Looking for quick lunches that are ready in a snap, leaving the office gossip in the dust? These 15 speedy meal ideas are great for those days when you want a good meal but are short on time. They’re perfect for anyone who’d rather spend their lunch break enjoying their food than overhearing the latest rumors.
Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice
Try the Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice for a hearty lunch option. It’s meatballs and cauliflower rice — easy to make in advance and great for busy workdays. This combo is a great way to enjoy a classic dish in a new, convenient form. It’s about keeping lunchtime simple but good. Warm it up for a comforting meal that feels like home. Experiment with different sauces to keep it interesting, like teriyaki or marinara.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice
Canned Chicken Patties
Revisit those lunchtime favorites with Canned Chicken Patties, which combine quickness and comfort in one dish. They’re ready in 20 minutes and can be paired with veggies or sandwiched for a filling meal. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense lunch option that brings a bit of nostalgia to your midday break. Serve these patties with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal. Try mixing in some grated cheese and herbs into the patty mix for an extra layer of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Bell Pepper Sandwich
Switch up your lunch with the Bell Pepper Sandwich. Forget the usual bread; we’re using bell peppers to hold turkey, cheese, and lettuce. It’s quick, taking only about 10 minutes to make. This is a fresh way to enjoy lunch at work, whether you’re stuck at your desk or on the move. Plus, it’s a light option that won’t slow you down for the afternoon. Serve it cold for a refreshing lunch break. For a vegetarian spin, swap the turkey with hummus and cucumber slices.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Big Mac Salad
If you love a Big Mac but want something lighter for work, the Big Mac Salad is your go-to. It takes that iconic burger and turns it into a salad. You get all the flavors you love without feeling too full to work after lunch. It’s a clever way to enjoy your favorite fast food in a salad form. Throw in some croutons for that extra crunch. For a lighter dressing, consider a simple vinaigrette with mustard.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Bring some excitement to your lunch with the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. It’s inspired by the appetizer we all love, with chicken, jalapeños, cream cheese, and spices. You can whip this up the night before so it’s ready to kick your lunch hour up a notch. It’s perfect for anyone looking to shake up their lunch routine with something easy and packed with flavor. Great with a side of crackers or sliced veggies. Add a scoop on top of a baked sweet potato for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are here to make your lunch quick and straightforward. Ready in 20 minutes, they’re all about making your break as easy as possible without missing out on good food. This dish is a fresh take on chicken that’s perfect for anyone with a tight schedule. Serve these bites hot with a dip of your choice for extra flavor. Try tossing them in a buffalo or BBQ sauce for a change of pace.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a versatile choice for any time of day, loaded with protein to keep you going. Made with eggs, cottage cheese, and a variety of veggies, they’re convenient for when you’re on the move. These muffins stand out as a smart choice for a quick, healthy work lunch. It is a comforting bite in the middle of the day. Feel free to customize with various herbs or cheeses to keep things interesting. They freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead and thaw as needed for a hassle-free lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Check out the Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats for a new take on chicken salad. Chicken and bacon with ranch, all in a cucumber. It’s refreshing and simple to make. This recipe is all about bringing some fun to your lunch, mixing familiar flavors in a cool, new way. It’s just the thing for a quick, filling meal at work. Mix in some diced avocado for an extra creamy texture.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Simplify your week with Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars, a fresh and practical approach to lunch prep. With just 10 minutes of preparation, you can enjoy a vibrant Greek salad at work all week long. It’s a good mix of convenience and flavor, keeping your lunches light and pleasant. These jars are perfect as a standalone meal or alongside a slice of crusty bread for a more substantial lunch. For a protein boost, add some grilled chicken or chickpeas to each jar.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Thai Chicken Salad
Refresh your lunch with Thai Chicken Salad, an easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor. Marinated chicken and crisp veggies come together in this light yet filling salad, which is a welcome break from the usual. It’s a refreshing option for anyone looking for something different at lunch. This salad is great on its own or wrapped in a tortilla for a homemade wrap. Try customizing the salad with different dressings, like peanut or ginger, to change up the taste.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad
Avocado Tuna Salad
The Avocado Tuna Salad is a fresh update on the classic tuna salad. With avocado for creaminess and extra nutrients, it’s a healthy and simple choice. It’s quick to make, which is perfect for work. This salad brings a well-loved staple into today’s lunch game. Best on top of a crisp bed of greens or with whole-grain toast. For an extra kick, mix in some chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Broccoli Fritters
Shake up your lunch with Broccoli Fritters. They turn a familiar veggie into something fun to eat. With broccoli and Parmesan, these fritters are appetizing and easy to make. They’re great for when you want something different at lunch, something that’s easy to eat and keeps things interesting. Dip them in your favorite sauce for an extra kick. Swap broccoli for cauliflower or zucchini for a different veggie option.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
For something light and full of flavor, try the Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and mixes cucumbers, onions, and a creamy dill dressing. This salad is all about adding a fresh, flavorful option to your work lunches, something quick and easy that breaks the monotony. Chill well before serving to enhance the flavors. Add some cherry tomatoes or radishes for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Give your lunch routine a kick with Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. These bring a zingy update to traditional seafood cakes, ready in just 30 minutes and perfect with a lemon dill aioli. They’re easy to make and pack a punch of flavor, making lunch something to look forward to. A modern take on a classic, these patties are a solid choice for spicing up your workday meals. Enjoy them on their own or tucked into mini sliders for a fun lunch. For a milder version, reduce the spice and add some chopped green onions for extra crunch.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Keto Chicken Nuggets
Rediscover the joy of chicken nuggets with Keto Chicken Nuggets, a grown-up version that’s still fun to eat. They’re crispy, tender, and low-carb, ready in 30 minutes. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a childhood favorite, reinvented for your adult lunchbox. Dip them in sugar-free ketchup or your favorite sauce for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets