How to Make Better Packed Lunches: Sandwich Tips, Recipes, and More
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I'm looking for recipes and ideas for sandwiches and other packable lunch items. Usually, my hot sandwiches get cold, and my cold sandwiches get soggy. I want alternatives to the same boring lunch I take every day. Can you help me?
Bored with Brown Bagging
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I'm all about changing things up and keeping meals exciting... It's DEFINITELY the best way to help you stay on track when it comes to smart eating. Sandwiches are a classic easy option, but no one likes a soggy sandwich! Here are some of my top packed-lunch pointers…
Pack Smart! Get yourself an insulated lunch bag. There are some super-cute ones out there! To fight the sogg’ factor, pack your sandwich components separately (especially veggies with high water content, like tomato & lettuce), and assemble before you eat—reusable bags and sandwich-size boxes are great for that. Plus, if you’re building a hot sandwich, you can heat up your filling before adding it to the bread. Add cold packs to keep your food cool & safe until lunchtime.
Get Toasty! One thing I've found that helps with soggy sandwiches is to lightly toast the bread. Also, try using things other than traditional bread slices: Pitas, tortillas, flat sandwich rolls, English muffins, and thin bagels tend to hold up better than soft bread. Look for high-fiber options for extra satiety.
Turn Up the Flavor! Flavored mustards and mayo spreads take boring meat & bread to the next level. Pack condiments on the side for sogginess protection! As for bonus toppings, shake things up with sliced jalapeños, pouched sun-dried tomatoes... even turkey pepperoni.
Meet a New Meat! Change up your go-to sandwich filling! It's easy to find extra-lean varieties of sliced turkey, chicken, ham, and roast beef; a 2-oz. serving has around 60 calories and 1.5g fat. Check out the deli counter for seasoned meats like the kinds from Boar’s Head! Another great and low-effort option is a no-drain pouch of seasoned tuna or chicken. It’s already loaded up with flavor, so just add it to your bread item when you’re ready.
Something on the Side! Don't forget to pack sides to fill out your lunch. Click here and here for tons of travel-friendly options, or check out these easy make-ahead snack recipes.
Hungry for Make-Ahead Lunch Recipes?
For un-boring packed lunches of sandwiches and beyond, here are some great recipes…-
Chicken Taco Salad
323 calories -
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
205 calories -
Caprese Chicken Power Bowl
332 calories -
Wedge Salad Wrap
240 calories -
Cup o' Zucchini Noodles with Chicken
220 calories -
Tuna Quinoa Bowl
307 calories -
Spicy Black Bean & Avocado Turkey Wrap
258 calories -
Mexican Street Corn & Chicken Bowl
337 calories
Chew on this:
August is National Sandwich Month. We’re pretty sure our work on that subject is done here for now.
Don’t let your friends settle for boring & soggy sandwiches! Pass along these packed-lunch pointers now.
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