10 Tasty Work Lunch Recipes to Make Fast
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Mid-day mealtime can be a real challenge, especially when you’re stuck in a rut and wondering what to whip up in the 30 minutes you’ve got between meetings and deadlines. But fear not, fellow foodies! We’ve got you covered with some delicious and easy work lunch recipes that are sure to perk up your palate and fuel your productivity.
From satisfying salads to savory sandwiches and international-inspired bowls, we’re dishing out our top picks for a mid-day meal that’s both tasty and convenient. So grab your apron and get ready to elevate your work lunch game!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for work lunches. Packed with colorful vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a zesty lemon dressing, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also nutritious, making it an ideal choice for a midday meal.
1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water and then cook it in 2 cups of vegetable broth according to package instructions. 2. While the quinoa is cooking, chop 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, and 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. 3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, 1/4 cup of feta cheese, 1/4 cup of olives, and a handful of chopped parsley. 4. For the dressing, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. 5. Pour the dressing over the salad, mix well, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Turkey Avocado Wrap
Turkey Avocado Wrap is a delicious and nutritious option for a quick work lunch. Packed with lean turkey, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables, this wrap is as satisfying as it is healthy. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that will keep you energized throughout the day.
1. Start with a large whole wheat tortilla and lay it flat. 2. Spread a thin layer of hummus or cream cheese on the tortilla. 3. Layer sliced turkey breast, sliced avocado, spinach leaves, and diced tomatoes evenly over the spread. 4. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. 5. Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to secure the filling. 6. Slice the wrap in half and serve immediately, or wrap in plastic wrap to enjoy later.
Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Chickpea and Spinach Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish, perfect for a satisfying work lunch. Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas and loaded with vitamins from fresh spinach, this stew is both delicious and healthy. It’s easy to prepare in advance, making it an ideal choice for meal prep throughout the week.
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened. 2. Stir in diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. 3. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, adjusting seasonings as desired. 4. Once simmering, stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. 5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for a work lunch. Combining al dente pasta, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, it brings a burst of flavor in every bite. Drizzled with a balsamic glaze, this salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. 4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. 5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Crispy Lentil Tacos
Crispy Lentil Tacos are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional taco fillings. Packed with protein-rich lentils and spices, they offer a satisfying crunch when baked to perfection. These tacos are not only tasty but also quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for work lunches.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Rinse and cook 1 cup of lentils according to package instructions until tender, about 20-25 minutes. 3. In a pan, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft. 4. Mix the cooked lentils with the sautéed onion and garlic, adding 1 tsp of cumin, 1 tsp of chili powder, and salt to taste. 5. On a baking sheet, arrange corn tortillas and fill each with the lentil mixture. 6. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the tacos are crispy. 7. Serve with your favorite toppings such as avocado, salsa, or fresh cilantro.
Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl
The Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for work lunches, providing a nutritious and delicious meal that can be enjoyed hot or cold. With its blend of textures and tastes, this bowl is sure to become a favorite in your meal prep rotation.
1. Start by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, and ginger for at least 15 minutes. 2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables by slicing bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers into thin strips. 3. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked, then remove from heat. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and a splash of hot water to create a smooth peanut sauce. 5. In serving bowls, layer cooked rice or quinoa, the sautéed chicken, and your choice of vegetables. 6. Drizzle the peanut sauce over the top, garnish with crushed peanuts and cilantro if desired, and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.
Veggie Sushi Rolls
Veggie Sushi Rolls are a fresh and colorful alternative for a healthy work lunch. Packed with a variety of vibrant vegetables and seasoned rice, these rolls are not only visually appealing but also nutritious. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, they offer a delightful taste of Japan that can be enjoyed on the go.
1. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions and let it cool slightly. 2. Prepare your vegetables by slicing them into thin strips; options include cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, and avocado. 3. Place a bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface and layer a sheet of nori on top, shiny side down. 4. Wet your hands and spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge. 5. Arrange your vegetables in a line across the rice, about 2 inches from the bottom edge. 6. Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, pressing gently to form a cylinder. 7. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces and serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto is a fresh, healthy alternative to traditional pasta. This dish offers a delightful crunch from the zucchini, paired with the aromatic flavors of homemade pesto made from fresh basil, garlic, and nuts. It’s a quick and simple recipe that makes a perfect work lunch option, keeping you energized throughout the day.
1. Using a spiralizer, create noodles from 2 medium zucchinis and set them aside. 2. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup of pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt. 3. Pulse while slowly adding 1/2 cup of olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 4. In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender. 5. Remove from heat and toss the noodles with the pesto until well-coated. 6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Ham and Cheese Panini
The Ham and Cheese Panini is a delicious and satisfying sandwich perfect for a work lunch. Featuring layers of savory ham and melty cheese pressed between crusty bread, it is both comforting and easy to prepare. This flavorful combination can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile option for any palate.
1. Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat. 2. Take two slices of your favorite bread and layer one slice with slices of ham and cheese. 3. Add any additional toppings, such as mustard or spinach, then place the second slice of bread on top. 4. Lightly brush the outside of the sandwich with olive oil or butter. 5. Place the sandwich in the panini press or on the grill pan, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. 6. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm.
Berry Smoothie Bowl
A Berry Smoothie Bowl is a refreshing and nutritious lunch option, perfect for a quick meal on busy days. Packed with vibrant fruits, creamy yogurt, and a sprinkle of granola, this bowl is both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. With its customizable toppings, it’s an ideal canvas for your favorite berries and seeds, making every bowl unique to your taste.
1. In a blender, combine 1 cup of mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), 1 banana, and 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt. 2. Add 1/2 cup of almond milk or your preferred milk, and blend until smooth and creamy. 3. Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl and top with additional berries, sliced banana, granola, and a sprinkle of chia seeds or nuts as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
