Lunch doesn’t have to be boring, especially when there are so many exciting possibilities waiting just around the corner! These 39 meals offer great alternatives that ensure you’re never stuck eating another lackluster salad or uninspired leftovers again. Each dish brings its own unique twist while maintaining simplicity and ease of preparation – perfect whether you’re meal prepping on Sunday night or grabbing something quick before heading out during fall’s cooler days!
Retro Horiatiki Salad
Retro Horiatiki Salad brings classic Greek flavors to your lunchbox. It combines fresh vegetables with tangy feta cheese. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for those seeking a light and refreshing meal. It’s easy to prepare in advance and keeps well in the fridge. The salad provides a balanced mix of nutrients and is versatile enough to pair with various proteins.
Get the Recipe: Retro Horiatiki Salad
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Recreating a beloved restaurant favorite, Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup offers comfort in every spoonful. This hearty soup is ideal for make-ahead lunches, reheating beautifully throughout the week. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a lovely meal on its own. Pair it with a crusty bread for a complete lunch that will keep you fueled for hours.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Adding an exotic twist to a classic, Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins brings warmth and sweetness to your midday meal. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic curry, and chewy raisins creates a complex flavor profile. This salad is excellent for meal prep as it can be made in large batches and portioned out for the week. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, in a sandwich, or atop a bed of greens.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Shirazi Salad
Offering a refreshing and light option, Shirazi Salad brings Persian flavors to your lunchbox. This vibrant salad combines diced vegetables with a tangy dressing, creating a crisp and tangy dish. It’s an excellent make-ahead option as the flavors meld and improve over time. The salad provides a good dose of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Seafood Chowder
Bringing the taste of the ocean to your lunch break, Seafood Chowder is a rich and fulfilling option. This creamy soup is packed with various seafood, creating a luxurious meal that reheats well. It’s an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, providing nutritional benefits along with its comforting flavors. The chowder can be made in large batches and portioned out for several days of lunches.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Utilizing convenient rotisserie chicken, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad offers a quick and easy meal prep solution. This versatile salad combines tender chicken with pasta and your choice of vegetables, creating a balanced and filling lunch. It can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. The salad keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Reviving a classic lunch staple, Old Fashioned Ham Salad provides a nostalgic and protein-packed option. This creamy salad is easy to prepare in advance and keeps well in the fridge. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on sandwiches, crackers, or as a topping for salad greens. The ham salad offers a good balance of protein and fats, helping to keep you satiated throughout the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Combining hearty wild rice with tender chicken, Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup offers comfort in a bowl. This filling soup reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. The wild rice provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture, complementing the creamy broth and tender chicken. It’s a balanced meal on its own, offering protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Bringing the flavors of Mexican street food to your lunchbox, Mexican Street Corn Salad offers a unique and exciting option. This vibrant salad combines sweet corn with tangy cheese and tangy spices, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s easy to prepare in advance and tastes great cold or at room temperature. The salad provides a good mix of carbohydrates and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Turkey & Apple Panini
Combining spicy and sweet flavors, the Turkey & Apple Panini offers a gourmet sandwich experience for your lunch break. This sandwich can be prepared in advance and quickly grilled or reheated when ready to eat. The combination of lean turkey and crisp apple slices creates a lovely texture contrast. Adding cheese provides protein and helps bind the ingredients together.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini
Steak & Pasta Salad
Upgrading your lunch with a touch of luxury, Steak & Pasta Salad combines tender beef with al dente pasta. This hearty salad is perfect for those seeking a protein-rich meal that can be enjoyed cold. The steak provides iron and B vitamins, while the pasta offers energy-sustaining carbohydrates. It can be customized with various vegetables to add more nutrients and fiber.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Adding a festive touch to your lunch routine, Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts offers a lovely mix of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts creates a well-rounded dish. This salad is high in protein and provides healthy fats from the nuts. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, in a sandwich, or atop a bed of greens.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Bringing deli-style flavors to your lunchbox, the Pastrami Reuben Sandwich offers a hearty and enjoyable meal. This classic sandwich combines delicious pastrami with tangy sauerkraut and melty cheese. It can be assembled in advance and quickly grilled or reheated when ready to eat. The sandwich provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, helping to keep you full throughout the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Salmon Pasta Salad
Incorporating heart-healthy omega-3s into your lunch, Salmon Pasta Salad offers a nutritious and flavorful option. This salad combines flaky salmon with pasta and fresh vegetables, creating a well-balanced meal. It’s an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, providing sustained energy throughout the day. The salad can be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep and easy to pack for work or school lunches.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
Bringing Italian-inspired flavors to your lunch, Pesto Orzo Salad offers a light yet pleasurable option. This versatile salad combines small, rice-shaped pasta with vibrant pesto sauce and your choice of vegetables. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for packed lunches. The orzo provides carbohydrates for energy, while added vegetables increase the nutrient content.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
Recreating a deli favorite, the Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich brings big flavors to your lunch break. This hearty sandwich combines tender meat with melted cheese and delicious condiments. It can be assembled in advance and quickly steamed or reheated when ready to eat. The sandwich provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, helping to keep you satisfied throughout the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Offering a nutritious and filling option, Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes combines whole grains with lean protein. This salad provides a good balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. The chewy texture of wheat berries pairs well with tender tuna and juicy tomatoes. It’s an excellent make-ahead option as the flavors meld and improve over time.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Putting a southwestern spin on a classic Tex-Mex Caesar Salad offers a flavorful and pleasurable lunch option. This salad combines crisp romaine lettuce with tangy Tex-Mex-inspired toppings and a creamy dressing. It’s easy to prepare in advance and assemble quickly when ready to eat. The addition of beans or grilled chicken can increase the protein content, making it a more filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Reuben Sliders
Miniaturizing a deli classic, Reuben Sliders offers a fun and portable lunch option. These small sandwiches combine corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese on mini buns. They can be prepared in advance and quickly reheated when ready to eat. The sliders provide a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, helping to keep you satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Adding a fresh twist to a picnic favorite, Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic offers a flavorful and comforting option. This salad combines tender potatoes with aromatic herbs and mild green garlic. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for packed lunches. The potatoes provide energy-sustaining carbohydrates, while the herbs add flavor without extra calories.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Bringing coastal Mediterranean flavors to your lunch, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp offers a light yet enjoyable meal. This salad combines small, rice-shaped pasta with succulent shrimp and fresh vegetables. It’s an excellent source of protein and complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy throughout the day. The salad can be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep and easy to pack for work or school lunches.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Combining two comfort food favorites, Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese offers a hearty and pleasurable lunch option. This sandwich layers tender pulled pork with melty cheese between slices of bread. It can be assembled in advance and quickly grilled or reheated when ready to eat. The combination of protein-rich pork and energy-providing bread makes it a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Offering a unique twist on traditional potato salad, Yellow Bean & Potato Salad combines two hearty vegetables in one dish. This salad provides a good mix of carbohydrates and fiber, making it a filling lunch option. The yellow beans add color and extra nutrients to the classic potato base. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for packed lunches.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Southern Ham Salad
Bringing comfort food flavors to your lunchbox, Southern Ham Salad offers a protein-rich option with a touch of nostalgia. This creamy salad combines diced ham with a tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on sandwiches, crackers, or as a topping for salad greens. The ham provides a good source of protein, helping to keep you satisfied throughout the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Texas BLT
Putting a Lone Star spin on a classic sandwich, the Texas BLT offers a hearty and flavorful lunch option. This sandwich combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with Texas-inspired additions like avocado or jalapenos. It can be assembled in advance and enjoyed cold or quickly toasted when ready to eat. The combination of protein from the bacon and healthy fats from the avocado makes it a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Coronation Chicken Salad
Bringing a touch of British flair to your lunch, Coronation Chicken Salad offers a unique and flavorful option. This creamy salad combines tender chicken with a mildly curried dressing and sweet dried fruit. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, in a sandwich, or atop a bed of greens. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the fruit adds natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Offering Italian comfort in a bowl, Pasta e Fagioli Soup provides a hearty and nutritious lunch option. This soup combines small pasta shapes with beans in a flavorful tomato-based broth. It’s an excellent source of protein and complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy throughout the day. The soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. It can be made in large batches and portioned out for several days of lunches.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Cucumber Salad with Feta is a light and refreshing lunch option. This simple salad combines cool cucumbers with salty feta cheese and a tangy dressing. It’s low in calories but high in flavor, making it perfect for those watching their intake. The salad can be prepared in advance and kept well in the fridge for several days. It pairs excellently with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a lighter lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Transforming dinner leftovers into an exciting lunch, Leftover Steak Quesadilla offers a quick and fulfilling option. This quesadilla combines tender sliced steak with melty cheese between crispy tortillas. It can be assembled in advance and quickly grilled or reheated when ready to eat. The steak provides a good source of protein and iron, while the cheese adds calcium.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Incorporating heart-healthy fish into your midday meal, Easy Salmon Pasta Salad offers a nutritious and flavorful option. This salad combines flaky salmon with pasta and fresh vegetables, creating a well-balanced dish. It’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, providing health benefits along with great taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Wild Rice Salad
Offering a nutty and nutritious option, Wild Rice Salad provides a hearty and pleasurable lunch choice. This salad combines chewy wild rice with various vegetables and optional proteins. It’s an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, providing sustained energy throughout the day. The salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for packed lunches.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Lunch just got more exciting with these Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. The combination of tender meatballs and soft pita bread creates a perfect handheld meal. Fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce add brightness and flavor to each bite. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is easy to prepare in advance, making it ideal for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Pizza Pasta Salad
Combining two beloved foods, Pizza Pasta Salad offers a unique twist on traditional lunch options. This cold pasta dish incorporates classic pizza toppings for a familiar yet refreshing meal. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something light but filling. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead lunches.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Experience a classic sandwich reimagined with this Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. Using ground beef instead of traditional sliced steak makes this version more budget-friendly and easier to prepare. The combination of seasoned meat melted cheese, and soft bread creates a comforting and pleasurable meal. It’s a great option for those who love hearty lunches that keep them full throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Chinese Chicken Salad
For a light yet flavorful lunch option, consider preparing Chinese Chicken Salad. This Asian-inspired dish combines crisp vegetables with tender chicken for a fulfilling meal. The tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor that ties all the ingredients together. It’s a refreshing choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste or nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Bring the fast-food experience home with these Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos. This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients while still enjoying familiar flavors. The combination of seasoned chicken, fresh toppings, and soft tortillas creates a balanced and enjoyable meal. These tacos are easy to assemble and can be customized to suit individual preferences.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
This Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes offers a fresh and vibrant lunch option. The combination of vegetables provides a variety of textures and flavors in each bite. It’s a great way to incorporate seasonal produce into your midday meal. The addition of potatoes makes this salad more filling than traditional green salads.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese
Level up the classic grilled cheese with this Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese sandwich. The addition of turkey adds protein, while the apple brings a touch of sweetness and crunch. This combination creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and interesting. It’s a quick and easy lunch option that feels a bit more special than an ordinary sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
Enjoy restaurant-quality food at home with this Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. The tender beef and crusty bread dipped in flavorful au jus create a memorable dining experience. This hearty sandwich is sure to keep you satisfied throughout the afternoon. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a more substantial lunch.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich