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    Home / Collections

    17 Lunch Ideas So Good You'll Skip Takeout All Week

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 19, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Are you tired of the same old takeout options for lunch every day? Join me as we explore a collection of lunch ideas so delicious, you'll willingly say goodbye to takeout for the entire week! From quick and easy recipes to comforting classics, these homemade lunches not only promise incredible flavors but also the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. Let's dive into a world of delightful lunches that will transform your midday break into a flavorful and enjoyable experience, all without the need for takeout!

    Crock serving of navy bean and ham soup.Pin

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    Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    Shrimp and Corn Bisque in a serving bowl.Pin
    Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Change up your lunch with the rich and flavorful Shrimp and Corn Bisque, a comforting choice that'll make you skip takeout all week. This hearty bisque combines succulent shrimp and sweet corn, creating a satisfying and delicious meal. With a quick preparation time, it's a practical option for a warm and hearty lunch. The creamy texture and bold flavors make it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a homemade lunch without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether enjoyed alone or with a side, this bisque is sure to become a lunchtime favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    Ham and cheese sliders on a plate.Pin
    Hawaiian Roll Sliders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Experience lunchtime perfection with Hawaiian Roll Sliders, a delightful choice that promises to keep you away from takeout all week. These sliders feature a medley of savory ingredients sandwiched between sweet Hawaiian rolls, offering a convenient and tasty lunch option. With minimal prep and a short baking time, they're a practical solution for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes these sliders a crowd-pleasing choice, perfect for enjoying a homemade lunch that's both easy to prepare and delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    Ground Pork Tacos

    Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.Pin
    Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Spice up your lunch routine with Ground Pork Tacos, a quick and tasty option that's a standout alternative to takeout. Featuring seasoned ground pork and your favorite taco fixings, these tacos are a practical and satisfying choice for a homemade lunch. With minimal prep and cooking time, they offer a convenient solution for those seeking a flavorful and fuss-free midday meal. The versatility of taco toppings allows you to customize each taco to your liking, making it a go-to option for a lunch that's both enjoyable and easy to prepare.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

    Seafood Pasta Salad

    Seafood pasta salad in white serving bowl.Pin
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Dive into a refreshing and fulfilling lunch with Seafood Pasta Salad, a delightful choice that'll make you pass on takeout throughout the week. This pasta salad combines a medley of seafood with vibrant veggies and pasta, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal. The ease of preparation and the ability to serve it chilled make it a practical option for those seeking a quick and refreshing lunch. Whether enjoyed as a side or a standalone dish, the Seafood Pasta Salad brings together the goodness of seafood and the convenience of a no-fuss lunch, perfect for a satisfying midday break.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

    Salmon Salad

    Salmon salad on white plates and lettuce greens in a bowl.Pin
    Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Take your lunch experience up a notch with Salmon Salad, a light yet satisfying choice that ensures you'll resist takeout temptations all week. This salad features flaky salmon, crisp greens, and a zesty dressing, providing a refreshing and wholesome meal. With minimal effort and a focus on fresh ingredients, it's a practical option for those looking to enjoy a nutritious and delicious lunch. The versatility of the salad allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a go-to choice for a flavorful and energizing midday break. Embrace a healthier lunch without sacrificing taste with this delightful Salmon Salad.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

    Chopped Greek Salad

    A colorful chopped Greek salad in a white bowl.Pin
    Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Add flavor your lunchtime salad with Chopped Greek Salad, a refreshing choice that'll make you choose homemade over takeout all week. This salad features crisp veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, creating a light and satisfying meal. With minimal chopping and tossing required, it's a practical option for those seeking a quick and flavorful lunch. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors bring a burst of freshness to your midday break, making this Chopped Greek Salad a go-to choice for a satisfying and healthy lunch without the need for takeout alternatives.
    Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Shrimp skewers on a plate with lemon wedges.Pin
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Say goodbye to takeout monotony and embrace the delicious simplicity of Grilled Shrimp Skewers for a lunch that's quick, easy, and oh-so flavorful. These skewers feature succulent shrimp seasoned and grilled to perfection, offering a delightful and satisfying meal. With minimal preparation and a short grilling time, they're a practical option for those seeking a tasty and hassle-free lunch. The smoky aroma and charred goodness of these skewers make them a standout choice, perfect for infusing a touch of culinary delight into your lunch without the need for takeout alternatives.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

    Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole.Pin
    Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Get the convenience and flavor of Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos, a lunch option so good you'll skip takeout all week. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a savory taco filling that cooks to perfection in the slow cooker, providing a hassle-free and delicious midday meal. With minimal hands-on time and the ability to customize toppings, it's a practical solution for those seeking a satisfying and homemade lunch. The tender and flavorful chicken combined with your favorite taco fixings makes these tacos a go-to choice for a lunch that's both easy to make and incredibly tasty.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

    Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

    A sandwich with avocado, chicken and cheese on a plate.Pin
    Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Unleash the flavors of a beloved restaurant favorite with the Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, a lunchtime treat so good you'll resist takeout all week. This melt features seasoned chicken, creamy avocado, and melted cheese, creating a satisfying and flavorful sandwich. With a straightforward preparation process and the ability to enjoy it warm and toasty, it's a practical option for those seeking a homemade and delicious lunch. The combination of bold flavors and gooey cheese makes this copycat melt a standout choice, perfect for turning your lunch into a delightful and restaurant-worthy experience.
    Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

    Santa Fe Salad

    Santa Fe Salad with creamy dressing.Pin
    Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Spice up your lunch routine with the Santa Fe Salad, a vibrant and satisfying choice that guarantees you'll skip takeout all week. This salad features a medley of flavors, including seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty dressing, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. With a quick assembly process and the option to customize ingredients, it's a practical solution for those seeking a delicious and hassle-free lunch. The Southwestern-inspired ingredients bring a burst of excitement to your midday break, making this Santa Fe Salad a go-to choice for a satisfying and homemade lunch that beats takeout any day.
    Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

    Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Change up your lunch with the Air Fryer Tuna Melt, a crispy and flavorful choice that ensures you'll resist takeout temptations all week. This recipe takes the classic tuna melt and gives it a modern twist in the air fryer, providing a quick and satisfying lunch option. With minimal preparation and the ability to enjoy a warm and gooey melt, it's a practical solution for those seeking a homemade and delicious midday meal. The golden brown exterior and melty cheese make this Air Fryer Tuna Melt a standout choice, perfect for bringing comfort and flavor to your lunch without the need for takeout alternatives.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    Wet Burrito

    Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.Pin
    Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Transform your lunchtime experience with the indulgent and flavorful Wet Burrito, a hearty choice that guarantees you'll skip takeout all week. This burrito is loaded with seasoned meat, beans, rice, and smothered in a savory sauce, providing a satisfying and delicious meal. With a straightforward assembly process and the option to customize ingredients, it's a practical solution for those seeking a homemade and flavorful lunch. The combination of bold flavors and the "wet" texture make this burrito a go-to choice, perfect for turning your lunch into a delightful and comforting experience without the need for takeout alternatives.
    Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Bbq chicken skewers on a white plate.Pin
    Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Say goodbye to takeout monotony and embrace the simplicity and flavor of Chicken Skewers Kabobs in the Air Fryer for a lunch that's quick, easy, and oh-so delicious. These skewers feature seasoned chicken and colorful veggies, providing a delightful and satisfying meal. With minimal preparation and a short air-frying time, they're a practical option for those seeking a tasty and hassle-free lunch. The charred goodness and juicy chicken make these kabobs a standout choice, perfect for infusing a touch of culinary delight into your lunch without the need for takeout alternatives.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Skewers Kabobs in Air Fryer

    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.Pin
    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Take your lunch to a comfort zone with the creamy and comforting goodness of Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, a choice so good you'll skip takeout all week. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a velvety and flavorful macaroni and cheese, providing a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. With minimal hands-on time and the convenience of slow cooking, it's a practical solution for those seeking a homemade and delicious lunch. The gooey cheese and tender pasta make this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese a go-to choice for a lunch that's both comforting and incredibly tasty. Say hello to homemade goodness without the need for takeout alternatives.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    Chicken wings on a plate with lemon wedges.Pin
    Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Spice up your lunch routine with the zesty and flavorful Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings, a choice that guarantees you'll resist takeout temptations all week. These wings are coated in a tangy lemon pepper seasoning, providing a satisfying and savory snack or meal. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, they're a practical option for those seeking a homemade and delicious lunch. The crispy skin and bold flavors make these Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings a go-to choice for a quick and enjoyable midday break without the need for takeout alternatives. Say hello to a lunch that's both easy to make and incredibly tasty.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

    Broccoli Slaw Salad

    A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it.Pin
    Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Change up your lunchtime salad game with Broccoli Slaw Salad, a refreshing and satisfying choice that ensures you'll skip takeout all week. This salad features crisp broccoli slaw, crunchy almonds, and a tangy dressing, creating a light and flavorful meal. With minimal chopping and tossing required, it's a practical option for those seeking a quick and nutritious lunch. The combination of textures and the sweet-savory balance make this Broccoli Slaw Salad a standout choice, perfect for bringing a touch of freshness and crunch to your midday break without the need for takeout alternatives.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

    Navy Bean and Ham Soup

    Navy Bean and Ham Soup in a serving crock.Pin
    Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Get the comforting and hearty goodness of Navy Bean and Ham Soup, a classic choice that'll make you choose homemade over takeout all week. This soup features tender navy beans, savory ham, and a flavorful broth, creating a satisfying and flavorful lunch. With minimal ingredients and the convenience of slow cooking, it's a practical solution for those seeking a homemade and nourishing midday meal. The smoky aroma and savory goodness make this Navy Bean and Ham Soup a go-to choice for a lunch that's both comforting and incredibly tasty. Say hello to homemade goodness without the need for takeout alternatives.
    Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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