Carne Asada Steak Sandwiches
We opt for Chipotle chile powder, which has a smoky, earthy profile and isn't as hot as ground red pepper. Our Shaved Carrot, Cucumber, and Sweet Onion Salad pairs perfectly with this meal.
The Big Omega Sandwich
Our supercharged salmon sandwich gives delicious incentive to ditch its fast-food counterparts. Wild-caught salmon is infused with a wealth of smoky, spicy, and deliciously tangy ingredients before being pan-seared to crisp, golden perfection. We found that broiling the salmon results in the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth, buttery tenderness. In place of standard tartar sauce, we top each patty with a generous dollop of spicy, yogurt-blended aioli.
Egg and Tomato Open-Faced Sandwiches
Slightly thicker (1 1/2-oz.) bread slices build a sturdy sandwich base. Slice your own, or ask to have it sliced on the thick side. Meaty, briny kalamata olives and a splash of vinegar punch up a quick red pepper sauce for these vegetarian sandwiches. Serve with our Cheddar and Chive "Squachos," easy, cheesy nacho-style broiled squash slices, to complete the meal.
Provolone and Broccoli Rabe Beef Sliders
Pleasantly bitter broccoli rabe gives sliders a sophisticated edge and introduces a likely unfamiliar veggie in a delicious way. The Italian flavors of broccoli rabe and provolone cheese may sound like an unlikely combination but make for a truly great family-friendly meal. Simply seasoned with salt and pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire, these succulent sliders are flavorful enough to please both kids and parents. Use Broccolini for a milder flavor. To create a truly terrific burger use quality 93% lean ground sirloin and premium whole wheat buns. Lean ground sirloin and reduced-fat cheese help keep fat and calories in check.
The Perfect Lobster Roll
Neptune Oyster in Boston and Red's Eats in Maine, on which this recipe is based, both give the option of butter or mayo. Offering that choice means they can't hide anything about the quality of their lobster.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Coleslaw
Our quick homemade BBQ sauce is lower in sodium than bottled versions, and you can put this meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Turkey Sliders
A handful of fresh mint boosts the flavor of ground turkey, while cream cheese keeps the patties moist. Mild-flavored pepperoncini peppers top these sliders served on water rolls.
Grilled Cheese Skillet "Panini"
A gooey, golden-crisp grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect partner to our Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup. We lean on reduced-fat cheddar but add a little canola mayo to stretch the cheese and encourage extra meltiness for a mixture that has 50% less sat fat than regular cheddar and saves 190mg sodium over processed American cheese.
Ours trims 225 calories, 12.1g sat fat, and 161mg sodium from a classic American grilled cheese.
Third Meal: Greek Stuffed Pitas
The Sheet Pan Swedish Meatballs from the first night help you put dinner on the table in just 20 minutes. Pack them into whole-wheat pitas along with our yogurt and cabbage mixtures. Spread the cucumber-yogurt sauce inside the pita first so you get a cool contrast with every bite of the spiced meatballs. Even if you're tempted to use nonfat Greek yogurt, don't. The 2% yogurt is what gives the sauce its satisfying flavor and texture. If you're wary of slicing red cabbage, you could always use a store-bought coleslaw mix, however the color won't be red (and not nearly as pretty).
Waffle Iron Turkey Melt Panini
This playful turkey melt's abundant crisp crevices and gooey interior will have the whole family wondering, "What can we waffle next?"
Pork Sliders with Smashed Avocado
For smaller sandwiches like these, we prefer to smash the avocado into a spread before assembling so that no slippery slices are lost on the journey from plate to mouth.
Tomato and Prosciutto Sandwiches with Pea Pesto
Toast the leftover torn bread from the baguette for breadcrumbs (which you can freeze), or add to soup for a slightly thicker soup.
Kicky Grilled Cheeses
Liven up a simple grilled cheese with Sambal Oelek, a spicy chili paste that delivers Asian-inspired heat. Trade out your full-fat cheeses for a reduced-fat sharp cheddar and low-fat cream cheese. Topped with wilted kale, this is a sandwich that is packed with greens and protein, yet still tastes like an indulgent, grown-up take on a kids' classic.
Greek Slaw and Chicken Pitas
This quick-to-assemble sandwich is basically a salad in a pita, one that's full of crunchy lemon-feta Greek slaw and convenient rotisserie chicken.
Buffalo Quinoa Burgers
Make your own veggie burgers—they come together quickly and easily with the help of a food processor. You can form the patties ahead of time: Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to two days. They’ll end up holding their shape even better in the pan. If serving to kids or folks with sensitive palates, you can omit the hot sauce mixture and simply serve the patties on buns with the usual burger condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo. Serve with veggies and ranch dressing for a fun and lighter alternative to fries.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
For extra-crispy sandwiches, weigh them down in the pan by placing a heavy skillet on top while they sizzle.
Tofu Banh Mi Wraps with Quick-Pickled Carrots and Radishes
Drain the pickles well before adding to each wrap. This is a saucy sandwich, so extra liquid can make it a bit messy once you bite in.
Griddled Chicken and Mango Sandwiches
This flavorful griddled sandwich is filled with chicken, arugula, mango, jalapeno, and feta cheese.
Cran-Apple Smoked Turkey Sliders
Let's face it: You have to have a killer leftover turkey sandwich the day after the feast. If you start with our robust Applewood-Smoked Turkey, you need only a few embellishments—namely the juicy snap of tart apple and the extra layer of smoke from the cheddar—to reach to-die-for status.
Grilled Margherita Sandwiches
This quick five-ingredient entrée transforms a favorite pizza combo into a melty grilled sandwich. To thinly slice fresh mozzarella with ease, freeze the cheese for about 30 minutes before cutting.
Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Fresh tarragon infuses this picnic-perfect chicken salad with lovely anise notes. However, feel free to separate part of the salad into a bowl before adding the tarragon for a couple of kid-friendlier servings.
Turkey and Swiss Wrap with Carrot Salad
This is the perfect lunch to make ahead of time and pack for a long trip. Serve these turkey and Swiss wraps with a carrot salad for a healthy and kid-friendly lunch. The wholesome, balanced lunch will keep you fueled and ready for the day.
Cornmeal-Dusted Catfish Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw
Forget pulling out a deep fryer—a light coating of crunchy cornmeal and a quick pan-fry make catfish fillets delicately crisp.
Mexican-Style Grilled Vegetable Sandwich
Ciabatta bread has a great crust for pressed sandwiches. You could also use French bread or Cuban bread. Our Mango and Jicama Salad makes a splendid side with this entrée.
Chicago-Style Italian Beef Hoagies
Chuck roast translates to big flavor when braised until tender. Instead of simmering on your stovetop, you can also place the Dutch oven in a 350° oven and bake for 2½ hours, turning once after 1 hour.
Parm-Style Chicken Sliders
Top patties with mozzarella and marinara for a kid-friendly twist on an Italian classic.
Fig-Glazed Chicken Panini with Brie
For sandwiches with great crunch, look for a rustic whole-grain bread boule. If you have trouble cutting 1-ounce slices across the width of the boule, cut it in half first.
Summer Veggie Sandwich
Scooping out part of the bread in this simple version of pan bagnat allows for more tasty fillings and acts as a hull to collect flavorful tomato juices. Make breadcrumbs with scooped-out bread.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Veggie Wraps
Lunch to go never looked so good. Try these portable veggie wraps with any flavor of hummus you like and whatever crisp veggies you have on hand.
Avocado-Egg Salad Sandwiches with Pickled Celery
Egg salad is a lunch-time favorite, a go-to because it's quick, easy to prepare, and rich in filling protein. A typical homemade version can load on more than 23g of fat and almost 900mg sodium—suddenly making your so-called light lunch feel anything but. Our avocado trick cuts fat in half, keeping all the creamy goodness of classic egg salad.
Pork Sandwiches with Pickled Slaw
Quick-pickled carrots and cabbage add flavor and crunch to this simple sub.
Grilled Chicken Pitas with Sesame Drizzle
Look for jars or cans of tahini on the international aisle of the supermarket. It adds nutty flavor and keeps the sandwich moist.
Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwiches
Moroccan Pita Sandwiches
Upgrade sandwich night by serving these hearty mini burgers in pita pockets. Pair with a small salad for a light, simple dinner in minutes.
Mushroom-Beef Burger
It's time to flip your burger! The protein in your burger, that is. Chefs and major food-service companies alike have had huge success with plant-forward burgers because they're delicious, satisfying, and better for you. We upped the veggie-to-beef ratio in this makeover of a classic burger for a patty that's much lower in fat, yet full of meaty satisfaction.
Open-Faced Apricot-Chipotle Chicken Club
Serve with a snap pea and radish sauté for a filling and delicious meal.
