These 21 lunch ideas are giving takeout some serious competition

Midday meals don’t have to be a “what do I even eat” moment. These 21 lunch ideas include soups, salads, and sandwiches, and bring color, crunch, and serious taste. Perfect for workdays, work from home, or on-the-go.

Easy Corn Chowder

A bowl of Easy Corn Chowder.
Image Credit: House of Yumm

This hearty corn chowder is creamy, satisfying, and loaded with chunks of potato and ham. Made with fresh, frozen, or canned corn, it’s an easy, year-round soup you’ll keep coming back to. Get the recipeEasy Corn Chowder

Trail Mix Salad

Dressing being poured over ingredients a bowl.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Tuna Spinach Wrap

A plate of Tuna Spinach Wrap.
Image Credit: Pumpkin n’ Spice

This tuna spinach wrap is loaded with tuna, fresh spinach, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes. It’s quick to make and hits the spot for lunch or dinner during the back-to-school rush. Get the recipeTuna Spinach Wrap

Creamy Curry Chicken Salad

A curry chicken salad on a plate.
Image Credit: The Honour System

Rich and creamy with hints of sweetness and spice. This curry chicken salad is packed with flavor. Get the recipe: Curry Chicken Salad

Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

A bowl of chicken and rice salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Caprese Pasta Salad

A bowl of caprese salad.
Image Credit: Recipes From A Pantry

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

Greek Chicken Gyros

A plate of Greek Chicken Gyros.
Image Credit: Wanderzest

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

A bowl of Mediterranean Salmon Avocado Salad.
Image Credit: Cookrita

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

Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches with Jalapeno

A plate of Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwiches with Jalapeno.
Image Credit: Midwexican

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

Avocado Tuna Salad

An avocado tuna salad on a plate.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Asian Chopped Salad With Sesame Dressing

A bowl of asian chopped salad.
Image Credit: Nuts and Twigs

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

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A plate of greek yogurt chicken salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Build Your Own Healthy Nourish Bowl

Build Your Own Healthy Nourish Bowls on a counter.
Image Credit: Maple and Mango

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

Peanut Chicken Wraps

A plate of Peanut Chicken Wraps.
Image Credit: Fox and Briar

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

A bowl of Easy Quinoa Caprese Salad.
Image Credit: The Family Food Kitchen

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

Pesto Chicken Sandwich

A plate of Pesto Chicken Sandwich.
Image Credit: Pumpkin ‘n Spice

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

A plate of coronation salad.
Image Credit: The Honour System

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

Slow Cooker Pulled Beef for Sandwiches

A platter of Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Beef for Sandwiches or Tacos.
Image Credit: Blackberry Babe

This slow-cooked pulled beef turns out tender and full of rich, savory depth. Perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or simply piling on a plate, accompanied by a simple au jus for dipping. Get the recipeEasy Slow Cooker Pulled Beef for Sandwiches

Chipotle Chicken Wrap

A plate of Chipotle Chicken Wrap.
Image Credit: A Cheerful Cook

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

A closeup image of cucumber hummus sandwich.
Image Credit: Bree’s Vegan Life

This cucumber hummus sandwich is super easy to make and absolutely delicious. It is filled with many nutritious vegetables, too. Get the recipeCucumber Hummus Sandwich

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
Image Credit: House of Yumm

Creamy, comforting, and loaded with all the best parts of classic chicken pot pie, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s hearty, cozy, and just as good made with leftover turkey, too. Get the recipeChicken Pot Pie Soup

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