In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a healthy and satisfying lunch can be a challenge. However, with our list of the best lunches, you'll never have to settle for a mediocre meal again. From Buddha Bowls to Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Chicken Patty to Steak Grain Bowls, we've got a wide range of options that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, we've got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some delicious lunchtime inspiration.
Scrumptious Buddha Bowls
Ethan CalabreseThe beauty about this bowl is that it's incredibly versatile. You can roast virtually any vegetable, incorporate a plethora of toppings, and it'll taste sensational in this recipe. The only element we highly recommend you retain on the bowl is the phenomenal peanut dressing. It's unbelievably addictive and one of our all-time favorite sauces EVER.Get the Recipe for Buddha Bowls.
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Exquisite Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Parker feierbachThis lunch-friendly recipe utilizes canned chickpeas, which means it comes together in under 30 minutes. 😎 Our zesty lemon-parsley vinaigrette here is refreshingly tangy with a hint of spice, and you'll want to drizzle it on everything.Get the Recipe for Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.
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Delectable Chicken Patty
PHOTO; ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLIST; BROOKE CAISONStep aside cafeteria school lunch, chicken patties are here, revolutionized and prepared to dazzle. It was immensely important to us to construct this sandwich with a few timeless ingredients in mind: shallots, garlic powder, shredded lettuce, pickles, and honey mustard mayo. We mix the ground chicken with minced shallots and an abundance of garlic powder so the flavor permeates throughout. Grinding the cornflakes is crucial to maintain consistent crunch. Homemade honey mustard sauce seals the deal with its delightful sweet-creamy-tangy concoction that you'll adore.Get the Recipe for Chicken Patty.
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Savor-worthy Steak Grain Bowls
Andrew buiThese bowls come packed with all the greens, protein, and carbs you need to power through your day, but in an exceptionally thrilling manner: A dual-purpose chimichurri serves as both a marinade for the steak and a finishing sauce for the bowls. Yum!Get the Recipe for Steak Grain Bowls.
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Chicken Salad Sandwich Extravaganza
ETHAN CALABRESEThere's certainly more than one technique to concoct a chicken salad sandwich, but this is our absolute favorite—green apple, red onion, and celery infuse a satisfying crunch, while mustard, mayo, and red wine vinegar impart an irresistibly creamy texture with just the right amount of tang.Get the Recipe for Chicken Salad Sandwich.
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The Epitome of Grilled Cheese
The combination of luscious mayonnaise and cream cheese with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese will bestow upon you a decadent sandwich you’ll yearn to bring for lunch every day. Wrap it in aluminum foil to preserve its warmth and crispness until lunchtime rolls around.Access the Recipe
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Chicken Pesto Wraps at Their Finest
This recipe provides a swift and effortless lunch idea. Swap out the sun-dried tomato pesto for basil pesto or your own homemade pesto to make the most of the ingredients you have on hand. 3 / 40 
Taste of Home
Hassle-Free Chicken Salad
Take advantage of leftover chicken with this effortless chicken salad recipe that'll be ready in minutes. Featuring a creamy combination of sour cream and mayo, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery, this sandwich is perfect for a stress-free lunch.Find more inspiration with these inspiring cold lunch ideas.
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Tuna Melt on Cornbread
This open-faced sandwich combines the creaminess of tuna salad, the subtle sweetness of cornbread, and the gooey richness of melted cheese to create a satisfying lunch that will leave you yearning for more. 6 / 40 
Peanut Butter, Chicken and Basil Sandwich
Have you ever heard of PB&Js? Well, how about a sandwich that combines peanut butter and chicken instead? This simple and tasty lunch takes creamy peanut butter, shredded cooked chicken, and fresh basil to transform the flavors typically found in Thai noodles into a comforting sandwich that won't disappoint you. Check out the recipe at this link.Hasselback Tomato Clubs
Out of bread? No problem! This hassle-free version of a club sandwich substitutes plum tomatoes for bread, resulting in a juicy twist on the classic. Simply cut 4 or 5 slices crosswise in each tomato and stuff them with your choice of meat and cheese. Get creative and make your own delicious version. Find the recipe here.Pesto Quinoa Salad
Indulge in a well-balanced and vibrant lunch with this flavorful salad. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, heart-healthy olive oil, and a medley of vegetables like onions, red peppers, and tomatoes, this salad is a winner. Customize it by adding crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts to suit your taste. Learn how to make it at this recipe.Open Faced Pizza Burgers
Elevate your hot dog experience with these incredibly delicious open-faced pizza burgers. Stuffed with Italian turkey sausage, sweet red peppers, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese, every bite will leave you longing for more. This recipe will make your taste buds dance.Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
Treat yourself to a make-ahead lunch by mixing fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and a hard-boiled egg. The hot and tantalizing bacon dressing, made with ketchup, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, adds the perfect kick to this refreshing salad. Pack it in an airtight container to ensure it stays fresh until lunchtime. Check out the recipe at this link.Chicken Cucumber Pitas
Forget takeout and try these Greek-inspired Chicken Cucumber Pitas for lunch. These pitas are packed with chicken, cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, red pepper, and red onion, all smothered in salad dressing. It's a veggie-packed meal that is just as delicious as restaurant food. Find the recipe here.Basil Chicken Sandwiches
If you're looking for a light and satisfying lunch, try these Basil Chicken Sandwiches. To make them, simply season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika before cooking it on a skillet. Then, brush salad dressing on ciabatta rolls and assemble the sandwiches by adding the chicken, basil leaves, red peppers, and Romano cheese. For more healthy sandwich ideas, click here.Indian Spiced Chickpea Wraps
Transport your taste buds to India with these delicious chickpea wraps. Featuring a blend of spices like curry powder, coriander, cumin, and cayenne pepper, this easy lunch will satisfy your global food cravings. Learn how to make it here.Sausage and Pepper Sheet-Pan Sandwiches
Elevate your hot dog experience with these sausage and pepper sandwiches. Stuffed with Italian turkey sausage, sweet red peppers, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese, every bite of these sandwiches is mouthwatering. Check out the recipe here.Shrimp Patty Sandwiches
Enjoy a unique and flavorful lunch with these Shrimp Patty Sandwiches. Made with shrimp patties and topped with a delicious sauce, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy your cravings. Learn how to make them here.Southwestern Pork Salad
Get a taste of the wild west with this southwestern-flavored salad. Made with pork loin, tomatoes, olives, kidney beans, green peppers, and onions, this salad offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Learn how to make it here.Dilly Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Craving a quick and zesty lunch? These chickpea salad sandwiches are the perfect choice. Simply mash the chickpeas to your desired consistency, add the remaining ingredients, mix, and serve! It's a hassle-free and flavorful option when you're short on time but still want a tasty meal. Get the recipe here.Focaccia Sandwiches
Enjoy mouthwatering sandwiches with these flavorful and satisfying focaccia sandwiches. Made with a variety of ingredients, these sandwiches are a treat for your taste buds. Find the recipe here.Grilled Steak Bruschetta Salad for Two
Indulge in the mouthwatering combination of grilled steak generously topped with bruschetta and creamy blue cheese dressing. This delectable steak arugula salad, layered on toasted Italian bread, is sure to be the highlight of your week. Treat a friend to the other sandwich or save it for tomorrow's delightful lunch! 20 / 40
Quick Tangy Sloppy Joes
Elevate your classic sloppy joes to a whole new level with the addition of tangy flavors. This effortless lunch idea incorporates a zesty sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce, giving your sandwich an extra zip of taste. 21 / 40
Chicken & Onion Caesar Salad
This Caesar salad receives a delightful twist, featuring classic ingredients like Parmesan cheese, romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing. However, it also adds the satisfying crunch of a sweet onion and the heartiness of red potatoes, resulting in a grandeur lunch experience like no other. 22 / 40
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Quick Taco Wraps
These wraps are a perfect choice for a quick lunch break on Taco Tuesday. Spread a delightful cream cheese mixture on a tortilla, layer it with bean dip, guacamole, cheese, olives, and more, then roll it up tightly. Voila! You have a festive wrap ready to savor. 23 / 40
Curried Egg Salad
Give your typical egg salad sandwich a delightful twist with this curried version. Enhance the flavors by adding a few slices of tomato and a sprinkle of pepper, making it the perfect afternoon bite. 24 / 40
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White Bean Arugula Salad
Prepare your lunch effortlessly in just 30 minutes with this refreshing bean salad. Loaded with onions, tomatoes, cannellini beans, and fresh herbs, this protein-packed lunch will keep you energized throughout the workday. 25 / 40
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Turkey Salad with Pear Dressing
Indulge in a burst of flavors with a delightful dressing made from lemon, honey, ginger, and pears. Topped with pomegranate seeds and cranberries, this salad offers a perfect blend of sweetness. Avoid a soggy salad by packing the dressing separately and drizzling it over the arugula when it's time for a refreshing lunch break. 26 / 40
Crunchy Tuna Wraps
These tuna wraps not only taste divine but also offer a protein-packed and veggie-filled lunch option. Roll them up tightly and secure them with toothpicks to ensure that all the goodness stays intact until lunchtime. 27 / 40
Taste of Home
Asparagus Nicoise Salad
Bring a burst of colors to your lunch with this make-ahead salad that requires only five ingredients. This simplicity, combined with the satisfying combination of tuna and potatoes, and the added delightful flavor of asparagus and Italian dressing, will make you keep coming back to this work lunch option. 29 / 40
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Skinny Cobb Salad
Enjoy the creamy goodness of Greek yogurt and ranch dressing in this "skinny" salad that's only half the calories but bursts with flavor. Packed with chopped apple, feta cheese, chicken, bacon, and garbanzo beans, this easy lunch idea will leave you feeling satisfied and content. 32 / 40
Delicious Bacon and Avocado Salad
Indulge in a deconstructed BLT-turned salad that introduces the richness of avocado for a satisfying and effortless midday meal. The smooth and creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and juicy tomatoes combine to create a perfectly balanced and invigorating taste on a bed of fresh lettuce. 34 / 40
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Scrumptious Guacamole Salad
Forget the tortilla chips and try out this effortless guacamole salad instead. Bursting with savory flavors, this salad features juicy tomatoes, red onion, crispy bacon, creamy avocados, fresh greens, and a touch of hot pepper sauce. 35 / 40
Effortless Microwave Egg Sandwich
Experience a breakfast-inspired lunch with this microwave-friendly egg sandwich. Prepared with Canadian bacon, cheddar cheese, egg, and salsa, this protein-rich breakfast sandwich is low in fat and incredibly convenient to prepare. It's the easiest and most satisfying lunch you'll ever savor. 36 / 40
Delightful Almond Strawberry Salad
Create a refreshing salad in mere minutes! This effortless lunch combines tender spinach, juicy strawberries, and crunchy almonds, all drizzled with a sweet and light dressing made from vinegar, honey, and sugar. 37 / 40
Loaded Turkey Sliders
Don't let the petite size deceive you—these mini sandwiches overflow with irresistible flavors! Infused with hamburger seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and Dijon mustard, these delightful turkey sliders are topped with melty Muenster cheese, assuring a satisfying lunch experience. 40 / 40
Indian-spiced Chicken on a Sheet Pan
- Estimated Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why It's Perfect: crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe, high in protein, perfect for special occasions
Although it may sound time-consuming, we assure you that it's an absolute breeze. With just ten minutes of preparation time—simply chop all the ingredients, place them on a tray, and let the oven work its magic. The result: perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken.
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Delectable BLT Pasta Salad
- Estimated Time: 40 minutes
- Why We Adore It: make-ahead, loved by kids, crowd-pleaser
When it comes to salads, bowtie pasta beats sad and wilted greens any day of the week. Surprisingly, this sensational BLT pasta salad can be prepared in just 40 minutes, and it yields a generous eight servings.
In conclusion, the world of lunches is filled with tantalizing options that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty protein-packed Buddha Bowl or a refreshing Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, there is no shortage of delicious choices. From classic favorites like The Ultimate Grilled Cheese to inventive creations like the Peanut Butter, Chicken and Basil Sandwich, these lunch options are sure to please. So, why settle for a boring sandwich or a lackluster salad when you can indulge in these mouthwatering meals? Elevate your lunch game and treat yourself to one of these delectable options. Your taste buds will thank you.
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