Lunch breaks are something most people look forward to after a grueling morning at work, especially if you’ve prepared a tasty meal the night before. The best part of your day is knowing that a delicious sandwich, soup or salad will taste amazing, and may give you a jump start toward finishing your work day strong.

I’ve chosen three different categories of meals that I believe make perfect lunches: soups, salads and sandwiches. These meals are perfect because they are a lighter, healthier homemade option to your takeout leftovers- so you may not suffer that mid-afternoon slump as hard. Pre-assembling these lunches is also a great way to make your money stretch versus heading out to eat. Also, (my personal favorite) you can combine them all together to make a larger lunch.

Most of these lunches can be made in bulk, like the soups, so you’ll also have a dinner prepared if you don’t feel like cooking.

SOUPS

Chickpea Farro Soup

Source: Two Peas and Their Pod

Roasted Red Pepper and Squash Soup

Souce: A Balance of Tastes

Spicy Miso Zucchini Ramen Noodles

Source: Hapanom

Meatball and Tortellini Soup

Source: Spicy Southern Kitchen

Cannellini Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Toasts

Souce: Gather and Dine

SALADS

Winter Tabbouleh Salad

Source: With Food and Love

Strawberry and Basil Black Rice Salad

Source: Homespun Capers

Garlic Shrimp Caesar Salad

Source: Some the Wiser

Avocado Bell Pepper Salad

Source: Back to her Roots

Warm Brussel Sprout and Kale Caesar Salad

Source: Climbing Grier Mountain

SANDWICHES AND WRAPS

Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich with Cranberries and Lemon

Source: Ambitious Kitchen 

Turkey Waffle Sandwich

Source: Teacups and Things

Herbed Chevre, Spinach and Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Source: Downshiftology

Ham and Cheese Pockets

Source: Jo Cooks

Roast Chicken Club with Peaches, Bacon and Brie

Source: Port and Fin

What do you prefer to make ahead and bring for lunch? Soups, salads or sandwiches?