20 fun lunches that make Tuesdays feel like Friday

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Fun lunches are your secret tool for fast-forwarding through the week because, let’s be honest, Tuesdays are often overlooked and undervalued. But why settle for a mediocre sandwich when you can pretend it’s Friday with a lunch that’s got more flair than your old pair of disco pants? This collection features 20 great recipes that are perfect for turning that Tuesday frown upside down. So, buckle up, buttercup — we’re about to make your taste buds think it’s the weekend.

A person holding a stuffed pepper sandwich over a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix up your lunch routine with Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. They have everything you need to turn a regular lunch into a little celebration. Filled with chicken, bacon, and cheese, these crunchy cucumber boats are a fresh way to enjoy a meal. They’re also quick to make, which is perfect for a busy day. If you’re looking for a lunch option that’s low on carbs but doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction, these cucumber boats are your best option. They can help you stay energized and focused through the afternoon slump, all while keeping your meals light and filling.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are just the thing to break up a slow Tuesday. These bites are packed with chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors, all rolled into one. They’re easy to cook, freeze well, and are perfect when you’re craving a little Friday on a Tuesday. Just pop them in the oven, drizzle some homemade ranch on top, and you’ve got yourself a treat that’s sure to make your lunchtime special. They can brighten your day and give you something to look forward to during your break.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Big Mac Salad brings the party to your plate any day of the week. Why wait for the weekend to enjoy something great? It’s got all the good stuff from a classic Big Mac — ground beef, bacon, cheese, pickles, and that special sauce — but in a salad that keeps things light. It’s quick to make and packs in all the flavors you love without the heaviness of a burger. This salad is a lifesaver for those who want to enjoy the taste of a burger without the calories.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whoever says you can’t have a bit of Friday excitement on a Tuesday has yet to try Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. It mixes the heartiness of cooked chicken and crispy bacon with the fiery bite of charred jalapeños. The creamy mayonnaise, green onions, and your choice of spices make it customizable to your spice preferences. Prepare it ahead to save time and enjoy a burst of flavor during your workday lunch break. It’s perfect for shaking up your usual lunch routine without too much extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Cottage cheese breakfast muffins on a plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform your Tuesday lunches with Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Packed with protein, the recipe involves a simple mix of all-purpose flour, eggs, cottage cheese, herbs or spices, and shredded cheddar cheese. They bake up in just 30 minutes and are perfect for those hectic mornings or when you need a quick lunch option. They stay fresh, making them a practical choice for meal prepping at the beginning of the week. You also have the option to add whatever veggies or meats you have on hand for extra nutrients and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Zucchini Bites

A zucchini bite being dipped into a dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bring a bit of fun to your workday with Zucchini Bites. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a great way to include extra veggies in your meals. These bites feature shredded zucchini, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and Italian seasoning, creating a flavorful mix that’s both cheesy and family-friendly. They’re a light option for when you need a snack that’s not too heavy but still keeps you going. Grab a few to share, or enjoy them by yourself with your favorite dipping sauce to make any day feel a bit more like Friday.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Broccoli Fritters

A stack of broccoli fritters on a plate.
Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn a simple Tuesday into something special with Broccoli Fritters. These fritters are a great mix of health and taste, using chopped broccoli, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and your choice of almond flour or ground sunflower seed meal. They’re formed into fritters and then pan-fried in avocado oil until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re quick to make, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Switch things up with the Bell Pepper Sandwich. Instead of bread, it uses fresh bell peppers stuffed with a mix of cream cheese, turkey, bacon, cheese, avocado, and cucumber. It’s the perfect quick fix for a busy day, and it’s packed with crisp, fresh flavors that make your regular Tuesday lunch feel like a Friday. For anyone looking to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor, this sandwich is a game-changer. It looks as good as it tastes, making it a smart choice for a filling midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make your midweek meals more exciting with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. This recipe combines cooked tender chicken breast pieces with a rich garlic butter sauce for a quick and flavorful meal. It takes about 20 minutes to cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, coat them in a mixture of cornstarch and salt, and fry them in avocado oil. Once cooked, toss in a rich, seasoned garlic butter. These bites are not only delicious but also practical, easily packed for a lunch that will have you looking forward to your break all morning.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Brighten up your weekday lunch with Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Quick to prepare with just a 10-minute prep time, these patties mix canned salmon with spicy jalapeños and a hint of cayenne for a delicious and energizing meal. They’re a great way to inject some excitement into your lunchtime, especially when served with a tangy Lemon Dill Aioli. Plus, they’re packed with omega-3s, boosting your nutrition and keeping you full and focused through the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Low-carb Greek salad meal prep jars.
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform your lunch into a bright and healthy meal with Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars. This recipe combines fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, and feta cheese in a jar, then dressed in olive oil, red wine, and dried oregano. Ready in 10 minutes, these jars are the perfect solution for anyone looking to streamline their meal prep to have a delicious and nutritious lunch option every day. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or adding some protein like grilled chicken, these jars add flexibility and freshness to your lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower potato salad garnished with green onions in a bowl with a fork.
Cauliflower Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Kick the monotony out of your midweek meals with Cauliflower Potato Salad. This recipe is a fresh take on traditional potato salad, using cauliflower for a lighter feel, but it’s still rich in flavor with the additions of bacon and cheese. A hint of hot sauce adds just the right amount of kick. It’s simple to prepare and great for meal prep. Bringing this salad to your lunch rotation is an easy way to turn a regular day into something more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Weekday lunches can be extra special with these easy-to-make Canned Chicken Patties. Combine canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan, and your choice of sunflower seed meal or almond flour to create these crunchy patties that cook up golden and delicious in just 20 minutes. They’re perfect for a busy lifestyle, serving a quick yet nutritious solution to lunchtime slumps. Add various spices or herbs to mix up the flavors throughout the week. Not only do these patties save you time, but they also keep lunch interesting and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Brighten your lunchtime with the Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad, a dish that’s as easy as it is refreshing. It combines crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, and fresh dill mixed into a creamy dressing of sour cream and mayonnaise. This salad is quick to whip up, making it a perfect choice for a busy morning. It’s a great addition to any meal, especially if paired with grilled or baked proteins. Taking this salad to work will definitely break the routine and add a refreshing moment to your busy day, helping you recharge and tackle the afternoon with renewed energy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Spicy tuna cucumber boats on a plate.
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats are the perfect answer to a dull lunch routine. These boats are made with creamy tuna mixed with cream cheese, Everything Bagel Seasoning, coconut aminos, and hot sauce for an extra zing, all scooped into fresh cucumber halves. Ready in just 10 minutes, they are perfect for those who need a quick and delicious meal without a lot of prep or cleanup. These boats are not only a time-saver but also a flavor-packed lunch that can turn your busiest day into one with a little celebration.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick lunch that feels like a treat, try Keto Chicken Nuggets. Ready in only 30 minutes, the nuggets combine canned chicken, shredded mozzarella, sunflower seed meal or almond flour, and seasonings into a tender mixture. Formed into nuggets, they’re then breaded using crushed pork rinds for a crispy outer coating. They are simple, fast, and a perfect way to brighten up your day. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a lunch that’s easy to love. They’re just the thing to turn a regular afternoon into something a bit more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Avocado Tuna Salad

A bowl of avocado tuna salad with avocado slices and lemon slices.
Avocado Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Avocado Tuna Salad is just the ticket when you’re looking for that Friday vibe on a Tuesday. This quick and easy salad pairs creamy avocado with light tuna, tossed with crisp celery and a splash of lemon. It’s packed with protein and good fats to help you stay sharp all afternoon. Whether you’re at your desk or dining out, this salad is a great pick to shake up your lunch routine. Plus, it comes together in minutes, perfect for those busy days when you still want to eat well without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats

Spicy egg salad cucumber boats being held in hands.
Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats bring a bit of excitement to your weekday lunches. Stuffed with a fiery mix of eggs, Greek yogurt, and a dash of hot sauce, these cucumber boats are as fun to eat as they are easy to make. They’re the perfect way to add some spice to your day and break up the workweek monotony with something fresh and lively. Great for health-conscious eaters, these boats are not only low on carbs but also help you keep your energy up through the day without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Give your usual lunch routine a boost with Loaded Zucchini Boats. Filled with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a touch of sour cream, these boats pack a flavorful punch. They’re quick to prepare and just the thing to make a regular day feel a bit more special. Grab one and see how easy it is to bring a little weekend feel to your Tuesday. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and simple to manage, these zucchini boats will fill you up without leaving you feeling heavy afterward.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

A hand holding a toothpick with a bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders are all about bringing the weekend vibes to your lunch. Packed with familiar breakfast favorites like bacon and eggs, these sliders are a great way to liven up your lunchtime. This dish involves hard-boiled eggs cut in half and filled with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a mash of seasoned avocado. These sliders are a great way to get a hearty meal that fuels your afternoon without requiring a lot of prep time. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for grabbing on the go.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

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