The Office Cookbook: Quick and Easy Recipes for Busy Workdays

What if you could replace your regular workday meal with quick and easy lunch ideas requiring little to no cooking? You might free up more time to spend with your family or finally go out for that promotion you’ve been eyeing.

You can turn this dream into reality with this guide to what to pack for lunch on busy workdays. Read on for five simple yet healthy lunch bowls, wraps, and more to add to your weekday lunch rotation.

Fajita Chicken Lunch Bowls

This is the perfect homemade version of your favorite Chipotle bowl. You can even meal prep fajita lunch bowls! Make your life easier by switching out fresh ingredients for these healthy alternatives:

  • Pre-cooked fajita chicken strips
  • Cilantro lime quick-cook rice
  • Frozen corn and colorful bell peppers
  • Canned salsa

Add a lime wedge, avocado, and a sprinkle of cilantro for optional garnish to elevate this easy workday lunch.

Canned Salmon Salad Sandwiches

Tired of tuna salad sandwiches? Mix it up with canned salmon instead. Add a healthy dollop of mayonnaise, sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt, and consider these add-ins:

  • Finely chopped celery
  • Finely chopped red onion
  • Dried dill seasoning
  • Lemon juice

Serve your salmon salad sandwich on whole-grain bread. Or check out this dietitian-approved recipe for more serving ideas.

High-Protein Snack Boxes

There is no easier or faster way to do lunch than with pre-prepared snack boxes. This is also one of the best packable lunch ideas for people who prefer to graze throughout the day. Just make sure to include all your macros:

  • Protein: Hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and unsalted nuts are healthy choices
  • Carbs: Whole-grain crackers and popcorn are snack-box-fan favorites
  • Healthy Fats: Cheese and avocados are excellent sources of healthy fats
  • Fiber: Berries, apple slices, baby carrots, and beets are high-fiber options

A good snack box should offer a variety of options. That way, you’ll have something to look forward to when lunchtime rolls around.

Mediterranean Hummus Wraps

Hummus is an excellent source of protein, carbs, fiber, and healthy fats. Our favorite way to enjoy this Mediterranean classic is not in dip form but as a protein source in a multi-grain wrap. Pair your wrap with ingredients like:

  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Greens
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Feta cheese

Check out this Mediterranean hummus wrap recipe for more inspiration. Just switch out the homemade hummus for a premade version instead.

Easy Egg Stir-Fried Rice

Egg-fried rice is nutritious and delicious and can be whipped up almost as fast as scrambling an egg. Here are the ingredients needed to make your favorite stir-fry recipe workday-friendly:

  • Frozen carrot and pea mixture
  • Pre-sliced green onions
  • Garlic and ginger pastes
  • Quick-cook rice

If you want to up the protein content, add pre-cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp. This dish is also easy to make vegan with scrambled tofu instead of eggs.

These Are the Best Quick and Easy Lunch Ideas

Fajita lunch bowls, salmon salad sandwiches, snack boxes, hummus wraps, and egg-fried rice are some of the best quick and easy lunch ideas out there. These meals will have you feeling more productive at work and stress-free at home.

Still feeling a midday slump even with these nutrient-rich lunches? Your office furniture may be to blame. Browse Workspace Solutions’ office furniture collection for a more ergonomic setup at an affordable price.