When you think about soups and salads, you might not picture a show-stopping lunch, but that’s about to change. These 20 recipes are a complete game-changer, transforming that midday meal from an afterthought into the absolute highlight of your day. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a hearty meal to power through the afternoon, these soups and salads will make you rethink what lunch can be.
Keto Zuppa Toscana
Forget about heading to your go-to lunch spot. This Keto Zuppa Toscana soup is about to become your new favorite midday meal. Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large pot, then add in the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Toss in the radishes and kale, letting them cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a hearty, flavorful soup ready in just an hour. Radishes step in for potatoes, making this a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Serve it up with a side salad or some low-carb bread for a complete meal that’ll have you questioning why you ever bothered with that overpriced lunch spot.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Why settle for a bland side salad when you can whip up this Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad in just 30 minutes? It’s light, refreshing, and packs a flavor punch that’ll make you forget all about that overpriced lunch spot. Simply toss together thinly sliced cucumbers and onions with a creamy dressing made from sour cream, mayo, fresh dill, and pepper. Chill for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator. Sprinkle on flakey sea salt before serving, and you’ve got a crisp, cool salad that pairs perfectly with sandwiches, wraps, or grilled proteins.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Skip the trip to that overpriced lunch spot and make this Chicken Tortellini Soup instead. It’s a one-pot wonder that comes together in just 40 minutes, and it’s packed with all the good stuff you need to power through your day. In a large pot, you’ll start by cooking onion in butter. Add carrots, celery, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil on high, then simmer on medium-low to soften the veggies, then add the chicken and tortellini. This meal will make you wonder why you ever bothered with that overpriced lunch spot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cauliflower Potato Salad
Forget about that boring potato salad from your usual lunch spot — this Cauliflower Potato Salad is about to become your new favorite side dish. Start by mixing cauliflower, avocado oil, garlic, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. After baking, let the cauliflower cool. In a bowl, combine cauliflower with sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and paprika. Chill for 2 hours, then pack for your work lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a creamy, comforting treat that’s perfect for when you want to outdo your favorite lunch spot. With sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth, this soup is packed with flavor. To make it, just sauté the onion and garlic, add the sweet potatoes, red pepper, and broth, then simmer until the veggies are tender. Blend it all up, and you’re done! It’s a one-pot recipe that you can have ready in just 1 hour, making it a great choice for a flavorful lunch. Serve it with a side of bread, salad, or your choice of protein.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Ready in an hour, this Chicken Pot Pie Soup is your secret to beating your usual lunch spot. It’s got tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and a creamy broth that’ll leave you feeling happy and full. To make it, just cook the chicken, then sauté the veggies. Add the broth, milk, and seasonings, then let it all simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the peas and chicken, and you’re ready to chow down. It’s made in one pot, so it’s easy to whip up a cozy meal that’s just as good as anything you’d get at your favorite lunch spot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Big Mac Salad
Ditch the drive-thru line and make your own Big Mac Salad at home. You’ll need bacon, ground beef, romaine, hamburger pickle slices and shredded cheddar cheese. Start by baking bacon until crispy. Brown the beef, then in a large bowl, mix the lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions and cooked beef. Toss with the dressing of mayo, sour cream, dill pickles, pickle juice, mustard, onion powder and sweetener. Serve with soup, bread, fries, or croutons.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Ditch the overpriced soup from your usual lunch spot and make this Hungarian Mushroom Soup instead. It’s a perfect mix of comfort and flavor, and it comes together in just 45 minutes. Easy, delicious, and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
White Bean Soup
Get this White Bean Soup on the table in just 40 minutes and show your favorite lunch spot how it’s done. With white beans, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth, this soup is quick and easy to make. Serve with croutons, Parmesan, and cracked pepper. This soup is an awesome option for outdoing your favorite lunch spot, as it’s easy to make, good for you, and super delicious.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Thai Chicken Salad
Forget about that overpriced Thai salad from your usual lunch spot — this homemade version is about to blow your mind. Start by grilling or baking the chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred them into bite-sized pieces. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, coconut aminos, sweetener (optional), and fish sauce to create a flavorful dressing. Toss in cucumber, arugula, green onion, and dressing in a large bowl. Serve it up for lunch, and get ready to impress everyone.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad
Avocado Tuna Salad
This Avocado Tuna Salad is perfect for a no-nonsense lunch that’ll make you forget all about your usual spot. With creamy avocado, flaky tuna, chopped celery, lemon juice, and a little salt and pepper, this salad is a simple, protein-packed meal that comes together in a snap. Just mash the avocado, stir in the tuna, onion, and lemon juice, then season to taste. Chill before eating. The combo of smooth avocado and tender tuna makes for a texture and taste that’s sure to impress, giving you a fresh alternative to your standard lunch choices.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Skip the lunch spot and make this Wild Rice Mushroom Soup at home. Cook rice in a saucepan, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until tender. Meanwhile, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, cooking until mushrooms soften. Make a roux with melted butter and flour, cook, then gradually add milk, stirring until thick. Add cooked rice and broth and simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan to serve.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Let your slow cooker do the work with this easy Split Pea Soup recipe. You’ll need dried split peas, ham, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, dried thyme, and pepper. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until peas are very soft. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with sour cream or croutons and serve with garlic bread, salad, or rice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Make lunch more exciting with this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, ready in 30 minutes. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat, then cook onion until slightly softened and golden. Add sausage, break it into pieces, and cook until browned. Mix in chicken broth, cream cheese, diced and pureed tomatoes, and spices. Cover and simmer on medium for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking uncovered for 3 more minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Spice up your lunch routine with this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Gather these ingredients: chicken breast, bacon, jalapeños, green onion, mayonnaise, hot sauce and garlic powder. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and mayo until smooth. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, jalapeños, and cheddar. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for 1 hour to let flavors meld then serve. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but be sure to eat it within 2-3 days.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
These grab-and-go Greek Salad Jars are a healthy, easy lunch option featuring cucumber, tomatoes, green pepper, red onion, kalamata olives and feta cheese. Chop cucumber into cubes after removing seeds. Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Layer cucumber, green pepper, tomatoes, onion, and olives in meal prep jars, then add dressing and feta cheese, repeating for two layers. Alternatively, mix all salad components and dressing in a bowl, then divide into jars. Seal and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Top with chopped fresh oregano and serve with your favorite protein.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Let your slow cooker make lunch easy with this Taco Soup, which is made with ground beef, white onion, cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar cheese and spices. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain the grease. Transfer it to a Crock Pot, adding onions, cream cheese, tomatoes with green chilies, spices, beef broth, and heavy cream; stir well. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Stir the soup, then serve in bowls with your favorite garnishes. This dish is great for a hands-off meal that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
Enjoy a great lunch with this easy Pumpkin Soup, ready in about 40 minutes. Add your choice of garnishes on top and pair with a salad from this collection.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a fresh, easy lunch option that is sure to outdo your favorite lunch spot. You’ll need canned chicken, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and cucumbers. Start by cooking chicken and then adding sour cream until well combined. Add shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and apple cider vinegar, mix again, and then chill for 15 minutes. Spoon the mixture into de-seeded cucumber halves and serve with a sprinkle of flakey sea salt and cracked pepper.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Chicken Corn Soup
This one-pot Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting, easy meal that is sure to make you think twice about going to your usual lunch spot. You’ll start by sautéing chopped onion, then cooking the cubed chicken. Add in chicken broth, creamed and frozen corn, carrot, potato, thyme, garlic powder, salt, oregano, pepper, and a bay leaf, stirring well. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low, covered, for 15 minutes until chicken and veggies are tender. Mix in heavy cream and simmer. Remove the bay leaf, add lemon juice, and season to taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup