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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    If Lunch Gets Boring, Make One of These 20 Recipes Instead

    Published: Aug 19, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    I swear, midday meals can feel so repetitive sometimes, and that’s exactly when I think, if lunch gets boring, it’s time to switch things up. No one wants to eat the same sad sandwich day after day, right? With the right recipes, lunch can actually feel exciting again, and maybe even something to look forward to instead of rushing through.

    Refreshing Cucumber & Cream Cheese Sandwiches

    A tray of cucumber sandwiches lined in rows.
    Refreshing Cucumber & Cream Cheese Sandwiches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    When lunch feels dull, brighten it up with these light and elegant cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches layered on soft bread.
    Get the Recipe: Refreshing Cucumber & Cream Cheese Sandwiches

    Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad

    Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    Add some Southern comfort to your lunch with this creamy macaroni salad full of nostalgic flavor and simple ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad

    Easy Antipasto Lunch Skewers

    Easy Antipasto Lunch Skewers. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Switch things up with these fun antipasto skewers packed with Italian meats, cheeses, and veggies for a quick grab-and-go lunch.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Antipasto Lunch Skewers

    Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad

    Mouthwatering pesto pasta salad recipe with vibrant colors on a spoon.
    Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Give lunch a burst of flavor with this vibrant bow tie pasta salad tossed in basil pesto and loaded with fresh veggies.
    Get the Recipe: Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Salad

    Balsamic Zucchini Noodle Salad

    Zucchini noodles with cherry tomatoes on a white platter with a wooden spoon
    Balsamic Zucchini Noodle Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Light, refreshing, and colorful, this zucchini noodle salad with balsamic vinegar makes lunch feel anything but ordinary.
    Get the Recipe: Balsamic Zucchini Noodle Salad

    Classic Make-Ahead 7 Layer Salad

    A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings.
    Classic Make-Ahead 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Stacked with bright layers of flavor, this 7 layer salad is the ultimate make-ahead lunch that looks as good as it tastes.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Make-Ahead 7 Layer Salad

    Flavor-Packed Italian Pasta Salad

    Flavor-Packed Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    This Italian pasta salad makes lunch exciting with tender pasta, pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a zesty garlic dressing.
    Get the Recipe: Flavor-Packed Italian Pasta Salad

    Italian Pinwheel Roll-Ups

    Italian Pinwheel Roll-Ups. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

    Fun, fresh, and easy—these Italian pinwheel sandwiches are perfect for turning a boring lunch into something special.
    Get the Recipe: Italian Pinwheel Roll-Ups

    Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Salad

    Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

    Elevate your midday meal with this hearty salmon pasta salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and spelt pasta.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Salad

    Spicy Mexican Macaroni Salad

    A bowl of creamy macaroni salad with kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green peas, and fresh cilantro garnish—just like one of grandma’s favorite spring dishes.
    Spicy Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Add some spice to your lunch routine with this creamy Mexican macaroni salad loaded with beans, corn, and bold flavors.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Mexican Macaroni Salad

    Strawberry Spinach Salad That Actually Makes Lunch Exciting

    A fresh spring salad with leafy greens, sliced strawberries, red onion rings, and almond slivers, sprinkled with black pepper, served in a dark bowl on a light tiled surface.
    Strawberry Spinach Salad That Actually Makes Lunch Exciting. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This strawberry spinach salad with tangy poppy seed dressing, pickled onions, and crisp romaine turns an ordinary lunch into something fresh and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad That Actually Makes Lunch Exciting

    Peach Pasta Salad That Brightens Any Lunch Break

    A bowl of peach pasta salad with dressing in a pticher on the side.
    Peach Pasta Salad That Brightens Any Lunch Break. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This refreshing pasta salad mixes juicy peaches, corn, tomatoes, and pine nuts for a sweet-savory lunch that feels like summer in a bowl.
    Get the Recipe: Peach Pasta Salad That Brightens Any Lunch Break

    Lunchtime Upgrade: Creamy Crab Pinwheels

    Lunchtime Upgrade: Creamy Crab Pinwheels. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Filled with crab, cream cheese, cheddar, and bold spices, these easy pinwheels are a fun lunch you’ll actually look forward to eating.
    Get the Recipe: Lunchtime Upgrade: Creamy Crab Pinwheels

    Quick Italian Pasta Salad for Easy Lunches

    Pasta salad with ham, tomatoes, and olives
    Quick Italian Pasta Salad for Easy Lunches. Photo credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen.

    Packed with rotini, salami, mozzarella, and crisp veggies, this pasta salad is a simple, satisfying way to break out of your lunch rut.
    Get the Recipe: Quick Italian Pasta Salad for Easy Lunches

    Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad You’ll Crave at Lunch

    Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad You’ll Crave at Lunch. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    With fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto, this pasta salad delivers big flavor fast—making lunch anything but boring.
    Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad You’ll Crave at Lunch

    Hearty Italian Tortellini Salad for a Filling Lunch

    A close-up of a bowl filled with tortellini pasta salad, featuring cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, salami slices, black olives, red onion, and fresh herbs. A spoon is partially visible on the right side.
    Hearty Italian Tortellini Salad for a Filling Lunch. Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Cheese-filled tortellini, salami, and fresh veggies make this salad hearty enough to stand alone as a lunch you won’t get tired of.
    Get the Recipe: Hearty Italian Tortellini Salad for a Filling Lunch

    Cool and Creamy Cucumber Soup for Lunch

    A bowl of creamy green soup topped with cucumber slices, fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of black pepper. The bowl is set on a dark plate with a textured cloth beside it.
    Cool and Creamy Cucumber Soup for Lunch. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

    This refreshing cucumber soup with apple, basil, and sour cream is a light but satisfying lunch you’ll actually want on repeat.
    Get the Recipe: Cool and Creamy Cucumber Soup for Lunch

    Ham and Ranch Pasta Salad That Beats Any Sandwich

    A plate of creamy pasta salad with bowtie noodles, cherry tomatoes, peas, and cubes of ham, served on a blue-green plate with a light blue cloth underneath.
    Ham and Ranch Pasta Salad That Beats Any Sandwich. Photo credit: Southern Plate.

    Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with ham and veggies, this ranch pasta salad makes lunchtime way more exciting than a plain sandwich.
    Get the Recipe: Ham and Ranch Pasta Salad That Beats Any Sandwich

    Zesty Lemon Orzo with Shrimp for a Refreshing Lunch

    A large bowl of shrimp orzo salad.
    Zesty Lemon Orzo with Shrimp for a Refreshing Lunch. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Light, citrusy, and packed with shrimp, this orzo salad is the perfect refreshing dish when you need something different for lunch.
    Get the Recipe: Zesty Lemon Orzo with Shrimp for a Refreshing Lunch

    Nutty Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad for Midday Energy

    A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley.
    Nutty Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad for Midday Energy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This simple pasta salad with parsley pesto and crunchy walnuts is a light but energizing lunch that keeps you going all afternoon.
    Get the Recipe: Nutty Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad for Midday Energy

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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