Packing lunch for work shouldn’t feel like a chore, but somehow it always does. The trick is finding that sweet spot between “I’m not cooking at 7 a.m.” and “I actually want to eat this later.” This list gets you there with low-effort options that are great enough to make you skip the cafeteria line. No sad desk salads, no regrets.
Bell Pepper Sandwich
Bell Pepper Sandwich is a great pick for those busy office days when you need something quick and fresh to keep you moving. Crisp bell pepper halves hold turkey, cheese, avocado, bacon, and cucumber, giving you a light yet filling lunch. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a mess-free option when eating at your desk or between meetings. A refreshing change from the usual sandwich!
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Big Mac Salad
This Big Mac Salad is a perfect way to bring your favorite burger flavors into your workday without slowing you down. With lettuce, beef, pickles, onions, and a special sauce, it’s got everything you need for a great lunch. It’s quick to make and works well for prepping ahead, so you’re all set for those packed schedules. It’s lighter than a burger but keeps you fueled and focused for the rest of the day.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Tuna Melt Quesadillas
Shake up your lunch game with these Tuna Melt Quesadillas. They’re ready in 30 minutes and combine cheesy tuna goodness inside crispy tortillas. Whether you make them fresh or prep ahead, they’re a great choice for a busy workday. These quesadillas are quick to whip up, easy to pack, and a fun way to enjoy something a little different without spending your entire lunch break on food prep.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Melt Quesadillas
Reuben Bowls
If you love the flavors of a classic Reuben, this bowl is a perfect lighter option for lunch. Corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and tangy dressing come together for a hearty meal without the bread. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s great for meal prep and makes those hectic days a little easier. It’s a nice way to break up the monotony of sandwiches while still keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls
Tuna Macaroni Salad
This Tuna Macaroni Salad is a great choice when you want something filling and reliable for the workday. Made with pasta, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing, it’s ready in about 40 minutes and works perfectly as a budget-friendly meal prep option. It keeps you going all afternoon and is a practical solution for sorting lunch without overcomplicating your day.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice
Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice are a great option for busy workdays when you need a lunch that keeps you focused without slowing you down. Juicy meatballs and cauliflower rice come together in just 30 minutes, so meal prep is simple. It’s hearty enough to power through the day but light enough to keep you feeling sharp and ready to tackle your tasks.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
These Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are perfect for shaking up your lunch routine. They’re ready in 30 minutes, combining canned salmon, jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and seasonings. They’re pan-fried to a golden brown and served with a creamy Lemon Dill Aioli that keeps things fresh. Prep them ahead, and they’re easy to reheat for a quick, flavorful lunch that fits right into a packed workday.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats make a great pick for days when you want something light but hearty. Crisp cucumbers stuffed with chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning are easy to prep ahead. The hollowed-out cucumbers add a refreshing crunch, balancing the tangy filling perfectly. They’re mess-free, fresh, and ready to grab when you’re short on time but still need a lunch that feels put-together.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites make lunch simple and comforting. Ready in 20 minutes, the chicken is cooked until golden and tossed in a flavorful mix of melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika, delivering a comforting and rich taste. It’s easy to prep and pack, perfect for making your workday lunch feel like a small win, even when things get hectic.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad adds bold flavors to your workday. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, charred jalapeños, and a creamy mix of mayonnaise (or sour cream) with hot sauce, garlic powder, and green onion. It’s easy to prep and grab when needed. This salad has just enough kick to keep lunch exciting, making it perfect for busy days at the office or home.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
When your workday gets busy, this quick and filling lunch is perfect to keep you going. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines crunchy Caesar salad with hearty pasta and is ready in 25 minutes. The chicken adds protein, and the pasta helps keep hunger away. It’s a step up from your usual lunches, easy to pack, and simple to enjoy at your desk. A great pick when you need something special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties are great for anyone short on time but still looking for something filling. Made with canned chicken, garlic powder, and Parmesan, they come together in just 20 minutes. You can pair them with a salad, sandwich them, or eat them as is. They’re easy to prep, pack, and enjoy, making them a solid choice for busy days at the office.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Broccoli Fritters
These crispy Broccoli Fritters are a great way to add something fresh to your lunch lineup. They’re made with broccoli, eggs, and Parmesan for a cheesy, delicious bite. They reheat well, making them perfect for packing and eating at work. Quick to prep and simple to enjoy, these fritters are the kind of lunch that keeps your day moving without any extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters
Tuna Egg Salad
This Tuna Egg Salad is perfect for busy days when you need a quick lunch that still feels like a real meal. It’s creamy but not heavy with tuna, eggs, celery, and onions. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s simple to make with ingredients you probably already have. It’s easy to pack and helps you power through the afternoon without overthinking what to eat.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad
Quinoa Chickpea Salad
This fresh and hearty salad is great for packing into your workday lunch routine. Quinoa and chickpeas make it filling, while cucumbers and bell peppers add a nice crunch. Tossed in a lemon-garlic dressing, it’s quick to prep and easy to bring along. A perfect choice for days when you need something simple that keeps you feeling good all afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Fresh, crisp, and ready in 30 minutes, this Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a great pick for an easy lunch or a quick side. It’s made with thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a creamy dressing of sour cream, mayo, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so the flavors come together. If you’ve got a little extra time, you can salt the cucumbers and onions ahead of time to keep the salad from getting watery.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
These Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars are a perfect grab-and-go option for office lunches. Packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta, they take just 10 minutes to prep with no cooking involved. The tangy homemade dressing keeps everything fresh and flavorful, so you can power through your day without the stress of planning a complicated meal. Prep the night before, and lunch is sorted first thing in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Avocado Tuna Salad
Avocado Tuna Salad is a great choice for those jam-packed days when you need something light but still filling. Creamy avocado, tuna, and a squeeze of lemon come together in just five minutes. Prep it the night before, chill in the fridge, and you have a lunch that’s easy to grab on your way out. Stay energized through the afternoon with this creamy, refreshing salad.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Thai Chicken Salad
Thai Chicken Salad is a refreshing way to mix up your usual workday routine without overcomplicating things. The salad combines tender marinated chicken with crunchy cucumber ribbons, arugula, and a tangy lime-based dressing, making it a refreshing and nutrient-packed option that brings bold flavors to your lunch. It’s quick to pack, simple to enjoy, and keeps your day moving while giving you something more exciting to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
These Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a great lunch option when you’re short on time. Packed with cottage cheese, eggs, and your choice of optional add-ins, such as diced vegetables, cooked bacon or sausage, or herbs or spices. They’re ready in 30 minutes. Easy to pack and eat on the go, they’re a practical choice for busy days when you need something quick and filling to eat at your desk or between meetings.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins