20 recipes you’ve definitely not packed for work lunches yet

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Ready to shake up your work lunches with some fresh ideas you haven’t tried yet? Look no further. We’ve got you covered with a lineup of 20 recipes that are about to make your lunch break the highlight of your workday. These aren’t your typical lunchbox fillers; they’re easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their midday meal.

A blue muffin pan filled with breakfast muffins.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. 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.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats make for a perfect work lunch option. They combine chicken and bacon with a homemade ranch dressing, all neatly served in cucumber boats. They’re light yet filling, making them great for preparing in advance. You can have a go-to lunch ready for the whole week, so you’re sure to have something good and convenient every day.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bell Pepper Sandwich

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

The Bell Pepper Sandwich is your go-to for a quick, fresh lunch at work. Ready in just about 10 minutes, this recipe uses bell peppers as the bread, filled with your favorite ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to add some variety to your lunchtime, serving up an easy yet different meal that’s sure to keep things interesting.
Get the recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

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.

Opt for this Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad when you need a quick and refreshing lunch. It’s ready in 30 minutes and combines cucumbers and onions with a creamy dill dressing. This salad is perfect for those busy workdays when you need something straightforward yet refreshing to power through the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice

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

Meal Prep Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice are a go-to for work lunches because they’re quick to make and easy to enjoy throughout the week. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re a no-stress choice that keeps lunchtime simple and good. This dish makes sure you’ve got something ready to go every day, making your lunch break something to look forward to.
Get the recipe: Meal Prep Meatballs And Cauliflower Rice

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a solid pick when you need something quick and good for lunch. You can make them in 20 minutes, and they pack a lot of flavor with minimal effort. It’s a great way to shake up your lunch break with something that’s easy to make and great to eat.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

For a work lunch that packs a punch, Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a great choice. It mixes spicy jalapeños with chicken for a light and filling meal. Easy to prep ahead, it keeps your lunch routine effortless.
Get the recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

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

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are perfect for anyone looking for a work lunch that’s both easy to make and great for on-the-go. Taking just 30 minutes to prepare, these muffins are not just for breakfast; they’re a protein-packed lunch option that’s easy to store and even easier to enjoy during your break.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Greek salad in mason jars.
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars are the answer to your work lunch routine. They only take 10 minutes to put together and are packed with fresh, good ingredients. It’s the perfect choice for those busy days when you need a lunch that’s ready to go, keeping you energized and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
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 are perfect for work lunches, ready in 35 minutes and perfect for your lunch needs. Made with chopped broccoli and Parmesan cheese, they work well as either the main show or a side. Pair them with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a solid lunch option at work.
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.

Up your lunch game with these Chicken and Bacon Poppers, coming at you with an easy homemade ranch. Oven-baked for simplicity, they’re a fantastic pick for anyone looking to jazz up their lunch routine. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, they’re ready to roll in under an hour, making your lunch prep anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties is a quick and no-stress lunch solution, ready in 20 minutes. You can enjoy them by themselves, with some veggies, or on a sandwich. They’re a go-to for those workdays when you’re looking for something easy and quick to prepare.
Get the recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Zucchini Bites

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

Give your lunchbox a facelift with these Zucchini Bites. They’re a breeze to whip up in 30 minutes, blending zucchini, Parmesan, cheddar, and a hint of Italian seasoning for that perfect flavor punch. Great for those days when you want something light yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

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

Dive into something different for lunch with these Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Packed with crisp cucumber, creamy cheese, and a spicy tuna mix, they’re the perfect quick fix for a busy day. Topped with a dash of Everything Bagel Seasoning and a drizzle of hot sauce, they’re ready in 10 minutes and are bound to shake up your lunch routine.
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 the way to go for a fresh, protein-packed lunch that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for keeping you full and focused, especially on busy workdays. This salad is a straightforward, good choice for fueling up during lunch.
Get the recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai chicken salad with red peppers and greens.
Thai Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Thai Chicken Salad is a flavorful addition to your work lunch lineup. It’s simple to make, mixing marinated chicken with a bunch of veggies for a meal that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. This salad is a great way to add some variety to your work lunches, making the midday meal something to look forward to.
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 perfect for a work lunch with a bit of a kick. They take about 30 minutes to make and are pan-fried to perfection. Served with a flavorful lemon dill aioli, they’re a simple choice that breaks the monotony of usual lunch options.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Big Mac Salad

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

Big Mac Salad turns a classic burger favorite into an easy-to-make salad. It’s simple to put together and works great for prepping ahead of time. This salad brings all the familiar flavors into a convenient salad form, making it a solid choice for your work lunches all week.
Get the recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats

A plate of bacon tomato avocado cucumber boats.
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lunchtime just got a major upgrade with these Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats. Quick, fresh, and filled with the goodness of creamy avocado and crispy bacon, they’re a no-fuss way to enjoy a delicious and crunchy meal. Ready in 10 minutes, they’re perfect for those seeking a fresh, fast, and flavorful lunch option.
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 a playful and easy lunch pick. With a 30-minute prep time, you get crispy nuggets that are juicy inside. They’re a great way to keep lunch interesting and ensure you are filled up until your workday wraps up.
Get the recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Meatza

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

Switch up your lunch with this meatza, a fun and creative alternative to your usual pizza order. With a protein-packed pork base and topped with classic pizza favorites, it’s ready in a flash and cuts down on the clean-up. Perfect for a minimal-hassle lunch that’s ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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