Close
A healthy lunch doesn’t have to be expensive. Making your lunch at home can help you stick to your budget. With over 40 easy, healthy lunch ideas for work, there is something for everyone. From meal-prep recipes like Chopped Veggie Grain Bowls with Turmeric Dressing to Southwest Black-Bean Pasta Salad Bowls, these lunch recipes are affordable and delicious.Many of these budget-friendly recipes include staples with a long shelf life, like dried or canned beans and grains, or foods typically featured in the weekly sales flyers, such as chicken or fresh or frozen produce. Creating a meal plan for the week or month and a good shopping list is the key to success, and when you can sweep through a grocery store within minutes, you’ll likely get a chunk of me-time back into your day too.
A healthy lunch doesn’t have to be expensive. Making your lunch at home can help you stick to your budget. With over 40 easy, healthy lunch ideas for work, there is something for everyone. From meal-prep recipes like Chopped Veggie Grain Bowls with Turmeric Dressing to Southwest Black-Bean Pasta Salad Bowls, these lunch recipes are affordable and delicious.
Many of these budget-friendly recipes include staples with a long shelf life, like dried or canned beans and grains, or foods typically featured in the weekly sales flyers, such as chicken or fresh or frozen produce. Creating a meal plan for the week or month and a good shopping list is the key to success, and when you can sweep through a grocery store within minutes, you’ll likely get a chunk of me-time back into your day too.
01of 45Chicken Caesar Lettuce CupsView RecipeUpgrade your work lunch with these tasty Caesar salad lettuce cups. This Caesar salad recipe gets a healthy makeover, thanks to homemade dressing made with Greek yogurt.
01of 45
Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups
View Recipe
Upgrade your work lunch with these tasty Caesar salad lettuce cups. This Caesar salad recipe gets a healthy makeover, thanks to homemade dressing made with Greek yogurt.
02of 45Southwest Black-Bean Pasta Salad BowlsView RecipeMeal-prep a week’s worth of delicious and satisfying high-fiber lunches with just 5 simple ingredients and 20 minutes. In this Southwestern-style pasta salad, we’re using pasta made with black beans to bump up the fiber to an impressive 14 grams per serving. Paired with seasoned chicken strips and a flavorful corn salad—shortcut ingredients you can often find at your local specialty grocery store—this meal-prep lunch is one you’ll get excited for.
02of 45
Southwest Black-Bean Pasta Salad Bowls
Meal-prep a week’s worth of delicious and satisfying high-fiber lunches with just 5 simple ingredients and 20 minutes. In this Southwestern-style pasta salad, we’re using pasta made with black beans to bump up the fiber to an impressive 14 grams per serving. Paired with seasoned chicken strips and a flavorful corn salad—shortcut ingredients you can often find at your local specialty grocery store—this meal-prep lunch is one you’ll get excited for.
03of 45Chopped Veggie Grain Bowls with Turmeric DressingView RecipeIn about 10 minutes, you can prep a week’s worth of lunches using 4 simple ingredients from your local specialty grocery store. To minimize prep, we’re taking advantage of prechopped fresh veggie mix and frozen quinoa (which heats in the microwave in under 5 minutes). These crunchy chopped salad bowls are high in fiber but lower in calories, making them perfect for those following a reduced-calorie diet.
03of 45
Chopped Veggie Grain Bowls with Turmeric Dressing
In about 10 minutes, you can prep a week’s worth of lunches using 4 simple ingredients from your local specialty grocery store. To minimize prep, we’re taking advantage of prechopped fresh veggie mix and frozen quinoa (which heats in the microwave in under 5 minutes). These crunchy chopped salad bowls are high in fiber but lower in calories, making them perfect for those following a reduced-calorie diet.
04of 45Chickpea “Chicken” SaladView RecipeThis chickpea salad is a vegetarian version of a classic chicken salad. It doesn’t mimic the flavor of chicken; it swaps chickpeas in for the chicken. It’s an ideal recipe if you’re looking for simple, healthy lunch ideas. It is a delicious and fiber-packed vegetarian alternative! Plus, it’s easily transportable, perfect for picnics and will surely step up your usual desk lunch. So, whether you’re in need of healthy lunch ideas for work or school, or healthy lunch ideas for kids and teens alike, this fresh and creamy chickpea salad may be the answer.
04of 45
Chickpea “Chicken” Salad
This chickpea salad is a vegetarian version of a classic chicken salad. It doesn’t mimic the flavor of chicken; it swaps chickpeas in for the chicken. It’s an ideal recipe if you’re looking for simple, healthy lunch ideas. It is a delicious and fiber-packed vegetarian alternative! Plus, it’s easily transportable, perfect for picnics and will surely step up your usual desk lunch. So, whether you’re in need of healthy lunch ideas for work or school, or healthy lunch ideas for kids and teens alike, this fresh and creamy chickpea salad may be the answer.
05of 45Meal-Prep Curried Chicken BowlsView RecipeCurry doesn’t have to take hours to prepare. With the help of our sheet-pan meal-prep chicken (see associated recipe) and some cooked whole grains, you can make these meal-prep bowls in just a few minutes! Keep them in the fridge for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight or for healthy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
05of 45
Meal-Prep Curried Chicken Bowls
Curry doesn’t have to take hours to prepare. With the help of our sheet-pan meal-prep chicken (see associated recipe) and some cooked whole grains, you can make these meal-prep bowls in just a few minutes! Keep them in the fridge for an easy dinner on a busy weeknight or for healthy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
06of 45Avocado Ranch Chicken SaladView RecipeAvocado makes an exceptionally creamy and healthful dressing for this chicken salad. A bit of ranch dressing with pickled jalapeño adds a tangy spin to the lunchtime classic. Serve it on a slice of whole-wheat toast for an open-face sandwich or in a lettuce cup for a low-carb lunch.
06of 45
Avocado Ranch Chicken Salad
Avocado makes an exceptionally creamy and healthful dressing for this chicken salad. A bit of ranch dressing with pickled jalapeño adds a tangy spin to the lunchtime classic. Serve it on a slice of whole-wheat toast for an open-face sandwich or in a lettuce cup for a low-carb lunch.
07of 45Chicken Tenders & Couscous Wrap with Fresh HerbsView RecipeThis wrap is stuffed with chicken tenders and couscous with a hit of lemon and a healthy dose of fresh herbs. Save any leftovers to wrap up for an easy lunch. Serve with: Mixed green salad and a glass of crisp white wine.
07of 45
Chicken Tenders & Couscous Wrap with Fresh Herbs
This wrap is stuffed with chicken tenders and couscous with a hit of lemon and a healthy dose of fresh herbs. Save any leftovers to wrap up for an easy lunch. Serve with: Mixed green salad and a glass of crisp white wine.
08of 45
Tuna, White Bean & Dill Salad
09of 45Spicy Ramen Noodle Cup Soup Packs 16g ProteinView RecipePhotographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterIn just 15 minutes, you can make three jars of vegetarian ramen cup soup that you can bring to work or school. These cup soups are not only a time-saver but are also packed with protein from hard-boiled eggs, which will help keep you satisfied until your next meal.
09of 45
Spicy Ramen Noodle Cup Soup Packs 16g Protein
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
In just 15 minutes, you can make three jars of vegetarian ramen cup soup that you can bring to work or school. These cup soups are not only a time-saver but are also packed with protein from hard-boiled eggs, which will help keep you satisfied until your next meal.
10of 45Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Red Pepper SauceView RecipePhotographer: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel GrecoQuinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. Whip up a batch of these flavorful grain bowls and store them in lidded containers to stash in the fridge for easy, healthy grab-and-go lunches all week long.
10of 45
Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Photographer: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Quinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. Whip up a batch of these flavorful grain bowls and store them in lidded containers to stash in the fridge for easy, healthy grab-and-go lunches all week long.
11of 45Freezer Bean & Cheese BurritosView RecipeThis copycat version of store-bought frozen burritos is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch to store in the freezer for healthy packable lunches or a quick campsite meal.
11of 45
Freezer Bean & Cheese Burritos
This copycat version of store-bought frozen burritos is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch to store in the freezer for healthy packable lunches or a quick campsite meal.
12of 45Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito BowlView RecipeThis flavorful burrito bowl features grilled chicken coated in a spicy chipotle glaze. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthier dinner.
12of 45
Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl
This flavorful burrito bowl features grilled chicken coated in a spicy chipotle glaze. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthier dinner.
13of 45Chopped Cobb SaladView RecipeThis single-serving recipe for Cobb salad swaps chicken in for bacon, which makes it a great source of protein for lunch. If you prefer another salad dressing, feel free to use that instead of our honey-mustard vinaigrette.
13of 45
Chopped Cobb Salad
This single-serving recipe for Cobb salad swaps chicken in for bacon, which makes it a great source of protein for lunch. If you prefer another salad dressing, feel free to use that instead of our honey-mustard vinaigrette.
14of 45Edamame & Veggie Rice BowlView RecipeThe ingredients in this vegan grain bowl recipe can be prepped ahead for an easy lunch to pack for work. The tangy citrus dressing is a refreshing flavor with the sweet caramel of the roasted sheet-pan veggies.
14of 45
Edamame & Veggie Rice Bowl
The ingredients in this vegan grain bowl recipe can be prepped ahead for an easy lunch to pack for work. The tangy citrus dressing is a refreshing flavor with the sweet caramel of the roasted sheet-pan veggies.
15of 45Cucumber Salad, Hummus & Pita Bento Box LunchView RecipeAli RedmondEnjoy this refreshing bento box idea on your lunch break. It combines cucumber salad, hummus, pita and more for a satisfying work lunch.
15of 45
Cucumber Salad, Hummus & Pita Bento Box Lunch
Ali Redmond
Enjoy this refreshing bento box idea on your lunch break. It combines cucumber salad, hummus, pita and more for a satisfying work lunch.
16of 45
Black Bean-Avocado Torta
17of 45Green Goddess Salad with ChickpeasView RecipeIn this cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese and chickpea salad recipe, a healthy green goddess dressing is made from avocado, buttermilk and herbs. The extra dressing is delicious served with grilled vegetables.
17of 45
Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas
In this cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese and chickpea salad recipe, a healthy green goddess dressing is made from avocado, buttermilk and herbs. The extra dressing is delicious served with grilled vegetables.
18of 45Pizza Lettuce WrapsView RecipeGo light and fresh when you’re craving pizza: These easy lettuce wraps have all the taste with fewer carbs and calories.
18of 45
Pizza Lettuce Wraps
Go light and fresh when you’re craving pizza: These easy lettuce wraps have all the taste with fewer carbs and calories.
19of 45Tuna Salad Sandwich with Sweet RelishView RecipeThis sweet twist on a classic tuna-salad sandwich is a healthy high-protein lunch that even your kids will love.
19of 45
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Sweet Relish
This sweet twist on a classic tuna-salad sandwich is a healthy high-protein lunch that even your kids will love.
20of 45Vegetarian Sushi Grain BowlView RecipeSkip the hassle of making sushi rolls at home and just go for this grain bowl. Start with a base of brown rice and add veggies, dressing and creamy avocado for a delicious and easy meal.
20of 45
Vegetarian Sushi Grain Bowl
Skip the hassle of making sushi rolls at home and just go for this grain bowl. Start with a base of brown rice and add veggies, dressing and creamy avocado for a delicious and easy meal.
21of 45Cold Noodle SaladView RecipeThis cold noodle salad with peanut butter, snow pea pods, chicken and bell pepper is easy to make ahead and pack for lunch.
21of 45
Cold Noodle Salad
This cold noodle salad with peanut butter, snow pea pods, chicken and bell pepper is easy to make ahead and pack for lunch.
22of 45Chicken Salad-Stuffed AvocadosView RecipeLooking for a clean, packable lunch for work? This healthy homemade chicken salad served inside an avocado instead of with bread is just the ticket. Plus, this recipe makes enough for ready-made lunches for the week! If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand, skip Step 1 and use about 2 1/2 cups shredded chicken in Step 2.
22of 45
Chicken Salad-Stuffed Avocados
Looking for a clean, packable lunch for work? This healthy homemade chicken salad served inside an avocado instead of with bread is just the ticket. Plus, this recipe makes enough for ready-made lunches for the week! If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand, skip Step 1 and use about 2 1/2 cups shredded chicken in Step 2.
23of 45Clean-Eating Bento Box LunchView RecipeWho says bento boxes are just for kids? This healthy bento-style lunch—loaded with clean, satisfying foods—is perfect to pack for work.
23of 45
Clean-Eating Bento Box Lunch
Who says bento boxes are just for kids? This healthy bento-style lunch—loaded with clean, satisfying foods—is perfect to pack for work.
24of 45Veggie Egg SaladView RecipeCrunchy carrot, cucumber and scallions are a colorful addition to this vegetarian egg salad recipe. Pack it with some crunchy crackers and tomatoes for a healthy, light lunch.
24of 45
Veggie Egg Salad
Crunchy carrot, cucumber and scallions are a colorful addition to this vegetarian egg salad recipe. Pack it with some crunchy crackers and tomatoes for a healthy, light lunch.
25of 45Avocado, Tomato & Chicken SandwichView RecipeIn this healthy chicken sandwich recipe, the avocado is mashed to create a healthy creamy spread.
25of 45
Avocado, Tomato & Chicken Sandwich
In this healthy chicken sandwich recipe, the avocado is mashed to create a healthy creamy spread.
26of 45BBQ Chicken SandwichView RecipeToss leftover cooked chicken with barbecue sauce and crunchy carrots for a quick and healthy lunch.
26of 45
BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Toss leftover cooked chicken with barbecue sauce and crunchy carrots for a quick and healthy lunch.
27of 45
Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Rice Bowl
28of 45Turkey Apple Cheddar SandwichView RecipeIt only takes 5 minutes to make this healthy sandwich with whole-wheat bread and the classic combination of Cheddar cheese and apples that your kids will love.
28of 45
Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich
It only takes 5 minutes to make this healthy sandwich with whole-wheat bread and the classic combination of Cheddar cheese and apples that your kids will love.
29of 45Build-Your-Own Chicken TacosView RecipeThis kid-friendly recipe keeps every element of tacos separate so your child can decide to eat them separately or have fun building their own mini tacos with their favorite toppings. Plus, it’s perfect for packing into a bento box for a healthy lunch for school.
29of 45
Build-Your-Own Chicken Tacos
This kid-friendly recipe keeps every element of tacos separate so your child can decide to eat them separately or have fun building their own mini tacos with their favorite toppings. Plus, it’s perfect for packing into a bento box for a healthy lunch for school.
30of 45Cauliflower Soup with Smoked GoudaView RecipeThis healthy cauliflower soup recipe gets its great flavor from two smoked ingredients—paprika and Gouda. A hearty serving of crunchy croutons makes it filling.
30of 45
Cauliflower Soup with Smoked Gouda
This healthy cauliflower soup recipe gets its great flavor from two smoked ingredients—paprika and Gouda. A hearty serving of crunchy croutons makes it filling.
31of 45Edamame Hummus WrapView RecipeMade with protein-rich edamame instead of chickpeas, this easy hummus recipe is the perfect vegetarian filling for a grab-and-go wrap. Or double the recipe and use the hummus for a healthy snack with cut-up vegetables.
31of 45
Edamame Hummus Wrap
Made with protein-rich edamame instead of chickpeas, this easy hummus recipe is the perfect vegetarian filling for a grab-and-go wrap. Or double the recipe and use the hummus for a healthy snack with cut-up vegetables.
32of 45Cucumber, Tomato & Arugula Salad with HummusView RecipeTomatoes, cucumber, red onion and feta top arugula in this quick salad. Served with whole-wheat pita and prepared hummus, it makes a filling, yet healthy lunch.
32of 45
Cucumber, Tomato & Arugula Salad with Hummus
Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and feta top arugula in this quick salad. Served with whole-wheat pita and prepared hummus, it makes a filling, yet healthy lunch.
33of 45
Spicy Tuna Wrap
34of 45Turkey BLT WrapsView RecipeThis delicious kid-friendly twist on a classic BLT includes turkey. The extra protein makes a filling, healthy lunch to pack up for school or work.
34of 45
Turkey BLT Wraps
This delicious kid-friendly twist on a classic BLT includes turkey. The extra protein makes a filling, healthy lunch to pack up for school or work.
35of 45Avocado Toast with SproutsView RecipeHummus, sprouts and avocado top sprouted whole-wheat bread in this healthy vegan lunch idea. Look for sprouted bread in the freezer section of your grocery store.
35of 45
Avocado Toast with Sprouts
Hummus, sprouts and avocado top sprouted whole-wheat bread in this healthy vegan lunch idea. Look for sprouted bread in the freezer section of your grocery store.
36of 45Spring Roll SaladView RecipeAll the tastes, color and fun of a spring roll without all the work! This healthy salad recipe is bursting with the colors of rainbow from generous amounts of fresh vegetables, shrimp and whole grains all topped with a peanut dressing for the ultimate satisfying salad.
36of 45
Spring Roll Salad
All the tastes, color and fun of a spring roll without all the work! This healthy salad recipe is bursting with the colors of rainbow from generous amounts of fresh vegetables, shrimp and whole grains all topped with a peanut dressing for the ultimate satisfying salad.
37of 45Chicken Club WrapsView RecipeWhole-wheat tortillas provide a tasty twist in this quick grilled chicken breast recipe that combines all the elements of a classic club sandwich into a wrap.
37of 45
Chicken Club Wraps
Whole-wheat tortillas provide a tasty twist in this quick grilled chicken breast recipe that combines all the elements of a classic club sandwich into a wrap.
38of 45Salmon Pita SandwichView RecipeThis quick lunch recipe is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s thanks to the canned sockeye salmon. If you’re bringing this sandwich for lunch, keep the salmon salad separate and stuff the pita just before eating.
38of 45
Salmon Pita Sandwich
This quick lunch recipe is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s thanks to the canned sockeye salmon. If you’re bringing this sandwich for lunch, keep the salmon salad separate and stuff the pita just before eating.
39of 45Shrimp Cobb SaladView RecipeCooked peeled shrimp are perfect for quick and healthy meals. Here, we use the crustaceans in place of chicken in our simplified Cobb Salad.
39of 45
Shrimp Cobb Salad
Cooked peeled shrimp are perfect for quick and healthy meals. Here, we use the crustaceans in place of chicken in our simplified Cobb Salad.
40of 45Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad with GreensView RecipeFor a healthy variation on creamy chicken salad, we’ve replaced half the mayonnaise with basil pesto. Serve over greens or make it into a sandwich for a healthy lunch.
40of 45
Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad with Greens
For a healthy variation on creamy chicken salad, we’ve replaced half the mayonnaise with basil pesto. Serve over greens or make it into a sandwich for a healthy lunch.
41of 45Classic Cobb Mason Jar SaladView RecipePack classic Cobb salad upside down in a Mason jar for a healthy lunch that won’t get soggy while sitting in the fridge all morning. Or pack it up the night before for an easy grab-and-go lunch in the morning. Choose the tangiest aged blue cheese you can find; its flavor will go a long way.
41of 45
Classic Cobb Mason Jar Salad
Pack classic Cobb salad upside down in a Mason jar for a healthy lunch that won’t get soggy while sitting in the fridge all morning. Or pack it up the night before for an easy grab-and-go lunch in the morning. Choose the tangiest aged blue cheese you can find; its flavor will go a long way.
42of 45Turkey, Corn & Sun-Dried Tomato WrapsView RecipeFresh corn kernels, tomatoes and lettuce fill these hearty turkey wraps. This wrap is great for picnics or when you need to have dinner on the run. Add some crumbled feta or shredded Cheddar for another layer of flavor. Serve with carrot sticks, sliced bell pepper or other crunchy vegetables plus your favorite creamy dressing.
42of 45
Turkey, Corn & Sun-Dried Tomato Wraps
Fresh corn kernels, tomatoes and lettuce fill these hearty turkey wraps. This wrap is great for picnics or when you need to have dinner on the run. Add some crumbled feta or shredded Cheddar for another layer of flavor. Serve with carrot sticks, sliced bell pepper or other crunchy vegetables plus your favorite creamy dressing.
43of 45Chicken & Apple Kale WrapsView RecipeUsing kale leaves instead of bread to wrap your filling makes this healthy chicken lunch recipe low-calorie (and lower in carbs!). If you can’t find lacinato (aka Tuscan) kale, try cabbage for your wrap.
43of 45
Chicken & Apple Kale Wraps
Using kale leaves instead of bread to wrap your filling makes this healthy chicken lunch recipe low-calorie (and lower in carbs!). If you can’t find lacinato (aka Tuscan) kale, try cabbage for your wrap.
44of 45
Cream Cheese & Veggie Roll-Up
Jacob Fox
45of 45Vegan Grain BowlView RecipeThis easy grain bowl has so much to love—sweet potatoes, protein-packed chickpeas, creamy avocado and homemade tahini dressing. Make the full recipe on the weekend and pack into individual serving containers for ready-to-go lunches for work all week.
45of 45
Vegan Grain Bowl
This easy grain bowl has so much to love—sweet potatoes, protein-packed chickpeas, creamy avocado and homemade tahini dressing. Make the full recipe on the weekend and pack into individual serving containers for ready-to-go lunches for work all week.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
