Workdays Are Hard Enough—These 19 Lunches Make Them Easier

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Packed lunches don’t have to be dull or complicated. These easy and satisfying ideas are perfect for busy workdays when you need something quick but still delicious. From bold flavors to comforting classics, they’ll keep your midday meal stress-free and enjoyable. Say goodbye to sad desk lunches and hello to meals worth looking forward to. Whether you’re meal-prepping or grabbing something on the go, these options have you covered.

Hands with red nail polish holding a grilled cheese sandwich with visible melted cheese and fillings.
Bombay Sandwich. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken Potstickers

Overhead shot of chicken potstickers with chile paste on plates.
Chicken Potstickers. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken potstickers bring a satisfying mix of crispy bottoms and tender, seasoned chicken filling to your lunchbox. They’re simple to pack and even easier to enjoy with a side of soy sauce for dipping. These potstickers add a touch of comfort to your workday without the hassle of elaborate prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These wraps combine spiced chicken with tangy tahini sauce for a desk lunch that’s anything but ordinary. Using the air fryer makes prep quick and cleanup minimal. They’re a portable and flavorful choice that turns your midday meal into something you’ll look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mochiko chicken delivers bite-sized, crispy perfection that’s easy to pack and enjoy. Pair it with rice or steamed veggies for a well-rounded lunch that keeps your energy up without dragging you down. It’s a quick way to make lunch more interesting while staying simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

Salmon and asparagus quiche on a metal plate with parchment paper.
Salmon and Asparagus Quiche. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

This rich, savory quiche combines tender salmon and fresh asparagus in a flaky crust. It’s easy to slice and pack, making it a refined yet practical choice for lunch. Its elegant flavors make it feel special, even if you’re eating it at your desk.
Get the Recipe: Salmon and Asparagus Quiche

Samosas

Low angle shot of a samosa cut in half so that you can see the potato filling inside.
Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Samosas are crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas, offering a hearty, satisfying lunch option. Pair them with chutney for a bold flavor boost. They’re easy to pack and make a perfect grab-and-go meal for busy workdays.
Get the Recipe: Samosas

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.
Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These rolls feature marinated chicken, savory chutney, and seasoned onions wrapped in soft roti. They’re portable and bursting with bold Indian flavors, making them a lunch that stands out without requiring much effort. Perfect for keeping lunch exciting on hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These empanadas, filled with seasoned beef and wrapped in a flaky crust, are made easy with the air fryer. They’re a stress-free way to pack something flavorful and satisfying, perfect for replacing yet another sandwich in your lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Pork Belly Banh Mi

3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.
Pork Belly Banh Mi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pork Belly Banh Mi offers a combination of crispy pork, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs on a crusty baguette. It’s a bold, satisfying option that brings a touch of global flavor to your lunch break. Easy to pack and even easier to devour.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Spam Musubi

Spam musubi on a white plate with soy sauce, a can of Spam, chopsticks, and a bowl in the background.
Spam Musubi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spam Musubi layers glazed Spam, sticky rice, and nori into a portable, handheld meal. It’s a no-fuss lunch that delivers rich umami flavor and keeps things simple. Perfect for busy days when you need something quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Spam Musubi

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bombay sandwiches feature layers of chutney, fresh vegetables, and buttered bread for a flavorful vegetarian lunch. They’re easy to pack and bring a refreshing twist to your midday routine. Perfect for keeping lunch simple and vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Bacon and Egg Salad

Egg salad on a piece of white bread.
Bacon and Egg Salad. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

Bacon and egg salad pairs crispy bacon with creamy eggs for a protein-packed lunch that’s ready in minutes. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for days when you need something quick yet satisfying to power through your afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Egg Salad

Chicken Tikka Wrap

Low angle shot of 3 filled chicken tikka wraps.
Chicken Tikka Wrap. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken tikka wraps are a flavorful blend of spiced chicken and fresh veggies, all wrapped for easy portability. They’re a quick way to upgrade your lunch game without adding stress to your workday.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap

Paneer Rolls

Hand holding paneer roll.
Paneer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Paneer rolls feature spiced paneer, crunchy salad, and chutney wrapped in soft roti. This vegetarian option is easy to pack and delivers bold, satisfying flavors that brighten up your midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Paneer Rolls

Onion Samosas

Low angle shot of fried onion samosas ready to serve.
Onion Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Onion samosas pack caramelized, spiced onions into crispy pastry pockets. They’re a bold and satisfying lunch option, especially when paired with a tangy chutney. Portable and full of flavor, they make workdays a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas

Thai Curry Puffs

Thai curry puffs filled with ground chicken, potatoes, peas, onions, garlic and spices are a mouthwatering snack.
Thai Curry Puffs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Curry puffs combine spiced chicken and potatoes in a flaky crust, offering a portable, flavorful lunch solution. They’re easy to prepare and bring a taste of comfort to your workday.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Puffs

Indian Frankies

Hand holding a frankie roll with two more rolls in the background.
Indian Frankies. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Indian Frankies wrap tender spiced meat and fresh chutney in soft roti for a street food-inspired lunch. They’re easy to pack and bursting with bold flavors, making them a great way to break up a busy workday.
Get the Recipe: Indian Frankies

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chicken pakora offers crispy, spiced bites that are perfect for dipping. They’re an easy way to make your lunch more exciting while keeping things simple. A quick and flavorful option for workday meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Low angle shot of vietnamese summer rolls with edible flowers.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Summer rolls are light and refreshing, packed with noodles, fresh herbs, and veggies. They’re easy to pack and perfect for a lunch that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Stacked taquitos on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These taquitos are stuffed with chicken, beans, and cheese, then crisped in the air fryer. Pair them with salsa or guacamole for a flavorful, easy-to-pack lunch that keeps things interesting without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

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