Take lunch to the next level with a satisfying sandwich.
It can often feel like your lunch options start and end with salad. We love salad—especially when loaded up with high protein toppings—but sometimes you want something hearty and filling. Something you can really get your hands on and sink your teeth into. Something like a sandwich.
While many average sandwiches overdo it on the simple carbs and fatty spreads, there's no need to avoid them completely when looking for a satisfying midday meal. When done right, sandwiches are the perfect vehicle for the protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates (AKA the satiating nutrient trifecta). Even the fanciest versions take little to no time to assemble, and they're portable. What more could you want? These six sandwiches are as satisfying as they are tasty. And the fact that they're all under 500 calories makes them the perfect salad foil.
This recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo for that same creamy texture you normally find in chicken salad sandwiches. Whole grain bread and avocado add a bit of fiber. Get the recipe here.
In this recipe, smashed avocado and silky mozzarella create the protein-fiber combo you want for lunch. They also kick this spin on cucumber sandwiches up a notch. Get the recipe here.
This sandwich takes a bit more effort than some of the other recipes on this list, so save this one for an afternoon at home. Cheese and whole wheat bread deliver that protein—mushrooms sautéed in white wine pack in the flavor and vitamin D. Get the recipe here.
When you love banh mi, but want to mix it up, try this burger. Ground pork serves as the base in this recipe, but if you don't love pork you can totally use ground chicken or beef instead. Get the recipe here.
Four ingredients are all you need to make this sandwich. Mashed avocado serves as a moist mayo substitute, and some chopped chicken adds that protein. Get the recipe here.
Tuna sandwiches may be old school, but this recipe is nothing but trendy. It calls for canned tuna rather than the fresh stuff, so there's no cooking required. Again, avocado gives it a creamy texture and a bit of fiber and jalapeños heat things up. Get the recipe here.