If you’ve ever looked at your lunch and thought, “Is this really the best I can do?” then 17 lunch ideas that’ll make you look like a meal prep pro are exactly what you need. These ideas are straightforward but still make you look like a seasoned pro in the kitchen. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep to make these meals work. Just follow a few easy steps and you’ll have lunches that are both practical and exciting. Plus, you can finally stop answering, “You made that?” with an awkward “Yeah, sure, I totally did!”
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
For a quick and satisfying meal, Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese has you covered. It combines two classic comfort foods in one, giving you a crispy, melty grilled cheese with a savory pulled pork twist. Whether you’re looking for lunch or a dinner option, this sandwich hits the spot every time. It’s perfect for using up leftover pulled pork, and it holds up well for meal prepping, making it a win for your weekly routine.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Old Fashioned Ham Salad is a simple, no-fuss option that still packs a punch. If you love a classic lunch with a twist, this one brings a refreshing take on your average salad. It’s a great option when you need something that’s both light and filling, perfect for busy workdays. This recipe can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
For a fresh twist on the classic, Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is light yet satisfying. It’s an easy-to-make dish that can be prepped in advance and eaten all week long. The balance of savory and sweet makes each bite interesting and will keep your lunch routine from getting repetitive. Whether you serve it on a bed of greens or between two slices of bread, it’s a flexible recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
A Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes adds a burst of sweetness to your usual salad. The grilled peaches give it a smoky, caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh tomatoes. This salad is easy to make ahead, and its unique flavor profile will stand out in your lunch rotation. It’s a light and refreshing option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
When it’s time to transform yesterday’s dinner into something new, Leftover Steak Quesadilla is your go-to. It’s simple to throw together, with minimal ingredients needed to turn your leftover steak into something everyone will want to eat. This recipe is quick to prep and cooks up in just minutes, perfect for those busy days. Plus, you’ll feel like a meal prep pro when you have this easy, flavorful lunch ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a side dish, it’s a reliable recipe to have in your rotation. Yellow Bean & Potato Salad is a hearty and filling option that doesn’t require much prep. This dish combines earthy flavors and textures in a way that makes it both satisfying and unique. It’s perfect for meal prepping since it holds up well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad
Pesto Orzo Salad is a great way to switch up your lunch routine while staying on the healthy side. The pesto sauce brings vibrant flavors, while the orzo gives it a comforting base. This dish is easy to pack for a lunch that doesn’t need to be reheated. Plus, it’s perfect for making in bulk and storing for a few days.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad
The balance of protein and carbs keeps you full without feeling sluggish in the afternoon. Salmon Pasta Salad is a flavorful meal prep option that’s filling without being heavy. With its light, refreshing ingredients, this dish works perfectly as a healthy, ready-to-eat lunch. It’s versatile enough to be packed in a container for the next day’s meal, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
This recipe can be made in advance, making it a reliable go-to for meal prep. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your lunch table. It’s quick to prep, making it a great option for those who need a filling meal without much effort. The shrimp adds a savory depth to the orzo, while the fresh ingredients tie it all together.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Southern Ham Salad
For a Southern twist on a classic, Southern Ham Salad is an easy, delicious lunch option. It’s a simple dish to make ahead, perfect for busy weekdays when you want something quick and filling. The flavors work together to create a satisfying meal that can be served in multiple ways—on crackers, bread, or straight from the bowl. This recipe is versatile and keeps well in the fridge for several days.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Steak & Pasta Salad
Whether you’re prepping it for the week or making it fresh, this salad is great for meal prepping without being boring. Steak & Pasta Salad brings together the best of both worlds: steak and pasta in one satisfying bowl. It’s an easy meal prep option that doesn’t feel like a typical salad. This recipe has a hearty mix of flavors that will keep you full all afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Coronation Chicken Salad
This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own or could work as a sandwich filling for an easy-to-pack lunch. Coronation Chicken Salad offers a royal treatment to your usual lunch. With rich flavors and a unique blend of textures, this salad turns an average day into something special. It’s perfect for meal prepping, as the flavors only improve over time.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad
Classic Caprese Salad
Classic Caprese Salad is as simple as it is satisfying. It’s a refreshing option when you want something light, but still filling enough to keep you full through the afternoon. This recipe is incredibly easy to prep in advance, making it a reliable choice for your meal prep routine. It works well on its own or as a side dish, making it versatile and perfect for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
When you need something easy but hearty, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad has all the answers. It’s perfect for throwing together quickly using store-bought rotisserie chicken, saving you time on meal prep. This dish stays fresh all week and can be eaten cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for on-the-go lunches. No need to complicate things when this recipe checks all the boxes for convenience and taste.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Cucumber Salad with Feta
A great side dish or a standalone salad to add variety to your lunch game. Cucumber Salad with Feta is a cool, crisp dish that makes for the perfect lunch. It’s light yet filling, with the salty feta complementing the freshness of the cucumbers. This recipe is quick to put together and ideal for meal prep since it keeps well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Pizza Pasta Salad
Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with others, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Pizza Pasta Salad gives you all the flavors of pizza in a pasta salad format. This fun and easy dish makes a great lunch option that’s a little more exciting than your standard salad. It’s a perfect meal prep choice, staying fresh all week and requiring little time to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich brings a little taste of a classic deli straight to your lunch routine. This sandwich offers rich flavors that will keep you satisfied through a long workday. It’s not just about the meat—it’s the perfect combo of textures that make every bite enjoyable. Prep it the night before and simply heat it up for a lunch that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich