21 Easy Soups and Salads That Say Goodbye to Boring Sandwiches

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Tired of the same old sandwich for lunch every day? I’ve rounded up a collection of easy soups and salads that are quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for mixing things up. Whether you’re looking for something light or hearty, these meals are the perfect way to break free from your lunchtime routine.

Low Carb Pizza Soup

A pot of tomato-based stew with mushrooms, herbs, and chunks of meat, being stirred with a gray ladle. — Low Carb Pizza Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Low Carb Pizza Soup offers all the flavors of a pizza in soup form, making it a fantastic option when you want something hearty without the bread. The combination of melted cheese, savory toppings, and rich tomato broth will keep you full without feeling weighed down. It’s quick to prepare and requires very little cleanup, perfect for busy nights. If you’re looking for something different for lunch, this soup does not disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Pizza Soup

Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

Soup with minced meat, greens, and diced potatoes in a wooden ladle. — Kale Potato and Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Kale Potato and Sausage Soup is a robust meal that combines the earthiness of kale with the heartiness of sausage and potatoes. It’s a one-pot dish that requires little prep and delivers big flavors in under an hour. The combination of protein and veggies makes this a filling meal without being overly complicated. This is the kind of dish that will easily replace any ordinary sandwich lunch.
Get the Recipe: Kale Potato and Sausage Soup

Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad

A fork holds a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomato, walnuts, and crumbled cheese over a bowl of salad in the background. — Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad is a refreshing, light option that provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and crunchy walnuts make this salad a step up from a boring sandwich. It’s a quick and easy meal that doesn’t require much effort but still feels special. This salad will keep you feeling satisfied without being heavy or time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Strawberry Walnut Salad

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Close-up of a ladle holding a hearty soup with visible chunks of tomato, cabbage, ground meat, and grains in broth. — Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and flavorful option that requires little hands-on time, thanks to the slow cooker. With a blend of savory ground meat, cabbage, and spices, this soup brings all the flavors of a traditional cabbage roll, minus the hassle. It’s an easy, no-fuss meal that provides warmth and comfort without any complexity. Perfect for those who want something filling and low-effort for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Tomato Egg Drop Soup is a light yet filling soup that combines the brightness of tomatoes with the richness of eggs, creating a comforting and easy meal. It’s quick to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a great option for when you’re in a rush. The smooth texture and warm flavors make it the perfect soup for when you want to skip the sandwich and keep things simple.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Egg Drop Soup

Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Top view of a bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with basil, served with a spoon and sunglasses on the side. — Crock Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Tomato Soup is a comforting and simple meal that turns out perfect every time with minimal effort. This soup is ideal for busy days when you want a warm, hearty option without spending much time. You can easily set it and forget it, making it a great alternative to the usual sandwich lunch. With its rich flavors and slow-cooked goodness, it’s an easy, stress-free choice.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Tomato Soup

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Lemon chicken soup in a white bowl with lemon slices. — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a refreshing twist on traditional chicken soup, with tangy lemon and tender chicken. It’s easy to make and comes together in no time, making it an excellent choice when you’re craving a flavorful meal without the effort. This light but hearty soup is a great alternative to a heavy sandwich and will keep you feeling satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of tender broccoli and rich cheese makes it a meal you’ll look forward to. It’s a great replacement for a sandwich, offering warmth and satisfaction in a bowl. Perfect for those who want a simple but filling lunch that doesn’t require complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of coleslaw with purple cabbage, carrots, pine nuts, and cranberries, served on a white dish with a red and white checkered napkin nearby. — Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli Slaw Salad is a crunchy, tangy dish that’s a perfect alternative to heavier sandwiches. Packed with fresh veggies and a light dressing, it’s easy to throw together and offers a refreshing change from the usual lunch. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a practical and simple choice. A great option for when you want something lighter but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Minestrone Soup with Sausage is a hearty and flavorful soup that combines plenty of vegetables with savory sausage. It’s a simple, one-pot dish that can be prepped in advance, making it a great lunch option. The blend of vegetables and meat makes it filling without feeling too heavy, offering a satisfying alternative to sandwiches. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup with Sausage

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A fresh salad with mixed greens, sliced strawberries, blueberries, red onions, walnuts, and feta cheese on a white plate. — Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing is a sweet and tangy dish that’s as refreshing as it is filling. The fresh berries and homemade dressing combine for a unique, easy-to-make salad that will leave sandwiches in the dust. This salad is great for when you want a light, energizing lunch that still packs a punch. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to mix things up and keep it simple.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Navy Bean and Ham Soup

A bowl of bean soup with chunks of ham and diced vegetables, served in a rustic terracotta bowl with a spoon on the side. — Navy Bean and Ham Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Navy Bean and Ham Soup is a comforting, hearty soup that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can have a filling meal in under an hour, making it a great option for busy days. The ham adds depth to the beans, making this soup satisfying and perfect for those who want something quick but substantial. It’s a great substitute for your regular sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Salmon Salad

A grilled salmon fillet served on a bed of fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and olives on a white plate. — Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Salmon Salad is a quick, healthy lunch that’s easy to prepare and full of protein. Fresh salmon, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing make it a satisfying meal without the heaviness of a sandwich. It’s light yet filling, making it a perfect choice for a refreshing, no-fuss lunch. You’ll feel great after eating this, and it comes together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background. — Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup is a no-stress, full-of-flavor option that’s perfect for those who want a healthy, easy meal. Packed with vegetables and simmered to perfection, this soup doesn’t require much prep and is ready when you are. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a satisfying soup that beats any sandwich. It’s a simple, comforting dish for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Chopped Greek Salad

A fresh greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and peppers, served with a fork and a glass of water on the side. — Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chopped Greek Salad is a vibrant and fresh salad that combines Mediterranean flavors for a perfect lunch. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, it’s a fantastic alternative to the usual sandwich. The combination of veggies, feta, and olives will keep you full without feeling sluggish. A great, easy-to-prepare meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad

Easy Radish Salad

A plate of radish salad with diced celery and a creamy dressing, accompanied by a glass of water and salt and pepper shakers. — Easy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Radish Salad is a crisp and refreshing choice for a quick, light lunch. With its bright flavor and crunch, this salad offers a simple yet enjoyable break from the typical sandwich routine. It takes no time to prepare and is a great option for busy days. The tangy dressing pairs perfectly with the radishes, making this salad a standout.
Get the Recipe: Easy Radish Salad

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, accompanied by a fork, on a white surface. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green Bean Tomato Salad is a simple and flavorful dish that combines fresh green beans with juicy tomatoes and a light vinaigrette. It’s an easy, no-fuss salad that’s perfect when you need a change from your regular sandwich lunch. With minimal prep and fresh ingredients, this salad is a perfect option for when you want something quick but filling. It’s a refreshing, low-maintenance meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Shrimp and Corn Bisque

A close-up image of a spoonful of creamy shrimp bisque garnished with herbs, hovering above the rest of the soup in a bowl. — Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and Corn Bisque is a creamy and comforting soup that’s simple to make and full of flavor. The combination of shrimp and sweet corn makes this bisque feel special, without requiring complex steps. This soup is easy to whip up and perfect for when you want a filling lunch that doesn’t involve a sandwich. It’s rich and satisfying, yet light enough for a mid-day meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon. — Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, hearty soup that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for lunch. The combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and rich broth makes this soup a comforting option that’s far from ordinary. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t take long to cook, making it the perfect choice when you want something filling without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Santa Fe Salad

A salad with grilled chicken, avocado, tomatoes, corn, black beans, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and lime wedges, drizzled with dressing, served on a bed of lettuce. — Santa Fe Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Santa Fe Salad is a flavorful, vibrant salad that’s quick to make and packed with satisfying ingredients. It’s loaded with fresh veggies, seasoned chicken, and topped with a tangy dressing, making it a perfect lunch alternative to a boring sandwich. This salad is hearty yet light, and the best part is how fast it comes together. A great option for anyone who loves bold flavors but doesn’t have much time.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Bowl of broccoli salad with bacon and a fork on the side, placed on a white surface with a striped cloth nearby. — Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a quick, crunchy salad that pairs perfectly with any meal. The combination of fresh broccoli, savory bacon, and a creamy dressing makes it a filling side dish or light lunch. It’s quick to prepare, and the flavors work together to keep you satisfied. This salad will leave you craving more without the hassle of making a complicated meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broccoli Salad with Bacon