13 lunches that you’ll actually look forward to

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Tired of the same old lunch routine? Staring into the fridge and wondering how to spice things up can be a real drag. These fantastic lunch ideas are anything but boring. They’re the kind of lunches you’ll actually look forward to, packed with flavors that’ll break the monotony of your midday meal.

Southwest ranch chicken salad sandwich on pumpernickel.
Southwest Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baby Kale Salad

Baby kale salad in a metal plate with apples and roasted chickpeas.
Baby Kale Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Who said quick can’t be delicious? This baby kale salad with roasted chickpeas and apples is a testament to fast and tasty lunches. Tossed in a simple tahini dressing, it’s a flavorful, plant-based option that makes lunchtime exciting. Perfect for a healthy, no-stress meal.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad

Dijon Dill Salmon Salad

Dijon dill salmon salad with roasted chickpeas on a lettuce wrap.
Dijon Dill Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Need a lunch that’s both quick and delicious? The dijon dill salmon salad is your answer. With flavors of lemon, dill, and dijon, it’s a refreshing break from the usual. Ideal for a protein-packed meal that’s ready in a snap.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Dill Salmon Salad

Chopped Ham Salad

Chopped Ham Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Transform leftover ham into a vibrant chopped ham salad. It’s a simple mix of ham, crisp veggies, and a zingy dressing. Quick to toss together, it’s a delicious way to jazz up your lunch routine. Perfect for a tasty, fuss-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Ham Salad

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Chickpea pesto sandwich cut in half and stacked on a white plate.
Chickpea Pesto Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shake up your lunch with a chickpea pesto sandwich. It’s an easy, veggie-packed meal that’s far from your average sandwich. The combo of smashed chickpeas and a fresh pesto twist fills you up and keeps things interesting. Perfect for a quick, satisfying bite.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Turmeric Chicken Salad

Turmeric chicken salad on a slice of bread.
Turmeric Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spice up your lunch with turmeric chicken salad. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packs a healthful punch with fresh turmeric. Perfect for toast or wraps, it’s a bright way to break the lunch routine. Quick and flavorful, you’ll look forward to this refreshing mix.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Salad

Feta Beet Salad

Beet salad with crumbled feta, pistachios and fresh herbs on a plate with serving spoon.
Feta Beet Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brighten your lunch with a feta beet salad. It’s a mix of earthy beets, creamy feta, and crunchy pistachios, all dressed up in a zesty lemon dressing. Easy to put together, it’s a light but satisfying meal that’s anything but dull. A great pick for a refreshing lunch.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Pad Thai Salad

Pad Thai salad on a plate with creamy peanut dressing.
Pad Thai Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bring some Thai inspiration to your lunch with a Pad Thai salad. It’s all the flavors you love in Pad Thai, but in a refreshing salad form. Great for meal prep and can be easily made vegan without the egg. It’s a fun, flavorful way to mix up your lunch routine, ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Pad Thai Salad

Healthier Tuna Waldorf Salad

Tuna Waldorf salad on baby greens with bread and grapes on the side.
Healthier Tuna Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Reinvent your lunch with a healthier tuna Waldorf salad. It’s a fresh take on a classic, mixing in tuna for a protein boost without losing the crunch and freshness. Easy to whip up and loaded with textures, it’s a smart pick for a nutritious, no-hassle meal. Perfect for a quick, delightful lunch that keeps things light and interesting.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Tuna Waldorf Salad

Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich

Garlic yogurt chicken salad sandwich with sun dried tomato pesto.
Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The garlic yogurt chicken salad sandwich is a game-changer. Creamy chicken salad with a tangy sun-dried tomato spread on soft ciabatta – it’s a lunch you’ll crave. Easy to make and perfect for eating on the go, it’s a surefire way to spice up your lunch hour.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich

Southwest Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich

Southwest ranch chicken salad sandwich on pumpernickel.
Southwest Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Get a taste of the southwest with a ranch chicken salad melt. It’s a cheesy, flavorful stack that’s perfect for when you’re craving something different. Quick to make and packed with taste, it’s a lunchtime winner that’ll keep your taste buds happy.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich

Bulgur Salad

A bowl of bulgur and peas on a wooden table.
Bulgur Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bulgur salad is your go-to for a filling, protein-rich lunch. Sweet orange and tangy dijon dressing make it irresistible. It’s not just tasty but also quick to put together, making your lunch break something to look forward to. Dive into this for a satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad

Honey Chicken Apple Salad

Honey apple chicken salad with fresh sage leaves in a teal bowl.
Honey Chicken Apple Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mix up your midday meal with honey chicken apple salad. It’s sweet, refreshing, and perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch. Apples and honey add a unique twist, making every bite a reason to look forward to lunch. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chicken Apple Salad

Lentil Tabbouleh

Lentil tabbouleh on a white plate with mint garnish and gold spoon.
Lentil Tabbouleh. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Light, refreshing, yet satisfying, lentil tabbouleh is a twist on the classic that’s perfect for lunch. It’s packed with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices, making it a filling and nutritious option. This gluten-free dish is a breeze to prepare, offering a hearty meal that won’t weigh you down. Ideal for a refreshing lunch that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

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