10 best healthy lunch ideas for work

Eating healthy at work is essential for maintaining energy levels and productivity throughout the day. Instead of relying on takeout or skipping meals, prepping healthy lunches can help you maintain a balanced diet, improve productivity, and save money. Whether you prefer salads, grain bowls, or bento-style lunches, these healthy lunch ideas for work are easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for meal prepping.

10 Best Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work

Having a repertoire of go-to lunch ideas makes it easier to stick to healthy eating habits during the workday. Here are some nutritious, filling, and easy-to-prep options that you can take to work.

Southwest Black-Bean Pasta Salad Bowls

A fresh and filling option, this Southwest Black-Bean Pasta Salad Bowl combines the zesty flavors of the Southwest with the heartiness of black beans and whole-wheat pasta. Packed with fiber and protein, this dish keeps you full while delivering plenty of nutrients.

• Ingredients: Black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, whole-wheat pasta, avocado, cilantro, lime, and a cumin-lime dressing.
• Instructions: Cook whole-wheat pasta according to package instructions. Toss the pasta with black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with a cumin-lime dressing for a fresh and tangy finish. Store in meal-prep containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch.

Chopped Veggie Grain Bowls with Turmeric Dressing

For a nutrient-dense, plant-based meal, these Chopped Veggie Grain Bowls with Turmeric Dressing are perfect. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making this a great choice to keep your body in top shape.

• Ingredients: Quinoa, kale, roasted sweet potatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, avocado, and a turmeric-lemon dressing.
• Instructions: Cook quinoa and roast sweet potatoes until tender. Toss the quinoa with kale, diced cucumber, chickpeas, and avocado. Drizzle with a turmeric-lemon dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Meal-Prep Curried Chicken Bowls

These Meal-Prep Curried Chicken Bowls are bursting with flavor and can be made ahead of time for quick and easy lunches. The aromatic spices in the curry sauce bring warmth and depth to this protein-packed meal.

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, curry powder, coconut milk, spinach, bell peppers, and brown rice.
• Instructions: Sauté chicken with curry powder and coconut milk until fully cooked. Add bell peppers and spinach, allowing them to cook down. Serve over brown rice and divide into meal-prep containers for the week.

Spicy Ramen Noodle Cup Soup Packs 16g Protein

This Spicy Ramen Noodle Cup Soup is a homemade, healthier version of the classic instant noodles, offering a protein boost and a kick of spice.

• Ingredients: Ramen noodles, chicken or tofu, spinach, egg, chili paste, and soy sauce.
• Instructions: Prepare the ramen noodles, then add in protein-rich ingredients like chicken, tofu, or an egg. Add spinach and a splash of soy sauce, along with a spoonful of chili paste for spice. Store in a jar and heat up at work for a satisfying, nutrient-rich lunch.

Cucumber Salad, Hummus & Pita Bento Box Lunch

If you’re looking for a light, fresh lunch option, this Cucumber Salad, Hummus & Pita Bento Box Lunch is perfect for keeping you satisfied without feeling too full.

• Ingredients: Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, hummus, whole-wheat pita, olives, and feta cheese.
• Instructions: Prepare a simple cucumber salad by tossing cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Add a scoop of hummus and some whole-wheat pita wedges to your bento box, along with a handful of olives and a sprinkle of feta for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.

Clean-Eating Bento Box Lunch

This Clean-Eating Bento Box Lunch is an ideal choice for those who prefer a well-rounded, whole-foods-based meal. It’s easy to prepare and gives you a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and veggies.

• Ingredients: Grilled chicken, boiled eggs, avocado, raw veggies (such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers), and mixed nuts.
• Instructions: Assemble your bento box with slices of grilled chicken, a boiled egg, slices of avocado, and a selection of raw vegetables. Add a small portion of mixed nuts for a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats.

Veggie Egg Salad

This Veggie Egg Salad is a high-protein lunch that can be served on whole-grain bread, crackers, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

• Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, celery, green onions, bell peppers, and herbs.
• Instructions: Chop the hard-boiled eggs and mix them with Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and finely chopped celery, green onions, and bell peppers. Add fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for extra flavor. Pack the egg salad in an airtight container and serve it with whole-grain crackers or as a sandwich filling.

Shrimp Cobb Salad

A Shrimp Cobb Salad is a lighter, seafood variation of the classic Cobb salad, offering a great balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

• Ingredients: Cooked shrimp, avocado, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens.
• Instructions: Layer mixed greens with shrimp, diced avocado, bacon crumbles, hard-boiled eggs, and cherry tomatoes. Pack the dressing separately and drizzle it on just before eating to keep your salad fresh and crisp.

Classic Cobb Mason Jar Salad

For those who love meal prepping, a Classic Cobb Mason Jar Salad is the ideal make-ahead lunch. Layering the ingredients in a mason jar keeps everything fresh and prevents soggy salads.

• Ingredients: Romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, blue cheese, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and dressing of your choice.
• Instructions: Start by adding the dressing to the bottom of the mason jar, followed by sturdier ingredients like grilled chicken and bacon. Add the rest of the ingredients, ending with romaine lettuce at the top to keep it crisp. Shake the jar just before serving to mix the ingredients.

Spicy Tuna Wrap

If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of heat, try a Spicy Tuna Wrap. It’s quick to make, packed with protein, and full of flavor.

• Ingredients: Canned tuna, Greek yogurt, sriracha, avocado, spinach, and whole-wheat tortillas.
• Instructions: Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt and sriracha for a spicy, creamy filling. Spread the mixture onto a whole-wheat tortilla, add slices of avocado and a handful of spinach, then wrap it up tightly. You can pack this for lunch and enjoy it cold or warm.