20 Lunchbox Favorites That Power Us Through the Workweek Grind

Some workweeks can feel like a marathon. Having a lunch that actually makes you look forward to noon is a game-changer in getting through the day. We’ve got 19 lunchbox ideas that do just that. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill sandwiches; they’re the kind of meals that make the daily grind feel a bit less, well, grindy.

Honey Chicken Apple Salad

This chicken salad with a twist features apples and sage for a unique and refreshing lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chicken Apple Salad

Spinach Cheddar Cakes

These spinach and cheddar cakes make a delicious and flavorful appetizer or side dish. While not ideal for lunch at work, they’re perfect for enjoying at home or on a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Cheddar Cakes

Greek Pasta Salad

This healthy spin on classic Greek pasta salad features Barilla Better for You pasta and is loaded with fresh vegetables. Great for sharing at a work lunch or enjoying throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad

Blueberry White Bean Salad

This creamy salad features white beans, blueberries, and a flavorful tahini turmeric dressing for a satisfying and healthy lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad

Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

This salad is packed with chickpeas, feta, and a creamy yogurt tahini dressing, making it a delicious and flavorful side dish to bring to a potluck lunch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad

Pad Thai Salad

This vegetarian salad is inspired by the classic Pad Thai dish and is perfect for meal prepping lunches.
Get the Recipe: Pad Thai Salad

Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

This vegetarian sandwich features a unique pesto made with smashed chickpeas, making for a delicious and protein-packed lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich

Lentil Tabbouleh

This gluten-free lentil tabbouleh is a light and refreshing salad with a satisfying twist on the traditional recipe. Perfect for packing for lunch or enjoying as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Tabbouleh

Turmeric Chicken Salad

This creamy chicken salad is packed with flavor and gets a nutritional boost from turmeric. Perfect for serving on toasted bread or in lettuce wraps for an easy and portable lunch.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Salad

Feta Beet Salad

Enjoy this impressive and flavorful beet salad made with simple ingredients like crumbled feta, pistachios, and a lemon olive oil dressing. While not ideal for every workplace, this salad is perfect for enjoying at home or on a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich

This sandwich features flavorful garlic yogurt chicken salad topped with sun-dried tomato spread on ciabatta bread for a satisfying and easy-to-pack lunch.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Yogurt Chicken Salad Sandwich

Chopped Ham Salad

Don’t waste leftover ham! This salad is loaded with vegetables and comes together with a tangy Dijon dressing for a delicious take on a classic. Perfect for using up leftovers and packing for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Ham Salad

Southwest Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich

This melty ranch chicken salad sandwich is packed with southwestern flavors and melty cheese on pumpernickel bread for a hearty work lunch.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Ranch Chicken Salad Sandwich

Baby Kale Salad

This easy-to-make baby kale salad is tossed in a simple tahini dressing and topped with roasted chickpeas and apple slices for a complete plant-based meal. With minimal prep and easy transport, this salad is a great lunch option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad

Creamy Dijon Egg Salad

This egg salad is made with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist and features green olives, red cabbage, and pepitas for added flavor and crunch. Perfect for packing for lunch and enjoying throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Egg Salad

Healthier Tuna Waldorf Salad

This light and flavorful tuna salad is a healthy take on the classic Waldorf salad, perfect for a quick and easy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Tuna Waldorf Salad

Mango Black Bean Salad

This refreshing salad comes together in just minutes and is packed with protein, making it a great lunch or side dish option.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad

Burger Bowls

This recipe features a homemade burger sauce and all the flavors of your favorite burger in a bowl, for a healthier lunch option that’s easy to transport.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Sweet Potato Turkey Patties

Slide these sweet potato turkey patties into your lunchbox for a protein-rich boost that keeps you powered through the afternoon. They’re a dream in a sandwich or as a salad topper.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Patties

Bulgur Salad

This bulgur wheat salad is packed with protein and flavor, featuring a sweet orange and tangy dijon mustard dressing. Great for meal prepping lunches or enjoying as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad