There are many benefits to preparing your own lunch every day. Beyond being incredibly budget friendly, each meal includes the quality ingredients of your choice. The downside? The same-old sandwich staples get dull. Here are 10 simple and smart lunch ideas that make it easy to mix things up and stay on track.
- The Perfect Pair
There’s a reason that soup and salad make up a legendary lunchtime combination: they’re delicious and satisfying without leaving you too-full-to function. Try a power packed grain salad like Crunchy Sweet Quinoa Couscous with Fresh Herbs alongside a soup that feels indulgent, like hearty Progresso™ Light Savory Beef Barley Vegetable.
- Breakfast for Lunch
Smoked Salmon Salad with Crispbread translates the classic bagel-and-lox breakfast into a portable lunch that hits all the right notes. A touch of acid brilliantly offsets the saltiness of the fish and the creaminess of the cheese.
- Toast with the Most
Avocado toast may quickly become your on-the-go lunch go-to. In addition to being easy to make and utterly delicious, the combination of healthy fat and carbohydrates truly satisfies hunger. Want to experiment? Try this easy adaptation featuring sweet corn salsa.
- Pure Pear-fection
There’s something about the sweet-salty combination of a Cream Cheese, Pear & Honey Sandwich that feels like a special treat—so why stop there? Pair it with a deceptively guilt free soup from Progresso™, such as Light Chicken Pot Pie Style or Light Creamy Chicken Alfredo.
- Souper Bowl
If variety is the secret to success, soup is your secret weapon. Not only is it a hearty and delicious way to treat yourself at midday, it won’t compromise your healthy-eating ideals. Progresso™ offers an assortment that appeals to every dietary need—from 100 calorie or less per serving options including Light Beef Pot Roast and Light Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese to vegetarian-friendly offerings such as Lentil and Vegetable Italiano. Going gluten-free? Try their Rich & Hearty New England Clam Chowder, Traditional Potato, Broccoli & Cheese Chowder, Traditional Split Pea with Ham, or choose from these other gluten-free options.
- Do-Overs
A great dinner can live on at lunchtime in a new and brown-bag friendly form. Turn last night’s roast chicken into a satisfying salad that includes arugula, shaved Parmesan and a touch of Sunny Dressing; or transform the last bites of your favorite meatloaf into an epic Hoisin-Glazed Meatloaf Sandwich.
- Make It Mini
Imagine a ham and cheese sandwich in a portion-friendly mini bite and you’ve got the gist of supremely snackable Ham, Cheese & Apple Butter Crackers. Pair them with a vegetarian soup such as Progresso™ Vegetable Classics Minestrone or Creamy Mushroom to create a well balanced and nourishing lunch.
- Have a Ball
A classic comfort food like meatballs feels especially indulgent as at lunchtime. Balance their decadent deliciousness with a light and crisp Arugula, Fennel, and Parmesan Salad in place of pasta.
- Greek Chic
Escape to the Mediterranean for an hour during your busy workday with a meal that is startling in its simplicity: Pair salty kalamata olives with a chunk of traditional feta cheese and a simple salad for a brilliant lunchtime platter. Feeling ambitious? Add a few easy-to-make Zucchini Patties.
- Gimme a Quiche
It’s an egg in its most elevated form, and a slice of quiche makes lunch feel like a special occasion. Surprisingly portable and tasty served warm or cold, this Crab Quiche will make a delicious dinner-turned-lunch. Try pairing it with a simple arugula salad or a light soup such as Progresso™ Light Chicken Noodle.
Supply Closet
Work in an office? Don’t be left in the lurch at lunchtime—keep your desk stocked with a few key items so that there’s less to transport from home. Here’s everything you need to make the most of your meal.
- Salt and pepper
- Crispy crackers
- Nuts
- Hot sauce
- Soy sauce
- Ketchup
- Malt vinegar
- Oyster crackers
- Napkins
- Utensils
- A plate and bowl
