25 Lunch Recipes You Can Make Any Day of the Week

Stuck in a rut when it comes to lunch? We've all been there. Whether you're meal prepping brown bag lunches to take to work or whipping up a healthy midday bite, it's often easiest (and quickest) to rely on your go-to recipes. But, we could all use some fresh inspiration from time to time—and that's where these recipes come in. From hearty soups and grain bowls to flavor-packed sandwiches and salads, these ideas will help you re-think your regular routine.

A great place to start? This vegetarian riff on a classic chicken salad sandwich. It's both satisfying and loaded with flavor, thanks to the tangy lemon juice, stone-ground mustard and fresh herbs. We added a sprinkle of roasted pepitas and a handful of hearty baby kale for texture and crunch. Serve on toasted whole wheat bread or with vegetables and crackers for a wholesome meal.

We love a good slow-cooker recipe. It saves time and effort in the kitchen and creates options. Take Jeff’s hearty Mediterranean-inspired soup, for example — you can toss your ingredients into the pot in the morning and cook everything on high for a soup that’s ready at lunch time OR you can cook the ingredients for 8 hours on low the day before and use the extra time to tackle a task on your to-do list.

These cold noodles are the perfect thing to make if you need a packed lunch. They're vegetarian, but still full of protein, thanks to the soba noodles and peanut butter. Go ahead and double the recipe to cover lunch for another day.

The classic combination of tart apples and savory Cheddar transform a basic grilled cheese into a lunch that's perfect for fall — or any time of the year.