When you don't have time to cook your meals each morning, these make-ahead work lunch ideas are the answer. Cook them on Sunday, divide them into containers and enjoy delicious homemade lunches all week long!
30 Work Lunch Ideas That Are Easy to Make Ahead
Updated on Apr. 18, 2025
1/30
Egg Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a pared-down version of a classic egg salad recipe. You can also add a little cream cheese for an extra-creamy spread. —Linda Braun, American Egg Board, Park Ridge, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 294 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 431mg cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein.
This is a classic egg salad that’s creamy, crunchy and has 13 grams of protein! Serve the salad on slices of thick toast or with a sleeve of crackers.
2/30
Shrimp Salad with Hot Honey Avocado Dressing
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This loaded main-dish salad uses avocado in place of oil in the dressing, with hot honey for a kick. Sometimes I like to add sliced black olives and green onions, but feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings to make this salad your own. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 243 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 172mg cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
A little sweet and a little spicy, this shrimp salad is miles better than the bagged salad you can find at the grocery store. If spicy isn’t your thing, you can replace the hot chile-infused honey with regular honey.
3/30
BLT Wraps
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I used to make these easy wraps 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.
Using ready-to-serve bacon means these wraps are insanely easy to make. This recipe makes about eight wraps, so you can divvy them up between your and your kids’ lunchboxes.
4/30
Cowboy Caviar (Corn and Black Bean Salad)
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful, crunchy black bean and corn salad is chock-full of nutrition that all ages love. Try it with a variety of summer entrees or as a wholesome salsa! —Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
You’ve probably had cowboy caviar as a game-day appetizer, but it makes a great lunch too. Since it’s basically a dense bean salad, you can eat it with tortilla chips or corn chips, or wrapped in a tortilla.
5/30
Burritos
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My cousin is of Mexican heritage, and I’ve watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. They’re even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. —Debi Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 519 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1539mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
Two things make these burritos the perfect work lunch: They can be made with any ground meat you like, and they can be made in bulk and then frozen so you always have lunch on hand!
6/30
Asian Beef Noodles
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy, economical dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. Serve it with a dash of soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. —Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 383 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
These noodles are just the thing when you’re tired of salads and sandwiches for lunch. Hearty and full of veggies, this meal is delicious and easy to toss together in a skillet.
7/30
Ham and Cheese Croissant
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you're craving something more than just a plain sandwich for lunch, these toasted croissants are the answer. If you're not a fan of Swiss cheese, try with slices of Gruyere, Muenster or aged cheddar. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 386 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1173mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
I like to make a bunch of these sandwiches at a time, wrap them up, and store them in the fridge or freezer. That way, I can just grab one to enjoy for breakfast on-the-go or lunch after a quick zap in the microwave.
8/30
Pork Lettuce Wraps
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Casual, flavorful and low in carbohydrates, these Vietnamese pork lettuce wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wraps to suit their tastes. —Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 199 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
You can keep the lettuce and toppings separate and then assemble the wraps during your lunch break. Or, you can chop up the lettuce and mix all the ingredients (except the hoisin!) together in a food container for a light and bright salad.
9/30
Pepperoni Bread
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This savory stromboli starts with frozen bread dough, so it comes together in practically no time. The golden loaf is stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers and olives. I often add a few slices of ham too. It's tasty served with warm pizza sauce for dipping. —Jenny Brown, West Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 296 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 827mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
This bread has all the flavor of a slice of pizza but in a compact, convenient package. Serve slices with some marinara sauce or a side of pesto for dipping.
10/30
Rotisserie Chicken Soup
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a hearty, warm bowl of homemade chicken soup with just a few easy steps. Instead of cooking chicken from scratch, this recipe swaps in precooked rotisserie chicken to make the process all that more simple. —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 158 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
Chicken noodle soup is warm, cozy and a nostalgic lunch for a reason. You can take the soup to work in a regular container and warm it up, or try one of these soup thermoses that’ll help the soup stay warm all day long.
11/30
Chicken Salad with Grapes
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when using rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken salad: 311 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
This chicken salad is even easier than a typical recipe because it calls for rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
12/30
Pimiento Cheese Sandwich
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
The store-bought stuff pales in comparison to our homemade pimento cheese. Assemble it on a sandwich made with white bread, just as Southerners do. —Francine Lizotte, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 462 calories, 31g fat (13g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
Simple yet satisfying, this pimiento cheese sandwich uses thick-cut sourdough bread. You can bulk up the sandwich a bit more by adding pickles, cooked bacon or slices of heirloom tomatoes.
13/30
Pressure-Cooker Char Siu Pork
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This juicy pork is tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 392 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
Cook the pork at the start of the week, then divide it between some storage containers with some sticky rice and broccolini for the perfect make-ahead meal. You can even switch up the grain and veggies each day to keep things interesting.
14/30
Buffalo Chicken Crunch Wraps
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter-in-law loves Buffalo chicken, so I came up with this easy-to-make crunch wrap using all the same flavors and grilled it in a panini press. —Theresa Ravencraft, Marysville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 676 calories, 38g fat (14g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 1428mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 42g protein.
You’re going to love this Taco Bell-inspired lunch! Instead of the standard beefy taco filling, this wrap is stuffed with shredded chicken, cheese, celery and Buffalo sauce.
15/30
Tuna Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've perfected this classic salad with sweet pickle relish, Dijon and a squeeze of lemon. Serve it with crackers, over a bed of greens or grilled on sourdough as a simply fantastic tuna melt. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 213 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat.
To prevent any side-eyes from your co-workers, go with a good-quality albacore canned tuna. It has a less fishy aroma than skipjack tuna, which is the usual type of tuna in “chunk light” cans.
16/30
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. —Nancy Pratt, Longview, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 337 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
The only thing better than a Caesar salad is this chicken Caesar salad wrap. If you have access to an air fryer in your office kitchen, warm up a batch of french fries for the perfect pairing.
17/30
Edamame and Soba Noodle Bowl
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With hearty soba noodles and protein-packed edamame, this dish really satisfies. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 414 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 867mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
You should be able to find soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat, in the Asian aisle of the grocery store. If your store doesn’t carry any, you can use whole wheat spaghetti instead.
18/30
Turkey Pinwheels
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Need an awesome snack for game day? My kids love these easy four-ingredient turkey pinwheels. Go ahead and make them the day before—they won’t get soggy! —Amy Van Hemert, Ottumwa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 51 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
I’ll make these easy pinwheels and use them as the start to a snack lunch. I pack the pinwheels with some potato chips, carrot sticks, apple slices and peanut butter, and then much away.
19/30
Butternut Squash Burrito Bowl
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This butternut squash burrito bowl is an easy-to-prep dinner that combines fresh ingredients with wholesome convenience foods. It comes together in just minutes and can be customized with everyone's favorite toppings. —Patricia Kukuc, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 230 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat.
Frozen riced butternut squash is the base of this hearty southwest bowl, but you can use riced cauliflower if that’s what you have on hand. Whichever you go with, some homemade salsa will add a touch of heat.
20/30
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
32 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful antipasto salad is a tasty crowd-pleaser. Guests love the homemade dressing, which is a nice change from bottled Italian. —Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 396 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
Nothing is better than having salami, pepperoni, cheese and pasta and getting to call it a salad! This recipe makes a lot, so feel free to half or quarter it for a week’s worth of lunches.
21/30
Southwest Quinoa Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This good-for-you dish is full of must-have southwestern flavors. You can either serve it cold as a side for eight people or warm as an entree for four. The lime vinaigrette brings it all together. —Yvonne Compton, Elkton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 255 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
To keep the avocado from browning and turning mushy, don’t cut and add it until you’re ready to eat. An avocado keeper is the best way to store your leftover avo.
22/30
Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a colorful and comforting Thai peanut chicken stir-fry with just a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. If you want even more color, add frozen stir-fry veggies. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 2 fat.
For some more heat, top the warmed noodles with a healthy helping of chili crisp, which is a condiment made of hot peppers, garlic, onion and oil. As the name suggests, it’s spicy, crunchy and good on just about any lunch you can imagine.
23/30
Sheet-Pan Kielbasa and Veggies
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like this dish featuring kielbasa and veggies for two reasons: It's so hearty, and it’s a one-pan meal. That’s a win-win dinner! —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 378 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
With sweet potatoes, carrots and Polish kielbasa, this sheet-pan meal is plenty hearty on its own, but you can certainly add some cooked rice for some added bulk. And though the Dijon mustard is optional, it really makes a difference!
24/30
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings (about 3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Two Minnesota delicacies, turkey and wild rice, are the stars of this sensational soup. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Terri Holmgren, Swanville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
This creamy wild rice soup is the perfect lunch on cold, dreary days at the office. If you have spare time on the weekend, whip up a batch of homemade rolls to go with the soup.
25/30
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
Skill Level
Easy
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.
Speaking of homemade, making your own hummus recipe will really make the difference in this wrap. But I won’t judge you if you use our pick for the best store-bought hummus.
26/30
Easy Fried Rice
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy fried rice recipe really captures the flavor of fried rice served in restaurants. Use leftover chicken for a satisfying meal that's simple to put together. —Lori Schweer, Mapleton, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 476 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 1077mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
The key to getting the right texture for fried rice is to use day-old rice instead of fresh rice. That makes this lunch a stellar way to use up leftovers.
27/30
Stromboli Sandwich
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made this stromboli sandwich many times for parties, and it gets great reviews. You can add ingredients and spices to suit your taste. The recipe is so good, I just had to share it with you! —Leigh Lauer, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 388 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1175mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
You can easily adjust what veggies and meats are baked into this sandwich, depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. Skip any leafy greens or watery veggies, though, to prevent the stromboli from getting soggy.
28/30
Taco Pockets
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love these taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick, easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 pocket: 393 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
Make sure the edges of these pockets are pinched together well to prevent any of the fillings from leaking out. And don’t forget to pack some guacamole and lime wedges to go with this lunch!
29/30
Southwestern Goulash
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 224 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
While this goulash is good on its own, it’s especially delicious topped with some shredded cheese. Any melting cheese will do, but I recommend cheddar or Manchego.
30/30
Slow-Cooker Chili
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to the wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 260 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 712mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
The best part of a bowl of chili is all the toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, pickled jalapenos and corn chips are all fabulous options.
Work Lunch Ideas FAQ
What can I make for a work lunch besides a sandwich?
There are many lunch options that aren’t sandwiches. Some of my favorites include grain bowls, pasta salads and soups. Tacos, burritos, flatbreads and easy salads are also perfect for a work lunch.
What are the best cold lunch ideas for work?
The best cold lunch ideas for work are sandwiches, wraps, pasta salads, and protein salads like chicken and tuna salad. You can pair these cold lunches with chips or crackers, fruits, vegetables, and a lunchbox dessert or two.
What are healthy lunch ideas for work?
Healthy lunch ideas for work include leafy salads, veggie-laden soups and healthy sandwiches. Quiche, lettuce-wrapped burgers, meaty quesadillas and other high-protein recipes are also healthy lunch options.
