37 Packed Lunches That Won’t Make You Stare Blankly Into the Office Fridge

I have done my fair share of packing adult lunches to be aware of the emotional experience: the hope multiple lunches will be eaten by coworkers on Monday and the feelings of frustration that grow when the week nears its end, while eating lunch with nothing but saltines to pass the time becomes a frustrating completion to the emotional cycle of the week.

When it comes to the operational side of the challenge, it is about assembling lunches that look like real meals with clearly defined elements of structure, crunch, and acidity.

These ideas work for a bag, don’t require a culinary degree at 7:12 a.m. and can be adjusted depending on your level of awake-ness. Some are dubbed “assemble” lunches, others fit the “cook once, coast for days” which is my love language.

1) Greek Chickpea Salad

I have avoided jar salads for a long time because they felt too much like a lifestyle choice. However, once I gave this one a shot, I stopped being stubborn. To keep the dressing, made of lemon, olive oil and oregano, on the bottom, make sure to place the sturdy ingredients (chickpeas, cucumbers, and tomatoes) on top so that they remain crisp. Before you eat it, add the feta to the top and mix it up really well.

2) Turkey Hummus Wrap

Although I didn’t complete the meal prep task, I did make an effort. Hummus serves a dual purpose as a spread and moisture barrier. It helps prevent the wrap from becoming soggy and limp. To add some texture, I like including something crunchy like ribboned carrots or cucumber sticks. When wrapped and sliced, they also give the appearance of being organized.

3) Salmon Rice Bowl or Plate

I don’t mind eating cold salmon, but I know people can be sensitive about this, so if this is a deal breaker, I completely understand. The evening before, you can bake or pan cook the salmon, flake it, and then serve it on rice, with cucumbers and edamame. To make the flavors pop, add some soy-ginger sauce. If you have furikake, sprinkle it on for a touch of style.

4) Caprese Pasta Salad

I like to imagine I have a summer job on the coast of Italy when I make this lunch (which I don’t). Combine short pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a splash of olive oil and balsamic. To prolong its durability, consider incorporating white beans or shredded rotisserie chicken. It stays intact for several days without breaking down.

5) Chicken Caesar Salad

Caesar can be a tragedy if you dress it too soon.Keep the left over chicken and caesar dressing and crutons separate and placed the romane and chicken together.

If you are using dressing that you purchased from a store, add a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavor. With the addition of parmesan shavings, it is no longer “leaf time” but rather a full meal.

6) Tuna White Bean Salad

There is an atmosphere of a “beautifully powerful lunch” here. Combine chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper, canned tuna, and cannellini beans. The transportation ability is decent as is the size of the product and it appears to be pretty large. The most bizarre thing I have done with it is eat it straight from the container and was standing at the counter like some sort of raccoon. However, I have also eaten the product with crackers and even put some of it into a pita.

7) Egg Salad

Egg salad gets a bad reputation because it’s typically prepared in such a bland manner that people are left unenthused. Combine chopped hard-boiled eggs with some mayonnaise (yogurt can also be used), then add in some Dijon mustard and capers or pickles (finely diced). The whole idea is to have a briny kick to the salad. You can either pack it between some sturdy slices of bread, or it also works well scooped up with slices of cucumber.

8) Snack Box

This will be my lunch when thinking about an actual meal becomes too painful. Cheese, crackers, some fruit, nuts, and crunchy veg combine to make something tasty. It is also easily adjustable to changing levels of hunger. Some days I need more protein, other days I need more grapes. Just be mindful to take something salty or else it will all just feel like a wellness brochure.

9) Peanut Noodle Salad

If the sauce is bold enough, cold noodles can be genuinely satisfying. Peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, a bit of honey, and chili flakes should be mixed together and combined with the noodles and shredded chicken. If you want to add some crunch, go ahead and toss in some carrots, and if you want to add a little to the flavor, include some scallions. If you find that the mixture has thickened up by the next day, add a teaspoon of water and stir really hard to “revive” it.

10) Lentil Soup

Opening a thermos and having a bowl of hot soup brings great satisfaction at noon. Lentil soup is particularly forgiving because lentils maintain their texture. In addition, lentil soup can be reheated several times without altering its texture and taste. Adding some carrots and celery, along with some cumin, for added warmth would be good. With some bread to go along with this, you can practically considered invincible to most.

11) Pesto Chicken Bowl

My leftover meals always improve in quality thanks to pesto. I mix my leftover roasted veggies and chicken with some pesto and then I can serve it over rice or quinoa. The oil keeps the chicken and veggies from getting dry. In fact, I packed this after I cleaned up dinner in a hurry so I got to feel smug about it at lunch.

12) BLT Salad

BLT sandwiches are indeed delicious, but let’s face it; if the sandwich sits for too long, the bread is bound to get soft and soggy. Instead, I create a salad using romaine, tomatoes, avocado, and a mayo-lemon dressing. For added crunch, keep the bacon separate and mix it in right before you eat. If you want the “sandwich” vibe, add some croutons.

13) Roast Beef Sandwich

This is a bold and unapologetic sandwich. The sliced roast beef is accompanied by horseradish (or mayo with horseradish) and something sharp like arugula. Rye bread is timeless and won’t begin to disintegrate as we approach lunchtime. For an improved taste, wrap and press the sandwich during the commute.

14) Curry Chicken Salad

Chicken salad can be boring, so I bully it into being interesting with curry powder. Mix shredded chicken with curry powder, mayonnaise or yogurt, celery, grapes, and toasted almonds. It has an odd combination of flavors that is super addictive. You can pack it with pita, or if you want to be virtuous, you can eat it over greens.

15) Veggie Frittata

Frittatas are also an excellent option for lunch as you can eat them warm or cold! Make a frittata and slice it into wedges for the week. You can add some cheese as well as spinach and peppers. They are sturdy and fill you up and best of all, they are easy to carry. If you add some fruit to the lunch, you are all set!

16) Soba Noodle Salad

Soba noodles are still chewy even when eaten cold. With the addition of Cucumber, Carrot, and Sesame Soy Dressing, this lunch will look well planned. To keep full for longer, including a boiled egg or tofu will do the trick. I always add extra dressing because plain noodles are gross.

17) Burrito Bowl

This is a reliable example of a ‘use what’s in the fridge’ situation. You can include several layers of rice, black beans, corn, salsa, cheese, and a protein of your choosing – chicken, tofu, or none. If you’re packing this, keep the guacamole or sour cream separate. The drink has an unexpected, but welcomed taste due to the lime wedge that has been added.

18) Mediterranean Farro Bowl

Farro provides a nutty taste with a chewy texture which makes lunches feel more filling. It can be paired with cucumber, tomato, and herb salad with roasted chickpeas for some extra crunch. Personally, I enjoy a side condiment that is a dollop of tzatziki or yogurt with some lemon. Having this type of lunch means you are less likely to raid the snack drawer at 3.p.m.

19) Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you’ve got leftover roast chicken, this becomes very easy, very fast. Please pack the soup in a thermos while it is still hot, and keep the tortilla strips separate so they don’t break apart. A hint of cilantro and lime makes it taste refreshing. Especially on days when the pinging sound of the emails is especially irritating.

20) Cottage Cheese Bowl

I appreciate that you have an opinion on cottage cheese, and do not want to dispute that. If you like it, the protein base goes nice with some savory toppings. Think of a seasoning blend with seeds, a bit of olive oil, and chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. Take some crackers, scoop it out, and enjoy your lunch.

21) Shrimp Avocado Salad

Prepared shrimp is a quick, yet somewhat sophisticated option for a lunchbox. Prior to consumption, season to taste with a pinch of salt and combine shrimp with avocado, greens, and lime dressing. Although the combination may be light, it is still satisfying to the majority of customers. If you are sensitive to strong odors in common areas, please enjoy this in a well-ventilated area, or hold off until you get home.

22) Veggie Cream Cheese Bagel

The potential for an enjoyable bagel lunch is certainly there, but it could just as easily turn into a soggy bagel disappointment. I will probably pack the bagel halves and the filling separately, and put them together at lunchtime. Cream cheese, cucumber, tomato, and red onion is a combination that has been appreciated for a long time. If you want to be a little fancier and your work fridge has the capacity, you can add some smoked salmon.

23) Kimchi Fried Rice

I usually prepare this lunch when I have leftover rice or when I want to be energized. Prepare rice, chopped kimchi, and a little bit of soy sauce and sesame oil. After it’s done, put a cooked egg on top. It’s good warm, but I’ve eaten it cold at my desk and survived. If you’re sensitive to spice, put in less kimchi and you might want to add more egg.

24) Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This is a plant-based stand-in for tuna salad that actually satisfies. Mash the chickpeas with some mayonnaise or tahini, add some celery, lemon, and herbs, and season it right (salt is key). It stays stable, and nothing weird happens to it in the fridge. I personally enjoy eating this with pickles, as it is a very classic combination.

25) BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes in the microwave is one of the most underrated lunch ideas. One can be taken and filled with shredded BBQ chicken and a bit of slaw for added crunch. It is great for all the senses, has lots of flavor, and is something that will definitely fill you up. If you like the texture of warm mayo, then feel free to pack the slaw separately.

26) Quinoa Tabbouleh

I love using a lot of herbs because I feel they add so much more flavor. Instead of using bulgur, you can use quinoa, and you should definitely add parsley, mint, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and dress it with lemon and olive oil. It stays good in the fridge overnight, and gets even better the next day. If you want something heartier, feel free to add grilled chicken or feta.

27) Meatballs with Marinara

Meatballs are one of those meal prep items that make you feel both capable, and a little bit fortunate. Cook a batch and pack some with marinara and a veggie on the side. You can eat them with a fork, or, if you have one, you can use a roll to make a sandwich. To keep the bread from getting soggy, pack the sauce on the side until lunch.

28) Sushi Bowl

This item is sushi-adjacent, minus the rolling and the existential dread that comes with keeping everything neat and tidy. Think brown rice, edamame, cucumber, carrot, (and avocado, if it’s good), and if you want some heat, soy sauce and a little mayo mixed with sriracha. It somehow seems like a much easier way to satiate a sushi craving.

29) Italian Sub Salad

This is what sub shops would feel like like if they didn’t use the bread nap. Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, salami, provolone, and pepperoncini, then douse them with the vinaigrette, which is heavy on the oregano. It’s nice and sharp, and salty, and for even more crunch, toss in some croutons right before you eat it.

30) Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Aside from broccoli that might be overcooked, leftover stir-fry is always great! Also, for the chicken and broccoli, it is good to add a bit more sauce so that it doesn’t dry out. Your stir-fry smells great, and it means that the preparation had intent. It also reheats quickly. Even if the microwave in your office seems suspicious, it is still acceptable to store it at room temperature. Most people will appreciate that as long as it is stored properly and eaten in a reasonable time.

31) Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

What I appreciate about this piece is that it has an element of nostalgia. However, I feel that it maintains a non-childish tone. Place tomato soup in a thermos and cut the grilled cheese sandwich into strips so that you can dip without the entire sandwich falling apart. For additional flavor, try sharp cheddar cheese. Even small pleasures during long days are not nothing.

32) Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad

If you don’t enjoy wilted greens, you will appreciate cabbage. You can mix shredded chicken and shredded cabbage with sesame-ginger dressing. For sweetness and crunch, you can also add some bell peppers or mandarin oranges. It seems almost like cheating how it stays fresh for so many days. While I reply to messages that I’d really prefer to ignore, I sometimes eat it directly out of the container.

33) Falafel Pita

I will accept store-bought falafel, especially when the weeknight has gotten really long. For lunch, I recommend adding tahini sauce to your pita that is stuffed with falafel, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. It is filling and keeps well. If the pita is likely to tear, pack it open-faced and have them fold it just before eating.

34) Steak Salad

With leftover steak, I like to do something that makes lunch feel a little more special. I slice the steak and put it on a salad that has fresh greens, tomatoes, and blue cheese. You don’t need to do much to the salad because the steak really carries the dish, but a simple vinaigrette works. If you would like to have a warm salad, you can microwave the steak for about 15-20 seconds before adding it to the salad.

35) Veggie Chili

Chili is a staple for meal prepping because it is relatively easy to make, heats up well, and stores well in the fridge. For the chili, I will be preparing a veggie version that will be simmered with beans, tomatoes, peppers, and various spices until it reaches a desired thickness. Please pack any toppings such as cheese, yogurt, and green onions separately so that you are able to assemble it during lunch. This kind of lunch gives you the fleeting feeling that you have got your life together.

36) Ricotta Toast

To prevent toast from getting soggy, I would recommend packing the ingredients separately and assembling the sandwich at lunch. If you want a lunch option that has protein, you could try ricotta or cottage cheese with honey and some fruit like strawberries or peaches. If you want to keep it on the savory side, you could add toppings like tomatoes, olive oil and flaky salt. For some reason, I feel that it is oddly classy for something so simple.

37) Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Overnight oats can definitely be considered lunch; I’ve done it countless times. In the morning, stir the oats with your choice of milk (dairy or non-dairy) and add in some chia seeds. Then you can add a spoonful of peanut butter and a banana on top. I find that it’s easy on the stomach, and filling, especially on stressful days. If you get bored pretty easily, it’s super easy to add some cocoa powder or cinnamon and pretend you have a new personality.