Lunch Ideas for YOU! #1

posted in Recipes on 10/15/2015

Mr. Stripey Tomato, Arugula, and Pancetta Sandwiches

Packing Tip: To prevent soggy sandwiches, pack separate zip-top bags of tomato slices, arugula, and bread, and then assemble the sandwiches just before eating. Toasting the bread before packing also helps keep everything crisp.

Spelt Salad with White Beans and Artichokes

Spelt Salad with White Beans and Artichokes This vegetarian salad is a lunchbox dream: You can make it ahead, it’s packed with filling protein and fiber, and it’s loaded with flavorful ingredients. And as an added bonus, it tastes nice chilled or at room temperature. Include a cluster of red grapes and crusty Italian bread in your bag, and you’re ready to go. if no spelt, just use Bulgur, quinoa, or whole wheat couscous

Curried Chicken Salad with Apples and Raisins

Prep Tip: Put leftovers to good use when preparing your lunches. Consider incorporating some of tonight’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch. Slice leftover chicken or beef and serve it on top of pasta or salad greens, mix it into a grain salad, or sandwich

Fresh Tomato Soup

Packing Tip: Don’t skimp on soup toppings just because it’s lunch. Add a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of basil before packing this soup in your thermos.

Little Italy Chicken Pitas

smart trick to this zesty sandwich is using oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to prepare the vinaigrette. Prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and pack separately. Fill pitas just before eating.

Tuna Pan Bagnat

Packing Tip: A favorite in southern France, pan bagnat (pan ban-YAH) literally means “bathed bread.” The bread in this sandwich is meant to absorb some liquid from the filling, so it’s great to make ahead of time. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and enjoy.

Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad

Prep Tip: Making stir-fry for dinner and have a half of this and that leftover? We call for green onions, red bell peppers, and tomatoes in this recipe, but any leftover veggies will work here. Use leftover grilled or roasted chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken.

Avocado Soup with Citrus-Shrimp Relish
This lovely no-cook soup is thick and creamy, and a meal in itself with its topping of lemony shrimp. It weighs in at less than 300 calories a bowl, so pair it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.