Struggling to meal prep for lunch? Try these easy and delicious lunch ideas for work, from high-protein pasta salad to buffalo chicken salad. Say goodbye to boring lunches!
Deciding what to make for lunch every day doesn’t have to be a struggle! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for something fresh and new, these recipes are guaranteed to make your lunch breaks a lot more exciting. From protein-packed options to cozy comfort food, here are 17 work lunch ideas that will leave you and your coworkers impressed.
This post is all about Lunch ideas for work.
15+ Lunch Ideas for Work That’ll Make Your Coworkers Jealous
1. High Protein Italian Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is the perfect combination of hearty and healthy. With high-protein ingredients like chickpeas and plenty of colorful veggies, it’s great for keeping you full and satisfied through a busy day. Bonus: It tastes even better the next day after all the flavors soak in!
2. Harissa Honey Chicken Bowls
If you’re craving bold, spicy-sweet flavors, these bowls are calling your name! Juicy chicken is coated in a harissa-honey glaze and served with roasted veggies and fluffy rice. Perfect for meal prep or a lunch that feels like a treat.
3. Easy 5 Ingredient Shredded Chicken Salad
Simple, fresh, and done in no time! This shredded chicken salad is packed with crunchy veggies, a creamy dressing, and tons of protein. Perfect for a quick lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition.
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4. Cold Noodles: Mason Jar Meal Prep!
Meal prep just got an upgrade! These mason jar cold noodles are packed with crunchy veggies, tender noodles, and a flavorful sauce that makes every bite a dream. Just shake it up and dig in when you’re ready to eat.
5. Meal Prep Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Low-carb lunches don’t have to be boring. These garlicky chicken meatballs are paired with tender zucchini noodles and tossed in a buttery sauce that tastes indulgent while still being healthy.
6. Thanksgiving Bowls
Miss those cozy holiday leftovers? These Thanksgiving-inspired bowls bring all the classic flavors together—turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and veggies—in one comforting, meal-prep-friendly dish.
7. Grilled Steak and Veggie Kebabs
Who says kebabs are just for summer BBQs? These grilled steak and veggie kebabs are perfect for meal prepping and pack tons of flavor into every bite. Pair with rice or quinoa for a filling lunch.
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8. Roasted Sausage, Veggies and Quinoa Meal-Prep
This one’s for you if you love a quick sheet pan meal. Toss sausage, colorful veggies, and quinoa together for a simple, delicious lunch that’s as easy to make as it is to eat.
9. Hawaiian Pizza Chicken Meal Prep
Love Hawaiian pizza but looking for a healthier twist? This recipe swaps the crust for juicy chicken breasts and tops them with sweet pineapple, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s a pizza-inspired lunch that’ll make you excited to open your lunchbox.
10. Pesto Stuffed Shells Meal Prep
Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, these pesto-stuffed shells are an Italian-inspired meal that feels fancy but is super easy to prep ahead. Perfect for those days when you want comfort food for lunch.
11. Herb Butter Chicken Meal Prep
Juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful herb butter sauce? Yes, please! Pair them with roasted veggies for a balanced, savory lunch you’ll look forward to all morning.
12. Garden Vegetable Turkey Loaf Meal Prep
Take classic comfort food to the next level with this turkey loaf packed with garden-fresh veggies. It’s healthy, filling, and the ultimate cozy meal for workdays.
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13. Sesame Noodle Bowls
These sesame noodles are quick, flavorful, and loaded with veggies. Perfect for a lunch that feels light but still keeps you full. Plus, they’re ready in just 15 minutes!
14. Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spicy, creamy, and loaded with protein—this buffalo chicken salad is the lunch you didn’t know you needed. It’s perfect in wraps, on bread, or even on its own.
15. Creamy Black Bean Taquito Meal Prep
These taquitos are crispy, creamy, and packed with black beans and cheese. They’re fun to eat, easy to make, and way better than any frozen version.
16. Blackened Shrimp & Coleslaw Meal Prep Recipe
If you’re a seafood fan, this blackened shrimp paired with crunchy coleslaw is a total game-changer. It’s fresh, flavorful, and feels a little fancy.
17. Herb Chicken Thighs
These juicy herb chicken thighs are so versatile—they pair perfectly with rice, veggies, or even a salad. The best part? They’re super easy to prep for the week.