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15 of Our Favorite Sandwich Recipes to Save You From Your Sad Desk Lunch

15 of Our Favorite Sandwich Recipes to Save You From Your Sad Desk Lunch

By Betty Gold

Updated August 06, 2020

Credit: Getty Images

Is lunchtime getting a little stale? Turn to these fresh and tasty sandwich recipes for a handheld meal that won't leave you bored—or tempted to order takeout before noon on a Tuesday. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or like your Cuban sandwiches with two types of ham, we've included something for every type of sandwich eater that won't pull you away from your desk for long (sorry).

Whatever you do, don't forget to use good bread, add an element of acidity, and get creative with your toppings. Looking for a few other easy tips for building a better sandwich from scratch? Check out our guide to sandwich making here.

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Vegetarian BLT With Shiitake Bacon

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

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This better-for-you take on a BLT uses crispy shiitake mushrooms in place of bacon. To brown them until they're perfectly crunchy, you'll simply toss the mushrooms with olive oil, tamari, salt, and pepper and bake them in the oven. They're so delicious you'll wonder why you ever bothered with real-deal bacon.

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Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Credit: Alison Miksch

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Whether you take your chicken or tuna salad in a wrap or sandwich, there’s no denying it’s a classic lunchtime staple for many. But if you’re looking to change things up a bit, or you’re upping your plant-based ingredients, this Chickpea Salad Sandwich will give the classics a run for their money. The fact that it’s an easy and healthy lunch idea is already a major win, but wait until you taste it.

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Caramelized Onion and Sour Cherry Tartine

Credit: Victor Protasio

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Think cherries are only for sweet treats? Think again. This tasty tartine combines sour cherries with tender caramelized onions, sharp white cheddar cheese, and fresh thyme leaves. To turn it into a mouthwatering melty grilled cheese, simply sandwich two tartines together. Add spinach or arugula to really hit it out of the ballpark.

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Slow-Cooker Cuban Sandwiches

Credit: Greg DuPree

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Pork shoulder plus deli ham plus salty, briny pickles, melted swiss cheese, and mustard? Sign us up. You'll cook the pork shoulder hands-free in the slow cooker with with garlic, salt, orange zest, orange juice, and stock for seven hours. The result = lunchtime perfection.

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Pea-and-Radish Tea Sandwiches

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

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These springy sandwiches will brighten up any dreary day. Best part? They only take 15 minutes to make, and they're packed with nutritious ingredients, like chopped radishes, green peas (feel free to use frozen), baby arugula, and fresh tarragon.

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Smoked Salmon Salad Sandwich

Credit: Danny Kim

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Mix freshly roasted salmon with smoked salmon for a delicious filling that’s not overpowering. Bonus: The salmon mixture can be made up to three days in advance.