Sandwich lunch ideas

Invented by the Earl of Sandwich back in 1762, the sandwich is a versatile meal that can range from simple to gourmet. Sandwiches can be made with a wide variety of breads, including white, brown, rye, spelt, multigrain, hi-fiber, soft, crusty, or gluten free or they can be made with flat breads like wraps. They can also be toasted, which is especially delicious for cheese-based sandwiches.

Vegetarian

If your standard sandwich is a toasted ham and cheese, don’t worry about feeding a vegetarian. The classic English cucumber sandwich is an option, and grilled mushrooms make a delicious non-meat treat. Grilled eggplant is an unusual sandwich item. A range of salad vegetables can be spiced up by adding sun-dried tomatoes and slices of olive. Pear and walnut sandwiches are a seasonal delight, and leftover roasted vegetables like bell peppers, pumpkin, onion and zucchini are a tasty sandwich filling for the winter months.

Low-fat

Tasty sandwiches should not add to your waistline, so choose lean meats like turkey, and remove any fat from roast beef or pork. Bulk lean meat up with lettuce, tomato, onion, grated carrot and other salad items. This adds bulk, which will fill you up and not leave you wanting to snack later. Use low-fat options, such as low fat cream cheese or low fat mayonnaise, if you are making an egg sandwich.

Childrens' Lunches

Many children will refuse to eat a healthy salad sandwich, preferring items like peanut butter, jams and jellies. Try peanut butter and apple or banana and jelly to get them to eat fruit with little fuss. There is nothing wrong with fish finger sandwiches if they don’t like tuna or salmon as a filling. Let children help make the lunch. Try to make it a fun experience by letting them use bits of carrot or zucchini to make faces on their sandwiches, which is another easy way of getting them to eat some veggies.

Gourmet

Sandwiches can be exotic as you want them to be. Smoked salmon can be used as the basis for special sandwiches. Turkey, apple and brie is a delicious combination. Try jumbo lump crab cake sandwiches or fried chicken breast with tomatoes and baby spinach. Roast beef with caramelized onions and horseradish dressing is popular and prawns can be used with many other ingredients. Enjoy!