20 Easy Light Lunches To Pack for Your Workday


Packing an easy light lunch for your workday shouldn’t be a drag. These 20 no-sweat options will have you ditching the takeout menus. We’re talking lunches that are a snap to prepare and perfect for your busy schedule. From fresh salads and sandwiches to veggie fritters and chicken poppers, there’s something here for every day of the week — and then some.

Stuffed celery sticks with chicken and bacon on a white plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken nuggets with sauce and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a perfect choice when you need a light lunch that’s easy to pack for work. You can cook them up fast, in about 20 minutes, and just one skillet to clean. They’re simple to make, and you can throw them with some veggies or toss them on a salad. Quick to prepare, these chicken bites are a great way to make your work lunch something to look forward to without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Bell Pepper Sandwich

A hand holding a bell pepper sandwich.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Bell Pepper Sandwich uses bell peppers instead of bread, making it a fresh and crunchy alternative to your typical sandwich. Fill it with cream cheese, stone-ground mustard, and your favorite fillings like deli meats, bacon, and avocado for a lunch that’s light yet filling. It’s ready in about 10 minutes, perfect for when you need something quick.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A bowl full of ingredients for a chicken salad.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With chicken, bacon, and jalapeños wrapped in a creamy dressing, the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is easy to whip up for your work lunches. Make it once, and you have a flavorful meal that lasts for days. Just keep it chilled, and you’re all set.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Cottage cheese breakfast muffins on a plate.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are perfect for a quick and light lunch to take to work. They only take about 30 minutes to whip up, and they’re packed with protein to keep you going. Bake them ahead of time, grab them on your way out, and you’re all set with a good lunch for the day. They hold up really well, so you can enjoy them whenever you need a quick bite during your workday. No stress, minimal cleanup, just a simple and good lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Broccoli Fritters

Stacked broccoli fritters on a plate.
Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Broccoli Fritters are light, crispy, and just right for a quick lunch. With broccoli, Parmesan, and a few staples, you can whip these up in 35 minutes. They’re not only easy to make but also nutritious. If you have some Greek yogurt or sour cream, pack it alongside for dipping or drizzling on top. These fritters are a great way to enjoy your veggies and keep lunch interesting.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Big Mac Salad

A person mixing a big mac salad in a bowl.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Imagine all the flavors of a Big Mac packed into a salad. That’s what you get with the Big Mac Salad. It’s easy to throw together and surprisingly filling, making it a great choice for lunch at work. You get all the taste of a classic burger without the bun, and it’s a clever way to satisfy those fast-food cravings in a healthier manner. Pack this salad for a lunch that keeps you full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

A plate of mini spicy canned salmon patties skewered with dill sauce.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties are a breeze to make and bring a nice kick to your lunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, they mix canned salmon with jalapeños and cayenne pepper for that spicy flavor. Serve them with Lemon Dill Aioli for dipping. If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use any canned protein you like and adjust the spices to match your taste. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for a light meal or a flavorful snack.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Four stuffed cucumbers on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats offer a refreshing twist on lunch. In 30 minutes, mix chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños, then scoop the mix into cucumber halves. It’s a cool, crisp meal that’s easy to prep ahead. Make them the night before for a quick lunch that’s ready to go. This dish is a delightful way to keep your meals light and enjoyable, especially on those busy days.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Canned Chicken Patties

Canned Chicken Patties and steamed broccoli florets garnished with freshly cracked black pepper on a plate atop a marble counter.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo Credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are the go-to for a light, straightforward meal. Ready in 20 minutes, they combine the convenience of canned chicken with the crispiness of being fried on the stovetop. Serve them as a sandwich, with a fresh salad, or some steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with serving spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix cucumbers and red onions with a creamy blend of sour cream, mayo, and dill for a dish that’s ready in under an hour. It’s easy to whip up and perfect for those days when you want something quick and fresh. This salad pairs well with any choice of protein or can be eaten on its own during a quick lunch break.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

A person is holding a cucumber with tuna and sesame seeds on it.
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats are quick to prepare, taking just 10 minutes. They’re filled with a mix of cream cheese, tuna, and spices, delivering a flavorful and light meal that’s perfect for a busy day. With coconut aminos and hot sauce, they pack a punch and are an excellent option for anyone looking for something easy and filling to eat midday.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Greek salad meal prep jars on a marble countertop.
Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars are a great grab-and-go option. Ready quickly, they’re filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, olives, and feta, all dressed in a classic mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and spices. Prep them the night before, and let the flavors meld together in the fridge for a delicious salad that’s ready to eat the next day.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad Meal Prep Jars

Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower potato salad garnished with green onions.
Cauliflower Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Potato Salad is a smart pick when you want a light but flavorful lunch to take to work. By using cauliflower instead of potatoes and tossing in some bacon and cheese, you get a fresh take on the traditional side dish. Just mix it up, give it a cool down in the fridge, and top it with a little hot sauce and paprika for an extra kick. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for your workday lunch, especially if you’re looking for something on the lighter side. It’s easy to pack and tastes great cold.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Garnished chicken bacon ranch poppers.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are straightforward to make and come out full of flavor. Mix chicken, bacon, cheese, and spices, bake them, and you’ve got a delicious treat ready in about an hour. Drizzling ranch dressing over the top right before you eat adds an extra layer of flavor. These poppers are also freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead of time and have a quick option on hand for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Avocado Tuna Salad

Avocado tuna salad in a bowl with avocado and lemon slices.
Avocado Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Avocado Tuna Salad is a great choice for an easy, light lunch to pack for work. It takes just five minutes to put together, mixing avocado with tuna for a fresh meal. It’s perfect for those days when you’re in a hurry but still want something good to eat. Just mix it up, chill it if you like, and you’re all set. It’s a simple way to keep your lunch routine interesting and healthy without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a smart pick for a busy workday — quick, nutritious, and really easy to take along.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Zucchini Bites

A hand dunking a zucchini bite into dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Zucchini Bites mix shredded zucchini with Parmesan and cheddar cheese, along with Italian seasoning, for a veggie-packed snack that’s perfect any time of the day. They’re ready in 30 minutes and offer a great way to include more vegetables in your meals. These bites are not only easy to make but also delicious and perfect for a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats

Spicy egg salad cucumber boats being held in two hands.
Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats are a quick, refreshing meal that’s ready in no time. The cucumbers provide a crisp base, complementing the creamy and slightly spicy egg salad. This dish is an excellent pick for a fast lunch and fits seamlessly into your day with minimal prep. It’s a creative way to enjoy egg salad with an added crunch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Egg Salad Cucumber Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Filled with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions, these zucchini boats are flavorful but not overly heavy. They’re ready in less than an hour, making them a fantastic option for a fun lunch during your busy work day.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

A hand holding a skewered a bacon egg and cheese breakfast slider.
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders take the familiar breakfast combo and turn it into a lunch you can look forward to at work. They come together in only half an hour and are made with hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and avocado.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets on a plate with dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto Chicken Nuggets are perfect for anyone looking for a quick, light meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Made with canned chicken for convenience and coated in a crunchy mix, they bake up in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re in need of a speedy snack or a light lunch, these nuggets are a fantastic choice for work lunches.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

The post 20 Easy Light Lunches To Pack for Your Workday appeared first on Real Balanced.

Sara Nelson
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