These Sandwiches Will Make You *Excited* To Pack Your Own Lunch
Sometimes there's nothing that hits quite as hard as a sandwich. Bread packed with tasty fillings—from protein-loaded chickpea salad to a fancy open-faced slice—can surely satisfy the craving, any meal of the day. But no need to settle for an average stack. These healthy sandwich recipes will upgrade your lunch (or hey, breakfast or dinner, too!) once and for all (no soggy sandos, here!).
The key to a healthy sandwich? Starting with a solid nutrient-packed bread. Whether you're looking for something low-carb or a loaf that loads you up with filling fiber and other key nutrients (an extra hit of protein), it's important to pick a base that will leave you feeling satiated.
Next up: the fillings. Pack a sandwich full of veggies, lean proteins, and other tasty fillings that are high in vitamins and minerals (hello, immunity-boosting salmon!). Looking for a vegetarian sandwich that won't disappoint? Eggplant and tomatoes will provide the same heartiness that steak can serve, to leave you feeling full without the meat. We've also picked egg sandwiches that fit into any meal throughout the day, plus some healthy lunch options that pack well to take into the office. No matter your hankering, these family-friendly sandwich recipes are sure to serve.
Why trust Women's Health? The team of food experts in the WH Test Kitchen develop, tweak, then cross-test each recipe (that means that every recipe is made—and tasted—at least twice!) before it's ready for your kitchen.
Salmon BLT With Herbed Spread
At a whopping 38 grams of protein, this super stacker will certainly leave you feeling satisfied.
Get the Salmon BLT With Herbed Spread recipe.
About 494 cal, 15 g fat (4 g sat), 978 mg sodium, 50 g carb, 3 g fiber, 7 g sugar (3.5 g added sugar), 38 g pro
RELATED: 8 Healthiest Breads To Add To Your Cart, According to Nutritionists and Test Kitchen Pros
The Forager Sandwich
Looking to cut back on cold cuts? Roasted sweet potatoes and briny slices of feta stand in as a seriously satisfying substitute.
Get The Forager Sandwich recipe.
Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Tuna salad fan? Try a vegetarian-based protein in place of canned fish, piled high between whole wheat bread, thinly sliced cucumber, and greens.
Get the Chickpea Salad Sandwiches recipe.
About 472 cal, 12 g fat (2 g sat), 2.5 mg chol, 905 mg sodium, 70 g carb, 16 g fiber, 11.5 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 23 g pro
RELATED: 48 Healthy Recipes For Weight Loss You Can Make For Dinner Tonight (Including Vegetarian Options!)
Big Bird Sandwich
Roasted chicken or turkey can work with so many flavor combos—no wonder it's a deli staple. Try featuring the sliced poultry with sweet roasted tomatoes and a creamy blended white bean and kale spread.
Get the Big Bird Sandwich recipe.
Cucumber And Cress Toasts With Horseradish Chickpea 'Aioli'
Don't ditch the liquid from a can of chickpeas. Instead, turn it into a vegan aioli and schmear all over toast. Enjoy with your favorite veg and crunchy toppings (radish and sunflower seeds, FTW!)
Get the Cucumber And Cress Toasts With Horseradish Chickpea 'Aioli' recipe.
About 252 cal, 20.5 g fat (1.5 g sat), 0 mg chol, 159 mg sodium, 14 g carb, 3 g fiber, 3 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 5 g pro
Salmon Burger
Building your own salmon burger is easier than it seems: just blitz this omega-3 rich fish with herbs and sear, then stack with veg. Dinner, done in under 30!
Get the Salmon Burger recipe.
About 379 cal, 13 g fat (3.5 g sat), 580 mg sodium, 32 g carb, 3 g fiber, 8.5 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 34 g pro
Cheddar and Veggie Sandwiches
Not all sandwiches travel well, but this one does. The secret: Layer sturdier veg like shaved carrots and red cabbage with slices of cheese on hearty whole-grain bread and add just a smidge of Dijon mustard.
Get the Cheddar and Veggie Sandwiches recipe.
Sautéed Dandelion Greens Toast With Lemon-Feta Yogurt Spread
Greens get a toasty makeover! Instead of thinking them as a side, stack them onto crisp bread.
Get the Sautéed Dandelion Greens Toast With Lemon-Feta Yogurt Spread recipe.
About 292 cal, 14 g fat (5.5 g sat), 27 mg chol, 669 mg sodium, 32 g carb, 3 g fiber, 3 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 10 g pro
Mushroom And Beef Blended Burger With Shaved Asparagus Salad
Blend beef and chopped mushrooms to create this craveable burger. These two ingredients are a match made in umami heaven.
Get the Mushroom And Beef Blended Burger With Shaved Asparagus Salad recipe.
About 324 cal, 10.5 g fat (3.5 g sat), 820 mg sodium, 32 g carb, 4 g fiber, 7.5 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 26 g pro
Avo Toast With Eggs and Quick-Pickled Peppers
Upgrade your average avocado toast with zesty toppings, like a pickled pepper that's ready in minutes. Double the batch to add to grain bowls and salads, too.
Get the Avo Toast With Eggs and Quick-Pickled Peppers recipe.
Greek Salad Wraps
Serve salad in a wrap for an upgrade to your average workday lunch. Bonus: it's extra portable, no utensils required!
Get the Greek Salad Wraps recipe from Good Housekeeping.
Fully-Loaded Veggie Sandwiches
No meat, no problem! A spread of hummus and plenty of produce keep this sando satisfying.
Get the Fully-Loaded Veggie Sandwiches recipe from Good Housekeeping.
About 504 cal, 28 g fat (4 g sat), 0 mg chol, 883 mg sodium, 53 g carb, 19 g fiber, 10.5 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 17 g pro
Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich With Guava Barbecue Sauce
Sweet, tropical guava gives tender canned jackfruit a little extra flair. Top with red onion and jalapeño to add a zesty bite.
Get the Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich With Guava Barbecue Sauce recipe from Prevention.
About 475 cal, 13.5 g fat (2 g sat), 0 mg chol, 740 mg sodium, 78 g carb, 22 g fiber, 35 g sugars (29.5 g added sugars), 11 g pro,
RELATED: 12 Plant-Based Meat Substitutes You Need To Stock Up On ASAP, Per Experts
Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata Sandwich
A brunch classic becomes a beautiful sandwich when it's served between bread. This one features the freshest spring veggies, but you can add anything in your fridge, too.
Get the Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata Sandwich recipe from Good Housekeeping.
For Frittata: About 110 cal, 7 g fat (3 g sat), 296 mg sodium, 32 g carb, 1 g fiber, 9 g pro
RELATED: Breakfast Meal Prep Has Never Been Easier Thanks To These 30 Protein-Packed Meals
Egg-and-Cheese Sandwiches
Looking for a healthy breakfast? These freezer-friendly sandwiches are easily customizable and make for a fast meal on the go, any day of the week.
Get the Egg-and-Cheese Sandwiches recipe from Prevention.
About 330 cal, 16.5 g fat (6 g sat), 293 mg chol, 540 mg sodium, 28 g carb, 3 g fiber, 1 g sugar (1 g added sugar), 19 g pro
Steak Sandwiches with Grilled Broccoli
Serve the smoky broccoli slaw on the side or pile onto slices of steak for a hit of immunity-boosting vitamin C.
Get the Steak Sandwiches with Grilled Broccoli recipe from Woman's Day.
About 565 calories, 35.5 g fat (8 g sat), 875 mg sodium, 30 g carb, 5 g fiber, 34 g pro
Green Goddess Sandwiches
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, even dinner, eggs are a stunning sandwich filling. A homemade herby dressing takes them up a notch.
Get the Green Goddess Sandwiches recipe from Good Housekeeping.
About 433 cal, 29 g fat (5.5 g saturated), 546 mg sodium, 30 g carb, 8 g fiber, 16 g pro
RELATED: Eggs All The Ways: How To Make Any Morning Dish
Avocado and Tuna Salad Wraps
Avocado adds the same richness that mayo would, plus a hit of fiber, potassium, and muscle-relaxing magnesium.
Get the Avocado and Tuna Salad Wraps recipe from Good Housekeeping.
RELATED: What The Heck Do I Do With All This High-Protein Tinned Fish?
Sabich Sandwich
Savory eggplant, crunchy cucumber salad, and rich tahini come together in a Middle Eastern breakfast staple.
Get the Sabich Sandwich recipe from Delish.
Spicy Carrot-Pork Meatball Heroes
Carrots do double duty in this hot sandwich, blended into meatballs and shaved into a super fresh salad that adds extra crunch.
Get the Spicy Carrot-Pork Meatball Heroes recipe from Good Housekeeping.
About 379 cal, 13 g fat (3.5 g sat), 580 mg sodium, 32 g carb, 3 g fiber, 8.5 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 34 g pro
Ultimate Veggie Sandwich
Miso, a fermented soy paste, serves up stunning flavor—plus a hit of gut-friendly probiotics—when spread onto roasted eggplant.
Get the Ultimate Veggie Sandwich recipe from Delish.
RELATED: 30 Foods High In Probiotics To Eat For Better Gut Health, According To Dietitians
Turkey, Mozzarella, and Kale Pesto Panini
Let's be honest, herbs can be pricy! Bulk out your pesto with a vibrant green (kale!) and spread it all over a melty sandwich. It's also a stellar source of calcium.
Get the Turkey, Mozzarella, and Kale Pesto Panini recipe from Delish.
Turkey-Cobb Sandwiches
If you're feeling a light lunch, replace the mayo in this recipe with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. The blue cheese and a hint of bacon serve up richness so you won't miss it.
Get the Turkey-Cobb Sandwiches recipe from Country Living.
Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads
Think of this quick air fryer feast as a sandwich 2.0. Not feeling flatbread? Serve it as a salad over a big bed of arugula instead.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads recipe from Good Housekeeping.
About 487 cal, 25 g fat (9 g sat), 750 mg sodium, 30 g carb, 10 g fiber, 41 g pro
Baked Falafel Sandwiches
Falafel are traditionally fried, but these chickpea patties are still packed with satisfying crunch thanks to a quick roast in the oven.
Get the Baked Falafel Sandwiches recipe from Delish.
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