The 15 recipes we always make for work lunches

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When it comes to work lunches, we all want something that’s easy to make and great to eat. That’s exactly what our go-to recipes are all about. These 15 are the ones we keep coming back to, day after day, because they’re quick, simple, and hit the spot every time. No fuss — just good food that makes lunchtime something to look forward to.

A blue muffin pan filled with breakfast muffins.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a work lunch that hits the spot every time, try these Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. They mix chicken and bacon with a homemade ranch dressing in hollowed-out cucumbers. Light yet filling, these are great for making ahead and having a go-to lunch ready for the entire week.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bell Pepper Sandwich

A person holding a stuffed pepper sandwich over a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re looking for a quick and fresh work lunch, the Bell Pepper Sandwich is a perfect choice. It takes about 10 minutes to throw together, using bell peppers to hold all your favorite fillings. It’s a great way to shake up your lunch routine with something easy and different.
Get the recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a fantastic choice for a quick, refreshing lunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple mix of cucumbers and onions in a creamy dill dressing. Perfect for those days when you want something easy and light to keep you going at work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice

Meatballs and cauliflower rice in a clear container.
Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Meal Prep Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice are a solid pick for work lunches. They’re ready in 30 minutes and perfect for preparing ahead of time. This dish is straightforward and flavorful, ensuring you have a fulfilling meal to look forward to during the week.
Get the recipe: Meal Prep Meatballs And Cauliflower Rice

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites make for a fantastic lunch during a busy workday. You can whip them up in about 20 minutes. These bites are a simple mix of juicy chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce, providing a great flavor kick to your lunchtime routine.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is great for those who enjoy a light yet hearty lunch. Mixing jalapeños with chicken, it’s a protein-packed option that brings excitement to your midday meal. It’s also easy to prepare ahead, making your lunchtime prep a breeze.
Get the recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Three muffins on a white plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are both filling and quick to make, taking just 30 minutes. They may have “breakfast” in the title, but they’re a great choice for workday lunches as they can be made in advance and store really well to eat later. Packed with protein, they’re a great lunch option for anyone needing a nutritious and convenient meal during their workday.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Greek salad in mason jars.
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars are quick to assemble, taking just 10 minutes, and they’re filled with fresh ingredients. They make your lunch routine simple, ensuring you have a nutritious meal ready for those busy days at work.
Get the recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Broccoli Fritters

A stack of broccoli fritters on a plate.
Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Broccoli Fritters are ready in 35 minutes and offer versatility for your lunchtime needs. Made with chopped broccoli and Parmesan cheese, they can serve as a main dish or side. Pair them with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a perfect work lunch.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a work lunch that’s easy and has a bit of a kick, try Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Ready in about 30 minutes, these pan-fried patties come alive with a flavorful lemon dill aioli, making for a simple yet great lunch choice.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Avocado Tuna Salad

A bowl of avocado tuna salad with avocado slices and lemon slices.
Avocado Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Avocado Tuna Salad is a fresh, protein-rich lunch option that’s easy to whip up. It keeps you full and focused, making it a smart pick for a busy workday. This salad is a straightforward way to fuel up during your lunch break.
Get the recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai chicken salad with red peppers and greens.
Thai Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Thai Chicken Salad brings a flavor-packed punch to lunchtime. It’s easy to make, combining marinated chicken with a variety of veggies for a nutritious and flavorful meal. This salad is a great way to brighten your work lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Big Mac Salad recreates classic burger flavors in a simple and convenient salad form. It’s easy to assemble and a great option for making in advance. Enjoy this flavorful salad throughout your workweek for a great midday meal.
Get the recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties are a straightforward and quick lunch option, ready in just 20 minutes. Enjoy them on their own, with veggies, or as part of a sandwich. This recipe is perfect for those days when you need a no-fuss, easy-to-prepare meal at work.
Get the recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Keto Chicken Nuggets are a fun and simple choice for your work lunch. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy crispy nuggets that are tender on the inside. They’re a great option for workday lunches and will keep you full until the end of your workday.
Get the recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

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