Share the post "12+ Easy Lunch Ideas for Work (Quick Meals to Prepare Within Minutes)"
It is tough to come up with new and exciting lunch ideas, especially when you’re stuck in a food rut.
You know the drill. You wake up early, pack your lunch, and then spend the next hour eating the same old thing daily.
We’ve got you covered with this roundup of 12+ easy and delicious lunch ideas to help you mix things up at work. Let’s check them out!
Muffin Tin Lasagna Recipe For Lunch
Looking for a quick and easy dinner? Cook lasagna in cups! This is an awesome way to make your favorite Italian dish without the hassle of cooking pasta.
You get creamy ricotta cheese with these tasty fillings- plus, there’s no need for expensive ingredients like tomato sauce or meat when you can use something already delicious right at home -bake them until golden brown, then devour them together while still hot.
Ingredients
- Egg
- Ricotta cheese
- Italian cheese
- Olive oil
- Wonton wrappers
- Pasta sauce
- Parsley
Get the recipe here.
Tuna Melts Recipe To Take On Work
This tuna melt sandwich is so easy and quick to make. You can have an open-faced or closed one, whichever you prefer! It’s perfect for those busy days when we need something filling but don’t have time in our hectic schedules – because this dish doesn’t require much prep work (make sure that your potatoes are cooked).
Plus, with the addition of dill pickles on top? Well, now there’s no question about what constitutes “perfection.”
Ingredients
- Tomato
- English muffins
- Cheddar cheese
- White flaked tuna
- Stalk celery
- Green onion
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon
- Lemon juice
- Salt & pepper
Get the recipe here.
Quick and Easy Mac And Cheese Recipe
You can never go wrong with mac and cheese. It’s comfort food that everyone loves! But suppose you’re looking for the best version.
In that case, I recommend Trisha Yearwood’s recipe because she includes two large eggs to give it more texture and fluffiness from egg whites no need for heavy cream or milk here, though; use whatever dairy products suit your fancy (butter?).
You’ll also want some spices to not systematically taste bland: pepper jack cheese will do wonders towards giving life back to this old classic dish while adding paprika gives zing where needed.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- Elbow macaroni
- Evaporated milk
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
Get the recipe here.
Homemade Filet-O-Fish Recipe
Check out this recipe if you want to make your own healthier version of McDonald’s Filet-O Fish burger at home. Make sure it’s big enough for lunch! Inside the buns are fish fillets topped with cheese and tartar sauce, the same stuff they put on theirs (but ours is homemade).
There will be no need to worry about what goes into these sliders either because all that needs doing is mixing some simple ingredients in a bowl or pot until creamy smooth perfection.
Ingredients
- Panko breadcrumbs
- White fish fillets
- Soft buns
- Processed cheese
- Oil spray
Get the recipe here.
Greek Chicken Gyros recipe
The chicken gyros recipe is a favorite for lunchboxes around the world. This dish has it all: healthy, flavorful, and delicious! The secret ingredient in this Greek wrap?
Yogurt-covered marinated meat that you can make ahead of time so when your kids sit down to eat their meal on school days or after sports practices, they’ll be satisfied without feeling too heavy from all those extra calories found elsewhere at other restaurants’ fast-food chains.
Ingredients
- Chicken thigh fillets
- Garlic cloves
- White wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Virgin olive oil
- Greek yogurt
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
Get the recipe here.
Thai-style Chopped Salad With Sriracha Tofu
Make your four days’ worth of high-protein vegan lunches using just a few simple ingredients from the grocery store.
This salad mix is hearty and can be dressed 24 hours before serving to let all its flavors mingle perfectly! If you’re unable to find this type, try broccoli slaw or shredded Brussels sprouts instead – they’ll still provide that classic crunchy texture without any meat products involved.
Ingredients
- Kale
- Brussels sprout
- Broccoli and cabbage
- Frozen shelled edamame
- Sriracha-flavored baked tofu
- Peanut vinaigrette
Get the recipe here.
Easy Pasta Salad for Lunch At Office
No matter how much you love your job, there will always be days when you can’t stomach the thought of another sad desk lunch.
This easy pasta salad is the perfect solution if you need a midday pick-me-up. It’s packed with all of the best Italian flavors – think creamy mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and bright sun-dried tomatoes – and it comes together in just minutes.
Best of all, it keeps well in the fridge so you can enjoy it for days. So next time you feel less than enthusiastic about lunchtime, give this pasta salad a try. You might find that it’s the best thing since sliced bread.
Ingredients
- Fusilli pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cooked chickpeas
- Arugula
- Persian cucumbers
- Feta cheese
- Basil leaves
- Parsley
- Mint
- Pine nuts
Get the recipe here.
Homemade Nachos Recipe
The loaded baked nachos are so good you’ll want to make them again and again! With just 10 minutes of prep time, they’re also perfect for busy school mornings.
You’ll need a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil or another non-stick material-this way, your dish won’t get too dirty as there’s no pouring necessary during the cooking process (just like magic!).
Once the ingredients are arranged on top, then all that remains is ten quick baking minutes before enjoying some delicious cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Salsa
- Taco seasoning
- Black beans
- Tortilla chips
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Green onions
- Toppings
Get the recipe here.
Grilled Cheese Recipe For Lunch
The perfect grilled cheese sandwich is one of the most delicious and satisfying. When you want to make an excellent, hearty meal for yourself or someone else with just enough spice to know where their favorite spot in town comes from – this recipe will be at the top!
The best bread includes sturdy European-style artisanal loaves such as challah, brioche de diamontes, and crusty old-fashioned white.
Ingredients
- White bread
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese
Get the recipe here.
Savory Crepes Recipe with Smoked Salmon
These Savory Crepes with Smoked Salmon are the perfect light lunch meal. They’re easy to make and can be tailored to your taste. I like to use a little dill in the crepe batter, but you can use any fresh herb you have on hand.
The key to making these crepes is to get the batter nice and thin. I like to use a silicone brush to spread it out thinly and evenly in the pan. These crepes can be served immediately or wrapped up and refrigerated for later. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Get the recipe here.
Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Pizza Recipe
This caramelized onion and mushroom pizza recipe includes a thin, crispy crust with caramelized onion and seasoned mushrooms. You wouldn’t want to skip your usual meal when you have it delivered right at home!
Add tons of cheese (or anything else), spinach, or other fresh veggies that are in season; some thyme will also make this even more delicious and satisfyingly sustainable too because we’re using refrigerated dough, which means anyone can enjoy these insanely good pizzas any time they like without having rely on luck finding ingredients.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Baby spinach leaves
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Thyme
- Red pepper
Get the recipe here.
Cheese & Bacon Turnovers
Cheese and bacon turnovers are one of my favorite things to eat. They’re savory yet slightly sweet, and the dough is nice and flaky. I like to use sharp cheddar cheese for the filling, as it contrasts nicely with the bacon’s sweetness.
I usually make them with thick-cut bacon, but you could also use pancetta or prosciutto. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even add some green onions or garlic to the filling.
The possibilities are endless! Cheese and bacon turnovers are the perfect snack or appetizer and are sure to please any crowd. Give them a try today – you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
- Puff pastry
- Soft cheese
- Dijon mustard
- Dry-cured smoked bacon
- Swiss cheese
- Egg
Get the recipe here.
Honey Lime Shredded Chicken Sandwiches
Honey lime shredded chicken sandwiches are the perfect summertime meal. The sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce compliment the chicken perfectly, and the crunch of the vegetables adds an ideal amount of texture.
Plus, the sandwiches can be made ahead of time and frozen, so they’re always ready when you are. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the oven or grill.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy meal, honey-lime shredded chicken sandwiches are sure to please.
Ingredients
- Shredded chicken
- Slaw (cabbage, shredded carrots, zucchini, and cilantro)
- Sesame vinaigrette
- Buns
Get the recipe here.
Brussels Sprouts Salad With Apples, Pecans, and Manchego
This tasty salad combines the best fall flavors with Brussels sprouts, apples, pecans, and Manchego cheese. The Brussels sprouts are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, and the apples add a touch of tartness.
The Manchego cheese rounds out the flavors with its earthy, nutty taste. And the pecans provide a lovely crunch. This salad is sure to please any crowd, and it’s perfect for a fall potluck or holiday meal. So go ahead and give it a try! You’ll be glad you did.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts
- Apples
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Thick-cut bacon
- Garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Pecan halves
- Manchego cheese
Get the recipe here.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch idea or want some inspiration, we hope this roundup of 12+ delicious and healthy lunches has given you some great ideas.
These meals can all be prepared in minutes, so they’re perfect for those days when you’re short on time (or energy). And best of all, they’re all simple enough that even novice cooks can make them!
