23 Packed Lunch Ideas For Work
Switching up your midday meal can boost your mood, energy levels, and even your productivity.
Packing a lunch for work doesn’t just save you money; it also gives you control over your health and diet, allowing you to fuel your body with what it really needs during a busy day.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into 23 packed lunch ideas that are anything but boring.
From hearty wraps and vibrant salads to innovative grain bowls and international delights, these meals are designed to be both nourishing and delightful.
Packed Lunch Ideas For Work
1. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Looking for a refreshing and filling lunch? Try the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Start by cooking some quinoa until it’s fluffy and tender.
Then, mix in juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy Kalamata olives.
Crumble some feta cheese on top for a creamy texture, and dress it all with a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette.
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying midday meal.
2. Chicken Caesar Wrap
Wrap up your lunch routine with a Chicken Caesar Wrap.
Take some grilled chicken strips and toss them with crunchy romaine lettuce and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Drizzle Caesar dressing over the top for that creamy, tangy flavor, and roll it all up in a whole wheat wrap.
It’s a portable, convenient lunch option that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.
3. Sushi Bento Box
Dive into a homemade Sushi Bento Box for a fun and exotic lunch.
Roll your own sushi with favorite fillings like fresh salmon, avocado, or cucumber.
Pair your sushi rolls with a side of edamame beans and some pickled vegetables for a touch of tanginess.
Don’t forget a small container of soy sauce for dipping! This bento box is a delightful way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.
4. Turkey and Avocado Club
Elevate your sandwich game with a Turkey and Avocado Club.
Layer slices of smoked turkey, crispy bacon, and ripe avocado between pieces of toasted whole grain bread.
Add lettuce and tomato for a fresh crunch, and a bit of mayo or mustard if you like.
This sandwich is a hearty and wholesome choice that combines savory flavors with creamy avocado.
5. Vegetarian Chili
Warm up with a bowl of hearty Vegetarian Chili.
Simmer a mix of beans, chopped tomatoes, corn, and bell peppers with a blend of chili spices until everything is wonderfully melded together.
Serve it with a piece of soft cornbread or a handful of tortilla chips for dipping.
This chili is not only warming but also a great way to get your veggies in a delicious and satisfying way.
6. Caprese Sandwich
For a taste of Italy, pack a Caprese Sandwich.
Layer thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil leaves on a soft ciabatta roll.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
This sandwich is simple yet wonderfully flavorful, perfect for those days when you want something light but satisfying.
7. Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl
Bring some Thai-inspired flair to your lunch with a Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl.
Start with a base of cooked rice and top it with grilled chicken slices.
Add a colorful mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. Drizzle a spicy and nutty homemade peanut sauce over the top for a burst of flavor.
This bowl is a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that will keep you fueled through the afternoon.
8. Butternut Squash Soup
Cozy up with a creamy Butternut Squash Soup. Roast butternut squash until it’s soft and sweet, then blend it into a smooth soup.
Add a touch of cream or coconut milk for extra richness, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread or a small salad for a light yet comforting lunch.
9. Greek Yogurt and Mixed Berries
Keep your lunch light and sweet with Greek Yogurt and Mixed Berries.
Fill a container with creamy Greek yogurt, drizzle some honey for natural sweetness, and top with a generous handful of mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
This simple dish is perfect for a quick lunch break, providing you with protein and a burst of antioxidants from the berries.
10. Taco Salad
Turn your lunch into a fiesta with a Taco Salad.
Begin with a base of crisp lettuce, then add layers of seasoned ground beef or tofu, black beans, and shredded cheese.
Top with fresh salsa and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
This salad is customizable, packed with flavor, and perfect for those who love a little Tex-Mex flair in their meal.
11. Japanese Onigiri
Experience a taste of Japan with homemade Onigiri.
These rice balls are a classic Japanese snack that are both delicious and easy to make.
Fill them with your favorite ingredients like salted salmon, pickled plum, or a dab of wasabi for a spicy kick.
Wrap them in a strip of nori (seaweed) for that unmistakable umami flavor. Onigiri is perfect for a light but satisfying lunch that’s also fun to eat.
12. Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of spring vegetables with the comfort of pasta.
Sauté a mix of your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in a light garlic and olive oil sauce.
Toss them with whole grain pasta and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful.
It’s a colorful and energizing lunch option that’s easy to pack.
13. BBQ Chicken Bowl
Enjoy the bold flavors of a BBQ Chicken Bowl. Start with a base of fluffy brown rice and top it with tender shredded BBQ chicken.
Add black beans for protein, corn for sweetness, and a handful of coleslaw for crunch.
This bowl packs a flavorful punch and is perfect for those who crave a hearty meal to power through the workday.
14. Kale and Roasted Chickpea Salad
Indulge in the textures and flavors of a Kale and Roasted Chickpea Salad.
Toss crispy roasted chickpeas with chopped kale, cubes of sweet potato, and creamy avocado slices.
Dress it all with a rich tahini dressing for a touch of Middle Eastern flair.
This salad is not only packed with nutrients but also keeps you full and satisfied with its mix of ingredients.
15. Vegan Wraps
Vegan Wraps are a fresh and easy lunch option that pack a punch of flavor.
Spread a generous layer of hummus on a spinach wrap and pile on strips of cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and crisp lettuce.
Roll it tightly for a portable and mess-free lunch. These wraps are refreshing, crunchy, and perfect for a light meal.
16. Curried Lentil Salad
A Curried Lentil Salad brings a burst of exotic flavors to your lunchbox.
Combine cooked lentils with diced apples for sweetness, chopped celery for crunch, and a curry-infused yogurt dressing for a bit of spice.
This salad is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, making it a hearty yet healthy choice that’s easy to love.
17. Italian Antipasto
Take a culinary trip to Italy with an Italian Antipasto lunch.
Arrange a selection of cured meats like salami and prosciutto, alongside slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese.
Add some olives, artichoke hearts, and pepperoncini for that authentic Italian flavor.
This no-cook lunch is perfect for those who appreciate a good, savory meal that requires zero prep at work.
18. Roasted Turkey Breast and Sweet Potato
Simplify your lunch with a combo of Roasted Turkey Breast and Sweet Potato.
Roast turkey breast until it’s juicy and tender, and serve with wedges of sweet potato baked until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
This meal is not only easy to prepare but also packed with protein and fiber, keeping you energized and satisfied.
19. Asian Noodle Salad
Whip up an Asian Noodle Salad for a light and refreshing lunch.
Use cold noodles as the base and add shredded vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and red cabbage.
Toss everything with a tangy sesame soy dressing for that Asian zing. This salad is vibrant, crunchy, and perfect for a quick, fuss-free lunch.
20. Ham and Cheese Croissant
Indulge in the classic flavors of a Ham and Cheese Croissant for your lunch break.
Stuff a flaky, buttery croissant with thin slices of ham and Swiss cheese for a simple yet satisfying meal.
This lunch option is effortlessly chic and delicious, making it a real treat in the middle of a busy day.
21. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pita
Bring a Mediterranean flair to your lunch with a Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pita.
Pack a whole pita with layers of sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
Add a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance the flavors.
This simple yet satisfying meal is easy to make and packs a punch with its bold flavors. It’s a great option for a quick, nutritious lunch that feels like a treat.
22. Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Enjoy a light and refreshing Shrimp and Avocado Salad. Toss together some cooked shrimp with ripe avocado slices and cherry tomatoes.
Add a dressing of lime juice and cilantro for a zesty touch.
This salad is not only quick to prepare but also full of healthy fats and protein. It’s perfect for a summery lunch that’s both satisfying and light.
23. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Savor the rich flavors of a Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry.
Quickly stir-fry slices of beef with broccoli florets in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Serve this over a bed of steamed rice for a fulfilling and comforting meal.
This stir-fry is ideal for those who want a hearty lunch that’s packed with flavor and can be heated up easily at work.
