20 work lunches that will have you counting the minutes until noon

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If you’re searching for ideas for work lunches that will have you watching the clock for your lunch break, you’ve come to the right place. These 20 recipes are so good that you’ll be counting the minutes until you can dig in. They’re easy to make, convenient to pack, and just what you need to shake up your midday meal routine.

A person is holding a plate of stuffed cucumbers.
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 for a fast and fresh lunch. It takes 10 minutes to make, using bell peppers instead of bread and filled with your favorite fillings. It’s a great way to switch up your lunch game, showing that quick can still be fresh and fun.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice

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

Meal Prep Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice are a must-try for work lunches. They take 30 minutes to make and give you a week’s worth of simple and delicious meals. It’s a stress-free recipe that you’ll look forward to enjoying every day.
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 perfect for adding some flavor to your lunch without spending too much time. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, coat in flour and salt and then fry. They’re ready in 20 minutes and are a delicious way to make your lunch break exciting with little effort.
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.

When you’re looking for something quick and refreshing, go for the Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a mix of cucumbers and onions with creamy dill dressing. It’s perfect for busy days, giving you a refreshing meal that keeps you going.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

If you like a bit of kick in your lunch, Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is the answer. It mixes spicy jalapeños with chicken for a light yet appetizing meal. Prep it ahead for an easy lunch routine.
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.

Big Mac Salad turns a classic burger into an easy-to-make salad. It’s quick to put together and great for meal prep. Enjoy the familiar flavors of ground beef, bacon, lettuce, and pickles in a convenient salad format. It’s an awesome choice for lunch all week.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac 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 bring something new to work lunches. They’re ready in 30 minutes and packed with protein. The combination of egg, bacon, and cottage cheese makes this recipe a great lunch option, not just for breakfast. They’re convenient to store and enjoy during your break.
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.

Pack Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats for a great lunch choice. They mix chicken and bacon with homemade ranch in hollowed-out cucumbers. This combo is perfect for a meal that’s both light and keeps you full. They’re easy to make ahead, making your lunch prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

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

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars make your lunch fresh and exciting. They only take 10 minutes to prepare and are full of fresh ingredients–cucumber, tomatoes, green pepper, olives, and feta cheese. This is the perfect choice for when you need something quick and ready to go.
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 ready in 35 minutes and are a flexible lunch option. Made with broccoli and Parmesan cheese, they work well as a main or side dish. Enjoy them with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a complete meal.
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 make lunchtime fun with their delicious homemade ranch. Combine ground chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, egg and other spices. Bake in the oven for ease, they’re an excellent way to spice up your lunch in under an hour.
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 are the ultimate quick-fix for busy workdays, ready in just 20 minutes. The mixe of canned chicken, egg, sunflower seed meal, and Parmesan make a great meal whether you’re eating them alone, with a side of veggies, or tucked into a sandwich. This simple, speedy lunch choice is sure to make your midday meal hassle-free and appetizing.
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 an excellent choice for adding something light yet packed with flavor to your lunchbox, and they’re ready in just 30 minutes. Combining zucchini with Parmesan, cheddar, and Italian seasoning, these bites are great for those days when you want something nutritious that doesn’t compromise on taste. Add this recipe to your lunch rotation.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

A person is holding a cucumber with tuna and sesame seeds on it.
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats are a quick, refreshing lunch option that’s ready in 10 minutes. They blend the crispness of cucumber with the creaminess of cheese and the kick of spicy tuna, creating a meal that’s sure to wake up your taste buds. Topped with Everything Bagel Seasoning and a dash of hot sauce, these boats are a perfect way to spice up your lunchtime.
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 perfect choice for a fresh, protein-packed lunch that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s easy to whip up, even on the busiest of mornings, ensuring you have a filling meal to look forward to. This salad is a great way to keep yourself full and focused throughout the workday, thanks to its healthy fats and protein.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Thai Chicken Salad

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

Thai Chicken Salad serves up a delicious way to bring some excitement to your lunch with its mix of marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to diversify their lunch menu and enjoy a meal that’s both light and filling. This salad is a flavorful escape from the ordinary, promising to make your lunch hour the highlight of your day.
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 dynamite lunch option for those who enjoy a little heat. Ready in about 30 minutes, it mixes canned salmon, ground pork rinds, eggs, mayo, red pepper flakes, and cayenne. Served with a tangy lemon dill aioli, the patties are a straightforward way to jazz up your lunch routine.
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 bring together creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon for a quick, refreshing lunch ready in 10 minutes. This dish combines all the best flavors of a classic BLT but in a fresh, low-carb cucumber boat. It’s a nutritious and delicious meal, ensuring your lunch is anything but boring.
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 fun spin on a classic favorite. Mix canned chicken, cheese, sunflower seed meal, pork rinds, and egg, form into patties and fry. This crispy and juicy lunch recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for anyone looking for a healthier lunch option, these nuggets keep things fun and delicious. They’re sure to keep you full until dinner, making your lunch break something to look forward to.
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 and protein-rich alternative to traditional pizza, featuring a meat base topped with all your favorite pizza toppings. It’s an easy, mess-free meal that’s perfect for a no-hassle lunch, ready in no time at all. This dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of pizza while sticking to a low-carb, high-protein diet. It’s a smart choice for a delicious work lunch.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

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