55 Super Simple Non Sandwich Lunch Ideas for Adults

Feeling bored with the same old sandwich for lunch every day? 

I get it—eating the same thing over and over can make lunchtime feel monotonous. 

But guess what? There’s a whole world of tasty, non-sandwich lunch ideas out there waiting to be explored. 

Here’s an extensive list of delicious non sandwich lunch ideas for adults that can make lunchtime exciting again! 

Ready to shake up your lunch routine? Let’s dig into some new ideas!

55 Non Sandwich Lunch Ideas for Adults

The options are endless when it comes to non-sandwich lunch ideas. The list is categorized for easy reference:

Salads & Bowls

Greek salad with pre-cooked chicken strips.

1. Caesar salad with pre-cooked chicken strips or rotisserie chicken.
2. Garden salad with veggies and canned beans, topped with ranch dressing.
3. Tuna salad with canned tuna, mayo, celery, and relish.
4. Cold pasta salad with pre-cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and Italian dressing.
5. A bowl of pre-cooked white rice, canned black beans, salsa, and cheese.
6. Egg salad made with boiled eggs, mustard, mayo, and chives.
7. Ready-made coleslaw mixed with pre-cooked shredded chicken.
8. Simple potato salad with boiled potatoes, mayo, mustard, and pickles.
9. Corn salad with canned corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
10. Store-bought salad kits for convenience, enhanced with any protein of choice.
11. A bowl of pre-cooked brown rice topped with canned chili.
12. Pre-cooked and refrigerated roasted veggies mixed with pre-cooked pasta or rice.

Easy Cooks & Heats

1. Microwaveable baked beans on a jacket potato.
2. Cheese quesadilla made with a tortilla and microwavable cheese.
3. Instant ramen noodles with fresh or frozen vegetables.
4. Quick stovetop mac and cheese using pasta, milk, and shredded cheese.
5. Pan-fried canned tuna or salmon patties with breadcrumbs.
6. Scrambled eggs with diced tomatoes, spinach, and cheese.
7. Hot dogs boiled or microwaved, served with bread and mustard.
8. Quick sautéed frozen shrimp with garlic and butter, served over rice.
9. Omelette filled with ham, cheese, and bell peppers.
10. Microwaved sweet potato topped with canned black beans and salsa.
11. Grilled cheese sandwich made with bread and your favorite cheese.
12. Quick pasta salad with boiled pasta, canned olives, cherry tomatoes, and Italian dressing.

Quick & Easy

1. Ready-made canned ravioli or tortellini, served with butter or marinara sauce.
2. Grilled hot dogs or sausages with a side of canned green peas or corn.
3. Stovetop macaroni with canned tomato soup and a sprinkle of cheese.
4. Microwaveable frozen meatballs with a side of instant mashed potatoes.
5. Quick tuna casserole using canned tuna, noodles, and cream of mushroom soup.
6. Baked chicken thighs (pre-marinated) with a side of boiled mixed vegetables.
7. Stovetop cooked ground beef mixed with taco seasoning, served with tortilla chips.
8. Grilled cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup (from a can or packet).
9. Canned chili heated and served over rice or a baked potato.
10. Boiled hot dogs chopped into baked beans, seasoned to taste, and served with bread.
11. Sliced avocado on whole grain toast, sprinkled with salt and pepper, served with a side of cottage cheese.
12. Steamed white rice with stir-fried frozen mixed vegetables and a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki glaze.

Simple Skillet Meals

1. Sautéed smoked sausage with onions and bell peppers.
2. Ground beef and rice with frozen mixed vegetables.
3. Pan-fried chicken breasts with a side of steamed green beans.
4. Sautéed shrimp with garlic and lemon, served over white rice.
5. Scrambled eggs with ham and cheese, paired with hash browns.
6. Quick stir-fry with pre-cooked chicken and bagged coleslaw mix.
7. Grilled cheese and tomato skillet with a side of canned soup.
8. Skillet meatballs and jarred marinara sauce, served over spaghetti.
9. Pan-fried pork chops with applesauce and peas.
10. Sautéed spinach with garlic, canned beans, and cherry tomatoes.
11. Quick hamburger steaks with gravy, served with mashed potatoes.
12. Simple skillet fish fillets with lemon pepper and a side of canned corn.

Misc. Simple Lunch Ideas

1. Pre-cooked turkey burgers with a side of canned baked beans.
2. Tofu stir-fry with frozen veggies and store-bought teriyaki glaze.
3. Microwaveable frozen pizza with a side of fresh salad.
4. Baked frozen fish sticks served with oven-roasted sweet potato wedges.
5. Quick chicken salad wraps using canned chicken, mayo, lettuce, and whole grain tortillas.
6. Stovetop chicken alfredo using pre-cooked chicken and jarred alfredo sauce.
7. Stovetop fried rice using pre-cooked rice, frozen vegetables, and scrambled eggs.

What to Make for Lunch Today for Picky Eaters?

Got picky eaters on your hands? Try deconstructed meals. 

Instead of mixing everything together, serve it separately. 

For example, if you’re making a chicken stir-fry, serve the cooked chicken, vegetables, and rice separately. This way, picky eaters can choose what they want on their plates.

What is a Healthy Lunch That Will Fill You Up?

A healthy, filling lunch strikes a balance between proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. 

Think of a burrito bowl with grilled chicken, brown rice, black beans, avocado, and a heap of veggies. 

The protein and fiber from the chicken, rice, and beans will keep you satisfied, while the healthy fats from the avocado add that extra satiety factor.

You can even try meal planning the main parts of your meal to speed up preparation for healthy and filling choices during the week.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of the same old sandwiches for lunch, there’s so much more out there for you to try. 

Skip the fancy recipes for something quick and easy; you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to do it. 

Next time you’re stuck in the sandwich rut, don’t stress.

Save this list to reference and you’ll find a whole world of simple, tasty lunch options waiting for you to explore!

Did you find these lunch ideas helpful?

If so, why not share them with friends or family? 

Everyone faces the challenge of repetitive, boring lunches sometimes, and these simple, tasty alternatives could be the solution. 

By passing it on, you might add a spark to someone’s daily meal routine!

About the Author

Jhyana

An introspective introvert, Jhyana is navigating her 20s with ADHD-PI. She’s passionate about dispelling myths, sharing personal experiences, and promoting wellness for women with ADHD.

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