100 Super Sandwiches - Cooking Light

Super Sandwiches

Brown-bag lunches and sandwich nights at home don't have to be boring. Here's a mighty handful of supersatisfying sandwiches to kick off your menu: great portable food, loaded with flavor, healthy but still hearty.

Pick up a rotisserie chicken from the market, and this Herbed Chicken Salad Sandwich is a snap. That said, if you make the chicken salad a day or so ahead, the flavors will marry nicely as the filling chills.

Mix and Match: Try on a wedge of focaccia, and toast in a grill pan for a chicken salad panini. Or for a sweet touch, try on toasted cinnamon-raisin sandwich bread.

View Recipe: Herbed Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Photo: Levi Brown

Steak Baguettes with Pesto Mayo

Grill the steak and toast the baguette over the same flame for a delicious charred effect. This sandwich holds up well, so you can pack it for lunch, fully assembled.

Mix and Match: Try also on a toasted Kaiser roll. Or pile high onto a toasted boule slice for an open-faced, knife-and-fork version.

View Recipe: Steak Baguettes with Pesto Mayo

Photo: Levi Brown

Grilled Zucchini Caprese Sandwiches

The classic Caprese salad of juicy tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil makes for a fantastic vegetarian sandwich. We've added grilled zucchini to up the game. Gooey mozza puts it over the top.

Mix and Match: Crunch is key with the bread, but you can sub in a crusty baguette.

View Recipe: Grilled Zucchini Caprese Sandwiches

Photo: Levi Brown

Peanut-Sauced Chicken Pitas

Rich dark meat stands up to the robust peanutty sauce. To pack, combine chicken mixture, sprouts, carrot, and cilantro; put in a sealed container; and stuff into pita just when you're ready to eat. Look for satay sauce and chile paste on the Asian-food aisle of your super-market.

Mix and Match: Wrap the filling inside a whole-grain flatbread or piece of naan.

View Recipe: Peanut-Sauced Chicken Pitas

Photo: Levi Brown

Caesar Salad Bagels

Maybe we're going too far, thinking of the toasty bagel here as a kind of oversized crouton for the light Caesar salad filling. Maybe not.

To brown-bag, pack sandwich components separately—the leaves and the cheese; a mixture of the dressing and pepper; and the toasted bagel. For the vegetarians in your crew, choose salad dressing that doesn't contain anchovies.

Mix and Match: Toss lettuce, cheese, pepper, and dressing together; tuck into a pita or a whole-wheat flatbread.

View Recipe: Caesar Salad Bagels

Photo by Randy Mayor

Tuscan Tuna Sandwiches

With fresh basil, pungent onion, crunchy fennel, briny capers, and bright lemon juice, this tuna salad needs no mayonnaise to be absolutely delicious. Toasted bread is nice, but if you're in a hurry, skip that step; the tuna will be just as good.

View Recipe: Tuscan Tuna Sandwiches

Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

Roasted Red Pepper Spread Sandwiches

This spread has a similar flavor and texture to classic Southern pimiento cheese, but with far less fat and salt. Add some baked chips, cut-up vegetables, or a small salad for a nice lunch, or try the spread on crackers as an hors d'oeuvre at your next party.

View Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Spread Sandwiches

Roast Beef and Blue Cheese Wraps

A dressing of flavorful blue cheese, zesty horseradish, and creamy mayonnaise dresses up deli roast beef in this easy wrap that travels well. Feel free to experiment with other kinds of cheese as well; Havarti or Muenster work beautifully.

View Recipe: Roast Beef and Blue Cheese Wraps

Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Split Sandwiches

Don't be ashamed to love these old-fashioned kiddie favorites; they got our Test Kitchens' highest rating. With flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and fresh fruit, they're a sweet lunch―and good for you too, with 9.4 grams of protein and 4.6 grams of fiber each.

View Recipe: Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Split Sanwiches

Photo by Lee Harrelson

Egg Salad BLTs

Lemon juice and sour cream give a little bite to this classic egg salad, so it can better keep up with the crisp, meaty bacon on top. To make this recipe extra-fast, look for packaged hard-cooked eggs at the supermarket.

View Recipe: Egg Salad BLTs

Photo by Howard L. Puckett

Feta-Basil Sandwiches

This vegetarian sandwich pairs the salty bite of feta cheese with juicy tomato and sweet, slightly spicy basil. Add a simple salad or a bowl of warm soup for a perfect lunch. View Recipe: Feta-Basil Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor

Cashew Chicken Salad Sandwiches

The Asian flavor of curry might seem strange for an American dish as old-fashioned as chicken salad, but the tastes marry perfectly. Cashews add crunch as well as heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

View Recipe: Cashew Chicken Salad Sandwiches

What goes better with a sandwich than a bowl of soup? Check out 100 healthy soup recipes.

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Breaded Fish Sandwiches with Mint-Caper Tartar Sauce

Spiking tartar sauce with mint and capers improves the classic fish sandwich deliciously. Cutting the fish into a square shape helps it fit the bun better. Be sure to use a sweet onion, and soak it in ice water so that you get the crunch but no harsh bite.

View Recipe: Breaded Fish Sandwiches with Mint-Caper Tartar Sauce

Photo: Nigel Cox

Steak Sandwiches with Pickled Onion and Herb Aioli

Herbs, garlic, and lemon juice combine with mayo for a sauce that makes the sandwich.

View Recipe: Steak Sandwiches with Pickled Onion and Herb Aioli

Photo: John Autry

Hoisin-Glazed Salmon Burgers with Pickled Cucumber

Quick-pickled cukes give these burgers tart crunch. Panko and egg white hold the patties together. Use cilantro leaves on the burgers as you would lettuce for herby freshness.

View Recipe: Hoisin-Glazed Salmon Burgers with Pickled Cucumber

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Sautéed Greens, Smoked Turkey, and Provolone Panini

The crusty grilled exterior gives way to a cheesy, savory interior loaded with earthy kale. Even finicky eaters will find this a delicious way to get their greens.

View Recipe: Sautéed Greens, Smoked Turkey, and Provolone Panini

Photo: John Autry

Open-Faced Chicken Sandwiches with Artichoke Pesto

Be sure to look for artichoke hearts that are canned in brine, not oil.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Chicken Sandwiches with Artichoke Pesto

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Short Rib Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Pure hearty goodness: the richness of beefy short ribs napped in Dijon-spiked cheese sauce. You can find thinly cut boneless short ribs in many supermarkets, but especially in Asian markets, where this succulent meat is a popular choice for Korean barbecue and the Japanese dish sukiyaki. If you can't find presliced meat, freeze the short ribs for 30 minutes to firm them up; you'll get thinner slices.

View Recipe: Short Rib Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches

Lean chicken stands in for pork, yielding a light twist on this Asian-inspired sandwich.

View Recipe: Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches

Photo: Johnny Autry

Summer Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini with Balsamic Syrup

Serve this fresh, ready in 20-minutes panini with sweet potato chips or a simple green salad for an easy and complete meal.

View Recipe: Summer Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini with Balsamic Syrup

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Squash and Romesco Mayonnaise

The satisfying snap of quick-pickled squash plays well with creamy-smoky red bell pepper mayo, peppery arugula, and savory chicken. Use a mandoline to get perfectly uniform, thin slices of squash. Or for delicate squash ribbons, shave the squash lengthwise with a vegetable peeler.

View Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Pickled Squash and Romesco Mayonnaise

Photo: Nigel Cox

Cornmeal-Crusted Tilapia Sandwiches with Jicama Slaw

This quick, simple, and delicious tilapia sandwich will satisfy your weeknight hunger.

View Recipe: Cornmeal-Crusted Tilapia Sandwiches with Jicama Slaw

Photo: Randy Mayor

Buffalo Chicken Panini

You don’t need a panini maker for this easy, 5-ingredient hot chicken sandwich. Using a cast-iron or heavy skillet to press sandwiches offers a similar sear and equally great taste.

View Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Panini

Photo: John Autry

Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sliders

Make these easy barbecue pulled chicken sliders by pairing shredded rotisserie chicken with homemade barbecue sauce for an easy weeknight meal.

View Recipe: Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sliders

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Open-Faced Pastrami Omelet on Pumpernickel

The old-school deli-shop flavors of pumpernickel, pastrami, horseradish, and whole-grain mustard are irresistible–in a package much lighter than a full deli pileup.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Pastrami Omelet on Pumpernickel

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Ham, Chicken, and Gruyère Sandwiches

This ham and chicken sandwich is ready to devour in no time. Enjoy with fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a quick and delicious meal.

View Recipe: Grilled Ham, Chicken, and Gruyère Sandwiches

Photo: Oxmoor House

Simple, Perfect Fresh-Ground Brisket Burgers

We loved the simple, flavorful patty we got from grinding inexpensive beef brisket. Ask for the flat cut of brisket for the leanest choice. Traditional condiments like ketchup and mustard are an option, but we found this burger so good on its own that all we added was cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

View Recipe: Simple, Perfect Fresh-Ground Brisket Burgers

Photo: John Autry

Open-Faced Blackened Catfish Sandwiches

This Cajun-inspired catfish sandwich is served open faced and topped with a creamy slaw packed with fresh cilantro.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Blackened Catfish Sandwiches

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Beef, Orange, and Gorgonzola Sandwiches

Grilled flank steak with oranges and blue cheese combine in a sandwich that will make you the envy of coworkers when you open your lunch box. For the best results, use crusty rolls because they stay pleasantly crisp.

View Recipe: Beef, Orange, and Gorgonzola Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor

Classic Italian Panini with Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella

Use this panini recipe as a template, and customize it to your liking. Use hollowed-out focaccia or ciabatta, or try different herbs and cheese, for example.

View Recipe: Classic Italian Panini with Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella

Photo: Mary Britton Senseney/Wonderful Machine

Turkey, Apple, and Swiss Melt

Vary the fruit to suit your kids' preferences–use red- or green-skinned apples or pears.

View Recipe: Turkey, Apple, and Swiss Melt

Photo: Randy Mayor

Shrimp Po'boys

Crusty, well-toasted bread; crispy pan-seared shrimp; and crunchy slaw make this sandwich worth every bite.

View Recipe: Shrimp Po'boys

Photo: Randy Mayor

Chicken and Mushroom Panini

Gooey cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy mushrooms join chicken for a tasty sandwich you can quickly prepare in a grill pan or panini press.

View Recipe: Chicken and Mushroom Panini

Photo: Levi Brown

Chicken Souvlaki Pitas with Tahini Sauce

If you can't find tahini, substitute an equal amount of peanut butter to make the sauce for these Middle East–inspired sandwiches. You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and stuff the pitas when you're ready to eat.

View Recipe: Chicken Souvlaki Pitas with Tahini Sauce

Photo: José Picayo

Grilled Veggie and Hummus Wraps

Make the most of summer's fresh vegetables and grilling by preparing these delicious wraps to take along on a picnic. Serve them with a side of potato or pasta salad.

View Recipe: Grilled Veggie and Hummus Wraps

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Open-Faced Eggplant Sandwiches

Here's the key to a speedy dinner: While the eggplant broils, toast your bread slices in a toaster oven.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Eggplant Sandwiches

Photo: John Autry

Parmesan Buffalo Burgers with Balsamic Ketchup

Ground buffalo has fewer calories and half the fat of lean beef but boasts big, meaty flavor. And slow-roasting tomatoes in balsamic ketchup intensifies their sweetness.

View Recipe: Parmesan Buffalo Burgers with Balsamic Ketchup

Photo: Nigel Cox

Beet and Brown Rice Sliders

These bite-size sliders will leave you satisfied and craving another. Good news: A serving size of these veggie burgers is two sliders.

View Recipe: Beet and Brown Rice Sliders

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor

Open-Faced Pimiento Cheese BLTs

Pimiento cheese is a Southern tradition. We add a little Parmesan to the standard cheddar-mayo mixture for extra savory depth.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Pimiento Cheese BLTs

Photo: Johnny Autry

Turkey Panini with Watercress and Citrus Aioli

Take your average turkey sandwich to the next level with a citrusy spread and a few minutes on the panini press.

View Recipe: Turkey Panini with Watercress and Citrus Aioli

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Italian Beef Sandwiches

If you can't find Italian rolls, substitute a sturdy bread that will soak up the juices in this moist, delightfully messy sandwich.

View Recipe: Italian Beef Sandwiches

Photo: John Kernick

Bacon and Egg Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Arugula

This upscale twist on the traditional breakfast sandwich features sweet, tender caramelized onions and peppery arugula. A fresh fruit salad would be a good accompaniment.

View Recipe: Bacon and Egg Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Arugula

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Pan Bagnat (Niçoise Salad Sandwiches)

These sandwiches take everything you love about a Niçoise salad and put it between two slices of a baguette.

View Recipe: Pan Bagnat (Niçoise Salad Sandwiches)

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Cabernet-Balsamic Burgers with Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions

Grilled cheeseburgers get an irresistible upgrade with creamy blue cheese and caramelized onions spiked with jammy red wine and tart-sweet vinegar. A portion of the tender onions are mixed into the patties to help keep the lean beef moist.

View Recipe: Cabernet-Balsamic Burgers with Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions

Photo: José Picayo

Open-Faced Hummus Sandwiches

These open-faced sandwiches are a quick and easy pick for a fllling lunch or light supper. Serve with a side of asparagus.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Hummus Sandwiches

Photo: John Autry

Chipotle Chicken Cheesesteaks

This sandwich packs in gooey cheese, smoky spices, and chunks of chicken for a comforting family-friendly dinner.

View Recipe: Chipotle Chicken Cheesesteaks

Photo: John Autry

Melty Monsieur

Serve fruit with this kid-friendly take on the classic croque monsieur.

View Recipe: Melty Monsieur

Photo: John Autry

Rosemary-Chicken Panini with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This excellent sandwich is loaded with fresh flavor and is guaranteed to satisfy any appetite.

View Recipe: Rosemary-Chicken Panini with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Photo: John Autry

Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches

Breakfast meets dinner in this play on the Southern favorite.

View Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches

Photo: John Autry

Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwich

This sandwich is basically a riff on Hawaii's beloved lomi-lomi salmon, a salad of salted fish and tomatoes.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwich

Photo: John Autry

Sloppy Joe Sliders

Serve up mini versions of a weeknight favorite. Make the sauce ahead of time, if you like. Just reheat it and toast the buns to finish the sliders.

View Recipe: Sloppy Joe Sliders

Photo: John Autry

French Toast Peanut Butter and Jelly

What kid (or grown-up, for that matter) wouldn't love this ooey-gooey sandwich? Serve the souped-up PB&Js with fresh fruit.

View Recipe: French Toast Peanut Butter and Jelly

Photo: Nigel Cox

Soy-Marinated Pork Sandwiches

There's just the right amount of heat and sweet in these succulent pork sandwiches. Serve with a soba noodle salad.

View Recipe: Soy-Marinated Pork Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor

Roast Chicken and Cranberry Sandwiches

Chutney adds a pleasing sweetness to this new twist on the chicken sandwich. We prefer cranberry chutney, but any variety will do.

View Recipe: Roast Chicken and Cranberry Sandwiches

Photo: Oxmoor House

Picnic-Perfect Lobster Rolls

This classic New England sandwich comes together in a snap if you purchase lobster tails and have them steamed at the fish counter.

View Recipe: Picnic-Perfect Lobster Rolls

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Chicken Wraps

Make dinner tonight a wrap. Toss grilled, shredded chicken in a tangy mayonnaise mixture and wrap it up in flatbread along with a shredded cabbage and pickles.

View Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wraps

Photo: John Autry

Roast Beef Sandwiches with Watercress Slaw

Start with deli roast beef and a package of angel hair slaw to create a hearty roast beef sandwich that's perfect for a quick no-cook dinner.

View Recipe: Roast Beef Sandwiches with Watercress Slaw

Photo: Nigel Cox

Italian Meatball Sliders

Little burgers deliver big flavor in these Italian-inspired sliders. Marinara sauce replaces the ketchup and basil serves as a sub for lettuce.

View Recipe: Italian Meatball Sliders

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Farmers' Market Sandwiches

The stack of grilled eggplant, red onion, and zucchini are quite a mouthful, but still tasty to eat.

View Recipe: Grilled Farmers' Market Sandwiches

Photo: John Autry

Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi

The bread and Vietnamese filling—carrot and radish, cilantro, mayonnaise, and cucumber—are traditional in this vegetarian take on the classic. Prepare mayonnaise mixture and toast bread while the tofu and vegetable mixture marinate.

View Recipe: Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi

Photo: Oxmoor House

Out-n-In California Burger

Here is a crave-worthy, reasonable version of a fast-food icon. With a similarly addictive sauce, this tasty handful is made healthier with lean ground sirloin and lower-sodium, lighter cheese.

View Recipe: Out-n-In California Burger

Photo: John Autry

Turkey Arepas

Arepas are corn cakes popular in Latin American countries. Look for arepa flour in the international food section of large supermarkets or in an ethnic market. Don't substitute masa harina or cornmeal for the arepa flour, which is precooked. Store the flour in an airtight container in your freezer to extend its shelf life.

View Recipe: Turkey Arepas

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Eggplant Pita Sandwiches with Yogurt-Garlic Spread

This sandwich is also delicious cold the next day for lunch—to prevent the pita from getting soggy, don't assemble until you're ready to eat. We like thick, tangy Greek-style yogurt in this dish.

View Recipe: Grilled Eggplant Pita Sandwiches with Yogurt-Garlic Spread

Photo: John Autry

Prosciutto, Fresh Fig, and Manchego Sandwiches

Prosciutto and fresh figs are a classic Italian combination. Here, along with Manchego cheese and fig jam, they create a sweet-savory sandwich that's simple yet memorable. Great ingredients make all the difference here, so look for a fine loaf of artisan bread and quality prosciutto.

View Recipe: Prosciutto, Fresh Fig, and Manchego Sandwiches

Photo: John Autry

Nuevo Cubano

This update on a traditional Cuban sandwich adds a spicy black bean spread and sweet mango, which balances the salty ham. If mango isn't your thing, use low-acid tomatoes.

View Recipe: Nuevo Cubano

Photo: Randy Mayor

Smoked Mozzarella, Spinach, and Pepper Omelet Sandwiches

Breakfast for dinner is a fun way to shake up your menu, and breakfast foods are almost always quick and easy. This 10-minute dish is no exception. We combine whole eggs and egg whites to give great flavor but keep fat in check, and use deeply flavored smoked mozzarella to add more depth.

View Recipe: Smoked Mozzarella, Spinach, and Pepper Omelet Sandwiches

Photo: John Autry

Lamb Burgers with Cilantro Raita

The tangy, herby yogurt sauce (raita) stands in for mayonnaise on this blended burger. For more spicy kick, leave the seeds in the serrano chile.

View Recipe: Lamb Burgers with Cilantro Raita

Photo: Oxmoor House

Salmon Burgers

For best results, choose salmon from the meaty center of the fish and avoid portions cut from the tail section (where the body starts to taper). Tail-end flesh contains more connective tissue than center-cut fillets. Use black sesame seed buns, if available.

View Recipe: Salmon Burgers

Photo: John Autry

Open-Faced Sandwiches with Ricotta, Arugula, and Fried Egg

You'll need a knife and fork to dig into these filling sandwiches that give a unique take on breakfast for dinner.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Sandwiches with Ricotta, Arugula, and Fried Egg

Photo: Randy Mayor

Spicy Chicken Shawarma

This chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern version of a gyro and features thin slices of chicken mixed with yogurt and wrapped in pita bread spread with tahini. The sandwiches are then topped with fresh cucumber, tomato, and onion.

View Recipe: Spicy Chicken Shawarma

Photo: John Autry

Italian Sausage Hoagies

The hearty filling of veggies and turkey sausage will get rave reviews from adults and kids alike.

View Recipe: Italian Sausage Hoagies

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Quick BBQ Sandwiches with Slaw

Pile the slaw on the sandwich for a crunchy contrast to the tender grilled pork. Serve with smoky grilled corn: Brush 4 ears shucked corn with olive oil. Grill 8 minutes, turning occasionally. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Serve with lime wedges.

View Recipe: Quick BBQ Sandwiches with Slaw

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

A new take on a familiar favorite pairs grilled cheese with a BLT for a luscious veggie-packed sandwich that feels like an indulgence. Serve with zesty dill pickle spears. If you have extra room in your budget, pair with a sweet-tart hard cider.

View Recipe: Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Lamb Sliders with Blue Cheese

These lamb sliders are an unexpected twist. We love the pairing of sweet caramelized onions and tangy blue cheese.

View Recipe: Lamb Sliders with Blue Cheese

Photo: Randy Mayor

Feta-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

A simple yogurt-based sauce and a rich feta-and-spice stuffing makes these turkey burgers stand out above the rest. Pair with sautéed zucchini.

View Recipe: Feta-Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Photo: John Autry

Tuna Salad Melt

You'll love this open-faced take on a classic tuna melt. Sustainable note: Solid white tuna is albacore, the most sustainable choice among varieties of tuna.

View Recipe: Tuna Salad Melt

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Our Homemade Quick Black Bean Burger

Serve this meatless black bean burger on a bun with hot sauce-spiked ketchup, spinach leaves, tomato, a slice of Monterey Jack cheese, avocado slices, and onion.

View Recipe: Our Homemade Quick Black Bean Burger

Photo: Randy Mayor

Grilled Tomato and Brie Sandwiches

These grilled tomato and brie sandwiches make the most of juicy, flavorful summer tomatoes. Serve with grapes or carrot sticks.

View Recipe: Grilled Tomato and Brie Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor

Steak and Fennel Sandwiches

If you're keeping track of fat grams, this hefty sandwich provides about one-third of your day's needs. We suggest using a jarred canola-based mayonnaise if you would rather purchase the condiment.

View Recipe: Steak and Fennel Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor

Chipotle Sloppy Joes

Add Mexican-inspired spice to this traditional family favorite. Serve with your favorite coleslaw for an easy side.

View Recipe: Chipotle Sloppy Joes

Photo: Randy Mayor

Grilled Turkey and Ham Sandwiches

Update sandwich night with a hearty grilled stacker loaded with turkey, ham, veggies, and a Dijon spread.

View Recipe: Grilled Turkey and Ham Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor

Mediterranean Chicken Salad Pitas

Greek yogurt has a thick, rich consistency similar to sour cream. Add honeydew melon and cantaloupe slices on the side.

View Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Salad Pitas

Photo: John Autry

Slow-Cooked BBQ Fennel, Onion, and Pork Sandwiches

These pork sandwiches are a nod to low-and-slow Southern barbecue–using just a little bit of pork shoulder. And just like traditional pulled pork, the meltingly tender vegetables and pork are piled high on toasted buns, slathered with a Greek yogurt mixture, and topped with shredded cabbage.

View Recipe: Slow-Cooked BBQ Fennel, Onion, and Pork Sandwiches

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor

Shrimp Salad Rolls

Superfast and easy to make, these shrimp salad rolls are a great way to eat more seafood during the week.

View Recipe: Shrimp Salad Rolls

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Middle Eastern Chickpea Miniburgers

Serve each burger on a whole-grain slider bun with lettuce, crisp radish slices, roasted red bell pepper, and canola-based mayonnaise. Two burgers per person!

View Recipe: Middle Eastern Chickpea Miniburgers

Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro-Lime Mayo

These reduced-fat chicken sandwiches feature chicken cutlets encrusted with tortilla chip crumbs, which yield a satisfying crunch. You can also use spicy chips for more heat.

View Recipe: Spicy Chicken Sandwiches with Cilantro-Lime Mayo

Photo: Randy Mayor

Grilled Portobello, Bell Pepper, and Goat Cheese Sandwiches

Although you can cook the vegetables, bread, and tomato side dish in a grill pan, these sandwiches also come together quickly on the increased surface area of an outdoor grill.

View Recipe: Grilled Portobello, Bell Pepper, and Goat Cheese Sandwiches

Vegetable Burgers

These tender vegetable patties are meant to be soft. Prepare through step two the day before since the mixture is easier to work with once its has been refrigerated overnight and the flavors have had time to marry.

View Recipe: Vegetable Burgers

Photo: John Autry

Open-Faced Chicken Club Sandwiches

This flavorful sandwich will add brightness to your day. Serve it with fresh seasonal citrus or other fruit.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Chicken Club Sandwiches

Photo: John Autry

Mushroom Lentil Burgers

Make homemade veggie burgers in a snap with precooked lentils. Brown lentils can be substituted but tend to be more moisture-dense and may require additional breadcrumbs to help bind the burgers.

View Recipe: Mushroom Lentil Burgers

Photo: John Autry

Caprese Wraps with Chicken

Pick up a rotisserie chicken and assemble this hearty sandwich for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

View Recipe: Caprese Wraps with Chicken

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Fried Green Tomato BLTs

A Southern favorite, fried green tomatoes lend a delightful twist to this sandwich. The tomatoes take center stage over the bacon in this version.

View Recipe: Fried Green Tomato BLTs

Photo: Jeff Kauck

Wasabi Salmon Burgers with Edamame-Cilantro Pesto

Tofu binds the ingredients together in this salmon dish. Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) yields a crisp crust on these juicy burgers.

View Recipe: Wasabi Salmon Burgers with Edamame-Cilantro Pesto

Photo: John Autry

Open-Faced Prosciutto and Plum Sandwiches

Sweet fig preserves balance the tartness of the plums. Choose red or purple plums with bright, unblemished skin that are firm and plump to the touch.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Prosciutto and Plum Sandwiches

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Fruity Tuna-Salad Pita Sandwiches

These sandwiches taste great and pair protein with carbohydrates to keep your energy level up. You can substitute one (9-ounce) can of solid white tuna in water, drained, for the tuna steak.

View Recipe: Fruity Tuna-Salad Pita Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor

Chicken and Roquefort Sandwiches

One serving of this entrée contains about one-fourth of your daily sodium allotment. We extend salty Roquefort cheese by mixing it with cream cheese as a spread. A 2-ounce portion size for bread also helps control sodium counts.

View Recipe: Chicken and Roquefort Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor

Steak Sandwiches with Worcestershire Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise, Worcestershire, and whole-grain mustard combine for a tangy, slightly smoky sandwich spread. Arugula is a peppery salad green. Substitute your favorite lettuce, if you like.

View Recipe: Steak Sandwiches with Worcestershire Mayonnaise

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Falafel with Avocado Spread

The beauty of this Latin twist on the classic Middle Eastern falafel sandwich is its simplicity, and of course, flavor. Garnish with microgreens and sliced red onion.

View Recipe: Falafel with Avocado Spread

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Lobster Wraps with Lemon Mayonnaise

Flatbread replaces buttered rolls in this take on the New England classic.

View Recipe: Lobster Wraps with Lemon Mayonnaise

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Open-Faced Turkey Patty Melt

The traditional patty melt gets a makeover with ground turkey, but substitute ground chicken or ground sirloin, if you prefer. Pair sandwiches with vegetable chips.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Turkey Patty Melt