Easy Lunch Ideas for Work

August 13, 2024

Finding the time to prepare a healthy, satisfying lunch during a busy workweek can be challenging. Whether you're tired of eating out, trying to save money, or looking to eat better, having a go-to list of easy lunch ideas for work is essential. These meals are quick to make, require minimal prep time, and are perfect for packing up and taking to the office. Here are some healthy and easy work lunch ideas that will keep you energized and satisfied all day long.


1. Mason Jar Salads for Work

Mason jar salads are a fantastic meal prep lunch option. They’re portable, easy to prepare in advance, and fully customizable. The secret to a fresh mason jar salad is layering: start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by hearty ingredients like chickpeas, quinoa, or beans. Add chopped vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, then top with leafy greens such as spinach or kale. Shake it up when you're ready to eat for a crisp, refreshing lunch.


2. Wraps and Roll-Ups

Wraps make a versatile and healthy lunch idea for work. Use a whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free tortilla as your base. Spread hummus, guacamole, or Greek yogurt, then fill it with lean protein like grilled chicken or tofu. Add veggies like lettuce, carrots, or avocado for crunch. Wrap it tightly, slice in half, and pack it for an easy grab-and-go meal.


3. Protein-Packed Quinoa Bowls

Quinoa bowls are loaded with protein and fiber, making them one of the best meal prep lunch ideas. Start with cooked quinoa, then add your favorite toppings: grilled chicken, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and steamed broccoli. Drizzle with a flavorful dressing or vinaigrette and sprinkle on seeds or nuts for texture.


4. Pasta Salad for Work Lunch

Pasta salad is a classic and filling option that’s easy to customize. Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and toss it with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, bell peppers, and your protein of choice—chicken, tuna, or chickpeas. Finish with a light vinaigrette or pesto for a flavorful, cold lunch idea for work that’s great for meal prepping.


5. Veggie and Hummus Snack Box

For a lighter lunch, pack a veggie and hummus box. Slice carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes and pair with a scoop of hummus for dipping. Add whole grain crackers, a hard-boiled egg, or a handful of nuts to make it more filling. It’s quick to assemble, easy to transport, and full of fiber and nutrients.


6. Leftover Stir-Fry Meals

Stir-fry is a smart way to use leftovers and create a fast, nutritious work lunch. Stir-fry garlic and ginger in olive oil, add cooked veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas, and toss in a protein—chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp. Add soy or teriyaki sauce and serve with rice or noodles. These hot lunch ideas for work are easy to reheat and incredibly satisfying.


7. Avocado Toast with a Twist

Avocado toast isn’t just for breakfast. Top whole-grain bread with mashed avocado and your favorite toppings—sliced tomatoes, radishes, eggs, or smoked salmon. It’s fast, full of healthy fats and fiber, and makes a delicious easy office lunch that feels gourmet.


8. Soup and Salad Combo

Pairing soup with salad is a timeless combo that offers both comfort and nutrition. Prepare a batch of hearty soup—vegetable, lentil, or chicken noodle—and pack a simple salad to go with it. This combination makes for a warm, satisfying, and well-balanced work lunch that’s easy to heat up and enjoy.


From mason jar salads to protein-packed quinoa bowls, these lunch options are healthy, budget-friendly and perfect for busy professionals. Incorporate these work lunch recipes into your routine to save time and stay energized throughout the workday.

July 17, 2025
Staying cool in the summer can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to stick to a budget. If you're a GBU member, you have access to a fun benefit!
June 30, 2025
When it comes to planning for the future, there are few things more meaningful than knowing your legacy will make a lasting impact. At GBU, we’re proud to offer members the tools and resources needed to protect what matters most while also providing meaningful ways to give back.
June 26, 2025
Since December 2024, donors have contributed an impressive $1,443,000 to the GBU Foundation, establishing new scholarship, educational grant and donor-advised charitable funds. These gifts help to shape a brighter future for students, communities and charitable causes across the country.
Family playing with a toy truck
June 26, 2025
Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, is a meaningful way to leave behind an impact on the causes and organizations you care about. By incorporating life insurance and annuities into your estate planning, you can maximize the benefits of your legacy gifts, ensuring they are both impactful and tax efficient.
By Lesley Mann May 29, 2025
As we move into the second quarter of another exciting year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and share some of the new initiatives we are implementing in the realms of sales, marketing and community engagement. Over the past year, GBU Life has reached significant milestones thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and the trust and support of our members. Our sales department has exceeded targets, and we have expanded our reach to more communities than ever before. We have launched several successful marketing campaigns that have not only increased our visibility but have also strengthened our brand's presence in the industry. For this year, our focus will be educating potential new members on the importance of securing their financial futures through life insurance and annuity products while serving their communities as part of our great Society. Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our sales strategies to better serve you. We are introducing some tools for our agents to enhance our products. One new tool is our Defined Benefit Annuity program which combines the Future Flex Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) with a software tool that can help determine retirement savings needs and break them down into contributions over time to help you meet your retirement goals. Be sure to keep in touch with your GBU agent to review your plans and products to see how adding an FIA to your retirement planning can help boost your savings efforts
May 15, 2025
GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, which is themed Pawprints on My Heart. Three age categories will be judged as follows: Category I: Ages three and four Category II: Ages five and six Category III: Ages seven, eight and nine Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or watercolor paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Community Engagement Team at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428) or by printing the image above. Cash Prizes for Each Category First prize: $75 Second prize: $50 Third prize: $30 How to Enter Send the three- to nine-year-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with their name and address on the colored page to: GBU Life ATTN: Member Benefits 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394. Or email contest@gbu.org with "Coloring Contest Entry” as the subject line. General Information Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Artwork will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, provided proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such work.
April 22, 2025
GBU has designated four Community Pillars - Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support - which are a concentrated list of causes that resonate with our values.
February 5, 2025
Looking for new spots to explore this winter? Check out these three must-visit places for your next adventure.
January 21, 2025
Details and deadlines surrounding the GBU Foundation scholarship and grants for 2025.
January 3, 2025
Looking to try some new recipes this winter?
More Posts