Face it. You can only have kale Caesar salad and a turkey sandwich for lunch so many times before you’re completely and utterly sick of the not-so-exciting midday meal. We can help: Here are 27 delicious lunch ideas to lean on when you’re totally bored of the usual.
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This combo of protein, veggies and your favorite jarred sauce will last you almost the entire work week.
Sometimes you just need to let your inner child be in charge of the lunch menu.
The recipe you didn’t know you needed to shake your chicken rut. Thanks, tangy yogurt sauce.
You can find fresh rice cakes or XO sauce at Chinese or Korean grocery stores, right by the tofu or fresh noodles. Finish it with steamed broccoli or bok choy.
It’s as simple as boiling water and opening a can of tuna.
Trust us. Between the homemade pickled veggies and spicy mayo, you won’t miss the pork.
The ultimate antidote for cold, long winter days. Did we mention it only takes 35 minutes to make?
Be still our spice-loving hearts. The garbanzos are roasted in curry powder, smoked paprika and shredded coconut.
Barley, tomatoes, red onion, oh my!
Nothing against our favorite takeout spot, but sometimes we’re not patient enough to wait 25 minutes for lunch.
These sweet-and-salty thighs are sure to hold you over until dinnertime.
Meet your childhood favorite, all grown up. BTW, there are three types of cheese in this one sandwich.
Not only does it cost about $1.50 a serving, it’ll also last for up to five days in the fridge.
This Thai-inspired beauty can accommodate all the sad-looking, wilted vegetables you’re eager to get rid of.
Store-bought rotisserie chicken does it again! (Yeah, there’s no actual cooking involved here.)
Who needs bread when there’s pasta this satisfying.
Vibrant veggies and a tangy, spicy dip make this dish look (and taste) like it came from a fancy vegan restaurant.
Complete with rice noodles, ground pork, bean sprouts and peanuts.
Diced avocado, Dijon mustard and capers make a sandwich spread that’s equal parts creamy and tangy.
The most summery pasta salad doesn’t actually include pasta at all. And how pretty are those sliced radishes?
Sure, lettuce wraps are a healthy alternative to tortillas. But the real perk is how crunchy and refreshing they are.
Forget boiling water, or even turning on the stove. Milk and cheese will get the job done in the microwave.
Sorry, mayonnaise. You’ll have to sit this one out.
Somehow deli meat is a lot more appetizing when it’s on a stick.
And the award for prettiest lunch goes to…
The bread gets a schmear of almond-basil pesto before being topped with chicken, feta, greens and sundried tomatoes.
Pretty enough for a picnic, easy enough for a lazy lunch.