25 Lunch Ideas for Packing a Better Brown Bag Lunch

Recipe: Smoky White Bean Soup

This comforting, healthy soup recipe is also a one-pot dish that’s ready in 25 minutes, so there’s nothing negative about this recipe.

Recipe: Almond-Chicken Wrap 

This light take on chicken salad is healthy, and serving it in a wrap is portable, so it’s your match made in brown-bag-lunch heaven.

Recipe: Herbed Shrimp-and-Rice Salad 

Colorful, healthy, and so tasty, this shrimp salad can go to work for lunch or be served at home for a dressy luncheon.

Recipe: Black-Eyed Pea Fritter Sandwiches with Slaw 

Falafel goes Southern with this recipe that’s perfect for eating on the go. You’ll want to use the Dijon mustard-yogurt sauce on everything after you try it.

Recipe: Burrito Bowls

Customize your toppings for these healthy burrito bowls and never get bored with lunch again.

Recipe: Pea Pesto Flatbread

Instead of getting a greasy slice of cheese, try this fresh flatbread for a healthy upgrade.

Recipe: Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken 

Candied pecans provide a hint of sweetness to this filling salad. Pack the dressing in a separate container and drizzle it on just before you eat.

Recipe: Ranch Turkey Burgers

Trying to eat healthy but need a burger fix? Here’s your too-good-for-words recipe.

Recipe: Hearty Beef and Freezer Veggie Soup

For a cozy meal, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of beef soup, but it takes hours to simmer or slow cook to perfection. Not so with this recipe! It’s the most delicious shortcut we’ve ever found.

Recipe: Cuban Black Bean-and-Yellow Rice Bowls

These colorful, meatless bowls are packed with filling, good-for-you ingredients. You’ll have the most flavorful lunchbox in the work refrigerator.

Recipe: Garlic Shrimp and Herbed Couscous Salad

You’ll add this light, bright recipe to your weekly roundup. Serve it alone or over a bed of lightly dressed salad greens.

Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Bistro Boxes

Whether you need a light lunch idea or snacks for those long afternoons, these healthful boxes are great for meal-prepping at the start of the week.

Recipe: Easy Artichoke Pasta Toss

If you don’t want to wait for the office microwave, this easy (and we mean so easy) pasta can be served at room temperature. Add grilled or rotisserie chicken for a protein boost.

Recipe: Farro Bowl with Curry-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

If you think meatless means less flavor, let this hearty recipe prove you wrong.

Recipe: Greek Meatballs with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce and Rice

Serve the meatballs over rice or make meatball pitas with cucumber-yogurt sauce for two healthy, Mediterranean lunch options.

Recipe: Chicken, White Bean, and Spinach Salad

Slow cookers and meal prep go hand-in-hand. Prepare the beans, chicken, and dressing on Sunday in the slow cooker, and assemble individual salads each day until your ingredients run out.

Recipe: Vidalia Onion Soup

Instead of going out for lunch, make this quick, savory soup. Don’t forget a piece of crusty bread for dipping!

Recipe: Ham Salad

Served over a bed of greens, on a buttery croissant, or with crackers, ham salad is a Southern dish made for lunchtime.

Recipe: Asparagus and Goat Cheese Mini Quiches

Make these quiches up to two days ahead and have them ready to go in the refrigerator. They’re served at room temperature, so no office microwave required, and individual servings make portion control easy.

Recipe: Soba Noodle-and-Shrimp Bowls

These noodle bowls have tons of Asian flavor without tons of calories. They’re served chilled or at room temperature, so they’re perfect for work.

Recipe: Poached Salmon Salad with Pickled Snap Peas

Calling all green goddess-dressing lovers—here’s a springy recipe for you to try. Thank us later!

Recipe: Turkey Quesadillas

These healthy quesadillas will keep you from going to the Mexican restaurant next door during lunch hour. Filled with turkey, caramelized onions and peppers, pepper Jack cheese, and guacamole, these quesadillas will be a home run.

Recipe: Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad

This Southwest salad, topped with homemade tortilla strips, is anything but boring. The tangy lime vinaigrette is a new salad dressing staple for us.

Recipe: Gulf Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter

Make these crab cakes for dinner and take the leftovers to work the next day with a side green salad for a fancy midweek treat.

Recipe: Chicken and Charred Succotash Salad   

This colorful salad can be served hot or cold. It’s the best combo a lunch can be—filling and healthy.