Home Recipes Meal Types Dinner
Jacqueline WeissUpdated: Feb. 18, 2024
Skip the vending machine lunch break. These lunch ideas are easy, healthy and—most importantly—delicious!
Sesame Chicken Slaw Salad
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I tasted many types of Asian chicken salad in California. When I moved back to Georgia, I wanted more. Here’s a gingery-sweet recipe using wonton strips. —Michelle Mulrain, Evans, Georgia
Turkey Salad on Wheat Bread
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When one of my favorite lunch spots closed, this recipe let me hold on to more than just good memories. The peas, bacon and cheese are such a fun and springy combo. I make big batches of the salad for parties—turns out I'm not the only fan! —Merrijane Rice, Kaysville, Utah
Lemon Cranberry Quinoa Salad
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As the family cook, I appreciate how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight. Plus, this salad never gets boring. One of my favorite variations is to substitute diced fresh mango for the cranberries, cilantro for the parsley, and lime for the lemon juice and zest. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois
Waldorf Turkey Pitas
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Living in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
Almond Chicken Salad
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My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
BLT with Peppered Balsamic Mayo
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Here’s my twist on the classic BLT. Creamy avocado, balsamic mayo and crisp salad greens make this version legendary in my book. For a lighter take, I often use turkey bacon. —Ami Boyer, San Francisco, California. Here are our favorite easy lunch ideas.
Turkey Dumpling Stew
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My mom made this stew when I was young, and it was always a hit. Since it's not time-consuming to make I can fix it on a weekend for our children, who love the tender dumplings. —Becky Mohr, Appleton, Wisconsin
Baked Chicken Chalupas
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I wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas
Cuban Panini
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Out of all the panini recipes I make, this is my favorite. The Cuban sandwich is a twist on the old ham and cheese, usually with ham, Swiss, pickles, condiments and sometimes, as in this hearty version, smoked turkey. —Janet Sanders, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Focaccia Sandwiches
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Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
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I fell in love with the spicy aromas in this sweet potato lentil stew. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas
Turkey Lunch-Box Wraps
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These wraps taste wonderful cold or warmed in the microwave. They make a great brown-bag treat. —Denise Marshall, Jacksonville, Florida
Beefy Cabbage Bean Stew
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While we were on one of our small-group quilting retreats, one of my friends made this wonderful recipe for dinner. We all loved it and have since passed it around for others to enjoy—now I'm passing it on to you. —Melissa Glancy, La Grange, Kentucky
Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup
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This is my favorite soup recipe. It's quick to fix on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just as good. —Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania
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Here's my reproduction of a dish from a famous Chicago eatery. We think it rivals the original. I usually cook this at least once a week. It's a tasty way to keep my lunchbox full of healthy options. —Marilyn McGinnis, Peoria, Arizona
Loaded Grilled Chicken Sandwich
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I threw these ingredients together on a whim and the sandwich turned out so well, I surprised myself! If you're in a rush, microwave the bacon—just cover it with a paper towel to keep it from spattering too much. —Dana York, Kennewick, Washington
Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup
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A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Peanutty Asian Lettuce Wraps
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This recipe packs so much flavor into a beautiful, healthy presentation. I love to serve it as an hors d'oeuvre or as the main dish when I have folks over. It's always a hit! I usually serve it with a little extra hoisin on the side. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Pasta Salad in a Jar
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If you're planning a picnic, make this pasta a day ahead. For my husband's lunch at work, I sometimes tie a plastic fork on the jar. —Pat Neiheisel, Leetonia, Ohio
Loaded Deli Sub Sandwich
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When I can't decide between a turkey or roast beef sandwich, I go for both, then pile on fresh, crunchy veggies and two kinds of cheese. Those those that like a little bit of everything, this sub more than satisfies. —Jamie Fanning, Creighton, Nebraska
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I’ve served this highly requested sandwich at get-togethers since my college days. What makes it so good is the hummus and the pickle - everyone notices if the pickle is missing. — Jackie Termont, Richmond, Virginia
Grilled Vegetable Sandwich
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Wow! Meat lovers won’t even miss the meat, instead they will rave about the simply fabulous flavor of this hearty grilled veggie sandwich! It’s wonderful with ciabatta bread’s crispy crust and light, airy texture. This recipe’s a keeper! —Diana Tseperkas, Hamden, Connecticut
Originally Published: May 30, 2018
Jacqueline Weiss
Jacqueline is a blogger and writer, passionate about sharing the latest in helpful tips and trends in food and cooking. In her spare time, you’ll find her trying new restaurants and experimenting in the kitchen.