20 lunches that will make your coworkers jealous

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Are you ready to bring lunches to work that will have your coworkers looking on with envy? These 20 great recipes are perfect for changing up your midday meal routine. Forget the same old sandwiches and salads; these dishes are easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or light, these lunches might just be the highlight of the office lunch break.

A person holding a stuffed pepper sandwich over a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a fantastic lunch pick. They mix chicken and bacon with homemade ranch in cucumbers for a light yet filling meal. They’re simple to make ahead, smoothing out your meal prep routine. These cucumber boats are a refreshing alternative to heavy lunches, keeping you alert and focused through the afternoon slump.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice

Meatballs and cauliflower rice in a clear container.
Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get ready to dive into Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice, a real game-changer for work lunches. Only 30 minutes to prep, and you’ve got yourself a week’s worth of good eating. Thanks to its simplicity and great taste, it’s the kind of meal that makes the workday fly by. Say goodbye to the hassle of daily lunch decisions — this meal has you covered.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your best friend when you need a quick flavor boost. Ready in 20 minutes, these juicy bites are perfect for spicing up your lunch break with minimal effort. You’ll be counting down until it’s time to dig in. This recipe is a stress-buster, cutting down on cooking time without skimping on flavor, making your lunchtime the highlight of your workday.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those days when you need something light yet filling, the Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a winner. Whip it up in 30 minutes for a refreshing lunch that keeps you cool and satisfied. It’s the kind of meal that makes busy days feel a bit easier. It also hydrates and refreshes you, perfect for those who find it hard to stay energized through the workday.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Three muffins on a white plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake up your lunch routine with Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Ready in 30 minutes and loaded with protein, these muffins blend egg, bacon, and cottage cheese for a delectable midday boost. Not just for breakfast, they’re perfect for a convenient work lunch and easy to store and grab during your break. They’re great for busy mornings, a grab-and-go option that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition for convenience.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you like your lunch with a bit of a kick, the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad won’t disappoint. It’s easy to prep and packs enough flavor to liven up your lunchtime routine. Perfect for when you want something light but exciting, making every lunch hour something to look forward to. This salad is a mood booster that breaks the monotony of regular lunches.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Big Mac Salad is a great way to enjoy the classic burger flavors without the bun, perfect for looking forward to lunch at work. It’s easy to put together and great for meal prep, packing ground beef, bacon, lettuce, and pickles into a salad. This dish brings a familiar taste in a new form, making sure your lunch breaks are appetizing and filling. It eliminates the post-lunch slump by keeping things light yet flavorful, boosting your afternoon productivity.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Bell Pepper Sandwich will have you watching the clock until noon. It’s a breeze to make in 10 minutes, swapping bread for crisp bell peppers stuffed with your favorite goodies. It’s a fresh and fun pick that makes lunchtime anything but boring. Plus, it’s a great way to add more veggies to your day, making you feel good about your lunch choice.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Low-carb Greek salad meal prep jars.
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a lunch that’s fresh and easy, go for Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars. They’re ready in 10 minutes, packed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, green peppers, olives, and feta cheese. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something delicious, they make lunchtime something to look forward to. This option saves you from eating out, keeping your meals lighter and more wallet-friendly throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Broccoli Fritters

A stack of broccoli fritters on a plate.
Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Fritters, ready in 35 minutes for your lunch hour. Pair them with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a filling meal. They’re a great way to add some greens to your diet in a fun way. These fritters are perfect for sneaking more veggies into your diet in a delicious way, helping you meet your daily nutrition goals effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers bring excitement to your lunch with delicious homemade ranch. They’re easy to bake and are extra flavorful. Ready in under an hour, these poppers are a creative way to spice up your lunch routine. They make homemade lunches something to brag about, a solid alternative to store-bought or fast-food options.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties is a quick and easy lunch solution, ready in 20 minutes. Whether you enjoy them on their own, with veggies, or as a sandwich, they’re a straightforward and delectable option. This recipe is perfect for busy workdays, making lunchtime easy and appetizing without a lot of prep. They’re a great way to enjoy a home-cooked meal, even on your busiest days.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Zucchini Bites

A zucchini bite being dipped into a dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Zucchini Bites are a light, flavorful addition to your lunchbox, ready in just 30 minutes. Mixing zucchini with cheeses and Italian seasoning, they’re a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on taste. Adding these to your lunch rotation is a smart way to keep meals interesting. These bites are a game-changer for anyone looking to eat a little better without giving up on flavor, making it easy to enjoy veggies in a new and exciting way.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Spicy tuna cucumber boats on a plate.
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats are a refreshing, quick lunch option, ready in 10 minutes. They mix the crispness of cucumber with spicy tuna. Topped with Everything Bagel Seasoning, these boats make lunchtime exciting and different every day. This meal is a perfect mix of freshness and spice, breaking the monotony of typical lunch fare and injecting some excitement into your day.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Avocado Tuna Salad

A bowl of avocado tuna salad with avocado slices and lemon slices.
Avocado Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Avocado Tuna Salad is a fresh, protein-rich choice that’s quick to prepare, making sure you have a filling meal to enjoy. It’s a great way to keep full and focused throughout your workday, thanks to its healthy fats and protein. This salad is a refreshing break from the usual, helping you power through the afternoon. With its easy preparation, it’s an easy way to guarantee you’re energized, even on your busiest days.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Thai Chicken Salad

In FDL library.
Thai Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Thai Chicken Salad is an exciting spin on lunch with its mix of marinated chicken, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing. It’s a light yet filling meal that diversifies your lunch menu. This flavorful salad is a good escape from the everyday, making lunch the best part of your workday.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a fantastic, spicy lunch choice, ready in about 30 minutes. Paired with lemon dill aioli, they’re a straightforward way to add some excitement to your lunch routine. These patties are a great way to introduce a little heat into your meals, making lunchtime something to get fired up about. They’re also a perfect option for incorporating more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

In FDL library.
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats is a quick, refreshing lunch ready in 10 minutes, blending creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon. They’re a nutritious, delicious meal that guarantees your lunch is far from dull. This dish brings a burst of flavor to your day, keeping things light and appetizing. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their lunch routine while still enjoying a meal that’s filling and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto Chicken Nuggets are ready in just 30 minutes and put a lighter spin on a familiar favorite. These nuggets keep lunch fun and delectable, making sure you’re satisfied until dinner. They’re perfect for those seeking a nutritious option without missing out on flavor, making every lunch break a highlight. Thanks to their high protein and low carb content, they’re also a great way to keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Meatza

A pizza with meat and sauce on a plate.
Meatza. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Meatza is a creative, protein-packed take on pizza with a meat base and all your favorite toppings. It’s a hassle-free, delicious lunch option that’s easy to make. This dish lets you enjoy pizza flavors while keeping things low-carb and high-protein for a filling work lunch. It’s a great way to enjoy your pizza cravings without feeling weighed down after.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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