52 Hearty, Satisfying Recipes That Take Lunch From Drab to Fab (2024)

Move over sad desk salads and hastily made sandwiches. Here come hearty, satisfying lunch ideas that keep you full (and away from the snack drawer) all afternoon. Each easy lunch recipe—in this gallery of salads, sandwiches, soups, wraps, and bowls—is guaranteed to elevate the mid-day slump.

You'll find recipes from a Niçoise-inspired summer salad to a sheet pan cheesesteak and everything in between, and almost all are ready in 30 minutes or less. Trust us: These dishes will put your boring lunches to shame.

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Monte Cristo

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Crispy, gooey, creamy, and salty: This ham-and-Swiss sandwich is fried in butter, dusted in powdered sugar, and dipped in jam. Is there a more gratifying (and, yes, decadent) sandwich than a Monte Cristo?

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Niçoise-Inspired Summer Salad

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This colorful dish takes its cues from the classic Niçoise salad, which means it's full of satiating protein. In addition to smoked trout and hard-boiled eggs, you'll find chickpeas, sweet cherry tomatoes, and blanched sugar snaps. Serve this with crusty bread to sop up the savory garlic-and-anchovy dressing.

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Fancy Tomato Sandwich

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A tomato sandwich isn't the heartiest meal in the world, but we promise this one delivers. Start by spreading salted chive butter on a freshly cut baguette, add thick slices of cheese—Gruyère, Comté, or sharp Cheddar—and then juicy tomato rounds. A tangle of baby arugula and sprinkle of fried onions round out this easy-to-make lunch option.

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Chicken-Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches

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Pesto adds richness to any dish, and this 30-minute meal is no exception. It uses store-bought pizza dough to make a savory sandwich that's filled with fresh mozzarella, baby arugula, and pesto-tossed rotisserie chicken. Kiss your mid-afternoon hunger pangs goodbye.

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Sheet Pan Cheesesteak Sandwiches

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If you're looking for a lunch idea that's sure to keep you full, these cheesesteak sandwiches will get the job done. Each is served on a baguette and packed with plenty of marinated steak with slices of bell pepper, onion slices, and provolone.

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Spring Greens Tartine With Prosciutto, Fontina, and a Fried Egg

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This dish, which is also great for brunch, is an open-faced sandwich topped with crispy prosciutto, melty fontina cheese, and wilted greens cooked with sliced spring onions and garlic. The final topping—a picture-perfect fried egg—adds more filling protein.

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Zesty Chicken Salad

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In this simple lunch recipe, cooked chicken combines with just enough mayonnaise to bind, dill pickles for a briny punch, a shallot for kick, lemon juice for fresh zing, and fresh tarragon for subtle herbaceousness. Serve with crusty bread, homemade potato chips, or a side salad.

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Tortilla Soup

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This easy lunch recipe gives canned chicken noodle soup a piquant upgrade with a dash of hot sauce. Add frozen corn kernels, top with crunchy tortilla chips and creamy avocado slices, and you have a 10-minute lunch that looks and tastes homemade.

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French Ham and Cheese Sandwich

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For an easy lunch with a European twist, give this sandwich a go. A mixture of chopped cornichons (pickles, AKA gherkins), butter, Dijon mustard, and fresh tarragon elevates the classic ham-and-cheese combo in a way you didn't know was possible. Using a rich and nutty type of cheese, like Comté or Gruyère, makes all the difference.

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Crab Roll

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Take a quick trip to the rocky coast with this New England favorite. The crab meat-and-mayo salad is accented with crisp radishes, celery, and apples for extra sweetness and crunch.Serve on a hot dog roll, sit back, and listen for seagulls and crashing waves.

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Smashed Cucumber Salad With Spicy Feta and Olives

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Despite just five ingredients, this meatless salad manages to leave you feeling full. It features crunchy cucumbers, chopped olives, and tangy feta marinated in olive oil and spicy red pepper flakes. Grab some toasted pita to help ensure none of the savory feta crumbles go to waste.

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Open-Faced Croque Monsieur

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This popular French sandwich made with ham and Gruyère features a pinch of nutmeg and grated Parmesan. What really sets this sandwich apart is that it's cooked in the broiler—which allows the ham and cheese sauce to meld together—and served warm.

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Crispy Chickpea Pita

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This meatless lunch option loads a pita crisped in a pan with flavors of the Middle East: chickpeas, hummus, and olive oil. Make it vegan by swapping the yogurt garnish with a dairy-free brand.

Butternut Squash Soup With Sage and Parmesan Croutons

52 Hearty, Satisfying Recipes That Take Lunch From Drab to Fab (14)

To trim down the 2 hours it takes to make this recipe, start with store-bought squash cubes (fresh or frozen) and/or cook them in the microwave instead of roasting them in the oven. Don't skimp on the croutons, though! They make the soup more filling and add a satisfying crunch.

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Parm-Crusted Grilled Cheese

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A crispy exterior layer of Parmigiano-Reggiano sets this apart from other grilled cheese sandwiches. Tucked inside are Gruyère cheese for a nutty flavor and superior melting, thin slices of Gala apple for a note of sweetness, and a slather of sharp Dijon mustard to balance the two.

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Quick Nutty Noodles

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These nutty noodles come together in just 20 minutes courtesy of a handful of pantry staples. It features soba noodles slicked with a decadent almond butter dressing, joined by crunchy salt-marinated cucumber, peppery watercress, and quick-pickled radishes. To make this easy lunch more filling, add sliced avocado or pan-seared tofu.

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Heirloom Tomato & Herb BLTs

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Juicy heirloom tomatoes shine in this irresistible sandwich, which is satisfying enough for a busy lunch hour. Thick tomato slices are joined by a homemade herby mayo, bacon, mixed greens, basil leaves, and dill. After sampling this sandwich, you'll never need another BLT recipe.

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Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad

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This lunchtime salad is perfect for hot days, and is packed with plenty of healthy ingredients such as romaine lettuce hearts, avocado chunks, and Persian cucumber slices. Use pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on prep time.

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Ham and Egg Croissant Sandwiches

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It sounds like a breakfast sandwich—and there's nothing wrong with enjoying it in the morning—but we're here to tell you: It's just as enjoyable as a mid-day treat. Serve with a side salad or French fries to solidify its lunchtime status.

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Turkey Taco Salad

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With ground turkey, pinto beans, and avocado, this salad is packed with protein and fiber. Half of the store-bought (or your homemade) salsa blends in with the turkey, and the other half with sour cream for a creamy, spicy dressing.

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Summery Corn Soup

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In addition to corn, this savory soup boasts leeks and scallions, aromatic thyme, and enough white wine to add a balancing tang to each bite. Gut-friendly miso acts as a thickener and provides a boost of umami while the corn pulls double duty: Cobs infuse the broth with their sweet flavor and kernels add body.

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Chickpea-Tuna Salad

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Not a mayonnaise fan? We got you. This vinegar-based tuna salad is made with marinated chickpeas, oil-packed tuna, radicchio, and red onion, as well as briny kalamata olives and capers. Even if you are a fan, you won't miss the mayo one bit.

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Crispy Chicken-and-Cheddar Sandwich With Pickle Dijon

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While there are plenty of fast-food chicken sandwiches to choose from, this homemade version takes the cake. The recipe layers crispy, breaded chicken cutlets with grated Cheddar, romaine lettuce, and a tangy, pickle relish-based spread. Served on a hoagie roll, it ensures you'll stay full until dinner.

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Broccoli Cheddar Grilled Cheese

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Amp up the nutrition in a standard grilled cheese by adding broccoli to the mix. In this case, broccoli is sautéed with lemon zest and garlic powder, making it a perfect match for the two-cheese combo—creamy fontina and sharp Cheddar—sandwiched between slices of rustic bread.

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Tuna Provençal

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Provençal is the French take on Mediterranean cuisine. This classic sandwich features an olive oil- (not mayo-) based tuna salad on a sliced baguette spread with a store-bought tapenade: a Provençal condiment of puréed or finely chopped olives, capers or anchovies, and olive oil.

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Cool and Crunchy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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For a bread-free-yet-filling lunch, give these hearty lettuce wraps a try. Nestled in each are vermicelli rice noodles, grilled chicken marinated in a spicy nuoc cham sauce (Vietnamese fish sauce), shaved rainbow carrots, and cucumber matchsticks.

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Chicken Tortilla Crunch Salad

52 Hearty, Satisfying Recipes That Take Lunch From Drab to Fab (27)

Cut prep time to almost nothing by starting with rotisserie or other cooked chicken and, instead of shredding cabbage, buy a bag of coleslaw mix. All that's left is to mix a mayo-sour cream-salsa dressing. And don't forget crushed tortilla chips on top—they're the best part!

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Spinach and Goat Cheese Frittata

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Healthy spinach, protein-rich eggs, and tangy goat cheese star in this dish that's ready in just 20 minutes. Add a tossed green salad and a loaf of country bread to make it a meal.

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Spicy Crab Tostadas

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This easy lunch recipe puts a seafood spin on a Mexican favorite. A pile of luscious crabmeat mixed with celery, shallots, and lime juice sits atop a layer of jalapeno mayo. Spicy, fresh, and substantial, it's topped with celery leaves and thin radish slices.

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Pork and Peanut Lettuce Wraps

52 Hearty, Satisfying Recipes That Take Lunch From Drab to Fab (30)

Can a lunch option be light and refreshing yet hearty and satisfying? Yes! This one wraps an Asian-inspired ground pork mixture with Boston, Bibb, or butter lettuce, and comes together in just 20 minutes.

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Salmorejo with Prosciutto and Hard-Boiled Egg

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To answer your question, salmorejois a cold tomato dish famous in southern Spain. This no-cook soup is like gazpacho but thicker, creamier, and heartier thanks to torn pieces of sourdough bread that are whirled into its fresh tomato base. It's especially refreshing on a hot summer day.

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Tofu Scramble Wraps With Spinach and Spiced Sunflower Seeds

52 Hearty, Satisfying Recipes That Take Lunch From Drab to Fab (32)

If you're looking for a lunch with high protein and a low carbon footprint, you've found it. This egg-free scramble features sustainable tofu, chickpea flour, and turmeric to give it an eggy texture and color. Wrap in a flour tortilla with fresh spinach and sunflower seeds, and you can enjoy a nutritious vegan lunch and save the planet.

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Black Bean and Avocado Bowl

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Four ingredients, 10 minutes, nutritious, and delicious: Are you sold? Warm up some cooked black beans and top them with cubed avocado cubes, crumbled goat cheese, and your favorite salsa (store-bought or homemade) for this easy, hearty lunch.

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Pork Ramen Soup

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This 30-minute recipe starts with boneless pork and a package of ramen noodles, and ends as a meaty soup with an Asian accent. Carrots, radishes, and fresh cilantro leaves add color and crunch for a balanced, filling lunch.

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Muffuletta-Style Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

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What transforms a standard grilled cheese sandwich into a New Orleans-style muffuletta? Just about everything except the "grilled" part. This one uses buttered Italian bread slices smeared with jarred olive salad and stuffed with provolone, salami, and ham.

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Rice Bowl with Chipotle Black Beans

52 Hearty, Satisfying Recipes That Take Lunch From Drab to Fab (36)

This lunch is perfect for prepping on Sunday and enjoying through the week. Start with cooked white rice, and then load up with black beans, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and canned chipotle peppers. Finish with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt.

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Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl

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This easy recipe takes your standard bowl formula—a grain, colorful veggies, and protein—and gives it a fresh, interesting twist with radishes and lemon juice. Top with hot sauce for a little kick.

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Brussels Sprouts Salad

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This make-ahead meatless salad is perfect for a busy weekday lunch. Thinly sliced Brussels team with radicchio while pecans, dried cranberries, and cheese add heft.

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Thai Peanut Butter Ramen

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You have to try this 10-minute recipe that turns peanut butter and a package of ramen noodles into a warm, satisfying lunch. Gochujang or Sriracha sauce adds a Thai kick to this hearty option.

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Tomato, Bacon, and Garlic Mayo Sandwich

52 Hearty, Satisfying Recipes That Take Lunch From Drab to Fab (40)

Unlike most BLTs, this one is mayo-free. Instead, it boasts an oregano-garlic-yogurt dressing (which we call "mayo") that you'll want to make a jar of to use in all your sandwiches. Another upgrade is avocado slices, which technically makes this a BLTA.

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Cheesy Chive Waffles With Fried Eggs

52 Hearty, Satisfying Recipes That Take Lunch From Drab to Fab (41)

Don't think your waffle iron can't come out after 11 a.m. With a batter fortified with nutty Gruyere cheese or Cheddar, this savory waffle-and-eggs recipe makes the perfect lunchtime respite. Add peppery watercress or arugula and, instead of sugary syrup, top with a lemony mayo that brings a bright richness to every bite.

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Chickpea Salad Sandwich

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Move over tuna, chicken, and shrimp salad. Chickpeas are a versatile, high-protein vegan alternative that are making their way to superfood status. This mayo-based salad also has celery, parsley, shallots, lemon juice, and Dijon for a bright, herbaceous bite.

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Chicken, Sprouts, and Provolone Sandwich

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Bagels are great for lunch, too! This recipe features a toasted one, the bottom half shmeared with Dijon and then layered with a cooked chicken breast and slice of provolone. After a 5-minute stint in the oven, it gets topped with any kind of sprouts and the bagel's other half for a quick, warm, satisfying sandwich.

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Chicken Paprikash Soup

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This recipe transforms Hungary's national dish into a quick-and-easy soup that warms your soul. Cooked chicken, egg noodles, and its namesake paprika star in this dish, with red bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes playing supporting roles in a nourishing broth.

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Matt Romero’s Eggplant “Sandwiches”

52 Hearty, Satisfying Recipes That Take Lunch From Drab to Fab (45)

If there's no bread, is it still a sandwich? We say, "Yes," and here's Exhibit A. We replaced bread with fried eggplant slices and then filled our "sandwich" with lettuce, tomato, basil leaves, and crumbled goat cheese.

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Southwestern Chicken Soup

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You'd never expect this flavorful soup could be ready in 15 minutes. It takes cooked chicken and a can of cannellini beans to the Southwest with a dose of cumin, sour cream, tortilla chips, and your favorite salsa.

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Bacon & Pimiento Grilled Cheese

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It's hard to turn down a grilled cheese, but this one — stuffed with creamy pimiento cheese, crunchy bacon, and juicy tomatoes — is near-impossible. The real trick to this recipe is spreading mayonnaise, rather than butter, on the outside of the bread. This ensures a golden brown crust that will have you reaching for a second helping.

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Speedy Steak and Blackberry Salad

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Steak for a quick lunch? Yes, you can. In just 30 minutes you can sit down to this sophisticated salad featuring juicy steak,goat cheese, and summer-fresh blackberries. Crunchy pistachios add texture and another layer of flavor for a tasty lunch.

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Green and White Pizza

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The "green" in this luscious lunch option is a topping of broccoli rabe sautéed with garlic, while the "white" refers to mozzarella, Parmesan, and a dollop of crème fraîche. Both colors bake atop a time-saving, ready-made pizza dough for a lunch that's better (and better for you) than takeout.

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Swiss Chard With Chickpeas and Couscous

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This vegan pasta bowl (yes, couscous is pasta, not a grain) features high-fiber Swiss chard and high-protein chickpeas topped with toasted pine nuts. It's a satisfying meal you can bring together in just 20 minutes, start to finish.

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Fish Stick Tacos

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Grab some fish sticks from the freezer for these quick, easy, and fun tacos. A refreshing cabbage and sauerkraut slaw elevates them from kiddie food to wicked good. Make the slaw ahead to cut down on lunch-hour prep time.

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Apple-Cheddar Quesadillas

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Apples and cheese are a proven culinary combo, so why not feature them in a quesadilla? This recipe matches Honeycrisp slices with sharp Cheddar and a tangy honey mustard sauce for a sweet-and-savory, 25-minute lunch. Whip up a quick salad of spinach, avocado, and pumpkin seeds to go with.

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