Lunch doesn’t have to be perfect to be better than something wrapped in plastic. A slightly messy sandwich or a lopsided wrap still beats a meal that’s been sitting on a shelf for days. 15 easy lunches prove that homemade wins every time, no matter how uneven the portions look. If the goal is to eat something better than a mystery meal from the store, there’s no need to overthink it.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Ever felt like bringing the cozy vibe of your favorite cafe home? That’s exactly what this hearty soup does. Sipping on a bowl of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup brings back memories of lazy afternoons spent in cafes, without the hassle of leaving your house. It’s comforting, filling, and tastes way better than anything you could grab off a shelf. Plus, making it yourself adds that personal touch you can’t buy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Think about wrapping up some juicy, tender bits in a crispy, golden exterior. A lunch like this can turn your day around. With Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese, you mesh two beloved comfort foods into one fantastic meal. It’s messy, it’s hearty, and it’s definitely more fun than your average grilled cheese sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Chinese Chicken Salad
Who says salads have to be boring? With this dish, you get an explosion of flavors that merge to create something exciting yet simple. Chinese Chicken Salad is perfect for those days when you want a meal that’s light on the stomach but heavy on taste. It’s particularly great when you want something different from the typical lunch fare.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Give those steak leftovers a new lease on life with a lunch that’s as easy as it is delicious. They fit perfectly into a quesadilla, providing a hearty, protein-packed meal. Leftover Steak Quesadilla turns last night’s dinner into today’s lunchtime victory. It’s about making something great with what you already have.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
On a chilly day, nothing warms you up like a bowl of creamy soup. It’s like a hug in a bowl, bringing you comfort and warmth with every spoonful. Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup offers that nostalgic taste that reminds you of home. It’s simple, fulfilling, and beats any store-bought version hands down.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Break away from the usual with a lunch that packs a punch of Mediterranean flavors. These sandwiches are good for grabbing on the go and even better if you can take a moment to enjoy each bite. Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches are stuffed with flavor and will surely break the monotony of your lunch routine. They’re a small trip to Greece, minus the flight.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Chicken Zoodle Soup
If you’re looking for a lighter lunch that still packs a flavorful punch, then this might be your go-to dish. It’s a wonderful option for those lunch breaks when you need something soothing. In Chicken Zoodle Soup, you get a classic taste with a fun twist that’ll keep things interesting. It’s easy, quick, and far from the mundane choices that might tempt you otherwise.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
If you’re a fan of the classics, why not bring the deli to your dining table? Layered with flavors that marry beautifully, it’s a gourmet lunch made right in your own kitchen. Pastrami Reuben Sandwich offers a taste of New York deli style without the need to travel. Perfect for an at-home lunch where you want both comfort and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Steak & Pasta Salad
Combine the richness of steak with the lightness of pasta in a salad that’s both nourishing and satisfying. It’s the perfect middle-ground for when you’re hungry but want something that won’t weigh you down. Steak & Pasta Salad is ideal for a quick lunch that keeps you fueled for the rest of your day. It’s a simple way to add some sophistication to your midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
Dipping a sandwich can make it twice as interesting, and Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich proves just that. It’s inspired by an iconic restaurant staple yet easy enough to recreate. Every bite accompanied by the dip enhances the flavor, making it a standout choice. This one is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
Pizza Pasta Salad
Imagine taking two of your favorite foods and combining them into one incredible lunch. It’s as fun to eat as it is to say. Pizza Pasta Salad brings together the joy of pizza flavors with the cool, refreshing feel of a pasta salad. It’s perfect for those days when making a decision on one type of meal is too much work.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
Indulge in a sandwich that’s stacked with flavors, just the way a classic New York steamer should be. It’s robust, meaty, and completely fulfilling. Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich packs a hearty punch that can satisfy any appetite, perfect for a busy day when you need real sustenance. It’s your local deli’s hero without the fuss of going out.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
Reuben Sliders
Small in size but big on taste, these sliders are the perfect lunch when you want a little bit of everything. Sharing might be the best part, or maybe it’s enjoying a little indulgence all to yourself. Reuben Sliders offer the fun of finger food with the classic taste of a Reuben. They’re a great pick for a relaxed yet flavorful lunch.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
On days when seafood is calling your name but you want to keep things uncomplicated, this is your go-to. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad marries the richness of fish with the freshness of a salad, creating a meal that feels both fancy and effortless. It’s a prime example of how lunch doesn’t need to be overthought to be thoroughly enjoyable. This dish brings a touch of elegance to your table with minimal fuss, showing that homemade is indeed best.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Texas BLT
Nothing beats the classics, especially when they come with a twist that reinvigorates your love for them. Taking a bite of Texas BLT is like rediscovering your favorite sandwich all over again, but with a bit more kick. It’s about enjoying those familiar flavors while appreciating the newness they can offer. This dish proves that even the simplest of lunches can be reinvented at home to bring more joy to your mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT