Looking for lunch inspiration for the year? Here are 45 easy, mostly make-ahead lunch ideas to make eating at work — or on the go — more enjoyable and satisfying.
All of the ideas below are designed to be prepared ahead of time. Whether you prefer reheated meals or salads and bowls assembled in the morning, these options are practical, tasty, and worth the prep.
While a fried egg on avocado toast or freshly roasted vegetables is lovely, those options aren’t always practical when you’re away from home. The recipes here can be prepped in advance so your lunch still feels special and satisfying at midday.
Even classic salads can end up tasting sad unless they’re built with ingredients you truly love. Below you’ll find substantial salads, hearty bowls, comforting soups, and full meals that reheat well — all intended to make lunchtime something to look forward to.
45 Lunch Ideas for the Year
Some of these lunches need only minimal assembly at lunchtime — slicing a tomato or hard-boiled egg, or building a wrap — while others are fully ready to reheat and eat. I find that spending a little time on Sunday prepping ingredients or entire meals makes weekdays feel much easier and ensures a delicious midday meal.
Classics
These are tried-and-true favorites that are frequently enjoyed for lunch. Many can be made ahead and packed for the week.
The Best Ever Egg Salad
Tomato and Avocado Bagelwiches
Green Goddess Tuna Melts
Crunchy Roasted Chickpea Pitas (pack the chickpeas separately with hummus and tomatoes)
Thai Turkey Burgers (great made ahead and served on salads or in wraps)
Asian Turkey Burgers (also excellent prepared ahead)
Southwest Chicken Salad Slider Melts
Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocados (peel and stuff just before eating)
Shaved Egg Avocado Toast (or simply slice the egg)
Smoked Salmon Bagels
Breakfast Quinoa (so satisfying it doubles as lunch)
Marinated White Beans with Toast (or serve with whole grain crackers)
Lemon Almond Roast Chicken Salad
Greek Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Salads & Bowls
Most of these salads can be prepped the night before. If a recipe lacks protein, add your preferred choice. Some salads, like Greek or chickpea-based, often taste better after sitting for a bit.
Grilled Chicken Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Honey Mustard Chicken Chopped Salad
Rosemary Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Salad
Cheeseburger Chopped Salad
Classic Greek Salad
Black Pepper Balsamic Strawberry Pasta Salad
Goat Cheese & Arugula Pasta Salad
BBQ Quinoa Salad
Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls
Thai Chicken Quinoa Bowl
BLT Chopped Salad with corn, feta & avocado
Greek Orzo Salad in a Jar
The Best Simple Chickpea Salad
Soups
Soups are ideal make-ahead lunches. For recipes with pasta, cook the pasta separately and add it just before eating to prevent sogginess. I often freeze half a batch so I have ready-to-go lunches or dinners later on.
Lemon Chicken Soup
30-Minute Asian Chicken Soup
Game Day Chili
White Chicken Quinoa Chili
Mini Chicken Meatball Soup
Butternut Squash Quinoa Chili
Ginger Sweet Potato Soup
Chickpea Pasta Soup
Spicy Sausage, Kale & Whole Wheat Pasta Soup
Hearty Meals
These options feel more like dinner but work perfectly as substantial lunches or reheated leftovers. They’re great for anyone who prefers a warm, filling midday meal.
Chicken Feta Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Broccoli Bacon Pasta
Pasta with Chickpeas, Spinach & Garlic
15-Minute Sesame Ramen Noodles
Farfalle with Arugula, Pine Nuts & Marinated Feta
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
One-Pan Sesame Chicken
Sesame Chicken & Green Bean Skillet
Slow Cooker Mini Turkey Meatballs
Sheet Pan Sausage & Peppers
Korean Beef Bowls
Thai Drunken Zucchini Noodles with Honey Chicken
What are your favorite lunches to prep and take to work? Even working from home and cooking often, I still appreciate fresh ideas — share yours and help others build a better lunch routine.
Tomorrow I’ll share favorite dinner ideas too, and you can find more inspiration in my Instagram highlights.