These lunch recipes are so creative, you'll *actually* enjoy eating at your desk.
29 Easy and Delicious Desk Lunches
Updated on May 22, 2024
DIY Ramen Soup
This jarred version of ramen soup is a healthier alternative to most varieties you can buy at the store. Have fun customizing the veggies to your taste! —Michelle, Clair, Seattle, Washington
1/29
2/29
Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls
Total Time
12 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl! It is short on ingredients but packs in so much flavor. For a hand-held version, leave out the rice and tuck the rest of the ingredients into a pita pocket. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 433 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 1355mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
3/29
BLT Turkey Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This variation of a BLT salad goes great with a side of garlic bread or garlic toast—it will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. &mdash,Sherry Conley, Noel, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 294 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
4/29
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 235 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
5/29
Cucumber Salad Boats
Total Time
10 min
From the Recipe Creator:
Scoop out the seeds and fill fresh cucumbers with your favorite salad for a crunchy and refreshing light lunch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
6/29
Tabbouleh
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tabbouleh is a classic Middle Eastern salad. The fresh veggies and mint leaves make it light and refreshing on a hot day. —Michael & Mathil Chebat, Lake Ridge, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 100 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
7/29
Curried Egg Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A curry kick gives this egg salad big appeal. We love it when the weather gets warm. —Joyce McDowell, West Union, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 273 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
8/29
Muffin-Tin Tamale Cakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all of the flavor of tamales without the fuss. Pair with skewered fruit. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 137 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
9/29
Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings (1 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad has been a family favorite for a while! I love to bring this to parties or simply eat as a wonderful lunch or side dish. —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups with about 2 tablespoons dressing: 280 calories, 24g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
10/29
Garden Chickpea Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 38g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
11/29
Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as the pitas taste, they’re good for them too.—Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 324 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 lean meat.
12/29
Blueberry Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On weekday mornings, I whip up this fun chicken and blueberry combination in minutes to take for lunch. It also works as a nice light salad for a summer supper, and it’s a cinch to double it for a shower or potluck. —Kari Caven, Coeur d'Alene, ID
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 277 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
13/29
Speedy Hummus Pizza
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 slices
From the Recipe Creator:
What started as an appetizer is now one of my favorite Mediterranean meals. I make sure I always have the ingredients, so I can whip it up in a hot minute. I like to use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried ones when they're in season, and sometimes I throw in some chopped artichoke hearts, too. —Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland
14/29
Lunch Box Pizzas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 94 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
15/29
Peanut Butter Granola Pinwheels
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across this easy and tasty snack while searching online for healthy munchies for kids. Great for after school, it's really quick to make and filling enough to hold the kids until dinner. To satisfy heftier appetites or to serve as a power lunch, cut each tortilla into fewer pieces or provide one per child. The recipe is easy to increase as needed. —Mary Haluch, Ludlow, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
16/29
Lasagna Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini lasagnas: 414 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
17/29
Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla with 3 tablespoons salsa: 306 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
18/29
Turkey Ranch Wraps
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a cool idea that's ready to gobble up in no time. It's a terrific use for deli turkey. Just add lettuce, tomato, green pepper, shredded cheese and ranch dressing for a flavorful blend. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 403 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
19/29
Ham Muffinwiches
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I concocted this fun recipe when I was looking for something to pack for lunch. I had leftover ham but no bread, so I got creative with cornbread mix. They freeze well and are handy for an on-the-go breakfast or lunch. —Jenny Wiebe, Villa Hills, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 muffins: 186 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
20/29
Rotini Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a light meal, we toss rotini pasta with cucumber, zucchini and sweet peppers. Make this cucumber pasta salad into a main dish by adding grilled chicken. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without olives): 142 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
21/29
BLT Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I used to make these easy wrap-ups for summer days at the lake with our entire family. These days, we love to bring them to picnics and days in the park. —Jonnah Burks, Brighton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 409 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
22/29
Tuna Wrap
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
23/29
Curried Olive Egg Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Accessorizing the humble egg salad sandwich with olives, curry powder and celery seed really bumps up the flavor of lunch. —Anita Doyle, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita pockets: 398 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 329mg cholesterol, 893mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat.
24/29
Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lime juice and cilantro in tuna salad – who knew? This recipe for avocado tuna salad came to me as a way to have a protein-packed meal with lots of pizzazz. —Heather Waldorf, Black Mountain, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 506 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
25/29
Tropical Beef Wrap
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my finicky little ones, I create fast, tasty recipes like this tropical sandwich wrap. You can even use up leftover roast beef in a pinch. —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 522 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1211mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
26/29
Strawberry-Chicken Salad with Buttered Pecans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Having lived in several states in the South, I love tossing pecans into recipes for a little added flavor and crunch. Fresh berries and other nuts round out this hearty salad. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without croutons): 392 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
27/29
Almond Chicken Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 351 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 152mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
28/29
Zucchini Crust Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 188 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
29/29
Waldorf Turkey Pitas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Living in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 363 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein.
