It’s time to give your lunch routine a makeover. These 19 lunch ideas beat takeout every time, whether you’re in the mood for something fresh, filling, or just downright delicious. Packed with flavor and made in your own kitchen, these lunches prove that fast food doesn’t have to mean greasy or bland. Skip the drive-thru and give your taste buds a treat that actually won’t leave you regretting it later.
Shirazi Salad
When you want something fresh and healthy, Shirazi Salad is an easy choice. This light salad combines fresh, crisp vegetables with a tangy dressing, making it an ideal side dish or light lunch. It’s perfect for days when you want something refreshing and satisfying without going overboard on calories. And best of all, it won’t leave you feeling sluggish like that greasy takeout you were thinking about.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Seafood Chowder
For a creamy, comforting meal that feels like a special treat, Seafood Chowder has you covered. This rich, satisfying chowder beats takeout with its creamy base and packed-with-flavor ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of hearty yet light enough to enjoy without feeling sluggish. If you’re in the mood for something cozy and filling, this soup is a great choice—way better than whatever’s in that delivery box.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Want something that’s filling yet light? Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is the answer. The combination of savory chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts makes for a satisfying meal that’s easy to whip up. This salad is great for those days when you need something quick, light, and nutritious—without hitting the drive-thru. It’s a much better option for anyone looking for something fresh and easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
When you’re craving something hearty and flavorful, Pasta e Fagioli Soup hits the mark every time. It’s a wholesome dish that combines satisfying pasta with savory beans and rich broth. This soup is perfect for days when you need something warm and filling but don’t want to order greasy takeout. It’s a great option to prepare in advance, so you’re ready for lunch without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Mexican Street Corn Salad
It’s light, bright, and way better than anything you’ll find in a takeout container. Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy, with just the right amount of heat. This fresh, flavorful salad brings together all the best elements of a classic street food dish but without the mess. It’s a great way to add a little excitement to your lunch without hitting the drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
If you love creamy, comforting soups, Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup is a must-try. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor, it’s a perfect alternative to the usual takeout options. Unlike a fast food soup, this one’s made to truly satisfy you—without the extra salt and preservatives. You’ll find that it’s just the right kind of meal when you want something filling but not overly heavy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to make but still delicious, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is a great go-to. It combines tender chicken with pasta in a simple, flavorful dressing, making it a light but filling meal. It’s great for meal prepping, and it holds up well if you need a lunch that’s easy to take on the go. This salad is a much better choice than grabbing a soggy sandwich from the deli.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad
Craving something crunchy and full of flavor? Chinese Chicken Salad is your answer. This salad combines crisp veggies with the savory goodness of chicken, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for those days when you want something light but still filling enough to get you through the afternoon. Better than anything you’ll find in a greasy takeout bag, this salad keeps things fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Steak & Pasta Salad
For a lunch that’s both filling and fresh, Steak & Pasta Salad is an excellent option. The combination of tender steak and fresh veggies tossed with pasta creates a satisfying dish that keeps you full without the heavy feel of fast food. It’s a great option for meal prep, and it works well for both a quick lunch or a more substantial dinner. This dish is perfect if you want something both hearty and light at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Retro Horiatiki Salad
If you’re tired of the same old lunch options, Retro Horiatiki Salad is a great way to switch things up. This Greek-inspired dish combines a refreshing mix of crunchy vegetables and bold flavors. With a simple yet satisfying combination of ingredients, this salad doesn’t need anything fancy to make it memorable. It’s a great alternative to the usual greasy takeout options.
Get the Recipe: Retro Horiatiki Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad
When you want a filling, protein-packed lunch, Salmon Pasta Salad offers the perfect mix of fresh ingredients and hearty pasta. This meal combines the rich flavor of salmon with light pasta, making it a great alternative to fast food. It’s simple to make and can be served cold, making it a great option for meal prep. You’ll be glad you skipped the greasy takeout for something healthier and just as satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese
There’s something about the combination of warm, crispy bread and savory fillings that make Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese irresistible. This take on the classic grilled cheese brings in a sweet-and-savory twist that makes it much more satisfying than a standard sandwich. It’s perfect for those chilly afternoons when you want comfort without the heavy feel of fast food. You’ll love how the flavors come together, leaving you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese
Pizza Pasta Salad
A fun and filling way to bring some pizza-inspired goodness to your lunch without the guilt. Pizza Pasta Salad combines all your favorite pizza flavors into a satisfying, pasta-filled dish. Instead of ordering greasy pizza or a takeout salad, you get a hearty lunch with the bold flavors you crave. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a pizza delivery driver to arrive at your door.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
This salad is light on the stomach but heavy on flavor, making it a go-to for healthy eating. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is a great option when you’re craving something fresh and seasonal. Packed with vibrant veggies, it’s the perfect light lunch that will still leave you feeling satisfied. It’s simple, nutritious, and a great way to switch things up from your usual takeout routine.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
No need to wait for delivery—this dish comes together fast and is far better than any fast food option. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is the go-to dish for a light yet filling lunch that doesn’t feel like takeout. The combination of protein-rich salmon and pasta is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s perfect for those days when you want to eat healthy but need something quick and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Wild Rice Salad
Wild Rice Salad is the perfect mix of hearty grains, fresh vegetables, and a light dressing, making it a great alternative to heavy takeout. It’s a simple dish that feels both wholesome and satisfying, without leaving you feeling sluggish. It’s also perfect for meal prepping, as it holds up well and can be enjoyed for several days. This salad is a great option for anyone looking for something filling but light and nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying salad, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a winner. The combination of smoky grilled asparagus and tender potatoes makes for a hearty dish that’s perfect for lunch. It’s a great side or main meal, depending on what you’re in the mood for, and is far better than the usual greasy takeout. This salad is light enough to feel refreshing but still filling enough to get you through the day.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
When you want a lunch that feels light but packed with flavor, Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a great choice. It’s fresh, satisfying, and full of bold flavors without being heavy on your stomach. This salad offers a great alternative to fast food and is perfect for those who want something fresh and wholesome. It’s a satisfying option for those days when you just need a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
A classic sandwich that’s far better than anything you’d get from takeout. Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich brings together perfectly toasted bread and tender meat, making every bite a satisfying experience. The flavor is enhanced with the right balance of savory elements, making it a filling meal. It’s perfect for those days when you crave something hearty but want to skip the fast food joint down the street.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich