16 of Our Favorite Sandwich Recipes to Save You From Your Sad Desk Lunch (2024)

10 Healthy Lunch Ideas That You Can Easily Make at Home

Vegetarian BLT With Shiitake Bacon

This better-for-you take on a BLT uses crispy shiitake mushrooms in place of bacon. To brown them until they're perfectly crunchy, you'll simply toss the mushrooms with olive oil, tamari, salt, and pepper and bake them in the oven. They're so delicious you'll wonder why you ever bothered with real-deal bacon.

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Whether you take your chicken or tuna salad in a wrap or sandwich, there's no denying it's a classic lunchtime staple for many. But if you're looking to change things up a bit, or you're upping your plant-based ingredients, this Chickpea Salad Sandwich will give the classics a run for their money. The fact that it's an easy and healthy lunch idea is already a major win, but wait until you taste it.

Caramelized Onion and Sour Cherry Tartine

Think cherries are only for sweet treats? Think again. This tasty tartine combines sour cherries with tender caramelized onions, sharp white cheddar cheese, and fresh thyme leaves. To turn it into a mouthwatering melty grilled cheese, simply sandwich two tartines together. Add spinach or arugula to really hit it out of the ballpark.

Slow-Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

Pork shoulder plus deli ham plus salty, briny pickles, melted swiss cheese, and mustard? Sign us up. You'll cook the pork shoulder hands-free in the slow cooker with with garlic, salt, orange zest, orange juice, and stock for seven hours. The result = lunchtime perfection.

Pea-and-Radish Tea Sandwiches

These springy sandwiches will brighten up any dreary day. Best part? They only take 15 minutes to make, and they're packed with nutritious ingredients, like chopped radishes, green peas (feel free to use frozen), baby arugula, and fresh tarragon.

Smoked Salmon Salad Sandwich

Mix freshly roasted salmon with smoked salmon for a delicious filling that's not overpowering. Bonus: The salmon mixture can be made up to three days in advance.

Beets, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Sandwich

Mild, creamy goat cheese pairs well with the sweet roasted beets and raisins.

Tomato, Bacon, and Garlic Mayo Sandwich

Upgrade a standard BLT with a garlicky yogurt sauce and sliced avocado.

Chicken, Sprouts, and Provolone Sandwich

Warm chicken, melted cheese, and crisp sprouts in a toasted bagel makes a satisfying snack or meal.

French Ham and Cheese Sandwich

A mixture of chopped cornichons, butter, Dijon mustard, and fresh tarragon gives this ham and cheese sandwich a French twist.

Egg, Frisée, and Caramelized Onion Sandwich

The slightly runny egg yolk creates a rich, delicious sauce as it mingles with the fig jam.

Eggplant With Peppers and Beans Sandwich

Mash cannellini beans with garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil for a delicious Middle Eastern-style sandwich spread.

Roast Beef With Roasted Tomatoes Sandwich

Roast the tomatoes with olive oil and rosemary until tender to add an extra dose of juicy flavor.

Turkey, Smashed Peas, and Pesto Sandwich

Plain turkey gets a bright lift from mashed peas, tangy onion, and pesto.

Roast Pork and Pickled Cucumber Sandwich

Make quick pickles by combining cucumber, vinegar, oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper; they give the sandwich an extra zing.

Bacon & Pimiento Grilled Cheese

We love this sophisticated take on a BLT, which eschews lettuce in favor of creamy, homemade pimiento cheese. Add juicy tomato and crisp bacon and you have a sandwich that you'll crave constantly.