15 Easy Work Lunches That Prove You’re Too Good for Leftovers

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15 Easy Work Lunches That Prove You’re Too Good for Leftovers

If you’re tired of the same old easy work lunches, these 15 recipes are exactly what you need to shake things up. Say goodbye to mundane leftovers and hello to fresh meals that will make your coworkers jealous. Quick, simple, and great for on-the-go, they’re designed to fit into your busy schedule and give you something to look forward to in the middle of the day.

A blue muffin pan filled with breakfast muffins.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bell Pepper Sandwich

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

Stuff crisp bell peppers with turkey, cheese, and lettuce for a different take on sandwiches, no cooking needed, just 10 minutes of prep. They’re mess-free and don’t get soggy, making your work lunch something to look forward to. The easy storage and portability of these sandwiches address the hassle of keeping lunches crisp and delicious through the morning. It’s a game-changer for those seeking variety without extra effort. For a change, try different fillings like hummus and cucumber or chicken salad to suit your mood.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Broccoli Fritters

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

Ready in 35 minutes, broccoli and Parmesan come together in these fritters for a savory lunch. Start by adding the chopped broccoli to a mixing bowl, followed by eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, either ground sunflower seed meal or almond flour, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Stir everything until it’s well mixed. These fritters are great alone or with Greek yogurt. Easy to pack and store, they’re a fun way to eat your greens. Try adding different cheeses or spices for new flavors.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Kick up your lunch game with a jalapeño and chicken salad, perfect for spicing up your workweek. Prepare it in advance for a filling meal that breaks the monotony of typical lunches. This salad not only brings excitement to your lunchtime but also stores well. You get to enjoy a fresh and lively meal with minimal effort. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a flavorful boost to their lunch routine with minimal hassle. If you’re looking to vary the heat or add more textures, consider adding corn or black beans, or dial down the spice with bell peppers instead of jalapeños, catering to everyone’s taste and spice tolerance.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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.

Combine crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and tender chicken in cucumber shells for a refreshing lunch. Prepare them the night before for a delicious, hassle-free lunch. This recipe comes together quickly by using pre-cooked chicken or pre-cooked bacon to cut down on cooking time. The spices used in the recipe blend beautifully to create a homemade ranch seasoning. These boats are easy to make, carry, and energize your day. Try different fillings like tuna or egg salad for variety.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

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

Throw together fresh veggies, feta cheese, and olives in jars in just 10 minutes for a healthful lunch option. These jars are a no-mess, nutritious choice that slots right into your workday. Easy to store and perfect for on-the-go, they lighten your meal prep load. Try adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. This salad is both filling and low in carbs, with just 5.2 grams of net carbs in each serving. It’s great for anyone on a diet and is sure to leave you feeling full and happy with its savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Whip up these garlic butter chicken bites in 20 minutes using chicken, butter, garlic, and spices for a flavorful meal. It turns a rushed lunch into something special. Serve it with a side of baked sliced zucchini, buttery whole roasted cauliflower, quick pickled carrots, or roasted celery root. For a complete meal, consider serving it atop white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Great for storing and reheating, making your work lunch a moment to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice

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

Spend 30 minutes making meatballs and cauliflower rice for a straightforward, filling lunch. Simple to make and serve, it’s a practical choice to simplify your week. The meatballs are made without flour, so you won’t find any almond or coconut flour in them. They’re well-seasoned, juicy, and filling. Plus, the cauliflower rice adds a bunch of nutrients to complete your meal. These dishes freeze well for a quick and easy meal prep. Mix in some spices or cheese with the meatballs for different flavors.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

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

These muffins mix in any veggies or meats with cottage cheese, ready after just 30 minutes in the oven. Perfect for a week’s worth of lunches, they solve the dilemma of what to eat at work with something quick and filling. Plus, they’re easy to store and transport, and your lunch stays fresh and delicious until it’s time to eat. They’re a great solution for anyone looking to streamline their morning routine. You can easily swap in different ingredients like spinach or bacon to keep things interesting every week.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Canned Chicken Patties

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

These 20-minute chicken patties are a quick lunch fix. Made with canned chicken, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, they’re perfect with veggies or as a sandwich. A fast solution to hunger, easy to make in batches and store. Spice them up with different seasonings or add-ins for a change. If nuts are off your menu, almond flour is a safe choice. If you’re not worried about carbs, white flour is also an option. Just make sure to use one of these because they work with the egg to act as a binder, keeping the patties together.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Avocado Tuna Salad

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

Mix avocado and tuna for a hearty, easy lunch. Tuna is packed with nutrients and is a great source of protein! Choosing wild-caught tuna gets you loads of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including selenium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Enjoy as a salad or in a sandwich, boosting your energy with healthy fats and protein. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and stores well in the fridge. Add some chopped veggies or a squeeze of lemon for extra zest.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

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.

This quick, refreshing salad mixes cucumbers and onions with creamy dill dressing, ready in 30 minutes. It’s light, making you feel refreshed and alert, not sluggish. Store it easily in the fridge, and try adding tomatoes or radishes for some color. For an extra boost of nutrients and a splash of color, toss in some chopped purple cabbage. To add some heat, mix in finely chopped jalapeño peppers.
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.

Spicy canned salmon patties, ready in 30 minutes, add a tangy kick to your lunch. Serve with lemon dill aioli for a flavorful, easy meal. They’re simple to prepare and perfect for spicing up your lunch routine. Adjust the spice level or add herbs for different flavors. Do want bigger servings? Form the mixture into 12 larger salmon cakes instead of 24 mini patties. Alternatively, use canned crab instead of canned salmon to create delicious spicy crab cakes.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Thai Chicken Salad

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

Marinate chicken, grill, and toss with veggies and a Thai dressing for a quick, flavorful lunch. It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and brightens your day. The vibrant flavors serve a refreshing break from the usual, easily stored and transported for lunch. Try different veggies or dressings for variety. If you’re planning to make this recipe for your weekly meal prep, you can prepare everything except the cucumber noodles ahead of time. Then, simply make the cucumber noodles when you’re ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Bites

A person holding a cucumber with shrimp and guacamole.
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Layer shrimp on cucumber slices with sauce for a simple, 30-minute meal. It’s light and perfect for busy days, giving you that refreshing lunchtime escape. Easy to make ahead and keep chilled, try different toppings like avocado or cream cheese for new flavors. If you have leftovers, it’s a good idea to store the ingredients separately. Keep the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The guacamole should also go in an airtight container, but press some plastic wrap right on the guacamole to stop it from turning brown.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Bites

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Marinate chicken or beef in shawarma spices, skewer, and grill for a minimal-prep, flavorful lunch. Mix all the shawarma marinade ingredients in a bowl or a storage baggie. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, aim for 6-8 hours. These kebabs are protein-rich and easy to enjoy on the go. They’re a delicious way to mix up your lunch routine, with the option to use different meats or veggie skewers for variety.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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