19 lunch ideas beyond sandwiches and salads

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If you’re tired of the same old lunch routine and craving something more exciting than sandwiches or salads, you’re in for a treat. We’re diving into a world of delicious possibilities with Lunch Ideas Beyond Sandwiches and Salads. These recipes are not only a game-changer for your midday cravings but also promise a delightful break from the mundane. Get ready to elevate your lunch experience with flavors that pop and dishes that go beyond the ordinary because lunchtime should be as enjoyable as it is satisfying!

Mexican steak pizza on a round dark wooden board.
Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Welcome in a hassle-free lunch with Chicken Nuggets, a classic favorite that’s perfect for those looking beyond sandwiches and salads. These nuggets are a quick and practical solution to elevate your midday meal, providing a familiar and satisfying option that caters to all ages. With their minimal cooking time and delightful taste, they offer a convenient way to enjoy a lunch that’s both comforting and effortlessly prepared, making them a go-to choice for busy days when you need a reliable and tasty option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Fish Stew with Chorizo

A bowl of soup with sausage and fish.
Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into a lunchtime adventure with Fish Stew with Chorizo, a flavorful option that takes you beyond traditional sandwich and salad fare. Ready in a snap, this stew combines the richness of chorizo with the goodness of fish, providing a hearty and practical choice for those seeking a more substantial midday meal. With its quick preparation and robust flavors, it adds a touch of variety to your lunch routine, proving that you can enjoy a satisfying and delicious lunch without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it.
Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Simplify your lunch with Broccoli Slaw Salad, a refreshing option that steps outside the realm of typical sandwiches. This salad is a practical choice for those looking to enjoy a crisp and flavorful meal without the extensive preparation time. With its vibrant combination of ingredients and quick assembly, it offers a delightful alternative to the usual lunch options, bringing a burst of freshness to your midday routine. Perfect for anyone seeking a lunch idea that’s both convenient and satisfying, this salad is a quick and easy way to brighten up your lunchtime.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your lunch with Ground Pork Tacos, a quick and practical alternative to the everyday sandwich. These tacos offer a savory and satisfying option for those seeking a lunch that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. With their speedy cooking time and the bold taste of ground pork, they bring a touch of excitement to your midday meal without the need for elaborate kitchen efforts. Perfect for busy days when you crave a lunch that stands out and adds a bit of spice to your routine.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Get comfort and simplicity with Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, a lunchtime favorite that goes beyond the usual sandwich or salad. Ready with minimal effort, this dish offers a creamy and satisfying option for those looking to enjoy a comforting midday meal without the hassle. With its slow-cooking convenience and classic appeal, it proves that you can have a delicious and hearty lunch without spending excessive time in the kitchen. Ideal for anyone seeking a lunch idea that’s both familiar and convenient, this mac and cheese is a go-to choice for those looking to add warmth to their lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Easy Potato Soup

Potato soup in a white serving bowl.
Easy Potato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add warmth and simplicity with Easy Potato Soup, a comforting lunch option that transcends the ordinary sandwich. Ready in no time, this soup offers a hearty and satisfying choice for those seeking a delicious midday meal without the need for intricate preparations. With its quick assembly and classic appeal, it brings a sense of home-cooked goodness to your lunch routine, proving that you can enjoy a nourishing and flavorful lunch without spending hours in the kitchen. Ideal for busy days when you crave a comforting lunch that’s both simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A bowl of soup in front of a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into a bowl of nourishment with Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup, a lunchtime option that goes beyond the usual sandwiches and salads. With its slow-cooking convenience, this soup offers a medley of vegetables in a flavorsome broth, providing a wholesome and practical choice for a satisfying midday meal. Ready with minimal effort, it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a nutritious lunch without the exhaustive kitchen routine. With its robust flavors and minimal preparation time, this vegetable soup is a go-to option for a quick and nourishing lunch that keeps you fueled throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup in a serving crock.
Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Savor a taste of comfort with Navy Bean and Ham Soup, a lunch option that stands out from the typical sandwich fare. Ready in a snap, this soup combines hearty navy beans with savory ham, offering a satisfying and practical choice for your midday meal. With its quick preparation and classic flavors, it brings a touch of home-cooked warmth to your lunch routine, proving that you can enjoy a delicious and filling lunch without an extensive time commitment in the kitchen. Ideal for anyone seeking a lunch idea that’s both familiar and convenient, this navy bean and ham soup is a comforting choice for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Change up your lunch with Grilled Shrimp Skewers, a flavorful option that goes beyond sandwiches and salads. Ready in no time, these skewers offer succulent shrimp with a touch of smoky goodness, providing a quick and satisfying choice for your midday meal. With their minimal cooking time and bold flavors, they add a bit of excitement to your lunch routine without the need for elaborate preparations. Perfect for those craving a lunch idea that’s both convenient and delicious, these grilled shrimp skewers are a go-to option for a quick and flavorful midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Mexican Steak Pizza

Mexican steak pizza on a round dark wooden board.
Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your lunchtime with Mexican Steak Pizza, a quick and practical choice that breaks away from the usual sandwich routine. Ready in a flash, this pizza offers the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine combined with savory steak, providing a satisfying and convenient option for your midday meal. With its ease of preparation and the exciting combination of ingredients, it brings a touch of variety to your lunch without the need for extensive kitchen efforts. Ideal for anyone seeking a lunch idea that’s both flavorful and easy to make, this Mexican steak pizza adds a bit of zest to your midday routine.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Take your lunch up a level with the bold flavors of Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings, a delicious option that stands out from typical sandwiches. Ready in no time, these wings offer a zesty twist with the tangy goodness of lemon pepper, providing a quick and satisfying choice for your midday meal. With their minimal cooking time and bold flavors, they bring a touch of excitement to your lunch routine without the need for elaborate preparations. Perfect for those craving a lunch idea that’s both convenient and flavorful, these lemon pepper chicken wings are a go-to option for a quick and satisfying midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful lunch with Crock Pot Chili for Two, a practical choice that goes beyond traditional sandwiches and salads. Ready with minimal effort, this chili offers a rich blend of flavors in a convenient slow-cooking process, providing a satisfying and quick option for your midday meal. With its minimal preparation time and classic appeal, it brings a touch of warmth to your lunch routine without the need for extensive kitchen efforts. Ideal for those seeking a lunch idea that’s both familiar and easy to make, this crock pot chili is a go-to option for a quick and delicious midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Wet Burrito

Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.
Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your lunchtime with the indulgent flavors of Wet Burrito, a satisfying option that goes beyond typical sandwiches. Ready in no time, this burrito offers a delicious blend of ingredients smothered in savory sauce, providing a quick and flavorful choice for your midday meal. With its ease of preparation and the hearty appeal of a wet burrito, it brings a touch of excitement to your lunch routine without the need for elaborate kitchen efforts. Perfect for those seeking a lunch idea that’s both convenient and indulgent, this wet burrito is a go-to option for a quick and satisfying midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn.
Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Savor a plant-based delight with Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, a lunch option that stands out from the ordinary sandwich fare. Ready in a snap, these stuffed sweet potatoes offer a delicious medley of vegan taco ingredients, providing a satisfying and practical choice for your midday meal. With their minimal cooking time and flavorful appeal, they bring a touch of variety to your lunch routine without the need for extensive kitchen efforts. Ideal for those seeking a vegan lunch idea that’s both convenient and tasty, these taco stuffed sweet potatoes are a go-to option for a quick and satisfying midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a crispy and satisfying lunch with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, a practical choice that goes beyond traditional sandwiches. Ready in a flash, these tenders offer a golden and flavorful option for your midday meal, providing a satisfying and quick choice. With their air fryer convenience and classic appeal, they bring a touch of comfort to your lunch routine without the need for extensive kitchen efforts. Perfect for those seeking a lunch idea that’s both familiar and easy to make, these air fryer chicken tenders are a go-to option for a quick and delicious midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into a feast of flavors with Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot, a lunch option that transcends the usual sandwiches and salads. With its slow-cooking convenience, this recipe offers tender chicken tacos with a medley of toppings, providing a satisfying and practical choice for your midday meal. Ready with minimal effort, it adds a touch of variety to your lunch routine without the need for extensive kitchen efforts. Ideal for those seeking a lunch idea that’s both familiar and easy to make, these slow cooker chicken tacos are a go-to option for a quick and delicious midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Bbq chicken skewers on a white plate.
Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add summer flare to your lunch with the succulent flavors of Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer, a delicious option that stands out from traditional sandwiches. Ready in no time, these skewers offer juicy chicken with a blend of colorful vegetables, providing a satisfying and practical choice for your midday meal. With their air fryer convenience and the delightful appeal of skewered chicken, they bring a touch of excitement to your lunch routine without the need for elaborate kitchen efforts. Perfect for those seeking a lunch idea that’s both convenient and flavorful, these chicken skewers kabobs are a go-to option for a quick and satisfying midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken in bowl with one piece cut to show inside.
Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy a crispy and satisfying lunch with Popcorn Chicken, a practical choice that goes beyond traditional sandwiches. Ready in a flash, these bite-sized delights offer golden and flavorful chicken, providing a satisfying and quick choice for your midday meal. With their minimal cooking time and classic appeal, they bring a touch of comfort to your lunch routine without the need for extensive kitchen efforts. Perfect for those seeking a lunch idea that’s both familiar and easy to make, these popcorn chicken bites are a go-to option for a quick and delicious midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Shrimp and Corn Bisque in a serving bowl.
Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Savor the warmth and richness of Shrimp and Corn Bisque, a lunchtime favorite that transcends typical sandwiches. With its flavorful combination of shrimp and corn, this bisque offers a satisfying and practical choice for your midday meal. Ready with minimal effort, it adds a touch of comfort to your lunch routine without the need for extensive kitchen efforts. Ideal for those seeking a lunch idea that’s both familiar and easy to make, this shrimp and corn bisque is a go-to option for a quick and delicious midday treat.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

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