Say goodbye to mundane midday meals with these 17 lunch ideas that promise to be the envy of the office. Each recipe is crafted for those seeking to add excitement to their lunch routine, featuring ingredients that combine health with heartiness. These lunches are not only easy to prepare but are also designed to fit into busy schedules, ensuring that every bite is a moment to savor amidst the day’s hustle.
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Turn the classic comfort of chicken pot pie into a hearty and easy soup to make using an Instant Pot. With every spoonful, you get the flavors of the traditional pie but in a form that’s perfect for sipping from a mug or spooning over biscuits. This soup is a lunchtime conversation starter, sure to bring a bit of home-cooked warmth to your office.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Onion Samosas
Crispy, flaky, and filled with a spicy onion mixture, these samosas are a hit for anyone who loves a good crunch with a kick. They’re a far cry from the usual lunch fare, offering a taste of Indian street food that’s both satisfying and shareable. Packing these for lunch is a surefire way to turn heads in the break room and make your midday meal a memorable one.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas
Spicy Cucumber Salad
A refreshing yet fiery salad that balances the coolness of cucumber with a spicy dressing, perfect for waking up your taste buds. It’s a light, vibrant side that complements any main dish, adding a burst of flavor without the heaviness. This salad is not only a feast for the senses but also a talking point among health-conscious and flavor-seeking colleagues alike.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad
Mochiko Chicken
Enjoy a taste of Hawaii with this crispy, tender chicken coated in sweet and savory batter. It’s a delightful alternative to the everyday lunch, bringing island flavors right to your desk. The unique blend of textures and tastes in this dish ensures your lunch is anything but ordinary, sparking envy and curiosity.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken
Air Fryer Taquitos
These taquitos come out of the air fryer crispy on the outside and filled with a flavorful, cheesy mix. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go lunch that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction. Serving these up at lunch is a sure way to enjoy a meal that’s both convenient and crave-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Taquitos
Wonton Soup
A comforting bowl of broth filled with delicate wontons, this soup is a soothing, flavorful escape from the day-to-day. Each dumpling is a bite of bliss, making lunchtime a moment to truly savor and relax. This soup brings a touch of elegance to the lunch hour, offering a homemade alternative to the usual takeout options.
Get the Recipe: Wonton Soup
Asparagus and Shrimp Salad
This salad pairs the crisp tenderness of asparagus with the succulence of shrimp for a light yet fulfilling meal. It’s dressed in a zesty vinaigrette that elevates the fresh ingredients, making each bite a delight. This dish proves that salads can be both sophisticated and satisfying, setting the bar high for lunchtime fare.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Shrimp Salad
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Spicy, tangy, and brimming with chicken and vegetables, this soup made in an Instant Pot is a fiesta in a bowl. It’s a vibrant dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, making it the perfect pick-me-up during a busy workday. The ease of preparation and depth of flavor make this chicken tortilla soup a recurring request.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Air Fryer Empanadas
Filled with your choice of savory fillings and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these empanadas are a portable, delicious lunch option. They offer the pleasure of a flaky crust and hearty filling without the hassle of dining out. These empanadas are a testament to the versatility of the air fryer, making gourmet lunches an everyday possibility.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas
Pork Belly Banh Mi
This sandwich is a fusion of flavors, featuring crispy, rich pork belly, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro on a baguette. It’s a lunch that’s both indulgent and refreshing, hitting all the right notes for a midday meal. Bringing a pork belly banh mi to the table is sure to ignite lunch envy, showcasing a balance of textures and tastes that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi
Chicken Pakora
Marinated chicken pieces are dipped in a chickpea batter and fried until golden, resulting in a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy and flavorful. These pakoras are a delightful way to enjoy chicken, offering a departure from the usual lunch routine. They’re perfect for sharing, though you might want to keep this delicious secret to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora
Green Bean Salad
Crisp green beans tossed with a vibrant dressing, this salad is a fresh, light addition to any lunch spread. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that proves the power of fresh produce. This green bean salad is a bright spot in any lunchbox, offering a crisp contrast to the midday slump.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Salad
Salpicon de Res
A refreshing, no-cook salad made with shredded beef, tomatoes, onions, and avocados, dressed in lime and olive oil. It’s a hearty yet light dish that brings a taste of Latin America to your lunch. This salad is a colorful, flavorful escape from the ordinary, promising to make your lunch hour a highlight of the day.
Get the Recipe: Salpicon de Res
Chicken Tikka Wrap
Spiced, grilled chicken wrapped in a soft tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and a cooling yogurt sauce. It’s a handheld feast that packs a punch of flavor, perfect for on-the-go eating. This wrap takes the best of Indian flavors and rolls them into an easy, satisfying lunch option that’s anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Wrap
Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup
A homemade tomato soup that’s both comforting and simple to prepare, offering a taste of home in every spoonful. Paired with a grilled cheese or enjoyed on its own, it’s a classic lunch that’s always in style. This tomato soup is a warm embrace in a bowl, ideal for those days when you need a little comfort.
Get the Recipe: Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup
Kachumber Salad
A crunchy, fresh salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a hit of lemon juice, offering a burst of freshness to any meal. It’s a side dish that’s as healthy as it is flavorful, perfect for balancing out richer main courses. Kachumber salad is an easy, delicious way to add some vegetables to your lunch, ensuring you’re energized for the rest of the day.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad
Chicken Potstickers
Filled with a juicy chicken mixture and pan-fried to crispy perfection, these potstickers are a tantalizing addition to any lunch. They’re perfect for dipping and sharing, if you’re inclined to do so. Serving these at lunch is a sure way to enjoy a meal that’s both playful and packed with flavor, offering a moment of joy in the middle of a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potstickers