25 Classic Lunches Straight From The 1970s
Ready to time travel by lunchbox? The 1970s served up bold flavors, colorful convenience foods, and quirky dishes that still spark conversation today. You will spot nostalgic favorites and a few forgotten plates that deserve a comeback. Grab a seat and let these classics inspire your next retro lunch break.
1. Tuna Noodle Casserole
Creamy, comforting, and unapologetically retro, tuna noodle casserole was a staple that felt like a hug. You would see the noodles curl beneath a velvety sauce, dotted with peas for color and crunch. A breadcrumb crown baked golden made the kitchen smell like home.
It was thrifty, quick, and endlessly flexible for busy weekdays. Leftovers packed into a lunch container stayed satisfying even at room temperature. Pair it with a simple iceberg salad and a soda, and you have the complete seventies moment.
2. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
This duo was the lunch equivalent of a cozy sweater. The sandwich crackled when you bit in, and the cheese stretched like a perfect commercial. Dunking triangles into tomato soup felt playful, and you probably did it without thinking twice.
Some used white bread and American cheese, others swapped in cheddar for sharper bite. Either way, the combination delivered warmth fast. If you grew up then, you can taste the nostalgia already.
3. Chef Salad
Chef salad in the seventies meant a mountain of iceberg, deli meats, and cheese strips ready for serious fork action. You got texture and protein without the fuss, perfect for lunch breaks that demanded flavor and speed. Hard boiled eggs added richness and heft.
It always came with a creamy dressing, usually Thousand Island or blue cheese. Croutons brought crunch, and a side of crackers sealed the deal. Light yet filling, it made salad feel like a main event.
4. Deviled Ham Sandwich
Deviled ham spread turned a basic sandwich into something surprisingly feisty. You would taste smoky, tangy notes laced with mustard and spices, slathered thick between soft white bread. It packed easily into lunchboxes and felt a little mischievous.
Pickles and potato chips were the essential sidekicks for extra crunch and zing. Sometimes a swipe of mayo smoothed it out. Simple, portable, and flavorful, it was a quick fix that never tried too hard.
5. Chicken Salad on a Croissant
Chicken salad took a glamorous turn when tucked into a flaky croissant. You got tender chicken, crisp celery, and sweet grapes mingling with creamy mayo. Some added almonds for a nutty crunch that made every bite feel special.
It felt indulgent yet familiar, perfect for ladies luncheons and office breaks alike. A side of carrot sticks or chips kept things simple. You could taste the era’s love of convenience mixed with elegance.
6. Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Pimento cheese offered a punchy, peppery creaminess that shouted lunch is ready. Spread thick on soft bread, it left little orange smudges of happiness. The texture felt indulgent, with tiny bites of pimento adding cheerful bursts.
Some preferred it chilled, others let it soften a touch. Either way, you got bold flavor with minimal effort. Add sweet pickles and a cola, and suddenly the afternoon looks brighter.
7. Egg Salad Sandwich
Egg salad was humble but mighty, and it always delivered a satisfying lunchtime calm. Chopped eggs, mayo, and a pinch of paprika created a smooth, savory spread. Lettuce leaves added crisp contrast without stealing the spotlight.
It tucked perfectly into square slices of bread and wrapped well for work or school. A sprinkle of chives made it feel fancy. Reliable and creamy, it felt like knowing everything would be okay.
8. BLT
The BLT was a precise symphony of crunch, juiciness, and creamy mayo. You got salty bacon snapping against cool lettuce and ripe tomato. Toasted bread kept everything tidy while giving each bite a confident edge.
In the seventies, this was a weekday hero that never disappointed. Pair it with chips and a dill pickle, and you were set. Sometimes the simplest builds are the ones that last.
9. Cobb Salad
Cobb salad delivered color and contrast in satisfying strips across a plate. You would fork through bacon, chicken, tomato, egg, and avocado, each bite balanced with blue cheese. It felt like a full meal disguised as a salad.
In the seventies, it showed up at cafes and home kitchens alike. A vinaigrette or creamy dressing pulled everything together. Hearty, stylish, and practical, it made lunch feel intentional.
10. Tuna Melt
The tuna melt combined pantry smarts with diner drama. You spread tuna salad onto toast, topped it with tomato and sharp cheese, then broiled until bubbly. The edges crisped while the center turned luxuriously gooey.
It smelled amazing and tasted even better, especially with a pickle spear. Some sprinkled paprika for color. A quick, comforting lunch that felt like it belonged on a chrome counter.
11. Meatloaf Sandwich
Leftover meatloaf became a lunchtime legend once tucked between bread. You tasted savory loaf, just sweetened by that shiny ketchup glaze. It held together beautifully and felt hearty enough to power through the afternoon.
A swipe of mustard or mayo could change the mood instantly. Add chips and a crisp apple, and you had balance. It was the thrifty, satisfying reuse everyone secretly looked forward to.
12. Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine brought French flair into seventies lunch routines. Flaky crust held a rich custard with bacon and Swiss, satisfyingly savory without being heavy. It felt elegant but approachable, equally good warm or at room temperature.
Served with a small salad, it made midday feel special. You could pack slices for the office and still feel fancy. It was the showoff that never bragged.
13. Chicken Noodle Soup with Crackers
Chicken noodle soup was comfort that traveled. Long noodles swam with tender chicken, carrots, and celery in a soothing broth. A handful of saltines gave it crunch and made the spoonfuls more satisfying.
It fit perfectly into a thermos, ready for rainy day lunches or school breaks. You could taste home in every sip. Simple, reliable, and always welcome, it never judged your schedule.
14. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad showed up at every potluck and quietly saved lunches all week. Elbow pasta mingled with crunchy veggies and a creamy dressing. The flavors improved overnight, making leftovers the real prize.
Spoon it beside a sandwich or enjoy it solo. You got cool, tangy comfort with every bite. It was the lunch sidekick that happily turned into the main character.
15. Stuffed Tomatoes
Stuffed tomatoes made lunch look fancy without much effort. You scooped out juicy centers and filled them with chicken or tuna salad. The contrast between cool tomato and creamy filling felt refreshing and smart.
Served on lettuce leaves, they looked like party food you could eat any day. Sprinkle with herbs and a little pepper for flair. Pretty, portable, and practical, they delivered style on schedule.
16. Waldorf Salad
Waldorf salad offered crunchy, creamy sweetness that woke up noon. Apples and grapes met celery and walnuts in a light, tangy dressing. It felt fancy yet forgiving, perfect for office lunches that needed brightness.
Served chilled, it held up beautifully through the afternoon. Add a roll on the side and call it complete. Each forkful balanced fruit and nut like a friendly handshake.
17. French Dip Sandwich
French dip made lunchtime a little theatrical with that steamy cup of jus. Thin roast beef on a soft roll turned irresistible once dipped. Cheese was optional, but provolone added a gentle melt that soothed.
It felt like a treat without needing a celebration. Grab napkins and lean forward when you dunk. The ritual became part of the flavor, and you savored every drip.
18. Patty Melt
Patty melts brought burger energy to sandwich form with buttery, griddled rye. Caramelized onions and Swiss turned it into a savory, melty masterpiece. You got crisp edges and a juicy center in every bite.
It arrived hot, smelled amazing, and felt like diner royalty. Pair with chips and a cold soda. This was lunch that made afternoons cruise by.
19. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple
Sweet fruit and creamy curds created a light lunch that felt sunny. Cottage cheese delivered protein while pineapple added tropical brightness. Sometimes a maraschino cherry perched on top like a tiny crown.
It was quick, cooling, and easy to plate beautifully. Add crackers and you were done in moments. Perfect for hot days or desk lunches when you wanted something gentle.
20. Jell O Salad with Fruit
Jell O salad made lunchtime sparkle, with fruit suspended like little time capsules. The wobble alone could lift your mood. Whipped topping and a sprig of mint turned it into an event.
It paired nicely with sandwiches or stood solo as a sweet finish. You would slice neat wedges and admire the jewel tones. Few dishes say seventies quite as cheerfully as this.
21. Cold Cut Submarine
A cold cut sub provided customizable abundance in a neat package. Layers of meat, cheese, and crisp veggies met oil and vinegar sparkle. You could split it with a friend or save half for later.
In the seventies, delis wrapped these beauties tight in paper. Unwrapping felt ceremonial and exciting. Big flavor, tidy form, and plenty of crunch made it a keeper.
22. Fish Sticks with Tartar Sauce
Fish sticks turned freezers into lifelines for quick lunches. Crispy coatings hid tender, flaky fish that played nicely with tartar sauce. Lemon wedges added brightness you could taste immediately.
They baked fast and paired with peas or fries. Kids loved them, adults secretly did too. Practical and nostalgic, they kept weekday meals from running late.
23. Mini Pizzas on English Muffins
English muffin pizzas turned kitchens into mini pizzerias with almost no effort. You spread sauce, scattered cheese, and added pepperoni, then toasted until bubbly. Crisp edges met gooey centers in delightful contrast.
They packed well and tasted good even at room temperature. Customize toppings and keep lunch interesting all week. It was the DIY snack that doubled as a satisfying meal.
24. Tomato and Cucumber Sandwich
Sometimes lunch only needed cool vegetables and a little salt. Tomato and cucumber on buttered bread tasted fresh and soothing. You could add dill or a swipe of mayo for extra charm.
It was crisp, quick, and gentle on busy days. Pair with chips or a small soup. This minimal classic reminded you that simple often wins.
25. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
Peanut butter and banana created a sweet, hearty sandwich that stuck with you. The creamy peanut spread hugged banana coins like old friends. A light drizzle of honey turned it into a midday treat.
It traveled well and delivered steady energy. Add a cold milk or a soda for extra comfort. Nostalgic and satisfying, it made lunch feel pleasantly easy.
