Working from home? Bookmark these work-from-home lunch ideas. Our best recipes use basic ingredients to create flavorful lunches that come together quickly or can be made in advance.
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Asian Chicken Rice Bowl
From the Recipe Creator:
This super flavorful, nutrient-packed dish makes use of supermarket conveniences like coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken. The recipe is easily doubled or tripled for large families. —Christianna Gozzi, Asteria, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 429 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
2/32
BLT Quinoa Bowls
From the Recipe Creator:
I absolutely love a BLT with sliced avocado and an egg. Recently, I’ve been trying out grain bowls, and I thought the flavors of my favorite sandwich would work really well. Everyone at my family lunch agreed! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 446 calories, 28g fat (5g saturated fat), 194mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein.
3/32
Chicken Salad with Grapes
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when using rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken salad: 311 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
4/32
Southwest Quinoa Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This good-for-you dish is full of must-have southwestern flavors. You can either serve it cold as a side for eight people or warm as an entree for four. The lime vinaigrette brings it all together. —Yvonne Compton, Elkton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 255 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
5/32
Chicken Caesar Wrap
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. —Nancy Pratt, Longview, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 337 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
6/32
Easy Fried Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy fried rice recipe really captures the flavor of the fried rice served in restaurants. Use leftover chicken for a satisfying meal that's simple to put together. —Lori Schweer, Mapleton, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 476 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 1077mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
7/32
Grilled Vegetable Pesto Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling isn't just the pastime of meat eaters—ask my vegetarian family members who love these wholesome sammies slathered with prepared pesto and stacked with char-kissed summer produce. —Tanya Mehta, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 748 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1476mg sodium, 91g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein.
8/32
Bacon Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I've served it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 339 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
9/32
Chicken Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste, yet it requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 477 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
10/32
Asian Beef Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy, economical dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. Serve the noodles with a dash of soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. —Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 383 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
11/32
Basil Chicken Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the inspiration for this recipe when I knew my parents and in-laws were coming to see our new home. My mother-in-law has food allergies, my father-in-law has some very specific food preferences and my parents appreciate light meals. I created this chicken sandwich with fresh basil for our lunch. —Kerry Durgin Krebs, New Market, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 308 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 824mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
12/32
Teriyaki Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
It's surprisingly easy to make your own sweet and savory teriyaki sauce at home, and the sauce is fantastic in this quick chicken stir-fry dish. Teriyaki chicken has become one of my go-to weeknight recipes! —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 427 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1507mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
13/32
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 646 calories, 50g fat (18g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
14/32
Speedy Hummus Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
What started as an appetizer is now one of my favorite Mediterranean meals. I make sure I always have the ingredients so I can whip it up in a hot minute. I like to use fresh tomatoes when they're in season instead of sun-dried ones, and sometimes I throw in some chopped artichoke hearts too. —Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland
15/32
Strawberry Feta Tossed Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor served this light, wonderful salad at a summer barbecue. I’ve since tried it with many ingredient combinations, but this one draws the most compliments. —Lisa Lesinski-Topp, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 103 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
16/32
Quick Tacos al Pastor
From the Recipe Creator:
We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
17/32
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love this cheesy dish. It is proof that soup doesn't need to be made in big batches to be good. —Cheryl McRae, West Valley, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 494 calories, 37g fat (24g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1145mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
18/32
Chicken Quinoa Bowl
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 491 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
19/32
Skillet Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple, it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
20/32
Beef ‘n’ Cheese Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
These make-ahead wraps are delicious, portable and ideal for picnics and tailgates. Enjoy them whole or slice them into 1-inch pieces to serve them as an appetizer. They make an excellent lunch on the go. —Sue Sibson, Howard, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 whole wrap: 657 calories, 35g fat (20g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 1431mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 38g protein.
21/32
Tortellini Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my favorite soup recipe. It's quick to fix on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just as good. —Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 203 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
22/32
Focaccia Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 113 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
23/32
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 980mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
24/32
Grilled Salmon Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
We eat fish on Fridays, so I like to experiment with different types. I pulled salmon, spinach and avocado from the fridge for these wraps. My kids loved them, and I did too! They're delicious, and they contain all five food groups right in one hand-held meal. —Jennifer Krey, Clarence, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 380 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 745mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
25/32
Lasagna Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini lasagnas: 414 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
26/32
Blackberry Balsamic Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This lightly dressed salad is packed with superfoods! When I have time, I make my vinaigrette from scratch. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 106 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
27/32
Quick Taco Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
I was running late one night, so I shopped in my own fridge and came up with ingredients that became taco wraps. Everybody at the table was a happy camper. —Katie Mitschelen, La Porte, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 533 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1538mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
28/32
Greek Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
29/32
Bacon Macaroni Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 402 calories, 33g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
30/32
Cream of Mushroom Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 136 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Turkey Ranch Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a cool idea that'll be ready to gobble up in no time. It's a terrific use for deli turkey. Just add lettuce, tomato, green pepper, shredded cheese and ranch dressing for a flavorful blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 403 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
32/32
Taco Ramen Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy skillet dish offers a delicious use for leftover taco meat. Garnish it with sour cream and salsa for southwestern flavor. —Sue Schoening, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 480 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1279mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
Work From Home Lunch Ideas FAQ
What should you eat for lunch when working from home?
When working from home, choose filling lunch recipes that are quick to prep and create variety throughout the week. I like to rotate between quick options like wraps and make-ahead recipes like warm grain bowls or pasta salads. You can also choose recipes that use the same base ingredient, like roasted vegetables or grilled chicken, and change your lunch side dishes every day.
What are the best quick lunch recipes to make at home?
The best quick lunches are ones you can pull together in 30 minutes or less using ingredients you already have. Grain bowls, wraps, one-pan skillet dishes or simple sandwiches with soup on the side are all great options. Alternatively, meal prep a few freezer meals so you’ll always have an option that’s ready when you are.
What is a good make-ahead lunch idea?
A good make-ahead lunch is one that can be portioned, stored in the fridge or freezer, and either enjoyed cold or reheated with ease. Pasta salads, chorizo burrito bowls and hearty soups are examples that hold up well across a few days. Pro tip: Keep toppings and dressings separate until you’re ready to serve to help them stay fresh.
