17 lunch recipes that make you forget you’re at work—even if you’re just eating over your keyboard

Photo of author

| Published:

Lunch doesn’t have to feel like another task in the middle of your day. These ideas give you something real to enjoy—even if the backdrop is your inbox and calendar alerts. Whether you’re packing ahead or grabbing something quick, these meals bring enough comfort and ease to feel like a break, even when you don’t step away from your desk.

Three Reuben quesadilla slices with herbs on a white plate, accompanied by a pickle and a small dish of dipping sauce.
Reuben Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Plate of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad on a wooden table, accompanied by three forks and a blue plaid napkin.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Ever find yourself craving something a bit playful for lunch? Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is there to break the monotony with its creamy and satisfying twist. It’s simple enough for a weekday but doesn’t skimp on the flavor you crave. Imagine looking forward to your midday break with this fun dish waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Cuban Chaffle Sandwich

Two Cuban Chaffle sandwiches on a cutting board.
Cuban Chaffle Sandwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Picture swapping out your usual sandwich with something a bit more exciting like a Cuban Chaffle Sandwich. This meal quickly turns your lunch into the highlight of your workday. It’s an easy way to inject a bit of joy into your afternoon routine without leaving your desk. After this, you might just find yourself powering through to-do lists with a new spring in your step.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Chaffle Sandwich

Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

A white bowl filled with BLT pasta salad, featuring spiral pasta, creamy dressing, pieces of bacon, and other visible ingredients, is shown with a spoon. Red onions, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and parsley are in the background.
Creamy BLT Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Need a break from the usual lunch options? Creamy BLT Pasta Salad is like a breath of fresh spring air in the middle of a busy workday. It’s a comforting pick-me-up that’s as easy to enjoy as it is to prepare. Post-lunch food coma won’t be an issue with this energizing choice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy BLT Pasta Salad

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Grilled sandwich filled with pulled pork and onions, served with a side of fries on a slate plate.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo Credit: Southern Supper Club

Shake up your lunch routine with a Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. This isn’t your childhood grilled cheese; it’s packed with flavor and ready to perk up your day. It’s the perfect companion to help you power through those deadline-driven afternoons. When your lunch is this good, the last thing on your mind will be the work waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Step away from your spreadsheets and find solace in Horiatiki Salad, a refreshing option for an office lunch that’ll transport you to a sunlit Greek village in the midst of spring. It’s a fuss-free choice that leaves you feeling nourished and energized rather than sluggish for the afternoon’s tasks. Just imagine, in between emails, taking bites that refresh your palate and clear your mind.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato with a spoon and napkin lie nearby.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.

Sometimes, all you need is a Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup to make lunchtime feel special. It’s rich enough to be a meal on its own and brings a homestyle touch to your desk. No need for a cafe when you can enjoy this level of comfort at work. Sit back, relax, and enjoy – your afternoon just got a lot better.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Egg Salad

The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a classic with a twist, Egg Salad is a reliable go-to that won’t steer you wrong. It’s straightforward to whip up and even easier to enjoy while multitasking. This lunch will see you through your project with a steady hand. Let your midday break be a moment for yourself with this reliable choice.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup topped with parsley on a white surface, next to a spoon.
Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup can offer you the warm embrace you need on a hectic day. It’s the spoonful of comfort that reminds you to slow down and enjoy your meal. Get ready to approach your afternoon tasks with a renewed sense of calm. And just like that, getting back to work doesn’t seem quite so daunting.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Greek Salad

Greek Salad with a round block of feta in the middle.
Greek Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Turn your desk into a no-fuss dining destination with a simple Greek Salad. This light yet fulfilling option keeps you alert and satisfied without weighing you down. It’s as refreshing as a walk outside and gets you ready to tackle any challenge. Lunchtime just became a highlight, not an interruption.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup

A bowl of Cabbage and Bean Soup with visible chunks of vegetables and beans, garnished with sprigs of rosemary. A spoon and striped napkin are beside the bowl.
Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in need of something warm and gratifying, Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup has got your back. It’s like a little bowl of happiness amidst a sea of emails and deadlines. You’ll look forward to this midday pause as a chance to recharge. Step into the rest of your day with a content smile and a satisfied appetite.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage and Bean Soup

Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan on a white platter.
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Let Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan refresh your day with its bright flavors. It’s simple, yet each bite feels like a mini escape from the buzz of office life. No-frills, no stress, just pure enjoyment while you dine at your desk. This lunch is a gentle reminder that sometimes, the small things make all the difference.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

Turkey Chaffwich

Waffles with turkey and cranberry on a plate.
Turkey Chaffwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Level up today’s lunch with a Turkey Chaffwich, a modern twist on a beloved classic. It balances simplicity with a sense of novelty, perfect for a midday meal. Whether it’s a busy Monday or a dragging Thursday, this option revives your spirit for work. Just take that first bite, and let lunchtime feel like its own little victory.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chaffwich

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with rotisserie chicken pasta salad.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad makes for an uncomplicated yet lovely lunch. It’s the ideal pick for when you want something hearty but not too heavy. You’ll be surprised at how this lunch can transform your break into a genuinely pleasant interlude. As you return to your tasks, it’s with a sense of fulfilment that only good food can provide.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

French Dip Chaffwich

French Dip Chaffle Sandwich on a plate.
French Dip Chaffwich. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

What you reach for when you need something warm and hearty is French Dip Chaffwich. Your midday meal becomes an indulgent yet manageable feast. Trust this sandwich to provide the fuel you need without the sleepiness afterward. Say goodbye to the afternoon drag and hello to renewed focus.
Get the Recipe: French Dip Chaffwich

Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

Two Salmon Cakes on a white plate with mixed leafy greens and a lemon wedge.
Grandma’s Salmon Cakes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Grandma’s Salmon Cakes bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your lunch hour. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel supported and cared for, even on the busiest days. Bite into tradition and let it be your companion through spreadsheets and emails. Returning to work with a sense of homely contentment has never been easier.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

White Bean Salad

A plate of white bean salad on a wooden surface next to two vintage forks.
White Bean Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re after a lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on heartiness, White Bean Salad is it. Enjoy a peaceful moment with this dish that’s as effortless as it is comforting. It’s the kind of lunch that keeps you nimble for the work that lies ahead. Look forward to an afternoon where you’re fueled and ready to go.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad

Reuben Quesadillas

Three Reuben quesadilla slices with herbs on a white plate, accompanied by a pickle and a small dish of dipping sauce.
Reuben Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Break up the monotony of work with Reuben Quesadillas, which blends the essence of a New York deli with the ease of Mexican street food. It’s a unique twist that delivers comfort food straight to your desk, making your lunch break something to look forward to. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, paired with flavors that can whisk you away from the hum of office lights for a moment.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Quesadillas

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.