Working from home means you have access to your kitchen, but that doesn’t always translate to exciting lunches. Many remote workers find themselves eating the same boring sandwich day after day or skipping lunch altogether.
These 19 delicious and simple lunch ideas will help break that cycle, giving you quick options that keep you energized without taking too much time away from your work.
1. Mediterranean Wrap
Spread hummus on a whole wheat tortilla and layer with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. Roll it up tightly for a protein-packed meal that requires zero cooking.
The combination of fresh veggies and creamy hummus provides sustained energy for afternoon focus. Prep the ingredients on Sunday for even faster assembly during busy workdays.
2. Upgraded Instant Ramen
Transform basic instant noodles by adding a soft-boiled egg, handful of spinach, sliced green onions, and leftover protein from last night’s dinner. The entire meal cooks in under five minutes.
The egg adds necessary protein while the veggies boost nutrition in this budget-friendly option. Keep these simple add-ins on hand for an instant lunch upgrade.
3. Mason Jar Salad
Layer dressing at the bottom of a mason jar, followed by hearty vegetables, proteins, and delicate greens on top. When lunchtime arrives, simply shake and pour onto a plate!
This prep-ahead method keeps ingredients fresh for days. Make several on Sunday evening for grab-and-go lunches throughout your work week without any soggy lettuce disasters.
4. Microwave Baked Potato Bar
Poke holes in a potato and microwave for 5-7 minutes. While it cooks, gather toppings like cheese, leftover chili, steamed broccoli, or Greek yogurt.
The humble potato transforms into a filling lunch canvas with endless topping combinations. Its high fiber content keeps hunger away until dinner, preventing those afternoon snack cravings.
5. Avocado Toast Variations
Mash ripe avocado onto toasted bread and customize with toppings. Try everything bagel seasoning and a fried egg one day, then tomato and balsamic glaze the next.
The healthy fats from avocado provide lasting energy without the mid-afternoon crash. This five-minute meal feels like a trendy café lunch without the price tag or commute!
6. Leftover Remix Bowl
Combine last night’s protein with fresh vegetables and a new sauce for an entirely different meal. Leftover chicken becomes exciting with cucumber, carrots and peanut sauce.
This approach reduces food waste while saving precious lunch break minutes. Keep a rotation of bottled sauces like pesto, teriyaki, or tahini to transform familiar ingredients into something new.
7. Five-Minute Quesadilla
Place a tortilla in a hot skillet, sprinkle with cheese and add any extras like canned black beans, corn, or pre-cooked chicken. Fold, flip, and lunch is ready!
The melty cheese and crispy exterior make this feel like a proper meal. Serve with salsa and pre-made guacamole cups for added flavor without extra prep time.
8. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Mash canned chickpeas with mayo, mustard, diced celery and onion for a plant-based alternative to tuna salad. Spread between bread or serve with crackers for a protein-packed lunch.
The texture mimics traditional sandwich fillings while providing fiber and plant protein. Make a batch that lasts all week for super-quick assembly during busy workdays.
9. Microwave Risotto Cup
Mix arborio rice, broth, and frozen vegetables in a microwave-safe mug. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring halfway through. Finish with parmesan cheese for a comforting mini-meal.
Simplified risotto skips the constant stirring of traditional methods. The single-serving approach prevents leftovers while delivering a warm, satisfying lunch perfect for chilly work-from-home days.
10. Pita Pizza
Spread pasta sauce on a pita bread, sprinkle with cheese and toppings, then broil for 2-3 minutes. The thin base cooks quickly for pizza cravings without delivery wait times.
Keep a package of pitas in the freezer for anytime pizza emergencies. It satisfies comfort food cravings while letting you return to work without the heavy feeling of traditional pizza.
11. Rotisserie Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Shred store-bought rotisserie chicken and wrap in large lettuce leaves with julienned vegetables and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. No cooking required for this protein-rich option!
The cool, crisp lettuce contrasts wonderfully with the savory chicken. This carb-light lunch won’t cause afternoon drowsiness, keeping you alert for important afternoon meetings.
12. Savory Oatmeal Bowl
Cook plain oats with broth instead of water, then top with a fried egg, sautéed mushrooms, and green onions. This unexpected twist on breakfast food makes a hearty lunch.
The complex carbs from oats provide steady energy throughout the afternoon. Unlike sweet versions, this savory variation feels like a proper meal rather than breakfast at lunchtime.
13. Frozen Burrito Upgrade
Microwave a frozen burrito, then add fresh toppings like avocado slices, salsa, and cilantro. The contrast of hot filling with cool garnishes elevates this convenience food.
Keep quality frozen burritos stocked for busy days. Semi-homemade approach balances convenience with freshness, making you feel like you’ve put effort into lunch without the actual work.
14. Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Mix canned tuna with mayo and seasonings, then spoon into avocado halves. The healthy fats from avocado complement the lean protein perfectly for a no-cook, low-carb option.
This lunch requires minimal dishes and zero cooking appliances. Simply prep at your desk for those days when you can’t step away from your computer for a proper lunch break.
15. Microwave Frittata Mug
Whisk eggs with chopped vegetables and cheese in a large mug, then microwave for 2 minutes. The result is a fluffy, protein-packed meal that cooks while you finish one more email.
Unlike stovetop eggs, this method requires no flipping or monitoring. Change up the mix-ins daily using whatever vegetables need using up in your refrigerator.
16. Pre-Prepped Soup Jars
Layer soup ingredients like bouillon, dried noodles, frozen vegetables, and pre-cooked protein in a jar. At lunch, just add boiling water and wait 5 minutes.
DIY instant soups beat store-bought versions in both flavor and nutrition. Prepare several different variations on Sunday for grab-and-go lunches all week long.
17. Bean And Cheese Tostadas
Spread refried beans on corn tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and microwave for 30 seconds. Top with pre-shredded lettuce, salsa, and pre-made guacamole for instant Mexican-inspired lunch.
The combination of beans and corn provides complete protein. These flat, open-faced creations offer the flavors of tacos without the filling-falling-out struggles during working lunches.
18. Hummus Lunch Plate
Arrange store-bought hummus on a plate surrounded by pita triangles, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and olives. This Mediterranean-inspired plate requires zero cooking while feeling intentional.
The combination of protein from hummus and fresh vegetables creates a balanced meal. This lunch option works perfectly for video calls, as you can easily grab bites between speaking points.
19. Apple And Cheese Plate
Slice an apple and pair with cheese cubes, nuts, and a drizzle of honey for a sophisticated no-cook lunch. The sweet-savory combination satisfies multiple cravings at once.
French-inspired approach to lunch feels special despite taking only minutes to assemble. The balance of fruit, protein, and healthy fats provides steady energy without weighing you down.