Leftovers don’t have to be a sad, last-resort meal when they can be turned into something way better than the original. With 17 ways to remix last night’s dinner, lunch becomes the best part of the day. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full-on transformation, there’s no reason to let good food go to waste. Give leftovers a second chance, and they might just outshine their first appearance.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
You know that feeling when you’ve been out in cool weather and all you want is something warm and filling? Well, a bowl of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup hits the spot without fail. It’s perfect for using up those potatoes sitting in your pantry and transforms them into a comforting meal you’ll look forward to at lunchtime. No need to head out to the restaurant when you can bring that cozy feeling right into your workplace or home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
Wild Rice Salad
Ever opened your fridge and found some leftover wild rice you didn’t know what to do with? Turn it into a Wild Rice Salad that’s light yet substantial enough to carry you through your midday slump. This dish pairs beautifully with whatever veggies you’ve got on hand, making it incredibly versatile for a bespoke lunch experience. It’s an unexpected break from your typical green salad and sure to become a new favorite for your meal prepping routine.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Forget about the cold sandwiches of yesteryears; it’s time to upgrade your lunch with Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Using last night’s leftover meatballs, this lunch option gives old classics a run for their money. Sit back and enjoy the medley of flavors all wrapped up in a pita, turning your lunch break into a moment of pure relaxation. It’s informal yet fantastically delicious and guaranteed to switch up the monotony of typical lunches.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Are you ready to kick that old Caesar salad to the curb and inject some excitement into your lunch? Tex-Mex Caesar Salad is the perfect mashup of classic comfort and bold flavors. Think of that satisfying crunch of fresh greens paired with an unexpectedly zippy dressing that wakes up your taste without overwhelming it. Pull up a seat, grab your fork, and be the envy of your lunch crowd with this twist on an old favorite.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Texas BLT
A Texas BLT offers a substantial meal that marries simplicity with big, bold flavors. It’s an ode to the classic, with a hearty nod to Texas-sized appetites, perfect for a quick assembly during your busy morning. Bacon from breakfast effortlessly becomes the star of this show, proving not all heroes wear capes. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a statement that lunchtime should never be dull.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Southern Ham Salad
When you dish up some Southern Ham Salad, you’re not just making lunch; you’re crafting a meal steeped in comfort. It takes those bits of leftover ham and invites them back to the table in a new, casual form. Breaking from the traditional deli scene, this salad serves up homestyle vibes that hark back to southern picnics and family gatherings. Watch as it becomes a conversation starter amongst friends and colleagues.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Sometimes all you need is a little bowl of comfort, and what better way to find it than with some Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup? It turns leftover chicken into a lunch that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with each spoonful. It’s substantial and rich, ideal for those particularly brisk days or whenever you need a culinary hug. Forget the canned stuff, this homemade hero is about tasting the care that went into last night’s dinner, today. Sit back, relax, and let lunch be your small getaway.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Lunch is often the overlooked meal of the day, but why settle for less when you can have a Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic? This dish takes those leftover spuds and upgrades them with fresh herbs for a vibrant midday feast. It’s a no-fuss yet utterly appetizing way to honor those simple ingredients in your fridge. Great for a solo treat or to share among colleagues, this salad doesn’t shy away from being the talk of the lunch table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
When it comes to revamping last night’s leftovers, nothing says ‘gratifying lunch’ like a Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. This sandwich takes every ounce of tastiness from your leftover ground beef and packs it into a meal worthy of anticipation. It’s hearty, it’s casual, and it’s downright delicious, ticking all the boxes of a no-frills yet crave-worthy midday meal. Whether at home or on the go, unwrapping this sandwich is the highlight of any lunch hour.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Lunch might just become your favorite meal of the day once you’ve tasted a Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. It breathes new life into those beans and potatoes, creating a dish that’s equal parts gratifying and refreshing. It’s simple, straightforward, and an absolute joy to unpack during your break. Take a moment to revel in the bold simplicity of a salad done right.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Bid farewell to boring lunches with some Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos. Here’s a chance to take those leftover chicken pieces and grant them a second debut in a lunchtime favorite. Wrapped up in a taco, they’re as convenient as they are flavorful, perfect for those busy days when time is of the essence. Each bite is a nod to your favorite fast-food joint, yet with the homemade touch, that adds a whole new level of enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Tacos
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Picture a breezy coastal lunch without leaving the comfort of your dining area; that’s the charm of a Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. It’s bright, it’s light, and taps into the use of those leftover shrimp for a sea-inspired twist on lunchtime. Not only does it pack easily, but it’s also a delicious change of pace from the usual sandwiches or salads. This dish invites you to slow down, taste each bite, and briefly transport yourself to sunnier shores.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Cuban Chaffle Sandwich
Who said waffles are only for breakfast? Get ready to transform them with a Cuban Chaffle Sandwich, where last night’s dinner meets today’s lunch craze. It’s unconventional, sure, but that’s what makes it so compelling and conversation-worthy. A chaffle’s unique texture adds a twist to the familiar flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich. It’s ideal for those looking to turn their lunch routine upside down with a quirky yet utterly delicious choice.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Chaffle Sandwich
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Embrace the essence of spring anytime with a Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. It combines the fresh flavors that you long for in a hearty yet refreshing mix. This dish makes a statement, asserting that salads can be both nutrient-packed and filling, banishing the notion of them as mere appetizers. Explore this green haven and find solace in a salad that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Reuben Sliders
Imagine transforming every tasty element of a classic into bite-sized wonders known as Reuben Sliders. They’re perfect for when you crave something tasty but want it in a more casual, hand-held form. This choice is great for those who adore a good sandwich but are looking for a fun spin on the traditional. Let each slider take center stage in your lunchbox, ensuring your midday meal is as enjoyable as it is gratifying.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Got some steak that needs a new lease on life? Put it to excellent use in a Leftover Steak Quesadilla. It’s an effortless, comforting solution to your lunch dilemma, merging hearty tastes with cheesy goodness in a fold that’s built for convenience. Enjoy this culinary hug that’s both familiar in flavor and exciting in form, making every lunch break an eagerly awaited affair. It’s a straightforward way to ensure your steak gets the encore it deserves.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Pizza Pasta Salad
Jazz up your lunch routine with a playful dish known as Pizza Pasta Salad. It cleverly fuses the joy of pizza toppings with the gratifying chew of pasta, hitting all the right notes for a midday feast. This dish promises a break from monotony, encouraging you to mix up the expected with something that’s as fun as it is yummy. It’s the go-to when you want something a bit more indulgent than your standard fare, without complicating your break.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
