50+ Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work
Ah, the lunchtime at work dilemna. Are you tired of the same ‘ol chicken and veggies everyday? Do you get takeout more than you want to? With a little bit of planning, these recipes can be total life-savers! Full of delicious flavor (nothing boring here), simple ingredients, and easy-to-make recipes, you’ll love these unique and creative healthy lunch ideas for work. Grab your favorite meal-prep containers and let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll find in this post:
- Meal Prep Bowls
- Refreshing Salads
- Healthy Soups
- Sandwiches & Wraps
- Other Easy, Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work
RELATED: 100+ Quick Healthy Dinner Ideas (30 Minutes Or Less)
Meal Prep Bowls
1. Low-Carb Mexican Meal Prep Bowls
Looking for a quick and easy lunch idea? These Low-Carb Mexican Meal Prep Bowls are perfect for taking with you on-the-go! Low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free, and delicious.
2. Roasted Beets Bowls with Turmeric Tahini Sauce
These Roasted Beets Bowls with Turmeric Tahini Sauce are SO full of flavor! Made with savory roasted beets, roasted cabbage, arugula, spicy radish, and your choice of whole grains, all topped off with a creamy turmeric tahini sauce that is truly next-level. Make these quick and easy vegan bowls ahead of time for a healthy lunch idea for work!
3. Chimichurri Chicken Bowls
Bright, flavorful Chimichurri Chicken Bowls that are healthy and easy to make! This juicy chimichurri chicken recipe is unlike any other, perfectly paired with fluffy rice, chopped bell peppers (or any pepper of your choice), and creamy avocado. Add extra chimichurri sauce to these bowls for a make-ahead lunch that you’ll love!
4. Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
These Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls (southwest edition) are pretty easy to make! They’re gluten-free and only take about 30 minutes to put together. They’re great for lunch on the go or for a quick and easy dinner for busy weeknights!
5. Broccoli & Chickpea Rainbow Power Bowls
These Broccoli & Chickpea Rainbow Power Bowls are easy and delicious! They are also vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and grain-free.
6. Hot Honey Chickpea Bowls
Hot Honey Chickpea Bowls that are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory! Loaded with flavor and nutrition, these hearty bowls make for a delicious lunch recipe. Make this easy vegetarian recipe in 20 minutes or less for a meal you can take on the go!
7. Paleo Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
This Paleo Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Meal Prep Bowl recipe is the best! It’s so easy to make and it’s paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free.
8. Miso Roasted Mushroom Noodle Bowls
Quick, easy, savory, satisfying, and still healthy. These Miso Roasted Mushroom Noodle Bowls are all of those things (and so much more)!
9. Paleo Turkey Meatballs Meal Prep Bowls
Delicious, savory, and perfect for lunch or dinner on the go. This Paleo Turkey Meatball Meal Prep Bowl recipe is the best kind of comfort food!
10. Vegan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Bowls
Vegan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Bowls loaded with lentils, arugula, broccoli, tahini, and basically anything else you want to add to them! So delicious and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep lunch!
11. Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Flavorful chicken breast cooked in a sticky, garlicky peanut sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. All topped with crushed red pepper (optional), roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and added to veggie and rice bowls of your choice. This Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is what lunch dreams are made of!
12. Vegan Meal Prep Black Bean Quinoa Bowls
Quinoa, black beans, fajita veggies, spinach, corn, and avocado for the most amazing lunch! Make these delicious Vegan Meal Prep Black Bean Quinoa Grain Bowls in advance and have them ready to go throughout the week!
13. Fall Harvest Bowls Recipe
Roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, fresh greens, brown rice, quinoa, and pepitas all topped with a creamy chili dressing. These Fall Harvest Bowls are delicious and perfect for a healthy, easy lunch or dinner recipe!
14. Vegan Winter Spiced Chickpea Power Bowl
This Vegan Winter Spiced Chickpea Power Bowl recipe is everything savory, wholesome, and loaded with fall/winter flavor. Make this recipe in just 30 minutes or less and prep for healthy lunch ideas throughout the week!
15. Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls
Combine turmeric quinoa with fresh kale, turmeric-roasted potatoes, paprika-roasted chickpeas, and a delicious avocado for the most epic Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls!
16. Taco Bowl Recipe
This 20-Minute Taco Bowl Recipe is the BEST for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner! Made with ground turkey (or beef), rice, black beans, tomatoes, peppers, and fresh cilantro, this is a meal that you’ll really look forward to. Add a creamy yogurt sauce and a squeeze of lime juice for a no-fuss, flavorful make-ahead work lunch!
Refreshing Salads
17. Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad
Fresh spinach, hearty quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, flavorful black beans, creamy avocado, and a lemon tahini dressing that brings it all together. This Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad is nutritious, full of flavor, easy to make, and may just be the best-ever healthy salad!
18. Moroccan Chickpea Carrot Salad
This Moroccan Chickpea Carrot Salad is FULL of so many amazing and fresh flavors. If you’re into savory, fresh, crunchy, and a touch of sweetness then this salad is going to make your day. It’s that good!
19. Spicy Southwest Salad Recipe
Spicy, flavorful, crunchy, and delicious. This Spicy Southwest Salad copycat recipe tastes just like the Chick-Fil-A version! Make this easy salad in no time at all for a healthy meal prep lunch that you’ll love.
20. Central American Salad in a Jar
This Central American Salad in a Jar is sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. This is the ultimate recipe to take with you on the go!
21. 10-Minute Mediterranean Farro Salad
This 10-Minute Mediterranean Farro Salad is loaded with nutrition and bold, savory flavors! It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for lunch.
22. Kale Quinoa Curry Salad w/ Roasted Brussel Sprouts
This Kale Quinoa Curry Salad is warm, savory, crispy, and heavenly. This is the perfect salad to mix things up!
23. Fig & Goat Cheese Salad
This Fig & Goat Cheese Salad is the perfect sweet and savory balance for a healthy lunch or dinner recipe! Wholesome greens and roasted asparagus topped with sweet, fresh apples, figs, goat cheese, and walnuts, then drizzled with the best creamy balsamic dressing!
24. Roasted Chickpea Fall Salad
This delicious Roasted Chickpea Fall Salad is crisp and hearty! Made with chopped kale, crunchy pepitas, walnuts, pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, and chickpeas roasted with oil, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon, this salad is one of the BEST!
25. Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad
Creamy, savory, hearty, fresh, flavor-loaded Barbecue Ranch Pasta Salad. This delicious lunch recipe is a favorite for healthy comfort food!
26. Simple Green Goodness Chickpea Salad
Fresh greens, wholesome broccoli, asparagus, avocado, and seasoned chickpeas topped with a spoonful of yogurt dressing. This healthy and simple Green Goodness Chickpea Salad is an easy-to-make lunch in 10 minutes or less!
27. Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad
Sweet, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, savory lentils, fresh arugula, and fresh tomatoes. All topped with a wholesome Turmeric Ginger Dressing! This Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad is full of flavor.
28. Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe
Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe loaded with spicy greens, creamy avocado, boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes, corn, delicious grilled chicken, and topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. So yummy!
Healthy Soups
29. Chicken Lemon Rice Soup
This Chicken Lemon Rice Soup recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch! Make a big batch of this recipe in no time at all and have it on hand for cozy soups all week long. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfect for anyone!
30. The BEST Crockpot Vegetable Soup
This Crockpot Vegetable Soup is the BEST for making ahead and saving leftovers for lunch! Loaded with nutrition and flavor, it’s the perfect balance of healthy and a meal that everyone will love.
31. Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup
This Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup is SO good! Made with leftover turkey (or chicken), wholesome vegetables, roasted mushrooms, and hearty wild rice, this cozy meal is loaded with flavor. Add in a creamy broth that’s adjustable to your personal taste, topped off with grated parmesan and parsley. Every spoonful is incredibly delicious!
32. 4-Ingredient Potato Soup
Creamy, savory, and SO good. You’ll love this easy 4-Ingredient Potato Soup for any occasion! Made with only 4 main ingredients, you can’t go wrong with this comforting and wholesome recipe. Every spoonful is filled with creamy, cheesy potato soup goodness!
33. Pumpkin Curry Soup
This Pumpkin Curry Soup is cozy, full of so much flavor, and perfect for lunch. The flavors of real pumpkin, spicy yellow curry, coconut milk, garlic, and ginger pair together perfectly! Make it in 30 minutes or less, then pair it with your favorite protein, bread, or grilled cheese sandwich for a next-level meal.
34. Vegan Ramen Soup w/ Zucchini Noodles
This Vegan Ramen Soup with Zucchini Noodles is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. This healthier version of ramen will not disappoint!
35. Easy Turkey Noodle Soup
This Turkey Noodle Soup is SO easy to make! With perfectly cooked carrots, celery, leftover turkey, soft noodles, and a hint of sage, this recipe is simple, effortless, and flavorful.
36. Hearty Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe
With 17g of protein, this Hearty Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe is perfect for an incredibly easy and healthy make-ahead lunch! Made with wholesome lentils, fresh or frozen vegetables, diced tomatoes, and the best seasoning. You will absolutely love soup for lunch!
37. Slow Cooker Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Slow Cooker Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the best! Made with savory chicken slow-cooked to perfection, creamy soup loaded with beans, corn, celery, carrots, tomato sauce, the best-ever taco seasoning, and tortilla chips to top it all off.
38. Creamy White Chicken Chili
A comforting classic that everyone will love. This Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe is made with healthy ingredients, loaded with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a quick, 30-minute weeknight dinner turned into leftovers for lunch!
39. The BEST Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
The BEST Sweet Potato Soup Recipe in 25 minutes or less for an easy and healthy lunch! Creamy with the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Everyone will love this delicious soup!
40. Easy Quinoa Chili
Need an easy pantry recipe that’s delicious and healthy? This Quinoa Chili is easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for a quick meal. Make it in 30 minutes or less!
Sandwiches & Wraps
41. Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps
Crunchy, savory, and the right amount of kick! These Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps are perfect for a busy weekday lunch or dinner recipe. Made with whole wheat wrap tortillas, crispy, fresh vegetables, homemade healthy fiesta ranch, and slow cooker ranch chicken, this recipe is INCREDIBLY delicious and easy to make!
42. Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps that make for the BEST quick and easy healthy recipe! Diced chicken breast, bell peppers, and mushrooms stir-fried in a pan with a Thai-inspired sauce, all wrapped in crunchy lettuce. This delicious, low-carb recipe is hearty and so refreshing!
43. The BEST Easy Avocado Toast Recipe
Looking for a quick and healthy lunch idea? This is the BEST easy Avocado Toast Recipe! It’s so delicious and only takes 5 minutes to make. Topped with goat cheese spread, fresh avocado, arugula, grape tomatoes, and sprinkled with a dash of salt and pepper!
44. Vegan Spring Rolls w/ Spicy Turmeric Coconut Sauce
These Vegan Spring Rolls w/ Spicy Turmeric Coconut Sauce are not only incredibly delicious but they’re loaded with healthy veggies!
45. Apple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Toast
Apple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Breakfast Toast GOODNESS! This super easy recipe is great for a quick and healthy lunch.
46. Ground Turkey Pita Pockets
Made with ground turkey, pita bread, spinach, and avocado, this Ground Turkey Pita Pocket recipe is a wonderful healthy meal that’s easy to take on the go. One of the best healthy lunch ideas for work!
47. On-The-Go Tuna Lettuce Wraps (2 Ways)
Incredibly delicious, easy to put together, and loaded with goodness! You cannot go wrong with this On-The-Go Tuna Lettuce Wrap recipe for lunch.
48. Turmeric Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Creamy, savory, deliciously lightened-up Turmeric Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps! These heavenly wraps are a wonderful healthy lunch option that can be taken on the go and made in 5 minutes or less.
Other Easy, Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work
49. 10-Minute Margherita Pita Bread Pizzas
These healthy and delicious Margherita Pita Bread Pizzas take only 10 minutes to whip up and are incredibly delicious! If you find yourself craving pizza but you’re want to stick to your healthy eating routine then look no further. These are SO good!
50. Chicken Fajita Casserole
Quick, easy, and SO delicious. This Chicken Fajita Casserole is the BEST healthy recipe! Throw it in the oven for a melty, savory, incredibly yummy meal that can be made in advance.
51. Healthy Sriracha Tuna Stuffed Avocado
This Healthy Sriracha Tuna Stuffed Avocado recipe is solving healthy lunch probs everywhere with its savory, spicy, and delicious flavors, and how easy it is to make. I love this healthy lunch idea for work!
52. 5-Minute Spinach Vegetarian Quesadillas
These 5-Minute Spinach Vegetarian Quesadillas are incredibly easy to make and perfect for a simple, quick lunch! You’ll love how versatile this recipe is.
53. Spinach & Mushroom Naan Pizza
This Spinach & Mushroom Naan Pizza recipe is a great way to eat healthily but feel like you’re splurging! It’s the ultimate comforting healthy lunch recipe.
Did you make any of these recipes? Be sure to give them a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons!
50+ Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work
Ingredients
- Low-Carb Mexican Meal Prep Bowls
- Central American Salad in a Jar
- Healthy Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe
- Hot Honey Chickpea Bowls
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps
- On-The-Go Tuna Lettuce Wraps (2 Ways)
- 10-Minute Margherita Pita Bread Pizzas
Instructions
- Make any of these healthy meals ahead of time.
- Store in your favorite airtight containers.
- Take them to work and enjoy them for lunch!
Ameer Hamza says:
Your lunch pictures are all so colourful!! Love it!
I always pack my lunch — I enjoy the food much better and I’m way too frugal to use the cafeteria ($1 to make my lunch vs. $6 minimum for lunch there — I’ll choose homemade every time!!).
My favourite lunch to pack is either tuna or tillapia with a mix of steamed red cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and a bit of sweet potato. With a tonne of snacks, of course — homemade trail mix is my current favourite.
Alisa Fleming says:
Oh my gosh, these recipes look almost too pretty to eat! Almost 🙂
Christine McMichael replied:
Haha, thanks! Hope you enjoy!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says:
Hi Christine! These meals look so fabulous! Great healthy options for going back to work!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you! Definitely! 🙂
Rachel says:
Wow this all looks incredible!! I’m bookmarking this!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Rachel! Enjoy! 🙂
Deryn | Running on Real Food says:
I’m not going back to school or have kids but these are amazing meal ideas regardless! They all look so fresh and delish. Thanks for all the tips!
Christine McMichael replied:
I hope you enjoy the recipes! 🙂
Kristina @ Love & Zest says:
What a great group of recipes! You nailed them for sure!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Kristina! 🙂
Jessica @Small Bites by Jessica says:
These all look and sound so good! I don’t know which one to start with first!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Jessica! Enjoy!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says:
These are all such pretty, colorful lunches! Definitely going to try a few of these to take to work next week!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Whitney!
Amber says:
These all sound great. I need to start doing meal prep! Great ideas.
Christine McMichael replied:
Love it! Enjoy!
Laura says:
What a great roundup! I need to get better at planning lunches! I always make sure we’re fed at breakfast and dinner…but lunch is always tough! Loving all these ideas!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Laura! Lunch is definitely tough. Enjoy these recipes!
Rachel says:
I LOVE power bowls. And honestly, you can’t go wrong with leftovers!!
Christine McMichael replied:
I agree! We basically live off of power bowls and leftovers haha!
Taylor Kiser says:
So many delicious ideas for lunch! Love the variety! These healthy options are so great for staying on track during busy weeks of life!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Taylor! Enjoy!