21 Healthy Sandwiches for When You Want a Handheld Meal
Long gone are the days of boring sandwiches comprised of a piece of bread and sliced meat slapped together. Instead, check out this list of melts, sliders, paninis, and wraps filled with fresh meats, flavorful spreads, and bright vegetables. These healthy sandwiches, all under 600 calories, are a complete nutrition package, literally at your fingertips.
Sweet-Spicy Barbecued Chicken Sliders
Looking for a healthy sandwich that includes buffalo chicken? Your search ends here. These sliders start with purchased rolls (opt for whole wheat for extra fiber) and feature sauced-up leftover or rotisserie chicken, so it's a cinch to make a big batch in a flash.
Pickled Beet Sandwiches
A bit of prosciutto goes a long way in these toasted healthy sandwiches that highlight peppy watercress and tangy pickled beets. For extra crunch, we sprinkle on a few crumbled potato chips (baked or kettle-cooked if you like) before adding the second slice of bread.
Italian Veggie Heroes
Who says meat lovers should have all the fun? Pile on the veggies and cheese and enjoy. Try different dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, Thousand Island, or ranch dressing.
Balsamic Honey Pulled Pork Sliders
Great for entertaining, these sliders are easy to put together. Pile buttery dinner rolls with the simmered meat and top with crunchy, vitamin-packed coleslaw and pickles. If you're hosting a get-together, make a whole plate of these easy grab-and-go mini sandwiches.
Coffee-Rubbed Salmon Sandwiches
Is it sweet? Is it savory? Both, actually. The unexpected coffee flavor will have your taste buds asking for more. It's decadent and filling in a way that fish sometimes isn't. The sour cream balances out the espresso powder in a refreshing finish.
Thai Shrimp and Cucumber Wraps with Rice
This wrap is so flavorful that it can serve as a main dish. The unique ingredients of sriracha and brown sugar sweeten and spice up the sauce without being overbearing. The jasmine rice adds a bit of fiber to round out the nutrition profile.
Grilled Zucchini and Goat Cheese Toasts
Take advantage of a bumper crop of squash to make open-faced, healthy sandwiches for lunch. Grill the veggies and the bread, then layer a goat cheese mixture.
Greek Sloppy Joe Pitas
Quick lunch sandwiches should never be boring! Luxurious red wine tomato sauce transforms lean ground lamb into a light, tasty, healthy sandwich filler. Mediterranean-inspired toppers like feta cheese and Kalamata olives complete these pita pockets.
Paleo Waldorf Salad Lettuce Wraps
Simply delicious describes this wrap. It also keeps lunch light, nutrition-packed, and fast. If you're not following the paleo diet, you could swap out the lettuce and use whole wheat bread or tortillas to increase the protein.
Asian-Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a tasty way to save on carbs and calories and make your favorite lunch a healthy sandwich recipe. Fill butterhead lettuce with Asian-spiced chicken and vegetables for a fix-and-forget slow cooker favorite.
Greek Lamb Wraps
Lamb makes for a tender sandwich filling when slow-cooked and shredded to perfection. Combine it with a light mayo spread, fresh veggies, and reduced-fat feta cheese for a sensational Greek healthy sandwich wrap.
Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders
This is an economical and flavorful hearty sandwich. By using ground chicken, shredded cheese, and regular pantry ingredients, this is an easy go-to lunch. Using ground turkey and ground beef would change the flavor just enough to keep this healthy sandwich from getting boring once you start making it on repeat.
Sesame-Ginger Turkey Wraps
Skip takeout and create international wraps with slow-cooked turkey and crisp slaw coated in a sesame-ginger stir-fry sauce. This low-fat Asian-inspired recipe will help you watch your waistline without sacrificing any flavor.
Avocado Ranch Tuna Melts
By keeping your sandwich open-face and making smart ingredient swaps, such as light mayonnaise and ultra-thin cheese slices, you can enjoy all the comfort of creamy tuna melts with half the fat. We added avocado and broccoli slaw mix to this classic and healthy sandwich for nutrition and depth of flavor.
Avocado BLT Club Sandwiches
The mashed avocado mixture with garlic, mayo, and lemon juice takes this healthy sandwich to another level. If you like toasted bread with your sandwich, this recipe will become a regular in your lunch rotation. It's great on sourdough, whole wheat, and French rolls.
Paleo Chipotle-Ranch Egg Salad Wraps
We'll walk you through every step of making this healthy wrap recipe. First, whip up the homemade dressing and make the filling. Once that's done, it's as easy as rolling up the mixture in a cassava flour tortilla.
Portobello-Pepper Kale Wraps
Skip the bread, and roll up vibrant, fresh veggies in a kale leaf. This satisfying wrap is loaded with textures and flavors. For meatiness, we're adding sauteed mushrooms. Finish the dish with a homemade cashew cream.
Turkey-Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
We love the combination of melty cheese, sweet apples, and turkey. The real star of the show is a spread of apple jelly. The sweetness helps cut through the richness of the white cheddar cheese.
Open-Face Cheesesteaks
Put a twist on a classic cheesesteak by serving it open-face on thick whole wheat bread. Our healthy sandwich recipe starts with sliced sirloin steak that's finished with veggies and melted provolone cheese.
Air-Fryer Chicken Katsu Sandwiches
Cooking these breaded chicken patties in the air fryer ensures they come out extra crisp and delicious. Finish the healthy chicken sandwich with lettuce, sauce, and milk bread.
Garlic-Ginger Pork Lettuce Wraps
We're sharing two cooking methods for making the juicy pork loin. In a hurry? Try our pressure cooker option. If you've got more time, try whipping up the filling in the slow cooker.