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WOW! 15 Lunchtime Salads That’ll Make You the Envy of the Office

Eating healthy at work doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or feeling hungry an hour later. These salads are designed to be filling, making sure you’re powered up for the rest of the day. They’re packed full of interesting textures and are anything but bland. So, if you’re looking to mix up your lunch routine with something new, this might be exactly what you need.

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking to add a twist to your lunch, consider the blend of tart and nutty flavors. It’s a favorite for a reason, combining a comforting classic with a crunch that contrasts perfectly. You won’t miss the everyday sandwiches when you’re enjoying this hearty choice, and it holds up well for meal prepping too. It could be your next go-to that keeps lunch interesting without a hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine bringing a bit of street fare right to your office with a salad that’s bold and vibrant. It captures the essence of a beloved snack and turns it into a fork-friendly option, ideal for those who love a little kick. You’ll find it’s filling enough as a stand-alone meal but can also complement various main dishes if you’re in the mood to share. Break away from the mundane with a lunch that’s as lively as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says you can’t throw it back with your midday meal? Nostalgia meets nourishment in this salad that’s a nod to the classics but with a fresh perspective. Perfect for piling high on crackers, or just by itself, you’re in for a satisfying break that won’t leave you sluggish. It’s simplicity done right, and something different to look forward to during your lunch hour.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Rotisserie chicken pasta salad in a bowl.
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a hearty and convenient option for those who appreciate the comfort of home-cooked meals. It’s a full, balanced meal that saves time without skipping on flavor, making those desk lunches something you can actually enjoy. Leftovers? What leftovers? This one disappears fast, so you might want to make a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re in the mood for something with warmth and depth, reach for a salad that has a bit of spice. It’s a global twist that’s sure to break the monotony, offering tastes from afar right at your lunch table. You can expect this one to be a conversation starter; it’s not every day a salad can boast such a distinctive character. Plus, it’ll keep you full and focused for the afternoon grind.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meat lovers, rejoice! You can now indulge in a lunch that satisfies your craving for something substantial with a more refined touch. It’s a lunch option that packs a protein punch while still keeping things light and easy on the fork. You’ll notice the envious glances, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of robust flavor to go around.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black dish.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Seafood enthusiasts will eagerly look forward to lunch with a salad that highlights the best of the sea. As a standout meal, it’s got that refreshing taste perfectly suited for midday. It’s one of those lunches that refuses to be forgotten and raises the bar for what a quick meal can be. So why settle for less when you can enjoy a bit of indulgence even on a busy day?
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Say hello to a small pasta with huge potential, making lunch a refreshing escape from the daily grind. With its bright flavors and easy appeal, it’s a cinch to have a delicious meal that feels gourmet with none of the fuss. This confident little dish is great either warm or cold, so no worries about queuing for the microwave. And it’s just as good on day one as it is on day three, which is a win in any meal-prepper’s book.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who like to chew on something substantial, this grain-based salad is a must-try. It’s an energy-boosting meal that’s both wholesome and flavorful, perfect for the health-conscious without being bland. You might just find yourself powered through the afternoon slump, all thanks to lunch. This one’s a firm handshake of a meal: reliable, satisfying, and sure to make a good impression.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Herbed potato salad on a white platter.
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s to never underestimating the power of a classic! This dish brings herbs and green garlic into the mix, turning a simple potato salad into the talk of the lunchroom. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s the perfect companion to any kind of main, though it’s more than capable of standing on its own. So go ahead, give your lunch routine the shake-up it deserves.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

A bowl of yellow bean and potato salad.
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brighten up your lunch spread with a selection that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. This combination is something that offers a little change of pace, ideal for those days when you want something both comforting and light. It’s likely to draw some curious looks from colleagues—not that you’ll have much time to notice while you’re enjoying it. Clear some space in your lunch routine for this unexpected star.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

It’s like a mini vacation in a bowl, transporting you straight to the sunny Mediterranean with every forkful. You’ll be relishing in the flavors that are as invigorating as they are satisfying, all while adding a bit of seaside extravagance to your standard lunch fare. It’s great for when you want to treat yourself in the middle of a busy day. This dish is proof that you don’t need a passport to enjoy a world of taste.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Swap out your standard Caesar for a twist that packs some punch. It’s a familiar friend with a surprise kick, sure to revamp your lunch outlook with its bold spin. Just when you thought salads were predictable, this one shows up and turns everything on its head. With this in your lunch bag, you’re all set for a midday meal that’s anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes you need a lunch that’s light, bright, and ready to energize you for the afternoon ahead. Freshness is the name of the game here, offering a crisp and invigorating option when you need it most. While it keeps things simple, there’s no denying the palate-pleasing powers it possesses. Consider it your quick ticket to a refreshing moment in any hectic day.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Step into a bit of history with a salad that’s stood the test of time and taste. It’s a fusion of flavors that brings together a royal tradition with current lunchtime needs. Expect it to be the centerpiece of your lunch, a meal that’s both rich in flavor and in history. When the usual just won’t do, you’ve got a regal option that’s ready to rule your midday feast.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

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