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Looking for the best non-sandwich dish ideas? Let’s dive into the article to learn my favorite and all-time ready-to-go recipes. Are you bored with the never-ending sandwich variations for lunch? I don’t blame you; craving non-sandwich lunch ideas for adults is normal.
From flavorful salads to grilled chicken, I have various options to match your dietary preferences and taste. Let’s get started!
Main Dishes
Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Lemon and dill are a combination of powerpack flavors. If you love salmon, no matter how long it takes to cook, you will love it as it is.
Crispy pickled salmon has a lot of proteins, rich in crispiness and tenderness. My family loves baked salmon with quinoa.
Zesty mayo and cream cheese bring savory flavors and make comfort the eater. The best thing is that it takes only 10 minutes to cook and serve. Funny, right? But it is real.
Vegetable and Tofu Pad Thai
A healthy version of the tasty tofu pad Thai. A classic recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. This plant-based version never disappoints us.
Bursting of flavors fills the mouth with happiness and proteins. This satisfying dish is so good with your favorite vegetables.
Vegetable Fried Rice with Tofu
Do you love rice? If yes, then eating it with tofu is the best idea ever. With simple pantry ingredients and basic vegetables, it comes together quickly and earlier than you can imagine.
Transform the mild tofu into something savory by cooking it in soy sauce and see the magic. The rice seasonings keep it simple and elegant. The leftover vegetable mixture brings freshness and shine to the recipe.
Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables
The gorgeous rainbow of veggies and Asian garlic sauce seems wonderful and appealing. I’m not here to judge any food, but shrimp stir-fry is something that you must try due to its unforgettable flavors.
Packed with savory, juicy, and scrummy flavors, which give pleasure in each bite. Use your favorite veggies for a healthy lunch, and give your favorite ouch to the recipe. That’s the perfect thing to convince you, I think.
Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
Looking for vegetarian lasagna? The butternut squash and spinach lasagna perfectly combine my favorite spices and veggies.
Stuffing of fresh vegetables compliments each flavor. Combining the parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese creates the ultimate fall lasagna, which I’m sure you will love.
Quiche Lorraine with a Side Salad
Want a perfect brunch? Quiche Lorraine with a side salad is the perfect option right now. Quiche is a delicious and juicy French tart, full of flavors and savory.
With a few ingredients, like bacon, meat, vegetables, and cheese, undescribed. This popular recipe serves best with side dishes like crispy roasted potatoes or zucchini filters.
Shrimp and Vegetable Curry over Rice
Most flavorful and easiest curry ever. Creamy shrimp and vegetable curry comprise a few veggies and soft shrimp. This curry is less complicated than the actual Indian curry.
Packed with Indian flavors and a total crowd-pleasing recipe with tasty and satisfying flavors. Grab a few ingredients and present the spicy curry on the table within a few minutes.
Vegetable and Shrimp Paella
Paella with seafood is so heavenly due to the nutrition it has. Loaded with vegetables, saffron, rice, seafood, whatever you like.
If you love cooking international foods, you will love it, just like my dad, for whom, I prepare this scrummy Spanish paella.
Marinade the chicken with oregano and paprika to add more interesting flavors. Adding the shrimp at the last moment makes the dish stand out.
Pasta Primavera with Fresh Summer Vegetables
Pasta primavera is filled with colorful veggies and pasta flavors. A versatile recipe that serves best all year around. Grab the vegetables and make your lunch table shine.
Simple to make, refreshing, and light. I love making this pasta salad every time after coming from field trips in the early summer days. You will also love this pasta salad with roasted vegetables. You can also try these field trip lunch recipes.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ideal for serving over white rice. Seems yummy, right? The best thing about this scrummy dish is that it will be ready within 30 minutes. A healthier meal with chicken and broccoli; you will love this chicken stir fry.
Loaded with tender and juicy chicken, makes the dish everyone’s favorite. Fresh broccoli and mushrooms are optional but taste scrummy. The best combination of fresh and fascinating flavors. Want to try? Let’s get started.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) with Pesto and Grilled Chicken
Noodles are everyone’s favorite. Kids love eating noodles: Gluten-free and a perfect appetizer pasta to satisfy anyone’s craving.
Add extra veggies, pesto, and grilled chicken, and make the noodles according to your expertise and choice. The homemade zucchini noodles are far better and tastier than store-bought ones.
Salads & Bowls
Greek Avocado Salad with Grilled Chicken
Easy summer dish with plenty of irresistible flavors that you can share as the office lunch for the staff. This Greek avocado salad is my favorite recipe with my favorite ingredients: tomato, olives, feta, cucumber, and grilled chicken.
If you are a nutritious food lover and diet-conscious, Greek salad with healthy vegetables is the perfect option for summer lunches.
I usually make Greek salads when cucumbers and tomatoes are at their best. Try this Greek salad with low fodmap; you will love its healthy flavors.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Love Vegan quinoa Salad? This quinoa with black bean salad is perfect if you crave a quick recipe. Light and flavorful quinoa is a scrumptious snack for those who want something healthy yet scrummy.
This gluten-free quinoa instant pot dish is a quick recipe to surprise your kids and family. A healthy snack is also best for breakfast. Substitute with rice or serve with soup. Tastes incredible.
Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad
Want to bring the unique flavors to your table? Tomato and basil pasta salad is here for you. With this satisfying salad, you can win anyone. Large chunks of ripe tomatoes, tangy red onion, fresh basil, and dried oregano can satisfy the cravings.
Easy summer salad recipe with your favorite ingredients, including vegetables and meat. Try it for the next party and make your get-together hit.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Love eating juicy food? Chicken Caesar salad is perfect for tasting something unique. If you are a healthy food lover, making the grilled chicken Caesar salad with your favorite veggies is the perfect combination to bring out the healthy flavors.
Grilled chicken has been my favorite for the past few months, so I add it to every recipe. Love adding it to Caesar salad. With a tender texture and creamy dressing, this delicious option is perfect for a lunch party. Lettuce and crunchy croutons are optional but taste flavorful.
Tuna Avocado Salad
Loaded with proteins, so if you are too conscious bout your diet, it would be a perfect diet meal plan. Upgrade your lunch meal and add healthy flavors to make the kids happy. My kids love this tuna salad, so I prefer using avocado instead of mayo to please them. A classic twist to amaze everyone, and crunchy veggies are total crowd-pleasing.
Sesame Noodle Salad
The best thing about this delightful salad? Vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free. Sesame noodle salad is loaded with chewy buckwheat noodles, which are super satisfying and rich in spices and veggies.
Simply toss the salad with peanut sauce and bring a twist to your favorite recipe. I love this cold sesame noodle salad any time of the week. Using lettuce brings an incredible taste and meets all the requirements of a delicious salad. It can be made just 2 minutes before the party and served with your favorite side dishes.
Cobb Salad with Hard Boiled Eggs and Bacon
Cobb salad is a perfect combination of colors and emotions. This salad is perfect for satisfying the kid’s cravings with a few healthy ingredients, including avocado, hard-boiled eggs, chicken, and chives.
Avocado and cheese are my favorite ingredients, so I love making egg salad with my favorite flavors. Feta cheese on top makes the salad creamy and incredible with each bite.
Egg Salad With Mixed Greens
Here I am with a surprisingly simple and creamy recipe—egg salad with mixed greens. A perfect and scrumptious egg salad for lunch or dinner parties.
If you are gathering your family and friends, why not surprise them with your secret egg salad recipe this time? Loaded with fresh veggies and refreshing flavors. Crunchy and nutritious due to the green vegetables.
Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Salad
It’s time to turn the classic caprese into a filling meal with white wine vinegar and fusilli. The easy and fresh salad combines the classic flavors of Caprese salad with delicious cheesy pasta.
Perfect even for a side dish to serve a family or feed a crowd. I always prefer to try on weeknight meals, so you can also with delicious side dishes.
Chicken, Quinoa, and Avocado Salad
Is avocado your favorite? Want to try something with quinoa and avocado? Here is a salad of chicken and quinoa with avocado. Light and fluffy salad with plenty of healthy flavors.
No additional extra garnishing is required. Appeals to everyone around it due to its fascinating colors. Comes together as an easy meal prep and is loved by everyone.
Falafel Salad Bowl with Tahini Dressing
Filled with light and nutritious ingredients, the Falafel salad bowl is the healthiest lunch or dinner meal; I love making it for my kids whenever they ask for a unique dinner.
It is stuffed with fresh vegetables, crunchy falafel, and my favorite tzatziki sauce. Plan ahead and make this delightful salad filled with flavors and pleasure. Very satisfying, dairy and gluten-free. Looks fascinating with tahini dressing.
Lemon and Dill Couscous Salad with Grilled Shrimp
The lemon and dill combination is everyone’s favorite. This salad is something higher than your expectations. Tender bites with savory flavors make the eaters feel like they are in the skies.
Adding infused shrimp adds the tangy and juicy flavors, the best combination, right? Fresh spinach, cheese, and tomatoes make the recipe a perfect low Cal-meal.
Chicken and Avocado Burrito Bowl
A delicious Mexican burrito-style bowl filled with all the good and healthy stuff. I am talking about 36g of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals.
My favorite part is the combination of smokey chipotle peppers in a tangy lime and earthy garlic sauce, making the perfect marinade.
These easy burrito bowls are the top priority on my list. Looks and tastes yummy with Mexican rice with chipotle and Mexican bean salad.
Vegan Buddha Bowl with Quinoa and Roasted Veggies
Give a boost to your workweek lunch with a simple yet healthy Buddha bowl. Easy to make and full of exquisite flavors.
These one-bowl meals are the perfect dinner or lunch for the drivers after coming from an exhausting journey. The best part is you can enjoy it all week, so prepare it once and enjoy it long. Made with tons of fresh vegetables, it contains proteins essential for the body.
Wraps & Rolls
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos
This grilled sweet potato with black bean burrito is amazingly delicious. I marinated the salmon with brown sugar and soy sauce, adding a little tangy flavor to the recipe.
Hints of lemon and garlic make the dish stand out any time of the day when you make it. It is the best recipe to try at least once if you want something magical.
Mediterranean Hummus Veggie Wrap
Want to eat something healthy? Let’s make hummus and veggies together. A great adventure for the vegetables and fun to make. Super light and non-perishable. Add delicious and creamy hummus to the dunk veggies when you crave something fancy any time of the day. Customize with dried chickpeas and enjoy your afternoon with authentic and vegan flavors.
Grilled Fish Tacos with Fresh Slaw
If you are a fan of fish tacos, the grilled fish tacos can be your next favorite recipe.
Smokey and scrummy flavors can make anyone fall for these little tacos. Top the tacos with fresh lime, and see what happens. Magical! After trying once, you will keep dreaming of them. I bet it.
Bites & Finger Foods
Avocado Shrimp Sushi Rolls
Grab a bowl! These easy and quick shrimp sushi rolls and avocado ceviche will satisfy your cravings within seconds. For Avocado, you can also look at this Avocado Salad, Tomato, Avocado Cucumber Salad, and Mango Avocado Salad.
Succulent shrimps marinate in the fresh citrus juices and combine with your favorite veggies to add your favorite flavors. Serves so brightly on the lunch table and amazes everyone with its colorful appearance and zesty juices.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans
Stuffed bell peppers are the favorite recipe of the people who love spices. With the ground beef, rice, black bean, and tomato sauce filling, these bell peppers are something a foodie can never resist.
Topped with cheese, which means a perfect cheesy-flavored dish. Classic, spicy, and scrummy with every bite. My sisters always request me to make this recipe every time; it is just that good. Imagine that. Easy to make, delicious, and cheesy.
Baked Sweet Potato with Greek Yogurt and Salsa
A perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors. Healthy and satisfying meal with refreshing flavors. Its colorful look appeals to everyone around it.
A topping of sweet potatoes with creamy yogurt and black bean salsa is the perfect combination ever. Healthy food loaded with sweet potatoes satisfies the kid’s craving, especially. At least my kids love them.
Chicken Vegetable Skewers
Chicken and vegetable skewers are a perfect treat for appetizers. They are easy to make and taste incredible with every bite. The tomatoes are an incredible and beautiful addition to the recipe for robust flavors.
They look cute, right? Assembling them in the toothpicks and drizzling them with olive oil make the recipe look colorful and bright. The sweetness melts in the mouth, making the chicken skewers a perfect holiday appetizer dish with your favorite vegetables.
Grilled Chicken Vegetable Kabobs
Are you a meat lover? What about a grilled chicken and vegetable recipe? Interesting, right? Chicken and vegetable kabobs are not only delicious and a perfect combination but also perfectly economical.
Beautiful to cook on an open flame. Thread the recipe with colorful and juicy vegetables to bring your favorite flavors. I love marinating the chicken before adding it to the recipe for about 8 hours. It eliminates the weird chicken smell and enhances the spicy flavors.
Stuffed Meals
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Want to switch up your lunch recipe in a fun way? Let’s make spinach and feta stuffed chicken breasts. If you have tried Mediterranean stuffed chicken or broccoli and cheese stuffed, then you will find this scrummy recipe familiar to them. A concept of juicy and selling seasoned chicken combined with spinach and feta cheese.
The mozzarella or provolone cheese adds mild and savory cheesy flavors to the recipe, making it yummier for the guests. The bonus point is you can use the leftover veggies to try this piquant recipe.
Stuffed Avocados with Chicken Salad
Combination of the best flavorful ingredients, including chicken with avocados, that come together quickly and are satisfying for healthy food lovers. It is loaded with proteins, so it would be a perfect diet meal plan if you are too conscious.
Upgrade your lunch meal and add healthy flavors to make the kids happy. My kids love this stuffed avocado and chicken salad, so I prefer using avocado instead of mayo to please them.
Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sushi Rolls
If you already love roasted salmon, these smoked salmon sushi rolls and cucumbers will also be your love. If you are a diet-conscious person, these smoked salmon sushi rolls can satisfy cravings with crunchy bites.
Light and refreshing flavors, which are perfect for a quick party. Delicious and ideal salmon roll idea to get your favorite flavors without even going to a pricey store.
Sweet Items
Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Fresh Berries
Greek yogurt parfait with granola and berries perfectly combines juicy and fresh flavors. Loaded with yogurt, crunchy almond-flavored granola, and fresh berries. This recipe is a bet served at breakfast or lunch.
It tastes a little tart, tangy, and sweet with a little nutty hint. Crunch granola and cream yogurt to start the party in your mouth. Believe me; it tastes scrumptious.
Soups & Dips
Taco Dip With Ground Beef
Want to serve something different that is easy to make and a crowd please? try this Mexican-inspired ground beef taco dip recipe. The recipe features a higher flavor profile of mexican taco seasoning, cooked beef and some toppings that you can add as per your preference.
Chilled Gazpacho Soup with a Side Salad
Gazpacho is the soup that serves best any time of the day. Super refreshing and cool on hot summer days when we carve something cold and refreshing.
With cucumbers, tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, olive oil, and bread, chilled gazpacho has plenty of healthy flavors. A perfect appetizer with bland vegetables, which you like to add.
Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread
Do you like corn? Here is vegetarian chili with cornbread to satisfy the past night’s cravings. With only a few healthy vegetables, including beans, onions, tomatoes, and corn, vegetarian chili is perfect for any dish.
Blended spices enhance the side dish flavors and complement their crispiness. Flavorful and yummy filling, which is perfect for lunch. Comes perfectly together with pickled jalapenos and extra sour cream.
Lentil Soup with a side of Whole Grain Bread
Let’s try something with tortilla and whole grain bread. Lentil soup with whole-grain bread is a perfect combination. I always crave Mexican, so I never get sick of this piquant soup.
Love the classic flavors of herbs and spices used in the soup. The best part is using your favorite spices.
Related Lunch Ideas You Can Try:
40 Non-Sandwich Lunch Ideas (Recipes Collection)
Ingredients
- Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken
- Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
- Avocado and Shrimp Sushi Rolls
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos
- Cobb Salad with Hard Boiled Eggs and Bacon
- Mediterranean Hummus and Veggie Wrap
- Vegetable Fried Rice with Tofu
- Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
- Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables
- Tuna and Avocado Salad
- Cold Sesame Noodle Salad
- Chilled Gazpacho Soup with a Side Salad
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans
- Baked Sweet Potato with Greek Yogurt and Salsa
- Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
- Pasta Primavera with Fresh Summer Vegetables
- Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) with Pesto and Grilled Chicken
- Vegetarian Chili with Cornbread
- Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill, served with Quinoa
- Vegetable and Tofu Pad Thai
- Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Fresh Berries
- Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast with a Greek Salad
- Vegetable and Shrimp Paella
- Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs
- Egg Salad Served on a Bed of Mixed Greens
- Stuffed Avocados with Chicken Salad
- Vegan Buddha Bowl with Quinoa and Roasted Veggies
- Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Sushi Rolls
- Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad
- Chicken, Quinoa, and Avocado Salad
- Lemon and Dill Couscous Salad with Grilled Shrimp
- Chicken and Avocado Burrito Bowl
- Hearty Lentil Soup with a side of Whole Grain Bread
- Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
- Grilled Fish Tacos with Fresh Slaw
- Quiche Lorraine with a Side Salad
- Shrimp and Vegetable Curry over Rice
- Falafel Salad Bowl with Tahini Dressing
Instructions
- Select Non-Sandwich Lunch recipes from the ones listed above.
- Gather ingredients, and be sure to get fresh ingredients.
- You are free to customize the recipe as per needs.
- I hope you've made the Non-Sandwich Lunch recipe for adults.
