17 packable lunches that’ll save you from yet another boring workday meal

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It’s time to say goodbye to those uninspiring desk salads and leftovers that have lost their spark. These updated work lunches are here to save you from the same repetitive meals that make your afternoons feel long. Think fresh ideas will bring a little more joy to your lunch break, making it something to look forward to.

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

Bell Pepper Sandwich

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

The Bell Pepper Sandwich is perfect if your work lunches need a refresh. Instead of bread, you get a crisp, juicy bell pepper filled with turkey, provolone, and bacon. It’s ready in 10 minutes, so it’s quick to assemble even on a busy morning. This light but filling option energizes you without feeling too heavy, making it great for a productive afternoon. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a lunch rut, this sandwich is an easy way to keep things fresh and fun.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

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 brings all your favorite burger flavors without the heaviness. This salad is made with seasoned beef, crispy bacon, pickles, and cheese tossed in a tangy sauce. It’s filling but won’t weigh you down, making it great for breaking out lunchtime monotony. Prepped and cooked in 40 minutes, it’s a great way to bring variety to your workday meals without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Tuna Egg Salad is the kind of lunch that gets the job done when you’re short on time. It’s ready in just 25 minutes and packed with protein from hard-boiled eggs and tuna. Add some Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, and pickles for crunch, and you’ve got a creamy, flavorful salad perfect for lunch. If you’re tired of the same old lunches, this one’s a great way to switch things up without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

Quinoa Chickpea Salad

A bowl filled with a quinoa salad that includes chickpeas, chopped red bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs, presented on a light-colored surface.
Quinoa Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Quinoa Chickpea Salad is a fresh, wholesome option that adds variety to your work lunch. It’s packed with vegetables like red bell peppers, cucumbers, and onions, and the quinoa gives it enough heartiness to keep you full. This salad is quickly prepared with lemon-garlic vinaigrette, making it great for busy days. If you’re tired of the same old meals, this dish is a simple way to keep things healthy and delicious while avoiding the lunchtime slump.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

The Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad adds just the right spice to your lunch for a little midday kick. This recipe puts a fresh spin on the traditional jalapeño popper by transforming it into a delicious keto-friendly chicken salad. It combines shredded baked chicken with crispy bacon crumbles for flavorful protein. Roasted jalapeño peppers bring the signature heat of a popper but in a more versatile salad base. If you’ve been feeling uninspired with your lunches, this salad is a great way to switch things up without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is another great way to mix things up on lunch. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have bite-sized pieces of chicken, pan-fried and coated in a garlic butter sauce that’s rich and comforting. This dish is easy to pack and reheat, so it’s perfect for taking to work and breaking out of your regular lunchtime routine. Instead of another boring sandwich, these bites will give you something to look forward to, helping you stay fueled and ready for the rest of your day.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

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

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a great option if you’re looking for a nutritious and convenient lunch. It’s made with eggs, cottage cheese, and whatever veggies you have, then baked until perfect. They store well, so you can make a batch and have lunch sorted for the week. Plus, they’re packed with protein, so they’ll keep you full and energized throughout the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

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 bring a fresh change if your lunch routine gets repetitive. This quick meal comes together in just 30 minutes and is made with crisp cucumbers filled with chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing. It’s a light but filling option, great for those who want something cool and refreshing without the heaviness of typical lunches. Perfect for a busy workday, these cucumber boats are easy to pack, low on carbs, and high in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Broccoli Fritters

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

Broccoli Fritters are a great way to do it if you want to switch up your lunches. These fritters are made with chopped broccoli, eggs, and Parmesan, fried to a crispy golden finish. Ready in 35 minutes, they’re quick, simple, and a fun way to make broccoli more enticing. Plus, they pack well and are easy to reheat, making them a good choice for work lunches when you’re tired of salads or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

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.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a great way to add something fresh and light to your lunch. Ready in about 30 minutes, crisp cucumber slices and red onion are tossed in a creamy dill dressing, perfect for days when you want a break from heavier meals. This salad will keep you feeling light and energized, helping you get through the afternoon without feeling weighed down — a fresh addition to your lunch routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion 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 great choice for a quick and flavorful lunch. These patties are made with canned salmon, jalapeños, and cayenne, bringing some heat to your lunchtime. They come together in about 30 minutes and are perfect for preparing ahead and packing for work. If your lunches are feeling a bit dull, these patties can bring a bit of excitement to your routine.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Canned Chicken Patties

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

If lunch starts to feel dull, these Canned Chicken Patties are a great way to bring some variety without much effort. It’s made with canned chicken, eggs, Parmesan, and your choice of sunflower seed meal or almond flour. They’re crisp on the outside and tender inside, ready in just 20 minutes. You can enjoy or turn them into a sandwich — whatever works for you. These patties are a perfect option that doesn’t take much time but still feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai chicken salad with arugula, sliced onions, and red chili peppers.
Thai Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Thai Chicken Salad is a simple way to switch things up and make your lunch more exciting if you are tired of the same old salad. With marinated chicken, fresh arugula, onions, and a little kick of chili peppers tossed in a lime and cilantro dressing, this salad is quick but still flavorful. Light and energizing, this salad keeps you going through the day without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice

Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you want to change up your lunch, try these Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice. This dish features seasoned beef meatballs with light cauliflower rice, giving you a filling meal that won’t leave you sluggish. It’s ready in 30 minutes, so you can prep it for the whole week. Heat it, and you have a healthy, delicious option ready. Perfect for busy days when you need something easy but don’t want to settle for another boring sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

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

These Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars are perfect for a fresh and quick lunch option. Ready in 10 minutes, ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese are layered in jars, keeping everything fresh until you’re ready to eat. It’s a great fix, especially if you’re short on time but want something refreshing. These jars are easy to grab on your way out the door, making sure you always have a healthy lunch waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Keto Chicken Nuggets

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

These Keto Chicken Nuggets are a fun, easy way to bring something different to your day if you’re tired of bland lunches. It’s made with canned chicken coated in pork rinds for crunch. Ready in 30 minutes, you can batch-cook them and have them prepared for the week. These are a simple, practical way to add a little fun to your day without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Avocado Tuna Salad

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

When you need a light and fresh lunch, this Avocado Tuna Salad is a great option. It’s made with creamy avocado, crunchy celery, and a bright mix of lemon and dill, giving you a quick and energizing meal. This salad is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time for something heavy but still need something that feels fresh. It’s super easy to throw together and won’t leave you feeling weighed down, so you can stay focused and continue your day.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

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