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Ditch the Desk Salad: 17 Lunches That Bring Joy to the Office

The right lunch can turn a dull office day into a highlight. With 17 delicious lunch options, you’re guaranteed to satisfy every craving, from fresh salads to hearty sandwiches. No need to endure another sad desk lunch. These meals are designed to fuel your productivity and maybe even spark a conversation about who’s got the best lunch in the office. Spoiler alert: it’s you.

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Seafood Chowder

Seafood chowder with a sprig of dill, a delicious stew recipe.
Seafood Chowder. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A great way to break from the usual lunch routine and enjoy something with a little extra heart. Seafood Chowder is rich, creamy, and satisfying, offering a bowl of comfort that’ll transport you away from the office grind. It’s a warm, filling option when you want something more substantial than a salad or sandwich. Perfect for those cooler days, this soup will hit the spot and keep you full for hours.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Want a salad that’s both filling and flavorful? Mediterranean Chopped Salad delivers on all fronts. Packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients, it’s light but offers the crunch and variety you need to stay satisfied. It’s great for office lunches when you want something quick and easy but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. The variety of textures and flavors will keep you interested all the way through lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Chicken Zoodle Soup

A person holding a bowl of chicken and zucchini soup.
Chicken Zoodle Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Looking for a lighter, healthier option? Chicken Zoodle Soup is a great way to get your comfort food fix without the heaviness. The zoodles add a refreshing twist while keeping it low-carb, but it’s still warm and filling. If you’re aiming to avoid that post-lunch slump, this soup does the trick. It’s a great choice if you want something light but still crave that hearty soup experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This salad is easy to pack, keeps well, and offers a nice change of pace from the usual office lunch options. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes gives a fresh twist to a classic dish. The smokiness of the tomatoes adds a layer of depth that will make you rethink what tabouli can be. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something light but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A meal that’s easy to enjoy, and the flavors just seem to get better the longer you let it sit. Pasta e Fagioli Soup is hearty enough to fill you up without making you feel sluggish afterward. It’s a filling, comforting option that’s perfect for a chilly office day. This soup strikes the right balance between protein and carbs, keeping your energy levels up all afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Great option for when you need to hit the reset button without feeling too full or sluggish. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is a simple yet refreshing dish that brings in all the seasonal flavors you need. It’s light enough for a midday meal but filling enough to keep you going through the afternoon. If you’re craving something crisp and fresh but want more than just lettuce, this is your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving something hearty and familiar? The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl lets you skip the drive-thru and enjoy a healthier, homemade version of the fast food classic. It’s packed with everything you need for a satisfying lunch—plenty of protein, flavor, and texture. You can customize it to suit your tastes, making it a versatile choice for any office lunch. It’s quick to prep, and you’ll have people asking where you got it from.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you need a salad that’s more filling but still light enough for lunch, Wild Rice Salad is the way to go. Packed with texture and a good mix of flavors, it’s a solid option to keep you full without dragging you down. This salad doesn’t shy away from variety, making it a fun, refreshing alternative to the usual greens. It’s a satisfying choice when you want something quick, easy, and healthy without feeling deprived.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup were placed on a marble surface next to two spoons.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Who doesn’t love a creamy, hearty soup that tastes like it’s straight from a restaurant? Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup brings all the warmth and richness without the long wait. It’s the kind of soup that satisfies on a deeper level, giving you just the comfort you need. Perfect for when you need a break but don’t want to waste time in the cafeteria. You’ll be glad you packed it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup

Texas BLT

Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re a fan of the classic BLT, Texas BLT kicks things up a notch. It’s a simple, straightforward sandwich that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The bold flavors and crispy texture make this sandwich a go-to when you want something filling but not too heavy. It’s the kind of meal that can be eaten quickly without a lot of fuss, but still leaves you feeling satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re craving something fresh and flavorful, this is a salad you can rely on to hit the spot every time. Horiatiki Salad brings a refreshing combination of textures and flavors that make it perfect for a midday break. With the right balance of crunch and freshness, it’s an office lunch that won’t weigh you down. It’s easy to pack and doesn’t require much fuss—just toss and go.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Perfect for a busy workday, this pita sandwich is quick to prepare and can easily be eaten on the go. Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches bring a little Mediterranean flair to your office lunch. It’s a hearty, satisfying sandwich with bold flavors that won’t leave you feeling sluggish. It’s filling, delicious, and a great way to switch up your usual sandwich routine.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

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.

This dish is easy to prep, great for leftovers, and always a hit at the office. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a refreshing yet filling lunch that brings together light, fresh flavors, and protein. It’s perfect for when you want something healthy, but with a little more substance. The combination of tender shrimp and orzo makes it a satisfying option that won’t leave you hungry an hour later.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

A close-up of a sliced Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for something warm and comforting? Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese combines classic comfort with a sweet twist. It’s a great go-to if you want to mix things up from the usual sandwich options. The balance between savory and sweet keeps things interesting, and the crispy bread adds the perfect crunch. This grilled cheese is hearty enough to leave you satisfied without the heavy feeling.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Retro Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Retro Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you think all salads are the same, think again. Retro Horiatiki Salad brings a refreshing change with its bold flavors and crunchy textures. It’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up without weighing you down. With just the right balance of flavors, this salad is a reliable choice for a healthy and filling office lunch. You’ll feel good eating it and even better knowing it’s not just another boring salad.
Get the Recipe: Retro Horiatiki Salad

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you need something hearty, Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak does the trick. It’s a filling, savory lunch that packs in the flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak without the hassle. The ground beef gives it a bit of a twist but still delivers that satisfying, melty goodness you crave. Perfect for an afternoon of meetings, it’ll keep you energized and full without dragging you down.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Try and watch everyone eyeing your lunch with envy. Pizza Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of comfort and crunch. It’s a fun twist on the traditional pasta salad, offering something familiar with a bit of excitement. It’s easy to pack and eat at your desk without any mess. You’ll find it’s perfect for any office lunch that needs to be quick, and filling, and leave you ready to take on the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

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