30 Simple Lunch Ideas to Make While Working from Home

From the Recipe Creator: I absolutely love a BLT with sliced avocado and an egg. Recently, I’ve been trying out grain bowls, and I thought the flavors of my favorite sandwich would work really well. Everyone at my family lunch agreed! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I got the inspiration for this recipe when I knew my parents and in-laws were coming to see our new home. My mother-in-law has food allergies, my father-in-law has some very specific food preferences and my parents appreciate light meals. I created this chicken sandwich with fresh basil for our lunch. —Kerry Durgin Krebs, New Market, Maryland

From the Recipe Creator: I love to experiment with food. We're able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, California

From the Recipe Creator: These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois

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

From the Recipe Creator: A neighbor served this light, wonderful salad at a summer barbecue. I’ve since tried it with many ingredient combinations, but this one draws the most compliments. -Lisa Lesinski-Topp Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love this cheesy dish. It is proof that soup doesn't need to be made in big batches to be good. —Cheryl McRae, West Valley, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: These make-ahead wraps are delicious, portable and ideal for picnics and tailgates. Enjoy them whole or slice them into 1-inch pieces to serve them as an appetizer. They also make an excellent lunch on the go. —Sue Sibson, Howard, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Grilling isn't just the pastime of meat eaters! Ask my vegetarian family members who love these wholesome sammies slathered with prepared pesto and stacked with char-kissed summer produce. —Tanya Mehta, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York

From the Recipe Creator: This is my favorite soup recipe. It's quick to fix on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just as good. —Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and sons love chicken with blue cheese, so I created this salad. You can even make the chicken the day before and reheat when ready to serve. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: We eat fish on Fridays, so I like to experiment with different types. I pulled salmon, spinach and avocado from the fridge for these wraps. My kids loved them, and I did, too! They're delicious, and they contain all five food groups right in one hand-held meal. —Jennifer Krey, Clarence, New York

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

From the Recipe Creator: This lightly dressed salad is packed with superfoods! When I have time, I make my vinaigrette from scratch. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: I was running late one night, so I shopped in my own fridge and came up with ingredients that became taco wraps. Everybody at the table was a happy camper. —Katie Mitschelen, La Porte, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey

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

From the Recipe Creator: This yummy, economical dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. Serve with a dash of soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. —Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times.

From the Recipe Creator: This easy skillet dish offers a delicious use for leftover taco meat. Garnish it with sour cream and salsa for southwestern flavor. —Sue Schoening, Sheboygan, Wisconsin