26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (2024)

Salad is great, but there are other options.

When it comes to work lunches, it seems the only thing people bring are salads — which, don't get me wrong, are great — but sometimes you want a little something more.

So we rounded up our favorite make-ahead lunch recipes that are definitely not salads. Check out some of our favorite bowls, wraps, and sandwiches.

1. Spicy Rice Noodles With Ground Pork And Scallions

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (2)

tasty.co

What’s more comforting than a bowl of noodles with spicy and savory ground pork? With fragrant, flavorful sesame oil, scallions, and chile-garlic paste, this dish is a treat for all of the senses.

Recipe:Spicy Rice Noodles With Ground Pork And Scallions

2. Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (3)

tasty.co

Make a big batch of this hearty vegan stew at the beginning of the week. It reheats beautifully and the flavors get better the longer it sits.

Recipe: Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

3. Veggie Fried Rice

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (4)

tasty.co

We love how customizable this fried rice is. Throw in any veggies lingering in your crisper drawer to give them new life.

Recipe: Veggie Fried Rice

4. Pesto Turkey Pinwheels

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (5)

tasty.co

These delicious turkey wraps are rolled up with pesto, tomatoes, baby spinach, and Provolone cheese. Slice into pieces to show off the fillings and for easy eating.

Recipe: Pesto Turkey Pinwheels

5. Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Mushrooms

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (6)

tasty.co

Pack the tofu filling, lettuce cups, and crispy rice noodles separately, then warm the filling and assemble just before eating. If you're not a fan of tofu, ground chicken, turkey, or pork would taste great here, too!

Recipe: Tofu Lettuce Wraps with Mushrooms

6. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (7)

tasty.co

While we love this flavorful mashed chickpea mixture on bread with our favorite sandwich fixings, it's also great over a bed of greens or with crackers and veggies.

Recipe: Chickpea Salad Sandwich

7. Turkey Taco Bowls

tasty.co

These loaded turkey taco bowls are full of protein, vegetables, and flavor from taco seasoning and salsa. `Feel free to swap in your preferred ground meat or meatless alternative for the turkey!

Recipe: Turkey Taco Bowls

8. Garlic Chicken and Veggie Pasta

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (9)

tasty.co

This all-in-one meal is easy to prep and pack for the week. As long as you keep the ratios the same, you can experiment with different veggies and noodle shapes to mix it up a bit.

Recipe: Garlic Chicken and Veggie Pasta

9. Crunchy Avocado Tuna Wraps

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (10)

tasty.co

Wrap up tuna, avocado, and veggies in whole wheat tortillas for a filling and easy lunch. The "dressing" is mixed in with the tuna salad, and the lettuce keeps the tortillas from getting soggy.

Recipe: Crunchy Tuna Avocado Wraps

10.

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (11)

tasty.co

This only requires one pan and minimal prep — and store-bought pesto does all the heavy lifting.

Recipe:

11. Freezer Prep Breakfast Burritos

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (12)

tasty.co

These may be dubbed as breakfast burritos — but they're delicious enough to devour any time of day.

Recipe: Freezer Prep Breakfast Burritos

12. Portobello Fajita Bowls

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (13)

tasty.co

This vegetarian version is perfect for a Meatless Monday option. If you're not a mushroom fan, swap in tofu, soyrizo, or extra veggies.

Recipe: Portobello Fajita Bowls

minimalistbaker.com

Pro tip: Pack the chickpea filling, sauce, and pitas separately to prevent them from getting soggy.

Recipe: Chickpea Shawarma Sandwiches

14. Southwestern Cream Cheese Chicken Wraps

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (14)

letsdishrecipes.com

Feel free to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make these wraps a breeze to meal prep.

Recipe: Southwestern Cream Cheese Chicken Wraps

15. Onigirazu (Rice Sandwich)

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (15)

Rie McClenny/BuzzFeed

These simple rice sandwiches call for fresh shiso leaves, but you can leave them out or use your favorite herb instead.

Recipe:Onigirazu (Rice Sandwich)

16. Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (16)

chefsavvy.com

Hold off on assembling these wraps until you're just about to eat — otherwise the lettuce may get soggy before lunch comes around.

Recipe:Hoisin Chicken Lettuce Wraps

17. Chicken Burrito Bowl

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (17)

Taylor Miller/BuzzFeed

This wholesome work lunch has everything you need in it: Veggies, protein, and some brown rice to keep you energized until work is over.

Recipe:Chicken Burrito Bowl

cafedelites.com

This recipe uses a homemade lemon herb dressing, but feel free to use your favorite store-bought dressing to save yourself some time.

Recipe: Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad

foodiecrush.com

Chicken, roasted red peppers, spinach, and provolone cheese give these pinwheel sandwiches a ton of flavor without a ton of work.

Recipe: Italian Chicken Wrap

20. Cold Sesame Noodles With Crunchy Vegetables

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (18)

thewanderlustkitchen.com!&utm_campaign=20170108_m136901568_RSS+Feed+for+http://thewanderlustkitchen_com/feed&utm_term=Read+More

Load these cold sesame noodles up with chicken or shrimp to make this lunch even heartier.

Recipe:Cold Sesame Noodles With Crunchy Vegetables

21. Veggie Nori Wraps

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (19)

thisrawsomeveganlife.com

A simple dipping sauce made with tahini and miso takes these veggie-loaded nori wraps from good to great.

Recipe:Veggie Nori Wraps

chelseasmessyapron.com

Make a big batch of these veggies on Sunday, then eat them over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all throughout the week.

Recipe: One-Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies

cookieandkate.com

These pita sandwiches are spread with smashed avocado, but if you're worried about it turning brown you can easily substitute it for hummus.

Recipe: Lemony Broccoli, Chickpea, and Avocado Pita Sandwiches

24. Vegetarian Greek Pitas

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (20)

hurrythefoodup.com

These pitas call for feta cheese, but you can leave it out if you're looking for a vegan option.

Recipe:Vegetarian Greek Pitas

25. Muffuletta Sandwiches

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (21)

freshtart.com

This muffuletta uses a homemade giardiniera to give it a ton of flavor — which is not as hard to make as it sounds — but you can use your favorite store-bought variety instead (which is found in the pickle section of most grocery stores).

Recipe:Muffuletta Sandwiches

26. Pesto Quinoa With White Beans

26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (22)

Rachel Gaewski/BuzzFeed

This hearty quinoa salad is tossed in a homemade pesto made with fresh arugula to give it a pop of peppery flavor.

Recipe:Pesto Quinoa With White Beans

Trending Recipes

Trending Recipes

More Tasty Guides

More Tasty Guides

    See all
    26 Wholesome Work Lunches You Can Pack In The Morning (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the healthiest thing to eat for lunch at work? ›

    Nourishing bowls

    For the base, use grains such as quinoa or bulgur wheat; for protein go for leftover cooked chicken or beans; and add plenty of greens, such as spinach, kale or broccoli and fresh herbs, if you have them. Pack a light dressing and when you're ready to eat, drizzle over and enjoy.

    What are 7 healthy lunches? ›

    What you eat for lunch is almost as important as what you eat for breakfast.
    • Avocado and egg sandwich. ...
    • Summer rolls with peanut sauce. ...
    • Quinoa pear salad with spinach, cranberries and pecans. ...
    • Protein Salad. ...
    • Loaded Vegetable Sandwich. ...
    • Lentil vegetable soup. ...
    • Chicken burrito bowl with rice and beans.
    Aug 30, 2023

    How to pack healthy lunches for adults? ›

    Mix different ingredients: Try peanut butter and sliced apples, egg salad with arugula, barbequed tofu with lettuce and tomato, salmon with teriyaki sauce and baby spinach, roasted turkey with avocado, tomato and lettuce, hummus with grated zucchini and carrots, refried beans with salsa and grated cheese, or leftover ...

    What to eat for lunch to lose belly fat? ›

    Incorporate belly-fat-burning foods

    There are a number of foods that have been shown to help reduce belly fat, including eggs, artichokes, avocado, peanuts and chickpeas. Try to include at least one or a combination of these foods at lunchtime.

    What can I pack for lunch instead of a sandwich? ›

    Healthy lunch ideas for work that aren't sandwiches
    • Butternut squash, apple and wild rice soup. This soup is comfort in a bowl. ...
    • Oven roasted falafel. ...
    • Bistro chicken pasta salad. ...
    • Three grain salad with goat cheese. ...
    • Artichoke and spinach rotini salad with tuna. ...
    • Lunchbox granola bar.

    What to pack for lunch at work easy? ›

    Sandwich Ideas for Lunch at Work
    1. Apple Sandwiches With Almond Butter and Granola. ...
    2. Avocado Tea Sandwiches. ...
    3. Crunchy Peanut Butter Wrap. ...
    4. Hummus and Veggie Sandwich. ...
    5. Peanut Butter, Pickle, and Potato Chip Sandwich. ...
    6. Pear-Walnut Sandwich. ...
    7. Red Pepper, Goat Cheese, and Fresh Mint Wraps. ...
    8. Smoked Gouda and Apple Butter Sandwich.

    What are healthy lunch box ideas? ›

    Healthy packed lunch recipes
    • Chicken with Spanish-style butter beans. A star rating of 4.3 out of 5. ...
    • Butter bean curry wraps. ...
    • Caesar pitta. ...
    • Giant couscous salad with charred veg & tangy pesto. ...
    • Roasted veg & couscous salad. ...
    • Vegan kale pesto pasta. ...
    • Lime prawn co*cktail pitta salad. ...
    • Lentil salad with tahini dressing.

    What to serve 12 people for lunch? ›

    19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
    • Taco Bar.
    • Meatballs.
    • Butter Chicken.
    • Lasagna.
    • Chili.
    • Homemade Pizza.
    • Baked Pasta.
    • Skewers.
    Apr 4, 2023

    What are the best snacks for work? ›

    Aim for a balanced selection

    Salty and sweet snacks are good, but you can also slip in a few healthy options. Foods including yogurt, fruit, vegetables, nuts, string cheese, whole-grain crackers, trail mix, and peanut butter help employees create nutritionally balanced snacks that help stabilize blood sugar.

    What are the best cold lunches? ›

    17 Cold Lunches to Pack on a Hot Day
    • 01 of 17. Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwiches. ...
    • 02 of 17. Sweet and Tangy Chicken Wrap. ...
    • 03 of 17. Caprese Salad Pita Pockets. ...
    • 04 of 17. Peach and Tomato Salad. ...
    • 05 of 17. Peach and Feta Bulgur Salad. ...
    • 06 of 17. Crunchy PB and A Wrap. ...
    • 07 of 17. Fresh Corn Salad with Stone Fruit and Herbs. ...
    • 08 of 17.

    How do people pack lunch for work? ›

    If you're short on time, pack warm, crispy food in a small paper bag and cut a few vents to allow heat to escape. Prevent sandwiches from getting soggy by packing tomatoes, cheese, grilled vegetables and other similarly wet toppings on the side in a resealable pouch. Pop them in right before eating.

    How to eat a healthy lunch at work? ›

    Ideas for work lunches made from dinner leftovers
    1. Make a jaffle with a filling of spaghetti.
    2. Slice leftover meat or chicken to put on top of a salad, or in a wrap.
    3. Cook up leftover vegetables mixed with some spices (like curry or cumin), and serve with Greek yoghurt and pita bread.
    4. Pop some soup in a thermos.

    What are healthy foods to eat at work? ›

    Skip the cookies and donuts at work and pack some snacks from home. Examples: nuts and seeds, popcorn, low-fat yogurt, fruit, crackers Lunch A healthy lunch doesn't have to be complicated! Fill half your meal with organic fruits and vegetables and choose lean proteins (or fish, tofu, and legumes) and whole grains.

    What is the healthiest thing to eat for lunch to lose weight? ›

    Plant-based lunches for weight loss. Plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, are full of fiber and beneficial nutrients. They tend to be filling, and many of them are lower in calories than certain animal products and highly processed foods.

    What is healthy to eat while working? ›

    Some healthy snack ideas for work include:
    • Trail mix.
    • Apples and peanut butter.
    • Popcorn.
    • Vegetables and hummus.
    • Dried fruit.
    • Rice cakes.
    Dec 30, 2022

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Roderick King

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6298

    Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

    Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Roderick King

    Birthday: 1997-10-09

    Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

    Phone: +2521695290067

    Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

    Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

    Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.