Outdo your favorite lunch spot with these 20 soup and salad recipes

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With these 20 soup and salad recipes, you’re all set to outdo your favorite lunch spot without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, this collection has got you covered. We’ve focused on straightforward, easy-to-follow recipes that will give you great results every time.

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Skip the trip to the lunch spot and whip up this hearty soup at home. With radishes stepping in for potatoes, this low-carb, gluten-free option is ready in just an hour. It’s a great pick for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Creamy cucumber salad with dill in a bowl with a serving spoon.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad can brighten up your lunch in a snap, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s light and refreshing, making it a great side that can outshine your favorite lunch spot. Quick to prepare and packed with fresh flavors, it’s the perfect addition to any midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is a game-changer for a busy weeknight. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together in 40 minutes flat. It’s filled with good stuff that’ll keep you going, making it a great alternative to your usual lunch outing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Cauliflower Potato Salad

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

For a side dish that’s as quick as it is delicious, try this Cauliflower Potato Salad. It’s a smart choice for anyone monitoring their carb intake. Ready promptly, it goes well with any main course and is likely to be popular at your table. The combination of tender cauliflower, bacon, and sharp cheese, all mixed in a creamy dressing, creates a dish that’s both flavorful and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Keto Cauliflower Potato Salad

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Outdo your favorite lunch spot with this Hungarian Mushroom Soup. It’s a perfect mix of comfort and flavor, ready in 45 minutes. With its simple steps, anyone can make a batch of this rich, flavorful soup for a great lunch.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai chicken salad with arugula, sliced onions, and red chili peppers.
Thai Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Add variety to your lunch with this Thai Chicken Salad. It’s a quick mix of marinated chicken and crisp veggies that’s dairy-free and ready in minutes. It’s a great method to diversify your lunch routine with a meal that’s fresh and full of flavor. The mix of spicy chicken, cool cucumbers, and a tangy dressing makes this salad a memorable dish that’s both light and energizing.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a smooth, creamy treat that’s perfect for when you’re looking to serve up something comforting. It’s a one-pot recipe that you can have on the table in 1 hour, making it a great choice for a stress-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in an hour, this Chicken Pot Pie Soup is your ticket to outdoing your usual lunch spot. It’s creamy, it’s hearty, and you can make it in one pot. Perfect for a cozy meal that brings the comfort of your favorite café right to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

White Bean Soup

Bowl of vegetable soup with croutons and spinach.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get this White Bean Soup on the table in 40 minutes and show your favorite lunch spot how it’s done. It’s a breeze to make, which is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something great. With plenty of veggies and fiber, this one-pot meal is not just quick, it’s also a smart choice for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Avocado Tuna Salad

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

Here’s an Avocado Tuna Salad that’s perfect for a straightforward lunch. It’s a simple, protein-rich meal that’s low-carb and comes together swiftly. It’s a top choice for a midday meal that keeps you active without feeling heavy. The creamy avocado and flaky tuna create a texture and taste that’s impressive, presenting a fresh option to your standard lunch choices.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is packed with rich flavors and is a great way to beat the lunchtime rush. It’s a time-saver, too – the rice cooks right alongside the other ingredients. In no time, you’ll have a hearty soup that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Big Mac Salad

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

Turn your kitchen into the best lunch spot with this Big Mac Salad. It’s quick to assemble and loaded with familiar flavors. Enjoy a filling, homemade meal that’s ready quickly, great for a packed lunch for work. Fresh lettuce, pickles, cheese, and savory beef come together in this salad.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a breeze for beginners and a great way to outdo any lunch spot. Just prep the ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. Whether you set it to simmer all day or cook it on high to have it ready sooner, it’s a great meal without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make lunchtime more exciting with this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. It’s a smooth, rich soup that can be made in just 30 minutes. Packed with hearty sausage and a creamy base, it’s an ideal choice for a quick meal that’ll have you skipping the lunch line. With its straightforward ingredients and simple prep, it’s an excellent alternative to dining out, adding a homemade touch to your midday break.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Add some excitement to your lunch with this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Prepare it quickly, enjoy the bold flavors, and anticipate a lunch break that’s anything but ordinary. It’s an uncomplicated way to make your midday meal the highlight of your day. Creamy, spicy, and brimming with chicken, it’s a midday option that’s both fresh and substantial, ready to compete with any restaurant salad.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

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

With these Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars, you’re prepared for the week. They’re effortless to assemble, taking only 10 minutes. They’re a great grab-and-go option that’s fresh and ready when you are, making lunchtime straightforward and good. Packed with crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a dressing, these jars are a fantastic way to have a healthy meal every day.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Crock Pot Taco Soup is your secret weapon for a great lunch without the wait. With a brief prep time and a slow cooker, you’ll have a substantial, bean-free soup that’s both low-carb and gluten-free. Come home to a meal that’s ready when you are and outdoes any lunchtime rush. It’s an excellent method to enjoy a flavorful, simmered soup with little effort, ideal for those hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Bowls of pumpkin soup with sprigs of rosemary.
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Pumpkin Soup is an ideal autumn lunch that’s simple to make. With canned pumpkin, it’s ready in 40 minutes. It’s a smooth, cozy bowl of soup that’s excellent for cooler days and is sure to surpass any cafe selection. The mix of pumpkin and spices results in a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and heartwarming, perfect for those who love the taste of fall.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

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.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are an ideal quick lunch or snack. They’re refreshing and filled with a flavorful chicken mixture that’s ready swiftly. They’re a top pick for a light, yet substantial meal on the go. The crisp cucumber pairs excellently with the rich, creamy chicken salad, making for a meal that’s both nutritious and convenient.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Corn Soup is a great choice when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. In less than an hour, you’ll have a one-pot meal that’s perfect for beating any lunch spot with its combination of tender chicken and hearty vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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