21 lunch ideas for breaking out of the same three meals on repeat
Lunch can get repetitive fast if you let it. The same few go-to meals start to feel a little too familiar by midweek. These 21 lunch ideas mix things up just enough to keep it interesting.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho Soup
This slow cooker chicken pho is all about tender chicken simmered low and slow in a flavorful bone broth. It’s served with rice noodles and customizable add-ins, making it a cozy, gluten-free bowl. Get the recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pho Soup
Creamy Curry Chicken Salad
Rich and creamy with hints of sweetness and spice. This curry chicken salad is packed with flavor. Get the recipe: Curry Chicken Salad
Cold Cut Sub Sandwich
This cold-cut sub is loaded with meats, cheese, and all your favorite toppings on a fresh bakery loaf. Just slice it up for an easy picnic, weeknight dinner, or game day snack. Get the recipe: Cold Cut Sub Sandwich
Trail Mix Salad
Featuring all of the things you love about trail mix – dried fruit and nuts – and spin it into a delicious salad with rice and a fresh lemony dressing. Delicious taste and texture. Get the recipe: Fruit and Nut Trail Mix Salad
Lemon Basil Chicken Salad
Such a fresh and tasty way to use your bounty of fresh basil. This salad features fresh lemon and tender chicken, and it totally eats like a meal. Get the recipe: Lemon Basil Chicken Salad
Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches with Jalapeno
Cream cheese cucumber sandwiches with jalapeno give the tea-time classic a spicy upgrade with fresh jalapeno, a squeeze of lime, and a hint of garlic. They’re perfect for a fun summer lunch. Get the recipe: Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches with Jalapeno
Greek Chicken Gyros
When you need a quick and flavorful summer lunch, these Greek chicken gyros come through every time. Juicy marinated chicken gets wrapped in soft pita with fresh toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta for an easy homemade meal. Get the recipe: Greek Chicken Gyros
Mediterranean Salmon Avocado Salad
This easy salmon avocado salad is a protein-packed, nutritious meal with a delicious mix of flavors and textures. It’s a go-to favorite that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Get the recipe: Mediterranean Salmon Avocado Salad
Avocado Tuna Salad
The fun thing about this salad is ditching the mayo and using creamy avocado instead. It is super easy, delicious, and a fun twist on an old-school classic. Get the recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Build Your Own Healthy Nourish Bowl
Looking for a meal that’s balanced, nutritious, and actually tastes good? Use this simple 3-step formula to build a healthy nourish bowl that works for summer lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Get the recipe: Build Your Own Healthy Nourish Bowl
Asian Chopped Salad With Sesame Dressing
Craving something fresh, crunchy, and light? Try this Asian chopped salad with a zesty sesame dressing. It’s the perfect quick and delicious plant-based summer lunch. Get the recipe: Asian Chopped Salad With Sesame Dressing
Caprese Pasta Salad
Parma ham and Caprese pasta salad is a refreshing yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm days. Easy to make and bursting with color, it’s an ideal choice for picnics, parties, or dining outdoors. Get the recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad
Peanut Chicken Wraps
These easy peanut chicken wraps make lunch feel exciting again with bold flavor and a satisfying crunch. Packed with colorful veggies, protein-rich chicken, and the dreamiest peanut sauce, they check every box. Get the recipe: Peanut Chicken Wraps
Easy Quinoa Caprese Salad
This easy quinoa Caprese salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in no time. With quinoa, tomatoes, and mozzarella, it’s a nutritious, gluten-free twist on the classic Caprese salad. Get the recipe: Easy Quinoa Caprese Salad
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
This tasty recipe hits all the right spots. Creamy, sweet, crunchy, and super tasty, this chicken salad is an all-time fave. Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Pesto Chicken Sandwich
This pesto chicken sandwich is the kind of meal that feels fancy but takes no time. Toasted ciabatta, melty mozzarella, juicy chicken, and fresh microgreens make it a go-to for summer lunch or dinner. Get the recipe: Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Coronation Chicken Salad
Originally served to the Queen, this flavorful chicken salad lets you eat like the royals. With its golden dressing with balanced flavors of creamy mayo, sweet preserves, and spicy curry, you will be feeling like a true aristocrat. Get the recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek pasta salad is super easy and packed with flavor in every bite. It comes with a simple homemade dressing that pulls it all together. Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Chipotle Chicken Wrap
This chipotle chicken wrap brings major lunch vibes and tastes like something you’d order out, minus the takeout. It’s packed with chicken, tomato, avocado, and a spicy chipotle mayo that ties it all together. Get the recipe: Chipotle Chicken Wrap
Cucumber Hummus Sandwich
This cucumber hummus sandwich is super easy to make and absolutely delicious. It is filled with many nutritious vegetables, too. Get the recipe: Cucumber Hummus Sandwich
Homemade Adult Lunchables
Homemade adult lunchables are the no-cook lunch that somehow feels both practical and a little fancy. Think upgraded snack packs with real cheese, good meats, roasted nuts, fruit, and dips you can mix and match with whatever’s in your fridge. Get the recipe: Homemade Adult Lunchables