Every week has that one day we all look forward to — Friday. But why wait? With these 20 fun work lunches, you can turn any ordinary day into the excitement of the end of the week. They’re easy to make, taste great, and are just what you need to power through your afternoon.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Spice up your lunchtime with this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad, a great choice for lunches that make every workday feel like Friday. It’s a mix of chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and a creamy dressing that you can whip up fast. Plus, you can make it ahead of time. This salad is perfect for when you want something ready to go that kicks your lunch up a notch. This one is proof that healthy lunches don’t have to be boring, and it’s sure to become a regular in your lunch rotation.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Don’t let the breakfast title fool you; these Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins work great for lunches that make every workday feel like Friday. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re filled with protein from eggs and cottage cheese. Add whatever veggies or meats you like. They’re super for those days when you need something easy to grab that keeps you going. These muffins are a great way to use up leftover veggies or meats from dinner the night before. They’re also a good option for meal prepping on the weekend, so you have a quick and easy lunch ready to go during the week. The protein-packed combination of eggs and cottage cheese will keep you feeling full all afternoon, so you can focus on your work instead of your growling stomach.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Bell Pepper Sandwich
The Bell Pepper Sandwich is a great choice for lunches that make every workday feel like Friday. This novel and light lunch idea swaps traditional bread for bell peppers. Fill the hollowed-out peppers with cream cheese, stone-ground mustard, turkey, cheese, and veggies. Ready in about 10 minutes, this sandwich fits perfectly into the theme of easy light lunches. Experiment with different fillings, like hummus or tuna salad, for some variety. The crunchy texture of the bell pepper and the creamy filling will make your lunch break feel like a treat, even if you only have a few minutes to spare. Plus, the colorful presentation of the bell pepper sandwich will brighten up your day and make you forget about the stress of work.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Zucchini Bites
Zucchini Bites are made with shredded zucchini, Parmesan, cheddar cheese, and Italian seasoning, ready in 30 minutes. They’re a great way to add more veggies to your lunch in a delicious, easy-to-eat format. Dip them in sour cream or marinara sauce. They store well in the fridge and are great reheated. They are so good — they’ll make you excited for lunchtime and forget all about the workday blues.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers mix chicken, bacon, egg, cheese, and spices into bite-sized delights. Bake, then drizzle with ranch dressing. They’re ready in about an hour and perfectly match our theme of easy light lunches. They’re simple to make in bulk and good for freezing, so you’ll always have a delicious and convenient lunch option available.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Cauliflower Potato Salad
Cauliflower Potato Salad is a refreshing take on the classic dish with cauliflower, bacon, and cheese. Hot sauce and paprika add a kick to this easy-to-make salad. It’s filling but light, great for your work lunch and makes every workday feel like Friday. This dish keeps well in the fridge, so you can prep ahead and enjoy classic flavors in a healthier way. The combination of cauliflower, bacon, cheese, and a tangy dressing creates a filling lunch that will brighten up your day. With this salad, you’ll look forward to your midday break and feel energized to tackle the rest of your workday.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad
Broccoli Fritters
These Broccoli Fritters are a fantastic light lunch option that makes every workday feel like Friday. Mix up broccoli with Parmesan, eggs, and a few seasonings, then pan-fry them until they’re crispy and golden brown. They’ll be ready in about 35 minutes. They’re easy to make and versatile — good on their own or with a side of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Perfect for making a regular day feel a bit more special. Enjoy them with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. Try adding a bit of chili powder or cumin for an extra kick. These fritters are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without feeling like you’re eating a salad.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a great choice for lunches that make every workday feel like Friday. They’re light but still pack a punch with flavors from chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños, all in a crunchy cucumber. You can throw them together in just 30 minutes or even get them ready the night before. They’re perfect for a quick lunch that won’t weigh you down. Serve them chilled for a refreshing midday meal. Try swapping the chicken for canned tuna or using avocado instead of cream cheese for a different texture. The combination of protein-rich chicken, crispy bacon, and cucumber will give you the energy boost you need to power through your afternoon. These easy-to-make boats are a fun and delicious way to break up the monotony of the workweek and make every day feel a little more like Friday.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Big Mac Salad
The Big Mac Salad is a great choice for lunches that make every workday feel like Friday. It brings the iconic burger’s flavors into a fresh, easy-to-pack salad form. Combine ground beef, lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, and onions, then dress it all in a Big Mac-inspired sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice. It’s easy to prepare and perfectly aligns with the idea of having a light yet filling lunch ready for a busy day at work. This salad proves you don’t have to give up on taste when choosing lighter lunch options. The familiar flavors of the Big Mac will feed your cravings for a burger without weighing you down in the afternoon. Plus, the homemade dressing is a healthier alternative to the original, so you can feel good about your lunch choice.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
For a flavorful and easy lunch that makes every workday feel like Friday, check out these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Cube up some chicken breasts, cook them in garlic butter, and in about 20 minutes, you’ve got yourself a meal. It’s quick, simple, and just right for packing up and taking to work. These chicken bites will have you counting down until your next lunch break. Pair them with some veggies or a salad for a complete meal. For a variation, toss in some lemon zest or herbs before cooking to brighten the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Throw together some canned salmon, jalapeños, and a dash of cayenne pepper, and you’re on your way to making Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties that make every workday feel like Friday. These little guys are a quick and flavorful lunch fix, done in just 30 minutes. Pair them with Lemon Dill Aioli to kick things up a notch. They’re the perfect example of how simple stuff can turn into a great workday lunch – easy to make and even easier to take with you. And if you’re not a fan of spicy food, decrease or omit the jalapeños and cayenne pepper. The combination of omega-3-rich salmon and spicy jalapeños will give you a boost of energy and focus to help you power through your afternoon tasks. These patties are also a great way to switch up your usual lunch routine and add some excitement to your midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are a quick and easy lunch that’ll make your workday feel like Friday. Mix canned chicken with a few ingredients, form into patties, and cook until golden. They’re ready in 20 minutes, so they’re perfect when you need something fast and filling. Try adding different spices or herbs for a new flavor each time. Once cooled, store them in a container; they reheat well for a delicious lunch. With Canned Chicken Patties, you can say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to a meal that’ll make you excited for your midday break.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Whip up some cucumbers and red onions, toss them with a creamy mix of sour cream, mayo, and dill, and you’ve got a Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. It’s a cool, refreshing pick that’s ready in a snap — less than an hour, to be exact. This salad’s a cinch to prep and great for packing, making your workday lunch anything but ordinary. For an extra punch, throw in some chopped hard-boiled eggs or avocado slices. The Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is so good it’ll make you forget about the stress of work and feel like you’re on a mini-vacation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats are a great choice for a quick and light work lunch. Mix cream cheese, tuna, and seasonings, then stuff the mix into cucumber boats. Ready in 10 minutes, this dish is good for anyone looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make lunch that fits into a busy schedule. It’s a nice addition to our collection of easy-light lunches to pack for work. Adjust the level of spice with more or less seasoning to suit your taste. The Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats are so delicious they’ll make even the most hectic workday feel like a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars make packing lunch for work a breeze. Layer cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, and feta cheese with a simple vinaigrette. They’re ready in 10 minutes and give you a healthy, flavorful, and convenient lunch option that you can prepare ahead of time, making your workweek lunches stress-free. Swap out the cheese or add grilled chicken for a protein boost. These jars stay fresh in the fridge, so you can grab one each morning. With Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars, you’ll have a lunch that’s so good it’ll make you feel like it’s already the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Avocado Tuna Salad
Avocado Tuna Salad is quick and easy, mixing creamy avocado with flavorful tuna. It’s a healthy, last-minute meal prep option that’s light and filling, perfect for making every workday feel like Friday. Add cucumber or extra celery for crunch, and enjoy a refreshing midday meal. This salad is packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping you full and focused throughout the afternoon. The best part? It takes just minutes to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying your break and less time stressing over what to eat.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats
Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats are a simple way to change up your lunch routine. Hard-boiled eggs, creamy Greek yogurt, dill, and hot sauce in hollowed-out cucumber halves. These light and spicy boats are ready fast and easy to pack, making every workday feel like Friday. Top with green onions and paprika for extra flavor. The cool cucumber and spicy egg salad create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, while the protein-rich eggs keep you fueled for the rest of the day. These boats are a fun and exciting way to break out of your lunch rut and look forward to your midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Loaded Zucchini Boats are quick to make and ready in less than an hour. The zucchini is loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions, creating a light but flavorful meal that turns a regular noon into that Friday feeling. These boats are super easy to pack, perfect for busy workdays. The savory flavors of bacon and cheese combined with the freshness of zucchini make for a filling lunch that won’t weigh you down. Plus, the individual portion sizes make it easy to control your intake and stay on track with your health goals while still enjoying a delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders are a fun, portable lunch that combines eggs, bacon, cheese, and avocado in a slider. Ready in 30 minutes, these sliders fit great into a busy work schedule, making every workday feel like Friday. Swap the bacon for ham or sausage for variety throughout the week. The combination of classic breakfast flavors in a convenient slider form makes these a winner for workday lunches. They’re easy to make ahead and reheat well, so you can enjoy a hot, comforting meal even on your busiest days. These sliders are sure to become a lunchtime favorite and make you look forward to your midday break.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Keto Chicken Nuggets
Chicken Nuggets are a light, quick lunch made with canned chicken and coated in a crispy mixture. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re a fantastic choice when you need a fast, filling meal that makes every workday feel like Friday. These nuggets show how easy it is to make a delicious lunch that’s perfect for packing, even when you’re short on time. Using canned chicken saves time on cooking and preparation, while the crispy coating adds a delicious crunch. Pair these nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce and a side of veggies for a balanced meal that will keep you going strong all afternoon. With this recipe, you’ll never dread lunchtime again.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets