture of shrimp for a meal that’s both filling and refreshing. Perfect for those days when you’re looking for something that combines the best of both worlds. This salad proves that quick and easy doesn’t mean boring.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese
If you think you know grilled cheese sandwiches, The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese is here to show you there’s always room for a twist. This combination of savory turkey and sweet apple upgrades a classic to new heights. It’s a fusion of flavors that turns a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience. Who knew lunch could be so innovative and yet so incredibly comforting?
Get the Recipe: The Best Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese
White Bean Salad
White Bean Salad is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, offering a refreshing and nutritious option for lunch. It’s a dish that proves hearty doesn’t have to mean heavy, combining light ingredients for a fulfilling meal. Ideal for those days when you want a lunch that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. This salad is your ticket to a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
There’s nothing quite like the classic comfort of Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup to make lunchtime feel special. It’s a bowl full of comforting flavors and textures that come together in harmony. Perfect for anyone looking to soothe their soul with a creamy, fulfilling dish. This soup is a reminder that comfort food can be sophisticated and comforting all at once.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes strikes the perfect balance between hearty and healthy. It’s a vibrant dish that packs in nutrients while fulfilling your hunger. Ideal for those looking to keep their meal vibrant and full of texture. This salad is a great way to introduce variety into your lunch routine, proving that healthy options can be just as exciting as their indulgent counterparts.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
Craving something savory and fulfilling? Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich offers a taste of Los Angeles’ iconic eatery right in your own kitchen. It’s a simple yet decadent option for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like a juicy sandwich with a side of au jus for dipping. This sandwich represents an easy way to bring a bit of gourmet flair to your lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich