The 17 desk lunch recipes we’ve lined up are so good, they’ll have you forgetting the allure of eating out. Packed with flavor and easy to whip up, these meals are a game-changer for your lunch routine. They’re the perfect pick-me-up in the middle of a busy day, and let’s face it, they’re way easier on the wallet too. So, let’s get real — why waste time and cash on takeout when you can have a great meal right at your desk?
Reuben Bowls
In the time it takes to decide where to order from, you could have a Reuben Bowl ready to go. Thirty minutes is all you need for this great lunch option that’s packed with flavor. Just brown some corned beef, toss it with coleslaw or shredded cabbage, add sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing, and boom—you’ve got a desk lunch that’ll make you forget about the deli down the street.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Bell Pepper Sandwich
Change up your lunch with a Bell Pepper Sandwich. Using fresh bell peppers instead of bread, this sandwich is packed with turkey, cheese, avocado, bacon, and cucumber. It’s quick and healthy, taking only 10 minutes to make. The combo of crunchy bell peppers, creamy avocado, and delicious filling creates a fresh and innovative lunch option. It’s a great way to make lunch exciting, and your coworkers will definitely want to try this fresh take on a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Have 40 minutes? That’s all it takes to put together this Tuna Macaroni Salad. It’s perfect for those days when you want a lunch that’s easy to make but still breaks the monotony of the usual sandwich or salad. With ingredients like canned tuna and hard-boiled eggs, it’s a no-nonsense choice that’s great for your lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is perfect for a standout desk lunch. It mixes crisp cucumbers and red onions with a creamy dressing made from sour cream, dill, pepper, and mayonnaise. It’s a light and refreshing option that’ll help you avoid that heavy mid-afternoon slump. The cool and crisp flavors make it great for hot workdays, and it’s bound to get your colleagues curious about what’s in your bowl. When they see you enjoying it, they’ll wish they had some too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Broccoli Fritters
Broccoli Fritters make a great desk lunch that’s quick, easy, and sure to grab attention. Made with fresh broccoli, Parmesan cheese, and eggs, these fritters are pan-fried to a crispy perfection. The crispy exterior and cheesy interior create a contrast that’s hard to resist. Serve them with your favorite sauce, and get ready for your coworkers to ask what you’re munching on. You’ll love how these fritters are both convenient and delicious, perfect for a midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters
Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice
This recipe for Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice is a smart choice to make for a desk lunch that’s ready before you can finish your coffee. It’s packed with homemade meatballs made from ground beef mixed with shredded mozzarella, parsley, and seasonings, served over steamed cauliflower rice. This dish is easy to make, taking only about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for powering through a long afternoon and will definitely impress your office buddies when they see what you brought for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a great way to add some excitement to your lunch. With a mix of eggs, cottage cheese, herbs, and spices, these protein-packed muffins are quick to make and will have your coworkers asking for the recipe. They take just 30 minutes to prepare and are perfect for a busy day. These muffins will help you stay energized during your hectic schedule and are bound to make your colleagues wonder how you come up with such creative lunches.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Whip up this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in just 25 minutes, and you’re set with a great desk lunch that’ll have you forgetting the lunchtime food truck line. It’s all about keeping things simple and scrumptious with pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing. This is the kind of meal that makes your midday break feel like a total breeze, without skimping on any of the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Big Mac Salad
Big Mac Salad gives you the taste of a classic burger in a healthier form, making it a perfect choice for a desk lunch that’ll get people talking. Quick to put together, it combines lettuce, beef, pickles, onions, and a special sauce made from mayo, sour cream, sweetener, and yellow mustard. This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep. When you unpack this bright and refreshing lunch, expect some envious glances from your desk neighbors and maybe even recipe requests.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Add some kick to your lunch with Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Made with baked chicken and bacon, broiled jalapeños, mayonnaise or sour cream, hot sauce, and spices, it’s creamy, spicy, and crunchy. You can prep it the night before, and it makes for a quick and flavorful lunch the next day. This dish is great for busy days, and your coworkers will be eager to try this bold and exciting lunch choice. It’s perfect for those who want something appetizing yet different for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are sure to grab attention. They’re easy to make with pre-cooked bacon and canned chicken, and they’re stuffed into crisp cucumbers for a refreshing lunch. With bacon and homemade ranch seasoning, this dish is delicious and convenient, perfect for a light and healthy midday meal. Your coworkers will love this fun and crunchy lunch idea, and it’s great for those looking for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are a lunch game-changer. Ready in just 20 minutes, they pair perfectly with veggies or as a sandwich. Made with canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and sunflower seed meal, seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, they’re crispy outside and tender inside. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor, too. Your desk neighbors will be impressed with this simple yet delicious lunch option, and it’s great for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars make lunch simple and refreshing. In just 10 minutes, you can have a fresh, filling salad ready to go. With tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, this salad is perfect for a light, healthy lunch that’s easy and mess-free. Your coworkers will love how easy and effective your lunch prep is, making this a great choice for the office. It’s perfect for those who want a healthy and refreshing lunch with little to no effort.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Quick, hearty, and perfect for busy days, these chicken bites are crispy outside, tender inside, and covered in rich garlic butter. The garlicky sauce adds great flavor, making these bites irresistible. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy aioli, and watch your coworkers line up to chat about your great lunch. They’re a perfect choice for a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Avocado Tuna Salad
This refreshing Avocado Tuna Salad is ready in just five minutes. The dish features wild-caught yellowfin tuna, which is high in protein and healthy fats, mixed with creamy avocado, fresh dill, and a touch of lemon. The combination of lemon and dill makes this salad light and bright. Add salt and pepper, and you’ll have a great lunch that will impress your desk neighbors. It’s perfect for busy workdays when you want something healthy and filling quickly and easily.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Spice up your lunch with these mini salmon patties, ready in 30 minutes. Canned salmon is made special with ground pork rinds, eggs, and tangy lemon dill aioli, which is a mix of mayo, lemon juice, and mustard. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preferences. The patties have a crispy exterior and soft interior, making them a great change from typical lunches. Your coworkers will be impressed with this great recipe that breaks up the usual monotony and brings something new to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Thai Chicken Salad
Thai Chicken Salad mixes marinated chicken with fresh arugula, cucumber, onions, and red chili peppers. The bright colors and flavors make lunchtime exciting. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mix of coconut milk, garlic, and cilantro, which adds depth to the fresh ingredients. This salad is nutrient-rich and perfect for impressing curious coworkers who want something new for lunch. It’s a great way to bring a little excitement to your midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad