When it comes to eating lunch at work [1], packing a meal is an great way to save money and know exactly what ingredients you're fueling your body with this Summer. But eating the same thing over and over can quickly leave you feeling bored, and who has time to be creative when you're already scrambling for time to prep your lunch?
The good news is, we've put together a list of our best office lunch recipes [2]. These convenient recipes bring major flavour with seasonal favourites, are easy to make, and will store well (in case that conference call runs long). Get inspired for your next delicious office lunch with our list of top 20 recipes.
Lemon Thyme Baked Chicken
Chicken is a year-round, go-to staple for me. During Summer, it's easy to take your chicken to the next level by adding some flavourful zest to the mix with ingredients like lemon and thyme to create this lemon-thyme baked chicken [3].
Quinoa Salad With Cherries and Feta
One of my favourite things about Summers is heading outdoors and enjoying a picnic in the company of sun and good weather. This quinoa salad with cherries and feta [4] makes me feel like I'm in the middle of a picnic even when I'm at my office desk.
Avocado Pasta
I was convinced I had discovered all the ways to incorporate avocado into my dishes, until I heard about avocado pasta [5]. Keep your pasta sauces fresh and light this Summer with a little help from some avocados and lemon zest.
Sun-Dried-Tomato Pasta Salad
This sun-dried-tomato pasta salad [6] brings the heartiness during any pasta craving, while feeding you the flavours of Summer all in one dish. It's easily portable, incredibly tasty, and is served at room temperature.
Slow-Cooked Vegetarian Chili
The best part about this slow-cooked vegetarian chili [7] is that you might already have many of the ingredients in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, making it a perfect option for any day of the week.
Vinegar Carrots With Toasted Sesame Seeds
This vinegar carrots with toasted sesame seeds [8] recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare (and will keep well in the fridge), its also packed with plenty of flavours that will leave your lunch time appetite thanking you!
Vegan Chickpea, Garlic, and Thyme Soup
If you're a fan of hummus, you'll likely love this vegan chickpea, garlic, and thyme soup [9]. Reheating is a breeze, and transporting this from home to work is simple with any airtight storage container.
Chickpea Coconut Curry With Sweet Potatoes
Chickpea coconut curry with sweet potatoes [10] is a comfort option made with lighter ingredient choices. But don't worry, while the ingredients are light, that doesn't mean the flavour is!
Red Pepper and Lentil Bake
High-protein, low-calorie meals are my favourite for keeping me satisfied and going during my workday. This red pepper and lentil bake [11] is not only packed with vitamins and Summer flavours, but it's easy to transport and reheat.
Sasha and Malia Obama's Favourite Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is always a fan favourite. But during Summer, you might want a lighter option while not giving up flavour. Sasha and Malia Obama's favourite mac and cheese [12] is the perfect combination of light and hearty. The key is the cauliflower puree!
Veggie Burrito Bowl
Quick and convenient foods can be healthy, and this veggie burrito bowl [13] is the perfect example of how. Can you believe it only takes about 10 minutes to make?
Kale Salad With Pecorino and Pine Nuts
Salads are always a great work lunch choice, but this isn't your typical kale salad. This kale salad with pecorino and pine nuts [14] is packed with flavours, including raisins simmered in a mixture of white wine vinegar and water.
Butternut Squash Lentil Soup
Slow-cooker recipes are a must for busy weekday meal preparations. This butternut squash lentil soup [15] is no exception.
Farro Salad With Citrus Vinaigrette
I'm a huge fan of fruit year-round, but during the Summer months, I love incorporating citrus into as many meals as possible. Check out this farro salad with citrus vinaigrette [16], which is a light, seasonal, and balanced dish, perfect for packing in your lunch bag.
Linguine With Kale and Chickpeas
This linguine with kale and chickpeas [17] dish packs a powerful punch, and is filled with cheese, garlic, and pepper spices. The best part — besides the taste — is that from beginning to end, this meal will be ready in 30 minutes.
Sesame Ginger Quinoa Salad
This sesame ginger quinoa salad [18] is a rainbow spin on the standard salad. With quinoa, peppers, cabbage, edamame, and more, this meal is one your coworkers will be sure to ask about!
Hydrating Salad
This hydrating salad [19] is about combining all of your favourite veggies. This salad taste better the longer you let the lime juice marinate, so if you're someone who prepares their lunches the night before, this recipe is perfect for whipping up when you get home from work and taking to the office the next day.
Turmeric-Spiced Mushroom Pilaf
One-pot meals are some of the most convenient to prepare, and this turmeric-spiced mushroom pilaf [20] is no exception! Try it for yourself and you'll not only have a tasty lunch, but may also profit from the added benefits of turmeric's potent antioxidant properties!
Shredded Brussels Sprouts, Kale, and Kumquat Salad
Packing my dressing on the side of my salads is often a must. But not with this shredded brussels sprouts, kale, and kumquat salad [21]. Since brussels sprouts (unlike its kale and lettuce counterparts) can hold up even after 24 to 48 hours of being combined with dressing, feel free to sprinkle the dressing on top when packageing it up for work.
Avocado Chicken Salad
This avocado chicken salad [22] can be made in two easy steps and is a unique twist on your typical chicken salad, all thanks to the avocado and plain yoghurt substitute for mayonnaise.