Brown Bag Lunch Ideas
This page is our running list of favorite lunchtime recipes that will keep you stocked year-round. The list is updated weekly for our Budget Cooking Newsletter, so check back often for new recipes! Not signed up for the newsletter? Sign up here!
Moroccan Lentil Salad - A quick, colorful and spicy protein-rich salad or side dish.
Low Sodium Egg Salad - This egg salad has enough zip to make up for the missing added salt.
Thai Chicken Wrap - This Asian-inspired wrap is fully of peanutty flavor and wrapping it in a tortilla is great for the figure!
Pop Over Pizza - This is yummy and very easy to make!
Chicken Dijon Pasta Salad - A complete meal with chicken, rotini, and broccoli.
Baked Taco Sandwich - Who says tacos have to be served in a taco shell? These tacos are like open-face sandwiches you eat with a fork. And you probably have all the ingredients you need on hand!
Razzle Dazzle Garlic and Oil Pasta - This is a lighter healthier version of what my family used to make when I was a kid. Who wants to eat all that oil anyway! The optional additions make it colorful and it gives the dish lots of flavor and texture.
Summer Sub Sandwich - These subs include ham, provolone cheese, mushrooms, and banana peppers.
Shrimp Pinwheel Sandwiches - Ask your baker to slice an unsliced loaf of bread LENGTHWISE to make pinwheel sandwiches.
Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches - This is an excellent veggie sandwich with lots of flavor!
Chicken and Bacon Roll-Ups - Made hearty with shredded chicken, these easy chicken and bacon roll ups can be endlessly adapted to suit any taste. Substitute chopped fresh basil or chives for tarragon, use flavored wraps, or try applewood-smoked bacon for a smoky punch.
Bagel Fruit Sandwiches - This is a fun way to get kids to eat their fruit.
Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich - This sandwich provides two grain servings from the ciabatta, a little more than two servings of meat from the chicken, and half a dairy serving from the cheese. Serve with orange wedges and baked chips.
Avocado Pocket Sandwiches - This light and zesty vegetarian sandwich is perfect for a summer lunch.
Roast Beef Wrap - This simple wrap is perfect for Atkins dieters because it's high in protein and low in carbs.
Kitchen Chopped Salad with Herbed Vinaigrette - A light, homemade dressing tops an entree salad with basil, garbanzo beans, and turkey.
Low-Sodium Egg Salad - This egg salad has enough zip to make up for the missing added salt.
Beefy Rice Salad - A hearty cold lunch (my husband's favorite), or a great potluck dish, this salad is very versatile.
High Roller Sandwich Roll-ups - These yummy "high rollers" are sure to please
Creamed Tuna on English Muffin - Here is a recipe for a two-minute yummy lunch or dinner!
Tuna Pasta Salad - This awesome tuna pasta salad is a real crowd pleaser!
Chicken and Bacon Roll-Ups - Made hearty with shredded chicken, these easy chicken and bacon roll ups can be endlessly adapted to suit any taste. Substitute chopped fresh basil or chives for tarragon, use flavored wraps, or try applewood-smoked bacon for a smoky punch.
Easy Ham Sandwiches - These simple, baked sandwiches feature a delicious, poppy-spread spread which can be made in the blender.
Spring Salad - The sweetness of the fruit helps your body absorb the spinach in this yummy spring salad.
Tangy Veggie Salad - Great for a snack after work or school, even better on a warm day in your yard.
Asian Turkey Wraps - These Asian turkey wraps will give your dinner a new flavor and make a great meal!
Baked Pizza Sandwich - Easier to make than pizza and satisfies the cravings!
Cold Tortellini Apple Salad - Light, sweet, and absolutely delicious.
Salmon Salad - This pretty pink and green salad delights the eye as well as the taste-buds.
Chicken Waldorf Salad - I made up this recipe one day after I ate lunch at this small café down the street from my home. It tastes just like the café’s and I know you will love it.
BLT Wrap - If you love BLT sandwiches then change it up and make them into wraps and use the yummy taste of cucumber ranch dressing instead of mayo.
Open-Faced Carrot Salad Sandwich - This crunchy salad-sandwich makes a great, healthy snack.
Southwestern Roast Beef and Turkey Sandwich - A spicy innovation to an old favorite.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Roll-ups - An easy way to cut down carbs and a fun way to serve the good ole' PB&J.
Healthy English Muffin Pizzas - I love English muffin pizza but am watching my weight. Just swap a few things out and enjoy.
Great Greek Spinach Pie - This dish can be served as a side or mail dish by adding a salad or even soup. Crunchy on the outside and smooth and salty on the inside. Who could ask for more? You can use also puff pastry or the bisquick dough recipe instead of the phyllo if you prefer.
Pepperoni Pizza Wraps - Instead of crust, this pizza wrap recipe uses tortillas for a low-carb and easily portable alternative.
Mexican Pasta - A family favorite with a Mexican twist!
Tangy Turkey and Swiss Sandwiches - These sandwiches are absolutely AMAZING! The combination of ingredients with a special sandwich spread helps to create a taste beyond compare. A true delicacy. Garnish with a kosher dill pickle and enjoy!
Pasta Primavera Salad - This is a great cook-out or pot luck dish. Its also great for a light summer meal.
Barbecue Pork Wraps - These roll-ups are great for using up leftover pork and the carb-counters love'em too.
Chunky Garden Tomato Soup - This hearty and healthy soup has some many delicious flavors you won't be able to turn down seconds.
Chicken Salad Wraps - Easy and nutritious lunch for the carb-counting bunch.




