Deli meat is a staple in many American households and is the go-to ingredient for a quick and convenient lunch. But with Boar’s Head, my personal favorite, recalling 100 tons of its products due to a listeria outbreak, you may be rethinking your daily deli sandwich.
Sure you could buy a slice and roast and carve your own ham and turkey. But that’s neither practical nor safe. You could lose a finger! Here’s another alternative: 5 Tasty and Safe Listeria-Free Lunch Ideas to Savor the Summer. Best of all, many of these can be made from what’s in the fridge - leftovers or whatever you have on hand. Use your imagination!
GO GREEK
Top your favorite greens with leftover grilled chicken, shrimp or steak, juicy tomatoes, cool & crisp cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion, pasteurized feta and lemon vinaigrette (1 TBSP lemon juice: 1 TBSP olive oil: 1 TBSP canola oil - season to taste). If your craving carbs then tuck it into a Mediterranean flat bread or fill a pita pocket and drizzle the dressing over top.
SUMMER SOUPS
Chill out with cool & refreshing summer soups like gazpacho. Don’t like tomatoes? No problem. Try peach or cucumber-mint gazpacho instead.
TAKE THE TAPAS APPROACH
Take the tapas approach with a collection of small bites like cheese, crackers, nuts, hard boiled eggs, leftover veggies and meat or poultry, fruit…While the tapas concept originated in Spain the foods don’t have to be Spanish. Use a little bit of this and that with whatever you have on hand - like an adult lunchable. The combinations are endless.
GET YOUR GRAINS
Whether as a warm side dish or a cold salad, grains are both filling and satisfying, especially when combined with lean proteins. Sweet and savory concoctions ike this couscous salad are particularly enjoyable, especially with the addition of shredded chicken for protein. Try a wild rice salad with fruit and nuts or quinoa tossed with grilled vegetables, chickpeas and balsamic.
EGGS!
Don’t forget the versatility of eggs. Enjoy a brunch-style lunch. Spice up egg salad with curry, pack veggies into quiche or go low carb with egg cups. Add a side green salad or fruit salad for extra fiber. Or layer an avocado toast with hard-boiled eggs, smoked salmon, dill, red onion and capers.
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