Lunch Ideas for Two: 14 Flex Lunches for the Nutrisystem Partner Plan

If your favorite lunch date is also your weight loss partner, have we got some recipes for you!

You were both smart to sign up for the Nutrisystem Partner Plan. Studies have found that if you lose weight with someone else, you’re more likely to stick to your diet and exercise program, lose more weight, and keep it off than if you went solo.

Lunching out can sometimes be a problem. You may find that some of your favorites are far more calories that you ever imagined. For example, the Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT from Panera Bread is a 850 calories. Our make-at-home version shaves off 627 calories and sacrifices none of the flavor, satisfaction or sourdough! (Plus, you’ll save money too.)

So, set the table and invite your partner to lunch. Here are 14 winning Flex lunch idea for two that will help you both lose.

1. Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT

Add two ounces of roasted turkey and two slices of turkey bacon, lettuce and tomato to a slice of toasted multigrain sourdough bread. On the other slice, spread a quarter of an avocado. Slice in half and share. Option: Skip the toasting and place the sandwich in a grill pan or Panini press until both sides are golden. Serve this lunch for two with a side salad to get in some of your daily veggies. Click here for the full recipe! >

2. Cucumber Sandwich with Deli Meat

This isn’t your typical cucumber sandwich, the kind you have with a traditional British tea. This version uses crispy cukes in place of bread and fills them with low fat cheese spread and low-sodium turkey or chicken. The recipe makes two servings from just one medium cuke. You won’t believe how filling and refreshing it is. Click here for the full recipe! >

3. Edamame Quinoa Burgers

Here’s your Meatless Monday go-to: Spicy, satisfying burgers served on lettuce leaves. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the bread. These veggie burgers are surprisingly simple to make. You start with cooked quinoa and mashed edamame. Bring it all together with an egg and spice it up with garlic powder, cumin, coriander and pepper. Then it’s a few minutes under the broiler and lunch is served! Click here for the full recipe! >

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4. Avocado Tuna Melt Panini

Tuna is one of the seven healthiest fish for weight loss. It has loads of healthy omega-3 fats and a high protein content. Mixed with mashed avocado—another source of heart-loving omega-3 fatty acids—it’s a powerhouse sandwich that will make it worth your while to drag out your Panini press—or buy one. (Don’t worry, you can also make it on your stovetop or grill.) The “melt” part is two slices of reduced fat provolone cheese served on two multigrain sandwich thins. Click here for the full recipe! >

5. Deli Meat and Cheese Kabobs

When you’re dieting, protein is your friend. Your body takes its time processing it so you stay feeling satisfied longer. This recipe for two calls for low sodium deli meat, cheese cubes, black olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, whole wheat pita bread and thick, crunchy slices of romaine lettuce. All you have to do is layer the ingredients on skewers and enjoy. Click here for the full recipe! >

6. 5-Minute Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Apricot Sauce

You’re probably thinking, “Isn’t this a little fancy-schmancy and complicated for lunch?” Absolutely not! You deserve a little treat and this sweet and crunchy recipe is easy peasy to make if you have an air fryer. Simply coat your high-protein shrimp with egg, whole wheat flour, shredded coconut and panko crumbs. Then juts pop it into the air fryer. The sauce is also a cinch to whip up—it’s a combo of apricot preserves, light soy sauce, vinegar and red pepper flakes. Click here for the full recipe! >

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7. Watermelon Chicken Salad

This recipe has a real summer vibe, all thanks to the watermelon. It’s colorful enough to be your contribution to the family picnic, but also perfect for a lunch for you and your weight loss buddy. Simply toss cooked chicken chunks with watermelon, chopped celery, diced red onion, nonfat Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise. Spice it up with chili powder and cayenne pepper. Click here for the full recipe! >

8. Mediterranean Panzanella Salad

This Tuscan-style salad traditionally starts with stale bread that’s refreshed by soaking in a piquant vinaigrette. In this case, the salad begins with a split and toasted whole wheat pita, mingled with refreshing chunks of cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped canned artichokes and fat-free feta cheese. It’s all dressed with a vinaigrette of lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, sea salt and black pepper. It’s a savory lover’s delight. Click here for the full recipe! >

9. Avocado Pesto Panini

Move over avocado toast! Make way for this savory and cheesy sandwich that you can make in a Panini press or in a skillet. Start with a ciabatta roll and add mashed avocado and your favorite pesto. Add some provolone cheese, spinach and sundried tomatoes, then toast the sandwich in a panini press or skillet until it’s crispy. You can also make the sandwich on the grill. Click here for the full recipe! >

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10. Roasted Red Pepper Eggplant Pizza

Don’t worry about making a crust for this homemade pizza. Slices of eggplant serve as the healthy, low-cal delivery system for this Mediterranean style dish. You simply bake sliced eggplant in the oven after misting it with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkling with garlic powder and black pepper. Meanwhile, sauté garlic and fresh spinach until the greens wilt. When you flip the eggplant in the oven, top with hummus, feta cheese, roasted red pepper and spinach. Five to 10 minutes later, you have lunch. Click here for the full recipe! >

11. Healthy Grilled Chicken Ranch Wrap

Five ingredients and four steps—that’s all it takes to make this sandwich that can use up leftover chicken. Mix sliced chicken with shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded lettuce and reduced fat ranch dressing in a bowl. Scoop the mixture into whole wheat tortillas and wrap them up into a burrito shape. Could you eat it as is? Sure, but it’s even better if you crisp it up in a Panini press, pan or grill until the outside is crispy and golden. Add more non-starchy veggies like tomatoes or onions to up your vegetable intake. You can also have it with a salad. Click here for the full recipe! >

12. Hawaiian Jerk Burger

This burger is so delicious and incredibly easy to make, you might want to cook up some extras and freeze them for later in the week.  The recipe starts with lean ground turkey mixed with almond flour, garlic powder, pepper and store-bought jerk sauce. Place the patties on a foil-lined baking pan and top with thin slices of pineapple. Broil on high until fully cooked, then serve on a whole wheat bun topped with a little more jerk sauce. Click here for the full recipe! >

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13. Feijoada (Brazilian Black Bean Stew)

This exotic entrée is a traditional stew in Brazil that combines black beans with meat (in this case, chicken sausage), onions, garlic, tomatoes and spices. It’s usually served with rice and orange slices. It’s easy to make and ready in a snap! Click here for the full recipe! >

14. Heirloom Tomato Salad

Fortunately, many supermarkets are carrying heirloom tomatoes year-round and they taste great so you don’t need to wait for summer’s harvest. But there’s more than just tomatoes in this satisfying salad. There’s spinach, chickpeas, edamame (soybeans) and feta cheese. It’s all topped with a light Balsamic vinegar dressing made with lemon and orange juice, honey and ground ginger.  The surprise in this salad is that the chickpeas are toasted! Pop them in the oven for 25 minutes and they come out golden and crispy. You won’t miss croutons! Click here for the full recipe! >