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19 Midday Meals That Are Just as Satisfying as Dinner—If Not Better

When it’s time for lunch, these 19 meals will have you wondering if it’s really worth waiting for dinner. They’re hearty, filling, and will leave you just as full (if not more) than any dinner plate. Forget about the usual sandwich routine; these meals are the real deal for midday. They’re easy to make, but they pack enough punch to make you forget it’s only noon. Lunch just got a serious upgrade.

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Plate of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad on a wooden table, accompanied by three forks and a blue plaid napkin.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Picture a classic favorite turned up a notch, blending comfort food charm with a hearty twist for midday. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad spins a new take on two much-loved dishes, creating a fusion that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser whether you’re solo or with friends. This is not your average salad; it’s a fulfilling meal that bridges the gap between lunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato with a spoon and napkin lie nearby.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to lift your spirits in the middle of the day. Those in search of comfort need look no further than Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup, a dish that brings home the flavors of a celebrated bistro. It’s a soup that feels like a hug for your insides and is perfect for when you need a little midday comfort without the weight of a heavy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

A pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich on a slate plate.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Combine the tender, slow-cooked magic of pulled pork with the golden, melty goodness of grilled cheese, and you’ve got Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. It’s the kind of meal that steals the show at lunch and keeps you full until the evening rolls around. This sandwich is no ordinary affair—it’s a lunchtime legend that embraces the joy of indulgence. Wrap up your midday break with this hearty choice.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

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Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes you crave something refreshing yet substantial to tackle the day ahead. Discover the crispness of fresh cucumbers combined with the creamy, tangy bite of feta cheese in Cucumber Salad with Feta. It’s a dish that comes together quickly and serves as a light yet satisfying option that won’t leave you feeling sluggish. Give it a shot, and lunch might just become your favorite meal.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a black slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who are all about hearty, meaty sandwiches, the lunchtime answer is here. Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich takes a well-loved classic and gives it an easy twist that’s perfect for a filling midday meal. Forget waiting until dinnertime to enjoy layers of tasty goodness; this sandwich is all about bringing big flavors into your midday meal. It’s the perfect pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Ever think of pairing the smoky sweetness of grilled peaches with the ripe juiciness of tomatoes? That’s exactly what you get with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes, an unexpected combo that works wonders. Lunch is redefined with this vibrant dish that’s far from your typical leafy green fare. It’s for those who want something different from their midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Italian Wedding Soup

Two bowls of Italian soup accompanied by yellow flowers and a spoon.
Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

So when you’re in need of warmth and a splash of joy in your day, consider this comforting bowl your go-to. Can soup be the centerpiece of a memorable midday meal? Absolutely, especially when it’s Italian Wedding Soup, a dish that’s every bit as inviting as its name suggests. Rich with flavor and hearty ingredients, this soup brings a touch of celebration to an otherwise ordinary lunch hour.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

A close-up of a sliced Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re the type who likes a twist on the classics, then you’re in for a treat. Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese offers a delicious mix of tasty and sweet that’ll have you reconsidering what a grilled cheese can be. This sandwich doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it offers an experience, a fresh take on what lunch can be with its unique combination of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

As you sit there pondering over your next lunch choice, let’s venture to the Mediterranean without leaving your seat. Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is your ticket to a meal that’s as flavorful as it is quick to prepare. This salad brings a dash of exotic to the table, making it a standout dish with its aromatic appeal. You’ll soon realize that a meal doesn’t require hours.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Turkey Chaffwich

Waffles with turkey and cranberry on a plate.
Turkey Chaffwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This Turkey Chaffwich steps in as a fun and creative alternative to the classic sandwich. It’s an exciting twist on lunch that boldly goes beyond the usual bread and filling combo. You’ll be getting something that feels indulgent, yet it’s perfectly suited for the middle of the day. For taste adventurers looking to break the monotony, this could be your new favorite find.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich

Seafood Chowder

Seafood chowder with a sprig of dill, a delicious stew recipe.
Seafood Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Explore the rich and creamy world of Seafood Chowder, a bowl that’s sure to hit all the right notes. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hearty meal that satisfies the seafood lover’s soul and keeps you feeling full and content through the afternoon. If you’re fishing for compliments at your next lunch gathering, serving this up will get you plenty. This chowder is the next best thing.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bring some excitement back with Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes, a vibrant dish that packs a punch of freshness and smoked flavor. It’s the kind of meal that lightens the midday slump but still leaves you feeling satisfied. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re eating or enjoying the park, this salad is sure to add pep in your step.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Tuscan Soup with Sausage

A bowl of Tuscan soup with sausage topped with kale and pancetta pieces in a black soup bowl.
Tuscan Soup with Sausage. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Have you ever wished for a cozy Italian eatery experience during your lunch break? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get with Tuscan Soup with Sausage. This soup’s hearty and rustic appeal brings the tastes of Tuscany straight to your table. It’s a soul-gratifying bowl that makes no apologies for its bold flavors and substantial ingredients. Remember this Tuscan delight has your back.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Soup with Sausage

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Shirazi Salad is your answer for a refreshing, herbaceous lunch that won’t leave you glancing at the clock waiting for dinner time. This dish is all about balance, combining simplicity with robust flavors that mesh seamlessly. It’s a no-fuss salad that’s perfect for taking a breath in the middle of a hectic day. So go ahead, give your lunch a Persian twist, and watch your afternoon look up.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This panini isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a harmonious blend of flavors pressed to perfection. Turkey & Apple Panini might just become your new lunchtime hero. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s exactly the kind of thing you want to bite into when lunch rolls around. And if you’re the kind of person who enjoys a little crispness in your sandwich, this one’s for you.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Move over, ordinary salads; it’s time to make room for something that truly satisfies. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a dish that challenges the norm, bringing grilled flavors and heartiness to your salad bowl. It’s a lunch option that won’t leave you searching for snacks an hour later. It’s also perfect for mixing things up and moving away from routine choices.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Reuben Sliders

Reuben sliders on a slate board.
Reuben Sliders. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re someone who firmly believes lunch should be as enjoyable as dinner, then Reuben Sliders might just be your midday match. These little guys pack all the punch of a full-size Reuben in a more manageable size. They’re perfect for those days when you want all the flavor but with a side of portion control. This dish is sociable, shareable, and altogether a winning choice for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in a pinch for time, but your hunger is saying otherwise, it’s helpful to have a go-to dish that’s easy to whip up. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad combines convenience with flavor in a way that makes your midday meal fuss-free. It’s all about making the most of readily available ingredients to create a meal that’s filling and doesn’t cut corners on taste. Lunchtime just got a whole lot better.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Escape from the ordinary with a lunch that doubles as a comfort classic and an all-star sandwich. Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich transports you to the heart of a Parisian bistro, without the pricey plane ticket. It’s all the tasty, juicy goodness you crave, conveniently tucked into a lunch that’s as much about the experience as it is about gratifying hunger.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

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