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31 Lunches That Make You Forget About Sad Desk Salads and Soggy Sandwiches

Forget about the days of boring desk salads and soggy sandwiches. These 31 lunches are here to break the monotony and add some flavor to your workday. With each recipe, you’ll experience something new—whether it’s a hearty wrap or a fresh grain bowl, these lunches will remind you that lunch doesn’t have to be sad. Get ready to eat like you’re not chained to your desk.

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

There’s something comforting about a bowl of soup that can turn any rough workday around. Pasta e Fagioli Soup brings together a mix of hearty flavors and textures that make it feel like a home-cooked meal. It’s the kind of lunch that fills you up without leaving you sluggish. On those long afternoons, this soup will keep you warm, satisfied, and ready to keep working. It’s a satisfying, filling option to help you power through the day.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

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

When you’re in the mood for something simple but satisfying, this salad delivers. Old Fashioned Ham Salad is a classic choice, offering the kind of flavor that feels familiar and reliable. It’s a great way to change up your lunch routine without overcomplicating things. No need to stress about soggy sandwiches, as this salad is fresh, easy to pack, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a light lunch without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s nothing like the sweet and savory combination of grilled peaches and fresh veggies to brighten your lunch. In Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes, the grilled peaches add a smoky flavor that perfectly balances the freshness of the tomatoes. It’s an unexpected but delightful mix that makes lunch feel special. This salad is a great way to step away from the usual and enjoy something refreshing yet filling. It’s ideal for those days when you want to try something new.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Mexican Street Corn Salad

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

If you’re looking to bring bold flavors to your lunch, this salad is a game-changer. Mexican Street Corn Salad is a vibrant dish that gives you a taste of something different without stepping out of the office. The mix of spices and textures creates a satisfying, well-rounded meal that you won’t forget. It’s the kind of salad that’s so good, it’ll make you rethink your usual lunch options. Say goodbye to bland and hello to bold with this exciting dish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Seafood Chowder

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

On days when you need something comforting but not too heavy, this chowder is the perfect solution. Seafood Chowder provides a rich, creamy texture that will fill you up without making you feel sluggish. It’s a filling option that still feels light enough to enjoy during your lunch break. This soup is hearty enough to feel like a proper meal but won’t leave you longing for a nap afterward. If you’re tired of the usual office lunches, this is a satisfying alternative.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Looking for a light, refreshing lunch that still packs a punch? Cucumber Salad with Feta combines crisp cucumbers with the tangy kick of feta, creating a fresh and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those days when you want something quick but full of flavor. This salad is the perfect solution when you want a midday break from heavier meals without compromising on taste. It’s a simple dish that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

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.

A traditional grilled cheese is always comforting, but this version takes things up a notch. Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese combines savory turkey with sweet apple slices to create a sandwich that’s anything but ordinary. It’s the perfect lunchtime option when you want something both hearty and a little sweet. Say goodbye to boring sandwiches and enjoy this unique twist on a classic. You’ll love the balance of flavors that make this grilled cheese stand out.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Texas BLT

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

This isn’t your average BLT—it’s got a little extra kick. Texas BLT brings bold flavors that make the usual bacon, lettuce, and tomato combo feel exciting again. Perfect for when you need something satisfying, this sandwich will have you looking forward to your lunch break. It’s hearty, delicious, and an easy way to add variety to your usual sandwich routine. If you’re craving something filling and flavorful, this is the sandwich for you.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s something about grilled vegetables that makes them even more satisfying. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad combine the smokiness of grilled asparagus with tender potatoes for a hearty yet refreshing lunch. It’s the kind of salad that’s filling enough to be a meal but still light enough to feel like a healthy option. The balance of flavors will keep your lunch exciting, without overwhelming your taste buds. This salad is a great way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that doesn’t skimp on freshness.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

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

If you’re craving something fresh and flavorful, this salad is a great choice. Pesto Orzo Salad combines the richness of pesto with the lightness of orzo, making it a satisfying yet refreshing dish. Perfect for when you want something hearty but not too heavy, this salad will keep you energized for the rest of your day. It’s an easy lunch option that doesn’t feel like a compromise in flavor or freshness. This dish is a great way to enjoy something light yet substantial.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Two bowls of creamy chicken & wild rice soup on a wooden table.
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you need a hearty lunch that feels comforting and filling, this soup hits the spot. Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup provides that perfect balance of creamy texture and savory flavor. It’s the kind of soup that makes your lunch feel more like a treat, and it’ll keep you satisfied for hours. This is the kind of dish that’s just right when you need something warm and fulfilling. Say goodbye to light soups that don’t cut it and enjoy a bowl that really satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

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

A sandwich doesn’t have to be plain to be satisfying. Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches offer a flavorful, hearty option that will leave you excited for lunch. Packed with juicy meatballs and fresh toppings, this sandwich feels like a meal in every bite. It’s perfect for when you want something handheld and easy but still filling. If you’re looking to break away from your usual lunch choices, this pita sandwich is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

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.

For those days when you want something light but still hearty, this salad has you covered. Retro Horiatiki Salad brings together the perfect mix of fresh, satisfying ingredients to keep you full and happy. It’s a salad that’s classic, yet full of flavors that will keep your lunch break interesting. You won’t miss the usual sandwiches when you’ve got this vibrant salad on your plate. It’s the kind of lunch that makes you feel good, without the heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Retro Horiatiki Salad

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.

There’s no better way to embrace spring than with a fresh, vibrant salad. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes combines tender vegetables with satisfying potatoes, making it a filling yet light lunch. It’s the perfect option when you want something that’s fresh but still substantial enough to keep you full. This salad is everything you need to break out of your lunch routine and enjoy something new. It’s light, flavorful, and exactly what you need to power through the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

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.

Looking for something familiar but with a little extra flavor? Tex-Mex Caesar Salad puts a fun twist on the classic Caesar, giving it a bold, zesty edge. This salad is perfect for those who love the traditional Caesar but want something with a little more kick. It’s the kind of lunch that makes you feel satisfied without the heaviness of a regular sandwich. If you’re tired of the usual, this salad is a fun, flavorful alternative.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Bowl

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

There’s no need to leave the office for a satisfying lunch when you’ve got this option. The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Bowl brings all the bold, delicious flavors of the original in a convenient, easy-to-make version. It’s packed with fresh, hearty ingredients that make it both satisfying and filling. This bowl is perfect for those days when you want a flavorful lunch that feels like more than just a quick meal. Skip the drive-thru and enjoy this flavorful option from your desk.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Bowl

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This salad is the perfect balance of light and filling. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad combines tender salmon with pasta for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch. It’s a great option when you need something light but still substantial enough to keep you full. The combination of flavors makes this salad feel like a real treat without being too heavy. It’s the kind of lunch that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta 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.

When you need something hearty to get you through the afternoon, this soup is the answer. Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup offers a creamy, satisfying texture that will leave you feeling full and content. It’s rich without being too heavy, making it the perfect balance for a lunch. This soup will have you looking forward to your break, as it’s the kind of dish that’s comforting and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato 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.

If you’re craving something light yet satisfying, this salad has you covered. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes adds a flavorful twist to the traditional tabouli with smoky tomatoes that bring depth to the dish. It’s perfect for when you want something fresh but filling enough to get you through the afternoon. This salad offers a refreshing change from your usual lunch options, and it’s an easy way to bring some excitement to your midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

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.

For a refreshing and light lunch that still packs a punch, this salad is a great choice. Mediterranean Chopped Salad is filled with fresh, vibrant ingredients that make every bite interesting. It’s a satisfying dish that provides plenty of flavor without feeling too heavy. This salad is the perfect choice when you want something simple but full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that keeps lunch exciting without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped 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’re craving a hearty lunch that’s packed with flavor, this dish is the answer. Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak takes all the savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak and gives it a lighter twist. This version is perfect for those who want something filling but without the heaviness of the traditional sandwich. It’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors you love, while still feeling satisfied but not sluggish.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

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.

When you need a satisfying yet light lunch, this dish is the perfect choice. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp combines tender shrimp with fresh ingredients for a well-rounded meal. It’s flavorful, light, and filling enough to keep you full until your next break. This orzo salad is a great option when you’re looking for something fresh, filling, and different.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

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

This salad is a hearty and satisfying option that still feels fresh and light. Yellow Bean & Potato Salad combines tender beans and potatoes, making it the perfect midday meal. It’s filling without being too heavy, giving you the energy you need to get through the rest of your day. This salad is a great way to enjoy something substantial without the typical sandwich routine.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Looking for a fresh, exciting lunch? Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is full of bold flavors and textures that will keep your lunch from feeling ordinary. The smoky tomatoes add a depth of flavor that takes this salad to the next level. It’s an easy, filling option that’s perfect for when you want something light yet substantial. This salad is a great alternative to the usual sandwich or salad.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

A roast beef sandwich with melted cheese on a hoagie roll, accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and a bowl of brown dipping sauce on the side.
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Skip the traditional sandwich and enjoy this flavorful, satisfying alternative. Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich offers all the rich, savory flavors you love from the classic dish, without leaving your desk. This sandwich is packed with tender meat and a delicious dip that adds depth to every bite. It’s the kind of lunch that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

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

If you’re looking for something a little different, this salad is a perfect choice. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins brings together a unique combination of flavors that will make your lunch feel special. The curry adds a bit of spice, while the raisins provide a subtle sweetness to balance things out. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy to prepare but still offers something unexpected and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

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.

Skip the usual and try this simple, satisfying salad for your next workday lunch. Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes combines hearty wheat berries with fresh tuna, creating a filling and satisfying meal. This salad is perfect when you need something light but still substantial enough to keep you full. It’s the kind of lunch that provides plenty of flavor while still being refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Pizza Pasta Salad

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

If you love pizza but need something more convenient for lunch, this salad is the answer. Pizza Pasta Salad brings together the familiar flavors of pizza in an easy-to-eat pasta salad. It’s filling, fun, and brings something new to the table without straying too far from the comfort foods you love. This is a great alternative when you want something satisfying but without the usual sandwich routine.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re craving something fresh with a bit of crunch, this salad is the perfect option. Chinese Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables for a satisfying and refreshing dish. It’s a great alternative to the usual desk lunch and brings exciting, bold flavors to your midday break. This salad is quick to make, filling, and won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a black slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re craving a hearty lunch, Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich is the perfect choice. This sandwich is packed with savory beef and all the delicious flavors of a Philly cheesesteak. It’s a satisfying lunch that will keep you full and energized throughout the day. If you need a break from the usual, this cheesesteak sandwich is the perfect go-to.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Skip the fast food line and enjoy a homemade version of your favorite with Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. This dish offers all the bold, savory flavors you love, without leaving your desk. It’s perfect when you want something quick, easy, and filling. This burrito has all the flavors that make Taco Bell’s cantina bowl a favorite but in a wrap form. It’s a tasty, convenient way to enjoy your lunch.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

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