Good Food Reads: Thinking Outside the (Lunch) Box

I don’t know about you, but I frequently feel like I’m in a bit of a lunch rut. Either I’m busy and forget about lunch altogether or I jam in a quick sandwich or protein bar and call it a day. One of my “grown up resolutions” this year was to make lunch feel a little more special. To make things that are tasty, beautiful, and (mostly) nutritious. While I haven’t always kept to that plan, I’ve definitely noticed that on the days I make a little more effort for lunch, I’m always glad I did. We recently reached out to some blogger friends (hi, friends!) and asked for their recommendations for new lunch ideas. Boy, oh boy, did we get some great new recipes. This week on Good Food Reads, we are Thinking Outside the (Lunch) Box. 

Getting the party started with these Shredded Buffalo Chicken Wraps from Don’t Go Bacon My Heart. Such a great idea for leftover chicken! 

Loving the wrap ideas but wanna keep it meat free? Why not try this Veggie Wrap with Apples and Spicy Hummus from Veggie Inspired? I think the apple would give it a great, unexpected crunch.

Salads are a huge go-to for me when I’m home and have a little extra time. I try and keep at least one meal a day on the healthier side of things and I think this Easy Summer Lunch Salad is going to go into my rotation ASAP. Plus, it’s low carb!

Most definitely NOT low carb, but absolutely delicious and perfect for a portable or desk lunch is this great Springy Lemon Bow Tie Salad from Cooking on the Front Burners. 

Gluten-free?  No problem.  With all of the new gluten free breads, you can still have a sandwich as great as this California Club Sandwich from My Gluten Free Kichen.

Another great idea for a wrap is to use naan as your wrap base! Check out these fantastic Chicken Hummus Naan Wraps from The Rising Spoon. 

I know a lot of people are really loving the keto and paleo lifestyle these days and this Dill Chicken Salad from Peace, Love, and Low Carb (great name, huh?) looks so good. I’m such a sucker for dill anything that I’m definitely planning to give this one a try ASAP.

I’ve been using my spiralizer a lot lately and love how it really increases my veggie intake. Up next? This recipe for Rainbow Thai Spiralized Salad (The Belly Rules The Mind). It’s vegan and gluten free and looks so yummy!  

In addition to the totally gorgeous photography, I’m loving all of the mostly-veg recipes from Occasionally Eggs. I think this one for Roasted New Potato Salad with Lentils and Herb Dressing would be an amazing addition to any lunch plan! 

 

Another veggie take on a classic sandwich is this super yummy Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich (Salt and Lavendar). I love the radish sprouts!

If you’re looking to prep a bunch of lunches, why not give these Easy Turkey Pinwheels a try? I think my kids would love them. Project Meal Plan has a ton of great easy prep options!

It won’t be long and we’ll be in the heart of watermelon season! While it really needs no adornment, I think it would be fun to give this Spicy Watermelon and Arugula Salad a try for lunch. The combination of the peppery arugula and spicy jalapeno will be so great with the sweet watermelon (via The Rhubarbarians).

With the romaine advisories still in place, arugula is a great option for flavorful salads. I’m loving all fo the color in this beautiful 15 Minute Sweet Potato + Arugula Salad With Avocado + Creamy Peanut Butter Dressing from The Loopy Whisk.

This one takes a bit more work, but honestly, it is so worth it. Check out these gorgeous Sesame Lime Roasted Shrimp Summer Rolls with Mango & Avocado (via Feast In Thyme). 

If you’re looking for a twist on the traditional chicken salad, check out this great Cherry Almond Grilled Chicken Salad from Lively Table. It’s got goat cheese, cherries, AND marcona almonds! Total winner.

And last, but most definitely not least, I’m planning to make this amazing Loaded Veggie Hummus Sandwich for lunch today! From The Artful Appetite, it’s loaded with fresh veggies and a good coat of hummus. Simple and good for you! 

What are your favorite lunches? Are you a lunch creature of habit or do you mix it up? Let us know! Leave us a message on Facebook, Instagram or in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!