holding a sandwich with two hands

60 Most-Liked Lunchbox Sandwich Ideas

Written by Olivia Groves on

Last Updated on December 19, 2023

If you have a repertoire of lunchbox sandwich ideas, you can make midday mealtimes simple. Getting into a sandwich rut is easy. Many of us have the go-to usual ingredients we use when making our lunches. But there are a surprising number of sandwich recipes that riff off of what you already know and love.

So, whether you’re packing lunch for yourself or your loved ones, we’ve got some delicious and nutritious lunchbox sandwich ideas that will satisfy your cravings and keep you energized throughout the day. Plus, all of these lunchbox sandwich ideas could easily be modified for little kids’ appetites and preferences.

lunchboxes filled with sandwiches and fruit

60 Delicious & Nutritious Lunchbox Sandwich Ideas 

Lunchtime is the perfect opportunity to use lunchmeat or leftover elements from other meals you’ve already made. The options for protein, veggies, and other condiments to make the ultimate lunchbox sandwich are endless. 

Here are 60 easy lunchbox sandwich ideas to satisfy a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Mix and match ingredients in a creative way to create your perfect sandwich:

  1. Classic BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato) on toasted whole-grain bread
  2. Banana Sushi wrapped in a tortilla wrap with seed butter
  3. Ham salad with salad greens
  4. Rotisserie Chicken Caesar wrap
  5. Roast beef and cheddar with horseradish sauce
  6. Veggie club with avocado, cucumber, and sprouts
  7. Classic tuna salad sandwich with pickles and spring onions
  8. Caprese sandwich with mozzarella, tomato, and basil
  9. Reuben (corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing)
  10. Hard-boiled egg salad with lettuce and bacon
  11. PB&H (Peanut Butter and Honey)
  12. Thinly sliced ham and Swiss with honey mustard
  13. Turkey club with bacon and ranch dressing
  14. Chicken and creamy avocado ranch sandwich
  15. Grilled portobello mushroom with goat cheese
  16. Smoked salmon with cream cheese and cucumber
  17. Italian sub with salami, pepperoni, and provolone
  18. Pulled pork with BBQ sauce and coleslaw
  19. Turkey Reuben (substitute turkey for corned beef)
  20. Grilled cheese sandwich on a grains and seed bread 
  21. Veggie wrap with hummus
  22. Teriyaki chicken with coleslaw
  23. Roasted vegetable and pesto panini
  24. Meatball sub with marinara sauce and mozzarella
  25. Gyro with lamb or chicken, tzatziki sauce, and veggies
  26. Leftover turkey and cranberry sauce panini
  27. Smashed chickpea salad sandwich
  28. Breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, and cheese
  29. Chicken Parmesan sub with pizza sauce
  30. Avocado and bacon club sandwich
  31. Buffalo chicken wrap with blue cheese dressing
  32. Grilled eggplant with roasted red peppers and feta
  33. Shrimp po’boy with remoulade sauce
  34. Chicken and waffle sandwich with maple syrup drizzle
  35. Banh mi with grilled pork or tofu, pickled veggies, and cilantro
  36. Philly cheesesteak with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese
  37. Mediterranean turkey wrap with feta and olives
  38. BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich (vegan)
  39. Hawaiian ham and pineapple sandwich
  40. Korean bulgogi beef sandwich
  41. Pimento cheese and bacon sandwich
  42. Spicy tuna melt with jalapeños, pepper jack cheese and salsa
  43. Grilled cheese with caramelized onions and mushrooms
  44. Salmon salad and avocado club
  45. Sloppy Joe sandwich 
  46. Smoked ham and cheese sandwich with fig jam
  47. Vegan tempeh BLT in a tortilla wrap instead of bread
  48. Fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw and pickles
  49. Cubano (roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard)
  50. Sausage and chipotle peppers sub
  51. BBQ sauce chicken and pineapple sandwich
  52. Southwest black bean burger with chipotle mayo
  53. Falafel pita with tahini sauce and veggies like grated carrots and crunchy celery
  54. Crab cake sandwich with tartar sauce
  55. Roast beef and blue cheese with horseradish mayo
  56. Curried chicken salad sandwich
  57. Pesto turkey and sun-dried tomato sandwich
  58. Meatloaf sandwich on toasted bread
  59. Egg salad sandwich with cottage cheese instead of mayo
  60. Breakfast egg sandwich and bacon on English muffins 

What better way to satisfy your midday meal cravings than with a tasty sandwich? Sandwiches are probably the easiest lunch idea. They are versatile, portable, and can be filled with a wide variety of ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

6 Free Recipes of our Favorite Lunchbox Sandwich Ideas 

On busy mornings during the school year, it can be tough to think of anything besides your same boring sandwich ideas. The good news is that we have lots of tasty recipes for sandwiches that can help you meal plan. Plus, most of these use ingredients you may already have in a fun way.

Here are a few more of our favorite sandwiches that make packed lunches a breeze, especially if you have everything in our ingredient lists!

turkey avocado sandwich stacked two high

This turkey and avocado sandwich from Something About Sandwiches is a great riff on the classic turkey BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato).

1 – Classic Avocado & Turkey Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Sliced turkey breast
  • Fresh avocado slices
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Whole-grain bread
  • Mustard or mayo (optional)

This classic sandwich is a healthy option loaded with lean protein and healthy fats from the avocado. Spread a thin layer of mustard or mayo on the bread with a knife, layer the turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato, and you have a delightful, filling sandwich. Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a perfect midday meal.

caprese panini on a chopping block

This Caprese-style panini from House of Nash Eats takes all the delicious flavors of the classic salad into an irresistible sandwich.

2 – Caprese Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Fresh mozzarella cheese slices
  • Tomato slices
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic glaze
  • Ciabatta or baguette

The Caprese sandwich is a flavor-packed vegetarian option. Stack mozzarella, tomato, and basil on your choice of bread and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy twist. If you’re afraid of a soggy sandwich, pack this lunchbox sandwich idea in a bento box separately, then assemble it when it is time to eat.

veggie hummus wrap stacked on a chopping block

Little Sunny Kitchen has a great recipe for veggie hummus wraps – a lunchbox sandwich idea favorite of ours.

3 – Veggie Hummus Wrap Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Whole-grain tortilla
  • Hummus
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Bell pepper strips
  • Sliced carrots
  • Spinach or mixed greens

This vegetarian wrap is packed with fiber and vitamins. This is a great sandwich idea for adding in veggies and trying new things. Spread a generous layer of hummus on the tortilla, add your veggies, roll it up, and you have a colorful and nutritious lunch. If this is a new recipe for you, we think you’ll enjoy the deliciousness of a veggie-forward sandwich! 

three halves of a chicken Caesar salad stacked on a napkin

This chix caesar salad wrap is similar to our recipe! This one is from Two Peas & Their Pod.

4 – Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Grilled chicken strips
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Caesar dressing
  • Whole-grain tortilla

If you’re a fan of Caesar salads, you’ll love this wrap. Combine grilled chicken, crisp Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing from the grocery store in a tortilla for a satisfying, protein-rich lunch. Instead of the classic crouton we all love as a part of the salad, try adding finely chopped bread cubes or almonds for a crunch inside your wrap.

honey being drizzled over a stack of pb&honey sandwiches

A delicious classic lunchbox sandwich idea – this recipe by Beyond the Noms is fried!

5 – Peanut Butter Banana Honey Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Whole-grain bread
  • Peanut butter (or almond butter)
  • Sliced banana
  • Honey (optional)

A sweet and savory option for those with a sweet tooth. This also makes a great breakfast sandwich. Spread peanut butter or your favorite seed butter on bread, layer with banana slices, and drizzle with honey if desired. This is a great lunchbox sandwich idea and a great source of protein and potassium. Plus, it makes great tea sandwiches for a preschool picnic, tea party, or family-friendly gathering.

a plate with a pickle, chips, and half a tuna salad sandwich

Culinary Hill has a wonderful classic tuna salad sandwich recipe similar to ours!

6 – Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Canned tuna, drained
  • Greek yogurt (or mayo)
  • Chopped celery
  • Diced red onion
  • Dill pickles, chopped
  • Lemon juice
  • Lettuce or spinach
  • Whole-grain bread or a wrap

Mix tuna, Greek yogurt (or mayo), celery, red onion, and pickles for a zesty tuna salad filling. Canned tuna comes in a variety of options, like Hickory smoky flavor, Mediterranean, and BBQ. Serve it in a sandwich with your choice of salad leaves for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Trying one of these lunchbox sandwich ideas is an excellent way to enjoy a delicious meal, packed with nutrition, on the go. Whether you prefer meaty, vegetarian, or sweet options, there’s a sandwich for everyone. So, next time you’re preparing lunch, give these recipes a try. 

Feel free to get creative and create your own unique sandwich fillings using your favorite ingredients! For more tips and recipes, check out the JustCook blog.

 

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