Who says lunchtime has to be boring? It’s totally possible to mix up your midday meal with options that are both easy to prepare and way more interesting than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Finding these new favorites doesn’t have to be hard, and the variety can add a pleasant surprise to your day. It’s all about making lunch something to look forward to, not just another meal.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Ready to liven up lunchtime? This vibrant dish brings a pop of color and excitement with every bite, infusing a classic street fare flair into a salad. It’s full of flavor and can be a perfect side or a stand-alone meal. A bold choice for those looking to replace their mundane midday meals.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
When it’s time for something warm and comforting, yet light enough not to weigh you down, this Italian classic comes to the rescue. It blends pasta and beans in a way that feels both hearty and nourishing. Perfect for chilly days or when you crave a touch of home-crafted essence in a bowl. This soup offers a tasty reason to move away from everyday sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Say goodbye to plain old lunches with a twist on the usual chicken salad, where cranberries and walnuts add a burst of flavor and texture. It’s a refreshing mix that combines sweet with savory, giving your lunch break an enjoyable lift. This dish is not just filling; it also offers a delightful crunch. A clear winner for those looking to bring a little excitement to their lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Wave farewell to the typical sandwich and hello to this hearty favorite, packing a punch of robust flavors. Stacked high with pastrami, it’s a classic made to keep lunch interesting and enjoyable. This choice is for those who appreciate a lunch with a bit more character. Plus, it proves that sandwiches don’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Shirazi Salad
Fancy a refreshing lunch option? Hailing from the vibrant food culture of the Middle East, this salad is a simple yet flavorful way to perk up your mealtime. It offers a far from monotonous eating experience with a refreshing combination of tastes. It’s an ideal addition for anyone looking to steer clear of the same old lunch habit.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Introduce a little zest to lunch with a soup that carries the essence of smoky flavor with each spoonful. It’s a blend that’s been designed to add a thrilling twist to your lunchtime experience. With strips of tortilla and smoked chicken, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s an absolute must-try for those craving something with a smoky edge.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
Whoever thought lunch can’t be bold hasn’t tried this sandwich. It’s packed with a variety of meats and condiments that ensure a lunch break is anything but dull. Ideal for those with a hearty appetite looking for a substantial midday meal. This option is a nod to classic New York deli style, and it’s ready to take your lunch to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
Fully Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Ever wished you could have the indulgence of a baked potato in soup form? Here’s a creamy concoction that’s got all the toppings of a fully loaded baked potato but in a comforting bowl. It’s a warm hug for your lunch break on days you need a little extra comfort. Plus, it’s a fun alternative for anyone tired of cold lunches.
Get the Recipe: Fully Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Not in the mood for another sandwich? This soup offers tortellini and chicken in a savory broth, with kale adding a fresh touch. Ideal for both warming up and keeping things light, it’s a choice for those who want a little Italian flair. It’s a recipe that bulks up lunchtime satisfaction without the repetition.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
For a globally inspired lunch, this curried chicken salad is a fusion of aromatic spices and sweet raisins. It’s a delightful union meant to break the boredom of midday meals. Easy to prepare and a joy to eat, it’s a vibrant alternative for your standard fare. Ready for a lunch that’s as exciting as it is nourishing? Give this one a try.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup
Bored of the typical lunchtime options? This wholesome soup combines split peas, ham, and sausage for a truly filling experience. It’s the kind of meal that can power you through the afternoon. Great for anyone seeking comfort food without resorting to the same old choices.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Forget simple sandwiches and enjoy a pasta salad that’s boosted with the flavors of rotisserie chicken. It’s a match that brings together ease and taste for a lunch that’s far from forgettable. Light yet appetizing, it’s perfect to keep you going without slowing you down. And for those who crave variety, it’s an excellent way to shake up the lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
Still reaching for that peanut butter and jelly sandwich? How about a smoked tomato soup with a hint of creamy mascarpone instead? It’s a smooth option that brings a sophisticated touch to your lunch hour. A comforting and inviting dish, it shows how simple ingredients can transform into something exceptional.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
Reuben Sliders
Miniature in size but massive on flavor, these sliders are a fun twist on the traditional sandwich. They pack all the goodness of a Reuben into a bite-sized delight, ideal for shaking up your midday routine. Whether for a quick lunch or as a shareable treat, they’re sure to keep things interesting. Stray from the mundane with these little bursts of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders
Mexican Street Corn Soup
If you love the flavors of your favorite street corn salad but crave a warmer lunch, opt for the soup version. This bowl offers all the flavorful punch you enjoy, now in a comforting, hearty liquid form. It’s like a familiar favorite given a new, deliciously warm twist. It’s a perfect pick-me-up during a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup
Steak & Pasta Salad
Imagine a lunch that combines the boldness of steak with the comfort of pasta. Here’s a salad that does just that, all while keeping things simple and pleasing. It’s the kind of lunch that keeps things interesting with every bite. A great choice for those looking to bring some excitement back into their mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Cream of Jalapeno Soup
Spice up lunchtime with a soup that’s as daring as it is velvety. Cream of jalapeno brings a gentle kick that’s bound to make lunch more interesting. For those who like a bit of heat without going overboard, this creamy soup offers just the right balance. Trust this to add some excitement back into your lunches.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Jalapeno Soup