Tuna salad, PB&J, ham and cheese… Packing a healthy sandwich that’s also exciting to eat isn’t always easy. It’s not rocket science (we know, peanut butter and jelly is just easy), but the minute you add mashed avocado, fresh sliced veggies or homemade condiments to a sandwich, lunch can get infinitely more appealing. Read on for fresh ideas to get imaginative between the slices this fall.
1. Turkey, Apple-Butter and Arugula Grilled Cheese
This could easily be one of the most delicious versions of a grilled cheese ever. Sliced turkey breast adds lean protein, plus it pairs well with the sweet apple butter. Add cheddar cheese, arugula and two slices of whole-grain bread for extra flavor (and nutrients!). Photo and Recipe: Christal / Nutritionist in the Kitch
2. Egg White and Avocado Salad Sandwich
Eggs are great, but egg salad isn’t usually the healthiest lunch option. Enter: egg white and avocado salad, which combines the unlikely duo with Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and chopped turkey bacon for extra crunch and flavor. Bonus: This sammie’s open-faced, cutting down on an extra slice of bread. Photo and Recipe: Kelly / Eat Yourself Skinny
3. Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad
This sweet and savory chicken salad combines pecans, celery and dried cherries with fat-free Greek yogurt. The result: a lighter (but just as flavorful) sandwich. Pro tip: If you’re packing this lunch in the morning to eat later in the day, line the slices of bread with mixed greens to keep them from getting soggy. Photo and Recipe: Jessica / The Novice Chef
4. Roasted Beet Sandwich
Beets, the most naturally sweet vegetable, are the star of this relatively simple sandwich. But instead of pairing them with goat cheese (a common coupling), an easy, homemade white bean spread stands in as the smooth and creamy spread. Sophisticated yet oh-so-simple! Photo and Recipe: Sara / Matchbox Kitchen
5. Basil Chicken Salad with Mushrooms, Walnuts and Avocado
Chicken salad sandwiches aren’t always the most appetizing option on the menu. This sandwich, however, ups the ante with sautéed mushrooms, fresh basil, avocado and walnuts. That high school cafeteria version is suddenly light years away. Photo and Recipe: Yelena Strokin / Cooking Melagery
6. Greek Avocado Sandwich
Consider this beautiful vegetarian creation a Greek salad in sandwich form. It’s got all the traditional Greek salad fixings — roasted red pepper, balsamic vinegar, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives and mixed greens. The finishing touch: avocado and basil pesto (opt for a cheese-free pesto if a vegan-friendly sandwich is the goal). Photo and Recipe: Kate / Cookie and Kate
7. Healthier Elvis Sandwich
Beyond his soulful and devilishly good looks, Elvis Presley was known for his love of the peanut butter and banana sandwich (often with bacon). This version gets a healthier makeover with all-natural, no-sugar-added peanut butter, olive oil and two slices of multi-grain or whole-wheat bread. But of course, it wouldn’t be an all-star sandwich without the bacon and bananas. We “can’t help falling in love.” Photo and Recipe: Michelle Hershman / Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
8. Blueberry Pie Panini
Before you question this mock dessert’s place on a sandwich list, hear us out. This fruit-filled Panini is sweet, healthier than a traditional slice of pie, and calls for only three ingredients (win!). A little vanilla yogurt stands in as a condiment, while the Vitamin-C rich blueberries take center stage. Photo and Recipe: Amy / Foods For The Soul
9. Balsamic Strawvocado Sandwich
It’s possible you’ve paired balsamic and strawberries before, but adding avocado into the mix lends a mild and creamy balance to the berries’ sweetness and the vinegar’s acidity (not to mention potassium and fiber). A trio of cheeses — herb Laughing Cow cheese, reduced fat feta and reduced fat Swiss — put the finishing touches on this creative, grown-up grilled cheese. Photo and Recipe: Amanda Plott / The Skinny Fork