Easy Lunch Ideas for Work

August 13, 2024
Finding the time to prepare your lunch during a busy workweek can be challenging. Whether you're trying to save money or tired of the same meals, having a go-to list of easy lunch ideas is essential. These meals are simple to make, require minimal prep time and are perfect for packing up and taking to work. Here are eight ideas that will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day. 

Mason Jar Salads

Mason jar salads are a fantastic option for a quick and healthy lunch. They’re simple to prepare in advance and can be customized to suit your tastes. The key to a great mason jar salad is layering the ingredients correctly to keep everything fresh and crisp. Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by hearty ingredients like chickpeas, quinoa or beans. Add your vegetables next; cucumbers, tomatoes and bell peppers are great options. Finally, top with leafy greens like spinach, kale or arugula. When it’s time to eat, shake the jar to distribute the dressing and enjoy a fresh, delicious salad.  

Wraps and Roll-Ups

Wraps are a versatile and portable lunch option that you can fill with a variety of ingredients. Start with a tortilla and spread a layer of hummus, guacamole or Greek yogurt as a base. Add lean proteins like turkey or chicken and pile on the veggies such as lettuce, shredded carrots, cucumbers and avocado. Then, roll it up tightly and slice it in half.

Quinoa Bowls

Quinoa bowls are filling and easy to prepare ahead of time. Cook a batch of quinoa at the beginning of the week and store it in the fridge for easy lunch prep. To assemble your bowl, start with a base of quinoa and add a protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp or black beans. Next, layer your favorite vegetables; ideas include roasted sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes and steamed broccoli. Top with a drizzle of your favorite dressing or sauce. Sprinkle with seeds or nuts for added crunch.

Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a classic lunch option that can be customized in countless ways. Start with a base of cooked pasta—chickpea, black bean or whole wheat options are great for a healthier twist. Add in your favorite vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and olives. For protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tuna. Toss everything together with a light vinaigrette or pesto, and you’ve got a tasty, filling lunch that’s great for meal prepping. 

Veggie and Hummus Plate

For a light, refreshing lunch, try a veggie and hummus plate. Slice up a variety of raw vegetables including carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery and cherry tomatoes. Pair them with a generous scoop of hummus for dipping. You can also add some whole-grain crackers, pita bread or a hard-boiled egg for extra protein. This lunch is not only quick to prepare but also packed with fiber and nutrients to keep you satisfied.

Stri-Fry

Stir-fry is an excellent option for using up leftover vegetables and proteins from dinner. Start by sautéing garlic and ginger in a bit of oil, then add your leftover vegetables. Toss in your protein of choice, such as chicken, beef or shrimp. Add a splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce and serve over rice or noodles. This lunch is quick to reheat and full of flavor, making it an ideal option for busy workdays.

Avocado Toast

Start with a slice of whole-grain bread and top it with mashed avocado. You can keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or get creative with toppings like sliced tomatoes, radishes, smoked salmon or a poached egg.

Soup and Salad

If you’re looking for a comforting lunch, a soup and salad combo is always a great option. Prepare a batch of your favorite soup—whether it’s a hearty vegetable, lentil, or chicken noodle—and pair it with a simple side salad. This combination is easy to prepare in advance and can be quickly reheated.

With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious, healthy lunches at work without spending hours in the kitchen. These ideas are versatile, quick to prepare and perfect for busy workdays. By incorporating a variety of ingredients and flavors, you can keep your lunches both exciting and satisfying.

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
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