The Top 10 Nutrisystem Lunches—and What to Add to Them

At lunch time, it can be challenging to eat a well-balanced meal because we often down it in a hurry. Whether you’re on the go at work or running errands, Nutrisystem makes it easy for you by offering a variety of delicious, quick lunch options that are in just the right portions.

To help make your tasty Nutrisystem lunches even more satisfying and delicious, you may want to pair them with some other simple ingredients. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our top 10 Nutrisystem lunches and the foods we think pair well with them. These are all compliant with our Grocery Guide to help keep you on track. Add flavor and satisfaction by pumping up the protein, fiber or decadence of your favorite lunches with simple additions.

For each lunch, we’ve provided ideas for a PowerFuel, SmartCarb, Vegetable, Extra and Free Food that can make these already delicious meals even better. While you won’t add all of them at every meal time, we wanted to make sure that you have plenty of ideas and inspiration for when you need to incorporate a grocery add-in into your Nutrisystem meal.

Please Note: The number of SmartCarbs and PowerFuels that you will add each day will vary based on your specific meal plan. Be sure to check the Nutrisystem app for your specific meal plan guidelines. You can rearrange your PowerFuels and SmartCarbs throughout the day to have them at different meal times. (Rearranging is OK, but adding is not. Stick to the number of PowerFuels and SmartCarbs outlined in your journal.)

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Check out these Nutrisystem lunch ideas for a tasty and interesting meal:

1. Grilled Chicken Sandwich

PowerFuel: Ham, low fat, lower sodium, 2 oz.

A plump chicken breast on a whole-grain bun is the start of a hearty lunch. Give it a little more flair by adding a slice of lunch meat ham.

SmartCarb: Pineapple, 1 cup

The sweet and salty flavors of the ham would pair perfectly with the sweet and sour taste of pineapple, giving it a Hawaiian flair that’s popular on pizza.

Vegetable: Lettuce, unlimited

A piece of crunchy lettuce can add crisp texture and freshness to this hearty meal. Feel free to pile on other veggies that you love on your sandwiches, like sliced tomatoes and onions.

Extra: Barbecue Sauce, 1 Tbsp.

Spread a tablespoon of barbecue sauce across the bun of this sammy to bring out the grilled flavor of the chicken. We love this combo with the ham and pineapple!

Free Food: Red Pepper Flakes, unlimited

Complement those sweet and savory flavors with a little spice. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to top off this tasty dish.

2. Classic Hamburger

PowerFuel: Cheese, low sodium, 1 slice

Make your burger even more classic by topping it with a slice of low-sodium cheese. Pick your favorite flavor: From classic American to zesty Pepper Jack, it’s an easy, cheesy addition that is sure to take your burger up a notch!

SmartCarb: Sweet Potato, cooked, ½ cup

What’s a burger without a side of fries? Make your own sweet potato fries in the oven with a little cinnamon and zero-calorie cooking spray (get our recipe here! >). You could also make some onion rings with our Air Fryer Onion Rings recipe. They are the perfect side because they’re a SmartCarb with a crunchy coating that’s grease-free.

Vegetable: Tomato and Onion, unlimited

Sliced tomatoes and onions are the perfect way to add extra crunch, flavor and fiber to this classic lunch. Don’t be afraid to toss on some lettuce and mushrooms, too!

Extra: Ketchup, 1 Tbsp.

Dress up your burger with a squirt of ketchup for extra flavor. If you’ve got a salty craving, enjoy a dill pickle spear on the side if you have another Extra to spare for the day.

Free Food: Mustard, unlimited

If you like the zing of mustard atop this picnic classic, feel free to add it on! Yellow mustard is a Free Food on Nutrisystem and can be enjoyed in unlimited amounts.

3. Spicy Uncured Pepperoni Pizza Melt

PowerFuel: Parmesan Cheese, low sodium, grated, ¼ cup

Imagine a pizza with the chewy crust wrapped around a filling of melted cheese, tasty sauce and zesty pepperoni. That’s our Pepperoni Pizza Melt. When it’s hot and ready, slice it in half and sprinkle parmesan cheese into each side for extra cheese in every bite.

SmartCarb: Mandarin Oranges, 2 medium

Finish the meal and refresh your palate with sections of juicy, sweet and acidic mandarin oranges.

Vegetable: Cooked Tomatoes, unlimited

Roast some fresh tomatoes and blend them up for a homemade marinara sauce that you can use for dipping. Check out our recipe for Homemade Spicy Marinara Sauce if you want to add a kick!

Extra: Olive Oil, 1 tsp.

Use some olive oil to cook your tomatoes. You could also use the olive oil for dipping with seasonings like oregano and garlic.

Free Food: Onion Powder, unlimited

Make this pizza pocket even more savory by shaking some onion or garlic powder into each half.

4. Chicken Mozzarella Melt

PowerFuel: Olives, ½ cup

Chunks of tender chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese make this a very satisfying hot lunch. A side of olives add a salty bite that pairs perfectly with the classic Italian flavors.

SmartCarb: White Beans, cooked, ½ cup

Enjoy a side of high-fiber, protein-rich white beans seasoned with garlic and black pepper. Pro Tip: Look for canned beans that are low in sodium.

Vegetable: Lettuce or Mixed Greens, unlimited

Better yet, throw your white beans atop a garden salad made from lettuce or mixed greens. Beans make a great salad topper because they add extra texture and nutrition without much effort.

Extra: Salad Dressing, light or reduced-fat, 1 tsp.

Dress your salad with your favorite light or reduced-fat salad dressing. Just be sure to watch your portion size!

Free Food: Fresh Basil, unlimited

Chop up some fresh basil to sprinkle atop this Italian-inspired chicken wrap. It will add major flavor without many calories.

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5. Meatball Parmesan Melt

PowerFuel: Fresh Mozzarella, 1 oz.

If you love a meatball sub, this version will give you all the satisfaction you expect in just the right portions. You get real meatballs in marinara sauce with lots of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. You can also use a portable string cheese if you’re on the go.

SmartCarb: Bread, whole grain, 1 slice

Make a slice of crunchy garlic bread to pair with this Italian classic. Choose a fiber-rich slice and pop it in the toaster before adding butter and seasonings (more on this below!).

Vegetable: Spaghetti Squash, unlimited

What goes better with meatballs than spaghetti?! Enjoy noodles in unlimited amounts with low-carb spaghetti squash, one of our favorite non-starchy veggies. Learn how to bake it with our quick video here, then serve it with a low-sodium marinara sauce on the side.

Extra: Butter, 1 tsp

Yes, you CAN have butter while you lose weight (in moderation, of course)! Spread a teaspoon of butter across your whole grain toast to give your garlic bread a little extra flavor.

Free Food: Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder, unlimited

Finally, sprinkle your toast with the star of the show: Garlic powder! You can also add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or oregano to pump up the Italian flavor.

6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar

PowerFuel: Milk, low-fat or soy, 8 oz. (1 cup)

Lunch on the go is easy with this sweet and filling bar that’s loaded with creamy peanut butter and crunchy nuts. Wash it down with a glass of skim milk to pump up the protein.

SmartCarb: Hummus, ¼ cup

Start or finish the meal with veggies dipped in hummus, which you can buy in easy-to-transport, single-serving cups.

Vegetable: Cucumbers and Sweet Peppers, unlimited

Dunk slices of cucumbers and mini sweet peppers into your hummus. You can also use other veggies that you love, like baby carrots or cherry tomatoes.

Extra: Coconut Flakes, 1 Tbsp.

Each bite of our Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar tastes even better with a few sprinkles of coconut flakes.

Free Food: Tea, unsweetened

Cookies and tea, anyone? Enjoy a cup of hot tea with this this sweet lunch bar. Whether you love green tea, black tea or fruity white tea, it’s a refreshing and comforting addition to this simple meal.

7. Double Chocolate Caramel Bar

PowerFuel: Protein Power, (e.g. whey, soy), 2 Tbsp.

Yes, a Double Chocolate Caramel Bar can be the foundation of a weight loss-friendly lunch. And it goes so well with Nutrisystem’s Vanilla Protein Shake!

SmartCarb: Raspberries, 1 cup

Chocolate and caramel taste even more decadent and delicious with a serving of sweet and juicy raspberries. You could also toss the raspberries into the blender with your protein shake!

Vegetable: Kale, unlimited

Add some kale to your smoothie to pump up the nutrition! The sweet, creamy shake mix has no trouble hiding the taste of leafy greens like kale.

Extra: Coffee Creamer, fat-free, 1 Tbsp.

Sip on a hot cup of coffee while digging into this ooey, gooey bar. Add a dash of coffee creamer if you take your coffee with cream.

Free Food: Coffee, black

Black coffee has virtually no calories. We think it’s a great addition to a sweet and simple lunch like this chocolate bar.

8. Southwest Fiesta Melt

PowerFuel: Avocado, 1/3 of a medium fruit

When you need a plant powered lunch, the Southwest Fiesta Melt is sure to hit the spot. The zesty medley of brown rice, black beans and corn are smothered in melted jack cheese and tucked inside a seasoned, whole grain roll. A side of diced avocado adds a delectable creaminess to this burrito-inspired melt.

SmartCarb: Crackers, whole grain, ¼ cup

Crunchy whole grain crackers or chips can be enjoyed alongside this perfectly portioned, portable sandwich. It will provide the crunch you’re craving and make this already tasty lunch even better.

Vegetable: Cooked Peppers and Onions, unlimited

Add extra peppers and onions to your burrito melt. Cook them up in some zero-calorie cooking spray and serve them on top of this easy meal.

Extra: Olives, Black or Green, 6–7 small

A side of olives can add even more taste to this flavorful lunch. You could even chop them up stuff them into each half so you get more salty flavor in every bite!

Free Food: Salsa, unlimited

Dunk your whole grain crackers or chips into a fresh salsa. Look for a salsa that has just non-starchy veggies and Free Foods in the ingredients, such as a fresh pico de gallo salsa. Add extra zing to it with chopped jalapeños.

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9. Spinach and Cheese Pretzel Melt

PowerFuel: Pine Nuts, 2 Tbsp.

Vegetarians and anyone who loves cheese will enjoy the rich filling of this pretzel pocket, which features fontina, mozzarella and Parmesan, plus real spinach. Add the crunch of nuts on the side with a plant-based PowerFuel like pine nuts.

SmartCarb: Quinoa, cooked,  ½ cup

Serve this vegetarian melt over a vegetarian power food: quinoa. Make a simple side salad out of this protein-packed grain by adding the pine nuts and some veggies.

Vegetable: Steamed Spinach, unlimited

More spinach, please! Pump up the spinach in this meal by steaming up some fresh spinach to enjoy on the side. It would also make a great addition to your quinoa salad.

Extra: Cream Cheese, reduced-fat or fat-free, 1 Tbsp.

If you love creamed spinach, now is your chance to enjoy it! Add some fat-free cream cheese to your cooked spinach for a savory and satisfying side dish.

Free Food: Peppers, hot, jalapeno, unlimited

Add some spice to this easy, cheesy lunch melt with some jalapeno peppers on top.

10. White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

PowerFuel: Turkey Breast, 2 oz.

This macaroni and cheese is a warm bowlful of comfort food for your midday meal. Make lunch even more filling by adding roasted turkey breast or diced turkey sausage.

SmartCarb: Pasta, whole wheat, cooked al dente, ½ cup

Make the meal even bigger by adding more pasta! You can enjoy a half-cup of whole wheat pasta as your SmartCarb. Just mix it right into the mac and cheese and dig in.

Vegetable: Cooked Broccoli, unlimited
We love the crunchy texture and delicious flavor that broccoli adds to our mac and cheese. Try this recipe for Easy Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower, which features the flavors of garlic and lemon juice (Free Foods).

Extra: Popcorn, 1 cup

Enjoy a crunchy side with some air-popped popcorn. Portion out one cup servings into baggies for easy grabbing and going. You can add your favorite low-sodium spices for extra flavor.

Free Food: Hot Sauce, unlimited

Turn your bowl of pasta into buffalo mac and cheese with some hot sauce! Pro Top: We also LOVE hot sauce on top of popcorn for a quick and easy snack.