10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (2024)

In the market for a new well-balanced lunch? Try one (or all!) of these nutritious sandwiches.

ByCara Eisenpress

andPhoebe Lapine

Updated on October 1, 2022

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10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (1)

If you're looking for a low-calorie sandwich that will actually keep you full, try one of these nutritious toasties, wraps, quesadillas, and more. Each sandwich here is around 250–300 calories and is perfect to pair with a side of fruit or veg for a well-balanced lunch.

01of 10

Greek Salad Pita Pocket

10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (2)

This recipe creates enough filling for four pita sandwiches. If you like, make extra of the healthy sandwich filling to eat as a side salad throughout the week. (Here are more Mediterranean meal ideas to try out.)

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
  • 3 ounces crumbled feta
  • 1 cup cucumbers, seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup red pepper
  • 1 cup green pepper
  • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 pitas, sliced in half

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, feta, cucumber, red and green pepper, red onion, and parsley.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and oregano. Salt and pepper to taste, then pour dressing over salad blend
  3. Stuff mixture inside pitas.

02of 10

Crunchy Hummus Wrap

10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (3)

Want a veggie-heavy option that doesn't taste boring? Opt for this delicious hummus-infused wrap.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons hummus
  • 1 whole-wheat wrap
  • 1 radish, sliced in strips
  • 1 carrot, sliced in strips
  • 1/4 cucumber, sliced in strips
  • 1/4 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 slice avocado
  • 1 handful arugula

Directions

  1. Spread hummus (either store-bought or homemade hummus using the recipe in this Mediterranean snack guide) on one side of whole-wheat wrap.
  2. Top with radishes, carrot, cucumber, bean sprouts, and avocado. Add arugula last, then roll the wrap into a spiral.

03of 10

Radicchio Tartine

10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (4)

Fiber-rich leafy vegetables are a great way to bulk up a healthy sandwich.

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 leaves radicchio, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup shredded nonfat mozzaerlla
  • 1 slice whole-grain bread

Directions

  1. Sauté radicchio with olive oil and minced garlic until wilted, about 5 minutes.
  2. In toaster oven, melt 1/4 cup shredded nonfat mozzarella on a slice of whole grain bread.
  3. Top toasted bread with radicchio mixture.

04of 10

Chicken Banh Mi

10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (5)

Opt for chicken as a high-protein stuffing for this traditional Vietnamese sandwich recipe. Prefer plant-based? Use tofu instead — you'll still up your protein intake.

The Ultimate List of High-Protein Foods

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Juice of 3 limes
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons sriracha
  • 1 baguette
  • 3 stems cilantro
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrot

Directions

  1. For marinade, mix juice of 2.5 limes, Dijon mustard, and sriracha. Add chicken breast and let marinate.
  2. Grill chicken breast until nicely charred, about 5–7 minutes per side.
  3. Add grilled chicken to fresh baguette, then top with cilantro stems and shredded carrots.
  4. Squeeze the remaining half lime over the top for more flavor.

05of 10

Spinach Quesadilla

10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (6)

Fresh baby spinach and eggs act as the "meat" in this lean, green quesadilla.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large handful spinach
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 tablespoon feta
  • 1 whole-wheat tortilla

Directions

  1. In a skillet, sauté spinach with olive oil until wilted (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add egg whites and feta. Quickly fold mixture together and transfer to whole-wheat tortilla.
  3. Fold quesadilla in half and lightly toast both sides in skillet.

06of 10

Turkey-Dijon Toastie

It's easy to turn a traditional turkey club into a healthy sandwich. Here's how.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces turkey, sliced
  • 1 slice low-fat pepper jack cheese
  • 2 slices whole-grain bread
  • Dijon mustard to taste

Directions

  1. Layer turkey and low-fat pepper jack cheese between two slices of whole-grain bread, adding Dijon mustard to taste.
  2. Toast in nonstick skillet lightly spritzed with cooking spray until each side is crispy and melty.

07of 10

Grilled Mushroom Melt

10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (8)

Grilled cheese may not have the reputation of a healthy sandwich, but this no-fail formula for a tasty, good-for-you version will change your mind.

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Ingredients

  • 2 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 2 slices low-fat cheddar
  • 2 slices whole-grain bread

Directions

  1. Sauté mushrooms with butter in a skillet until beginning to crisp, about 5–6 minutes on each side.
  2. Layer mushrooms and low-fat cheddar between two slices of whole-grain bread.
  3. Toast each side of the sandwich in the same pan, until crisp. Better yet, cook sandwich on an indoor grill pan instead of skillet.

08of 10

Caprese Salad Roll-Up

10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (9)

Translate the Italian salad into a healthy sandwich for a fresh, summery meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole-wheat tortilla
  • 4 ounces part-skim fresh mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatos, diced
  • 2 tablespoons basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup mixed greens
  • Balsamic vinegar, to taste

Directions

  1. Top tortilla with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil leaves, and mixed greens, then drizzle with balsamic.
  2. Roll and cut into pinwheels.

09of 10

Tuna Burgers

10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (10)

Try fish instead of ground beef to add heart-healthy fats to your meal.

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Ingredients

  • 4 ounces yellowfin tuna, minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 whole-wheat bun
  • 1 small handful arugula
  • extra Dijon mustard, to taste

Directions

  1. For tuna patty, pack together yellowfin tuna with lemon juice and Dijon mustard.
  2. Sear burger in nonstick skillet lightly spritzed with cooking spray until crisp, about 3–4 minutes on each side).
  3. Add cooked patty to bun, then top with arugula and Dijon mustard, to taste.

10of 10

Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches

10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (11)

Roasted vegetables aren't just for dinner side dishes. Try them inside a healthy sandwich for a meatless meal that will keep you full for hours. You can go with the suggested eggplant and red onion, or swap them out for your preferred roasted veggies for a more customized sandwich.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 eggplant, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 slices whole-wheat bread
  • 2 tablespoons hummus or white bean spread.

Directions

  1. Roast vegetables with olive oil until golden brown to concentrate their flavors.
  2. On one piece of whole-wheat bread, spread with dip of choice, then add roasted veggies to complete the sandwich.

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10 Healthy Sandwich Recipes You Probably Haven't Tried (2024)

FAQs

What are the healthiest sandwiches to eat? ›

Good sandwich choices include sliced deli or rotisserie chicken, turkey, ham, lean roast beef, canned salmon or tuna, nut butter, grilled tempeh or tofu, smashed cooked beans, and reduced-fat cheese.

What is a healthy choice for a sandwich? ›

A healthy sandwich often includes whole grain bread, lean protein (such as turkey or chicken), plenty of vegetables, and a modest amount of a healthy spread like hummus or avocado. Opting for whole, minimally processed ingredients contributes to a nutritious choice.

How can sandwiches be made healthier? ›

  1. Be mindful about which bread you choose. ...
  2. Consider using wraps instead of bread when making your lunch. ...
  3. Cook your own meats instead of buying deli cold cuts. ...
  4. Adding vegetables can make any sandwich more nutritious. ...
  5. Choosing the right spread can add even more nutrients to your sandwich.
May 1, 2021

What is a healthy meat to put on a sandwich? ›

Go with lean protein.

“Choose healthy proteins like sliced chicken, fish, or turkey, or even canned tuna or salmon,” Taylor suggests. Look for light tuna in a can or pouch, which has less mercury than albacore, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.

Is mayonnaise good or bad for health? ›

Consuming mayonnaise in excess can increase the risk of heart disease. About 1.6 grams of saturated fat is found in one tablespoon of mayonnaise. In this case, if you eat more mayonnaise, it can increase cholesterol. High cholesterol in the body increases the risk of heart disease.

What is the world's healthiest sandwich? ›

Lean meats such as turkey, chicken, or grilled fish are preferable over processed meats like bacon or salami, which are often high in sodium and saturated fats. Additionally, selecting sandwiches with plenty of vegetables not only adds flavor and texture but it provides a nutritional boost.

Is a homemade sandwich healthy? ›

Yes, this lunchtime staple can be good for you. A healthy sandwich is a lunchtime favorite for a few good reasons: It's easily packable, cheap to make, and the perfect vehicle for complex carbohydrates, good-for-you fats, fiber-packed veggies, and lean protein.

Is pizza unhealthy or healthy? ›

The Bottom Line. Pizza is not only delicious but can also be a healthy meal choice when thought is put into its preparation. Though many frozen and fast-food varieties tend to be high in calories, fat, sodium and other unhealthy ingredients, pizza can be made healthier.

Is peanut butter sandwich healthy? ›

Peanut butter is packed with proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Choosing natural or no added sugar versions can make your sandwich even healthier. It's beneficial for sustained energy and satiety.

What can I use instead of bread for sandwiches? ›

Healthier bread choices
  • Cornbread. ...
  • Homemade sourdough. ...
  • Rice paper wraps. ...
  • Lettuce is a good wrap substitute; ideally you want a soft butter lettuce or large cos leaf but you can use other varieties. ...
  • Egg wraps. ...
  • Rye bread.

What is the most unhealthy sandwich meat? ›

“Fatty, processed luncheon meats like bologna, salami and pepperoni have large amounts of saturated fat and sodium, both of which have been linked to cancer, obesity and heart disease,” Zumpano shares. In fact, processed meats are actually considered carcinogenic.

Is Subway really healthy? ›

Plenty of healthy options exist at Subway, but less-balanced choices do, too. Certain meats contain hard-to-pronounce additives, excess sodium, and unhealthy fats. Other items include added sugar.

What deli meat is the healthiest? ›

There are a few kinds of deli meat that are healthier choices: turkey, chicken or roast beef, Crumble Smith says. Salami, bologna, pepperoni and pastrami, for example, have more sodium and are generally more processed.

What is the healthiest sandwich to get at a deli? ›

There are a few kinds of deli meat that are healthier choices: turkey, chicken or roast beef, Crumble Smith says. Salami, bologna, pepperoni and pastrami, for example, have more sodium and are generally more processed.

What deli meats are not processed? ›

Fresh chicken, turkey, beef, pork and fish that have not been modified are considered unprocessed meats.

What is the healthiest bread to eat with sandwiches? ›

Some breads are more nutritious than others. To choose a beneficial bread, you can look for varieties made from 100% whole-grain and/or sprouted-grain flours. Make sure your bread is low in added sweeteners. A few good options include sourdough, rye, flax, and oat breads.

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