Everything old is new again, including recipes! Just as tasty today as they were decades ago, these vintage lunch recipes are making a comeback. They'll bring a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor to your lunchtime!
33 Vintage Lunches Worth Trying Today
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
1/33
Mushroom-Stuffed Tomatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light dish is inexpensive, quick to prepare and always a favorite. With plenty of mushrooms, the cheesy mixture stuffed into tomatoes is really decadent. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 165 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
2/33
Classic Egg Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 332 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 281mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
3/33
Cranberry Waldorf Gelatin
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy this easy-to-make salad in the fall when apples are in season. Their crisp freshness adds so much to a favorite dish. — Debbie Short, Carlisle, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 156 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
4/33
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
5/33
Hot Pineapple Ham Sandwiches
Total Time
3 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your trusty slow cooker lets you make these warm, gooey sandwiches without heating up the house on a hot day. The mustard and brown sugar give them such satisfying richness. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 468 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1540mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
6/33
Chicken Salad Croissants
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tempting chicken salad that gets its special taste from Swiss cheese and pickle relish. It's a favorite of my brother, who insists I make it whenever he visits. —Laura Koziarski, Battle Creek, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 593 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 818mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
7/33
Stuffed Shrimp Endives
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
8/33
BLT with Peppered Balsamic Mayo
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my twist on the classic BLT. Creamy avocado, balsamic mayo and crisp salad greens make this version legendary in my book. For a lighter take, I often use turkey bacon. —Ami Boyer, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 501 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
9/33
Pina Colada Molded Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 331 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
10/33
Ham Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this ham salad recipe for a shower, and everyone raved about it. Now when I go to a potluck, I take it—along with copies of the recipe. —Patricia Reed, Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup ham salad: 229 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1023mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
11/33
Easy Crab Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ready-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 crab cakes: 239 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
12/33
Healthy Tuna Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. I grow a few tomato plants in my garden and the fresh-picked taste makes the dish even more of a treat. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup tuna salad with 1 tomato: 280 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
13/33
Macaroni Coleslaw
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/33
Meat Loaf Burgers
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These hearty meat loaf sandwiches are delightful for potluck dinners. Served on hamburger buns, the beefy patties get extra flavor when topped with the seasoned tomato sauce. —Peggy Burdick, Burlington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 385 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1123mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
15/33
Classic Cobb Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I plant everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
16/33
Apple Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy fruit salad was a favorite of my great-grandmother’s. My family always enjoys it, and I’m happy knowing it’s good for them, too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
17/33
Fruited Tuna Salad Pitas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite, and you'll swear you're at a restaurant. This bistro-worthy recipe is simple to prepare, yet special enough for lunch guests. —Shelly Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 640 calories, 34g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 8g fiber), 29g protein.
18/33
Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 154 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
19/33
Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A wedge salad gets the creamy treatment when topped with blue cheese dressing. Keep the dressing as a topper, or make it a dip for Buffalo wings. —Jenn Smith, East Providence, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 313 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
20/33
Croque-Madame
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Croque-madame takes grilled ham and cheese to the next level. Ham and Gruyere cheese are layered between thick slices of country bread and toasted in a skillet. Then the sandwiches are topped with Mornay sauce and more cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. If you stop there, you've got a croque-monsieur; add a fried egg on top and that makes a croque-madame! These sandwiches are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 1118 calories, 71g fat (39g saturated fat), 419mg cholesterol, 2284mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 60g protein.
21/33
Fluffed Fruit Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
14 servings (1/2 cup each)
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 138 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit, 1 fat.
22/33
Broiled Parmesan and Swiss Tomatoes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Planning to serve steak or tenderloin? These cheesy tomatoes make the ideal accompaniment. Plus, the recipe is simple to double for guests. —Mary Price, Youngstown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 tomato half: 220 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
23/33
Hot Dog Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker who loves hot dogs shared this recipe with me. Baked in a purchased pastry shell, the pie is easy to assemble and is on the table in just 30 minutes. —Amy Bullis, Henryville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 487 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 1321mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
24/33
Salmon Mousse
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 42 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/33
Loaded Stuffed Potato Pancakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make mashed potatoes, I always cook extra so I can prepare these over-the-top potato pancakes. Fill them with sour cream, ranch dressing or melted cheese—or all three. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 491 calories, 34g fat (12g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 987mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
26/33
Cucumber Party Sandwiches
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite appetizers. We have lots of pig roasts here in Kentucky, and these small sandwiches are perfect to serve while the pig is cooking. —Rebecca Rose, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 53 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
27/33
Ambrosia Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 247 calories, 14g fat (10g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
28/33
Roast Beef Finger Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These simple sandwiches are ideal for a bridal shower, brunch or high tea, when the menu is a bit more substantial. The mustard adds a nice kick without being overly spicy. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 tea sandwich: 98 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
29/33
Sangria Gelatin Ring
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This gelatin is enjoyed by everyone because you just can't go wrong with fresh berries. —Nicole Nemeth, Komoka, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 117 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
30/33
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you need supper fast, this tuna casserole with peas, peppers and onions makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 340 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
31/33
Cherry Waldorf Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We combine apples with tart cherries and dried cranberries to give an autumn twist to classic Waldorf salad. —Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 181 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
32/33
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed tomato: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
33/33
Bacon Grilled Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This bacon sandwich with Dijon mustard and two kinds of cheese is the perfect combo of creamy-melty filling and crispy, buttery bread. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 743 calories, 51g fat (22g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 1263mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
