Looking for lunches to bring to work that won’t leave you searching for the nearest couch to crash on afterward? You’re in the right spot. These 17 are our top picks for light yet totally delicious meals that are perfect for the workday grind. These are the kind of lunches that keep things simple and, most importantly, light on the stomach. So, you can forget about that post-lunch slump and power through your day with energy to spare.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are your go-to for a light, appetizing work lunch. Mixing chicken, bacon, and ranch in cucumbers, you get a meal that’s easy to make ahead. Perfect for busy weeks, they keep lunch prep simple and cool.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are versatile enough for lunch too. With a 30-minute prep time, these muffins offer a protein-rich meal that keeps you going. Add your favorites to make them perfectly suited to your tastes, making them a flexible lunch choice.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars cut down your lunch prep to just 10 minutes. Packed with fresh veggies and flavors, they’re a smart pick for a no-mess, healthy lunch. Great for anyone who’s tight on time but still wants to eat well at work.
Get the recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites hit the spot for a quick, flavorful lunch. Whip them up in 20 minutes and enjoy a meal that’s far from boring. They’re a great pick for a busy workday, easy to cook and delicious to eat.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a great choice for work lunches. It combines jalapeños and chicken into a meal that’s both light and hearty. Prepping this salad ahead of time sets you up for a week of easy, flavorful lunches, perfect for busy schedules.
Get the recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
For a quick lunch option, try the Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare, offering a fresh and light meal for your lunchtime. It’s a top pick for anyone looking for a refreshing and easy midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice
Meal Prep Meatballs and Cauliflower Rice are a good lunch choice for bringing to work, making your weekly meal prep simple. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is both easy to make and filling, great for those seeking a no-hassle lunch option.
Get the recipe: Meal Prep Meatballs And Cauliflower Rice
Bell Pepper Sandwich
Try the Bell Pepper Sandwich for a fresh take on lunch. It’s quick to make, just 10 minutes, and uses bell pepper instead of bread, filled with your preferred ingredients. This is a great option for anyone looking to add variety to their lunch routine with something fresh and quick.
Get the recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich
Canned Chicken Patties
Canned Chicken Patties make for a quick, easy lunch, ready in 20 minutes. Great on their own, with veggies, or in a sandwich, these patties are a go-to for anyone who needs a quick lunch without the hassle.
Get the recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Avocado Tuna Salad
Avocado Tuna Salad is your answer to a quick, filling lunch. Easy to whip up, it pairs the creaminess of avocado with the lean protein from tuna. Perfect for staying fueled on busy days, it’s a smart, simple choice for lunch.
Get the recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad
Broccoli Fritters
Broccoli Fritters, ready in 35 minutes, are a versatile lunch pick. Made with broccoli and Parmesan, enjoy them as a main, side, or snack. Pair with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a complete midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are your go-to for an easy lunch with a kick. Ready in 30 minutes and served with lemon dill aioli, they’re a great pick for anyone looking for a lunch that’s simple yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties
Thai Chicken Salad
This Thai Chicken Salad offers a delicious, nutrient-rich lunch option. It’s simple to prepare, with marinated chicken and fresh veggies. Perfect for those after a lunch that’s both flavorful and good for you.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad
Big Mac Salad
This Big Mac Salad brings the classic burger taste into a quick, salad form. It’s easy to put together, making it a great lunch to prep ahead. Those who want to enjoy a well-loved flavor in a lighter, convenient lunch option is sure to enjoy this dish.
Get the recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad
Keto Chicken Nuggets
These Keto Chicken Nuggets offer a fun, simple way to do lunch in 30 minutes. They hit the spot with a crispy outside and juicy inside. Perfect for a no-stress, appetizing midday meal, these nuggets are a definite crowd-pleaser.
Get the recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Grab some shrimp and cucumber, and you’ve got yourself the perfect lunch in just 30 minutes. Sure, you can serve these as an appetizer, but they’re also a great option for a light and bite-sized workday lunch. This recipe is a no-brainer for work days when you’re short on time but still want something great to eat. It’s easy, fast, and absolutely hits the spot. Perfect for those moments when you want a light lunch without too much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Shawarma Kebabs
These Shawarma Kebabs are our lunchtime heroes. They’re easy to toss together and bake in the oven, and then you’ve got yourself a flavor-packed meal that’s also great for your protein needs. They’re the kind of lunch that keeps things interesting during your workday, proving you don’t need a ton of time to enjoy a really good meal.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs