9 Bring to Work Lunch Ideas

Every single day, in offices all around the country and even the world, people are asking themselves the very same question. They rack their brains trying to come up with something new. Something different. Something that won’t drain their wallets. Something that won’t ruin their diets.

It shouldn’t be so hard to figure out what to eat for lunch!

For me, the holy grail of lunches is the ever elusive plan to bring something from home. Each day, I say to myself that I’ll make something delicious, healthy and affordable and bring it in. What could be better? Alas, my plans normally fall short and I find myself at the nearest deli, quietly sobbing about the unfairness of it all.

Today, I hope to change all of that. I’ve culled the internet in the hopes of finding lunch options that can be easily made at home, transportable, and require only access to a fridge and a microwave for lunch-time consumption. Some of them are even healthy. Enjoy!

1. Turkey and Bean Chili

Chili is a wintertime favorite of mine. You can make it in big batches over the weekend, bring a little baggie of shredded cheese with you, and you’re ready to go come Monday afternoon. The addition of pancetta in this recipe is particularly appealing to me.

Get the full recipe for this Turkey and Bean Chili over at Pixelated Crumb.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

This Chicken Tikka Masala fits the bill perfectly for when you’re in the mood for something a little bit more exotic but don’t want to order takeout. Make it in advance in the crock pot, bring an individually portioned cup of microwavable brown rice (Minute Ready to Serve is my favorite), and you’re set.

Get the full recipe for this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala over at Smells Like Home.

3. Taco Salad

What I like best about taco salad is its adaptability. Have shrimp on hand instead of turkey? Use that! Do you like it extra spicy? Go ahead and spice it up! There are plenty of customizations that you can make to this recipe depending on your own preferences (or just what happens to be in your fridge).

Get the full recipe for this Taco Salad over at Katrina Runs for Food.

4. Italian Roast Beef Sandwiches

The sandwich is a classic lunch staple. What I like about this one is the attention to detail. Instead of the humdrum lettuce and tomato routine, this roast beef sandwich calls for roasted red peppers and basil. I’ll admit that unless you have the benefit of a toaster oven, most of us will have to skip melting the cheese, but I think it will be delicious either way.

Get the full recipe for this Italian Roast Beef Sandwiches over at The Comfort of Cooking.

5. Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

I have to admit that the term “superfood” intimidates me. My inner skeptic suspects that these superfoods might actually just be super bland and super difficult to find at the grocery store. But this recipe looks great and I actually know what most of the stuff in it is, so I think it may be time to quiet that inner voice and give this a try.

Get the full recipe for this Superfood Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette over at Iowa Girl Eats.

6. Tuna Salad with Walnuts & Raisins

This recipe is a twist on the classic tuna salad sandwich, jazzed up by adding some bite and flavor with walnuts and raisins. As always with tuna salad, use the solid white albacore in water. I’ve found that I can swap out the full fat mayonnaise for reduced fat without loss of flavor. The same doesn’t hold true for fat free!

Get the full recipe for this Tuna Salad with Walnuts & Raisins over at Coupon Clipping Cook.

8. Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

Sitting in my office in New York in the middle of February, I sometimes close my eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine that it’s summer. Usually, these summertime fantasies include pasta salad. Pasta salad and pool boys… but it’s important that I stay on topic here. This pasta salad recipe is hearty enough to eat year-round yet light enough to be enjoyed on a hot summer day.

Get the full recipe for this Tomato Feta Pasta Salad with Kale over at The Slow Roasted Italian.

9. And if all else fails….

There’s always PB&J.

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