Ahh, the office lunch … This mealtime staple can either be really exciting, orrrr super boring. There doesn’t seem to be an in between, does there?!
If you find yourself in an office lunchtime rut, don’t worry! With the Internet at your fingertips, it’s easy to spice up a dull office lunch routine, and dare we say … even fun.
Today we’re sharing easy and healthy office lunch ideas. Consider this your go-to guide the next time you need to diversify the trusty sack lunch.
How to prepare an easy and healthy lunch for the office
Fortunately, prepping nutritious lunches couldn’t be simpler. With just a little bit of thinking ahead, you can make a lunch that will help you feel full all afternoon. Yes, even through boring afternoon office meetings. ;)
Using leftovers
By and large the best way to prepare an office lunch is a bit of a cheat – use leftovers from dinner the night before! Easy peasy. Try doubling portions of the recipes linked below to eat for lunch or dinner in the coming days!
11 healthy and easy lunch ideas for your office
Office lunches made healthy and easy … buckle up and let’s dive in!
Ramen
This homemade ramen recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It uses dried packaged ramen noodles as the base, but swaps out high sodium flavoring packets for a simple array of herbs, vegetables, and spices for delicious flavor … genius!
The great thing about ramen is that while a few ingredients serve as the foundation, you can mix and match your favorite vegetables, proteins, and broths to make a unique blend every time! Add a little ginger and sriracha for a spicy kick. Or soft boiled eggs for mellow creaminess.
Quinoa and brown rice bowl with veggies
With a whopping 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, this versatile quinoa and brown rice bowl goes with everything! If you’re looking for a plant-based office lunch, look no further. Use quinoa and brown rice as your base, and load up this bowl with a colorful mix of vegetables, healthy fats, and sauces.
To add an element of fun to an office lunch, make it your goal to get as many colors of the rainbow in your vegetables! :) Red tomatoes, yellow onions, green peppers, and purple eggplant all go so well together and are fun to look at. Top them off with an olive oil vinaigrette for a well-rounded bowl.
Tomato and basil soup
There are times when you’re too busy to throw together an office lunch from scratch, and that’s where ready-made meals from Proper Good can help! This pouch has just 130 calories but is filled with so much plant-based goodness.
Creamy coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic and onion never skimp on flavor. Since they’re so light and refreshing, you won’t experience the afternoon energy “slump” … kick the vending machine habit!
Broccoli Cheddar soup
What’s better than bringing soup to the office for one day? Bringing it two days in a row! If you loved the tomato and basil soup, why not give broccoli cheddar a try next? With flavorful cheddar cheese and turmeric, this broccoli cheddar soup raises the status quo and completely nixes the boring office lunch.
If you’re looking to add your own tasty toppings, try crumbling up pretzels or saltine crackers and sprinkling them on top of the soup!
Split pea and kale bake
For our vegan friends out there, the last thing you want is to be at the mercy of whatever takeout you can find near the office. Those options often don’t cater to vegans, so you may be left feeling unsatisfied.
Prep this bake toward the beginning of the work week and enjoy it all week long! The recipe uses Proper Good split pea and kale soup, so you know it’s packed with nourishing goodness. ;) Stay full all day with the help of 13 grams of fiber.
Italian pasta salad
Your taste buds had better prepare for this delicious sensation of flavors! Italian pasta is a hearty, beloved dish that screams summer (even when it’s chilly outside). Artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and black olives provide a wonderful assortment of veggies, while a basil, garlic, and red wine vinegar dressing make it pop.
You can serve this pasta alongside a variety of entrees, such as steak, shrimp kebabs, or for vegans, perhaps a grilled veggie!
Korean barbecue with veggies
Korean barbecue is filled with savory, tangy flavors, and the best part is, it can be made ultra-simple! Serve this korean beef mix over white or brown rice, inside a lettuce wrap, or as a burrito. The options are endless and you have flexibility to make this tasty mix your own.
If you want to add an extra serving of clean protein, try a soft boiled egg! Runny yolk provides a super savory touch and is served with many Korean dishes.
Healthy wrap with lettuce, chicken, and hummus
Hummus is a creamy, dreamy spread that isn’t just for dipping! It can be used in a variety of other dishes as well, like pastas, pita, and wraps. This healthy Mediterranean-inspired wrap consists of juicy rotisserie chicken, pita, hummus and tzatziki, and delicious veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and avocado. Combine them all into the “wrap” of your choice and enjoy at the office!
We’d suggest trying a few different types of wraps to find your favorite, and a few options are pita, naan, tortilla, or lettuce!
Healthy frittata
Packed with fresh vegetables, cheese, and eggs, this healthy garden veggie frittata is as filling as it is tasty! We love broccoli, bell peppers, and onion as our vegetables in a frittata, but zucchini, potatoes, chili peppers, and more would work as well!
Fresh herbs provide a perfect topper! Give basil, parsley, or cilantro a try. ;)
Tuna pinwheels
While packing an office lunch is absolutely crucial, those with kiddos know that packing a school lunch is just as important! Why not make a meal that you AND the children can bring to work and school? Tuna pinwheels are filled with heart-healthy veggies and an excellent option for packed lunch.
Tuna has incredible health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, improving the immune system, and building muscle. So it’s a worthy addition to your office or school lunch, indeed!
Healthy bento box
Packing meals in a bento box is an ancient Japanese tradition. This decorative container has small compartments, which can be filled with an assortment of healthy meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables! Bento box compartments help control portions and make it easy to pack a well-rounded office lunch to keep you energized all day.
We’d suggest a “clean eating” bento box, which includes edamame, sliced apples, blueberries, and cheese if you’re in the mood for a light lunch. Or, try something heartier with a taco-inspired bento box, which could include chips and guacamole, plus a taco salad, right there in one compartmentalized box!
Healthy office lunch ideas … made easy! We hope you found this list helpful in adding variety and spice to your daily office lunch. Or even school lunch for the kids.
One thing is for sure: Proper Good meals are an excellent choice for work lunches for those in a variety of professions! Corporate office workers, teachers, truckers, nurses, airline workers and more love how good Proper Good meals make them feel the entire day. No matter if you have only 5 minutes for lunch or 50, Proper Good meals are ready in only 90 seconds and keep you full allll the way until dinner. ;)
Need more meal ideas? Check these out!
