The “lunch break” at home often involves staring blankly into the fridge while simultaneously answering emails. And packing a lunch? A distant memory.
But fear not, fellow work-from-anywhere warriors!
We’ve got 9 ridiculously easy lunches perfect for your kitchen counter office and 9 more portable powerhouses for when you bravely venture (gasp!) outside. Say goodbye to hanger-induced Zoom meltdowns!
1. Loaded Avocado Toast
Smash a ripe avocado onto toasted whole grain bread. Add a sprinkle of salt, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Top with cherry tomatoes, microgreens, or a poached egg for extra protein. Ready in just 5 minutes but feels like a café-quality meal!
2. Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl
Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite Mediterranean spices. No cooking required!
Add cucumber chunks, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives. Drizzle with tahini or Greek yogurt for creaminess. It stays fresh in your fridge for days.
3. Upgraded Instant Ramen
Transform basic instant noodles into something special. Start with your favorite packet but ditch the sodium-heavy seasoning.
Add a soft-boiled egg, handful of spinach, sliced green onions, and leftover protein. A dash of sesame oil and sriracha creates magic!
4. Microwave Sweet Potato Bar
Pierce a sweet potato several times with a fork. Microwave for 5-8 minutes until tender. Split open and fluff the inside.
Create a topping bar with black beans, corn, avocado, cheese, salsa, or Greek yogurt. Mix and match based on what’s in your fridge.
5. Pita Pocket Salad
Stuff a whole wheat pita with pre-washed salad greens and your favorite salad fixings. The pocket keeps everything contained better than a regular salad bowl.
Add protein like tuna, chicken, or hummus. Drizzle dressing inside just before eating. Perfect for eating one-handed while answering emails or joining a video call!
6. Breakfast-for-Lunch Quesadilla
Scramble an egg with spinach and leftover veggies. Spread onto a tortilla, add cheese, fold, and cook until crispy in a pan.
Breakfast foods make excellent quick lunches! Cut into triangles for easy handling. Serve with salsa, avocado, or hot sauce.
7. Three-Ingredient Tomato Soup
Blend a can of tomatoes with half a cup of coconut milk and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Heat in the microwave or on the stove.
Pair with crackers, a grilled cheese sandwich, or a handful of nuts. Store extra portions in mason jars for later!
8. Rice Paper Veggie Wraps
Soak rice paper in warm water until pliable. Layer with lettuce, cucumber, carrots, avocado, and herbs like mint or basil.
Add protein such as tofu or shrimp if desired. Roll tightly like a burrito. The transparent wraps look fancy but take minutes to assemble.
9. Five-Minute Hummus Plate
Spread store-bought hummus on a plate. Surround with pita triangles, baby carrots, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes.
Add olives, feta chunks, and a drizzle of olive oil for Mediterranean flair. This no-cook lunch feels like a fancy appetizer platter.
10. Mason Jar Chicken Salad
Layer dressing at the bottom of a mason jar, followed by sturdy vegetables like carrots and cucumbers. Add protein, grains, and delicate greens on top.
The separation keeps everything fresh until lunchtime. Shake to distribute dressing when ready to eat.
11. Protein-Packed Bento Box
Fill a compartmentalized container with a hard-boiled egg, cheese cubes, nuts, and fresh fruit. Add crackers or mini pita breads for carbs.
This no-cook option provides balanced nutrition in grab-and-go form. The variety keeps lunch interesting! Prep several boxes on Sunday for the entire week ahead.
12. Tortilla Roll-Up Pinwheels
Spread cream cheese or hummus on a large tortilla. Layer with deli meat, cheese, and thinly sliced vegetables.
Roll tightly, then slice into pinwheels. These bite-sized beauties are perfect for one-handed eating during meetings.
13. Thermos Soup Surprise
Heat your favorite soup until piping hot. Pour into a pre-warmed thermos to keep it steaming for hours.
Pack a small container with toppings like croutons, herbs, or cheese. The warm meal is perfect for outdoor lunches or cold offices. A quality thermos is worth the investment.
14. Stuffed Pita Pockets
Fill whole wheat pita bread with a mixture of tuna or chicken salad. Add lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for crunch.
The pocket design prevents spills better than sandwiches. Wrap in foil for extra protection.
15. Pasta Salad Power Cup
Toss cold pasta with Italian dressing, diced vegetables, cheese cubes, and olives. Pack in a leakproof container.
This hearty option tastes even better after marinating for a few hours. Make a big batch Sunday night for multiple meals. Add protein like chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling.
16. Overnight Oats Lunch Jar
Mix rolled oats with yogurt, milk, chia seeds, and a touch of honey. Refrigerate overnight in a sealed jar.
Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or granola just before eating. Who says oats are just for breakfast?
17. Stuffed Avocado To-Go
Halve an avocado and remove the pit. Fill the cavity with tuna, chicken, or chickpea salad.
Squeeze lemon juice over top to prevent browning. Pack the filled halves in a container with the skin on for natural protection. The healthy fats keep you satisfied all afternoon!
18. Hearty Grain Bowl Jar
Layer cooked quinoa or brown rice at the bottom of a jar. Add roasted vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce on top.
The grains soak up the flavors while staying separate from delicate ingredients. Great for desks without microwaves!