Looking for easy light meals to pack for work lunches? These 17 recipes are quick to whip up, perfect for busy weekdays, and keep lunchtime easy without too much extra effort. Whether it’s saving a few bucks or keeping it healthy, these lunch ideas have your back.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This salad changes up the classic jalapeño popper into a meal you can easily take to work. It’s simple to make, and you can whip it up quickly for a great lunch that packs a punch with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Canned Chicken Patties
In just 20 minutes, you can have these chicken patties ready to go. They’re perfect to eat on their own or to make a quick sandwich. The recipe is easy, using just a few ingredients, making it a great choice for a light work lunch.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
This salad is cool and quick, ready in 30 minutes. With sour cream and mayo, it’s a great side dish that doesn’t take much time to prepare. It’s fresh and light, making it a perfect addition to your work lunch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Bell Pepper Sandwich
Swap out bread for bell peppers in this 10-minute recipe. It’s a quick and easy light meal that’s great for lunchtime. The recipe is simple, and it’s a great way to keep your midday meal fresh and interesting.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
These muffins are a great option for breakfast or lunch, and they’re ready in just 30 minutes. They’re high in protein and really filling, which makes them perfect for a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
For those with a tight schedule, these Greek salad meal prep jars are a lifesaver. They’re simple to put together, using fresh veggies and dressing layered in jars for convenience. You can assemble these jars quickly, making them a practical choice for a light, nutritious lunch on the go.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Broccoli Fritters
In just 35 minutes, you can have these broccoli fritters on your plate. They’re made with chopped broccoli and Parmesan cheese, and you can pair them with Greek yogurt or sour cream. The recipe is straightforward, calling for ingredients you probably already have, and the steps are simple. It’s a great way to get more greens into your lunch in a light and easy way.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These cucumber boats are stuffed with chicken, bacon, and cheese, and they’re super easy to make. They’re ready fast, making them a perfect light meal for work. Plus, they’re a great way to get both veggies and protein in your lunch break.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
These spicy salmon patties are a breeze to make, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. Using canned salmon and a kick of spices like jalapeño and cayenne pepper, they’re a light yet exciting choice. The cooking process is easy — just pan-fry them, and you’ll have a spicy, light lunch ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
Ready in minimal time, these spicy tuna cucumber boats take only 10 minutes to prepare. Filled with a mix of cream cheese, tuna, Everything Bagel Seasoning, coconut aminos, and hot sauce, they’re easy and fast to make. They’re perfect for a quick, light meal during busy workdays.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
Cauliflower Potato Salad
This fun twist on traditional potato salad uses cauliflower instead and is mixed with bacon, cheese, and a bit of hot sauce. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require complicated steps. This dish is light yet satisfying and can be prepared without much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
These chicken bacon ranch poppers are oven-baked and served with a homemade ranch dressing. They’re ready in under an hour and are great for workday lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Zucchini Bites
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy these zucchini bites, which combine shredded zucchini with Parmesan, cheddar, and Italian seasoning for a light lunch. The recipe is all about keeping it easy with familiar ingredients and straightforward steps. They’re a cinch to whip up and a great way to have a light, veggie-packed bite on hand for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Take a fun approach to your work lunch with these loaded zucchini boats. They’re ready in under an hour and are perfect as a light main dish. They’re easy to make and are a great way to enjoy a flavorful lunch without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Keto Chicken Nuggets
These keto chicken nuggets are a hit for a quick lunch, ready in just 30 minutes. They’re made with canned chicken and coated with pork rinds for a crispy outside while staying tender inside. Baked in the oven, this recipe is a great light meal option when you’re short on time. The preparation is simple, making it a great choice for anyone, regardless of cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets
Avocado Tuna Salad
This avocado tuna salad is a powerhouse of protein and is both low-carb and dairy-free. Mixing tuna with avocado gives you a light yet hearty lunch that you can throw together quickly. It’s an effortless and nutritious choice for a busy day and a fresh take on a traditional salad.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats
These spicy egg salad cucumber boats are a quick fix, taking just 30 minutes to prepare. They’re an ideal light lunch and are easy to put together by just hollowing out cucumbers and adding the filling.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats