15 Best Cold Lunches for Work

Asian Chicken Salad

This vibrant Asian Chicken Salad is a refreshing and nutritious option perfect for a cold lunch at work.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, almonds, green onions, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for a cold lunch later.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

The Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a protein-packed dish full of fresh flavors from the Mediterranean.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
4. Serve cold or pack for a refreshing work lunch.

Caprese Pasta Salad

A delightful Caprese Pasta Salad that combines tender pasta with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Chill before serving or pack for a cold lunch.

Turkey and Avocado Wraps

These Turkey and Avocado Wraps are a wholesome and quick-to-make lunch option filled with lean protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 4 whole wheat tortillas
• 8 slices turkey breast
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup hummus

Cooking method:

1. Spread hummus evenly over each tortilla.
2. Layer turkey slices, avocado slices, and spinach leaves on top.
3. Roll each tortilla tightly and slice in half.
4. Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container for an easy lunch to-go.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A creamy and delicious Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad offers a healthy twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup sliced grapes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, combine chicken, Greek yogurt, celery, grapes, and lemon juice.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve or pack.

Veggie Sushi Bowl

The Veggie Sushi Bowl is a deconstructed sushi experience that’s easy to prepare and packed with fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup edamame beans
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Cooking method:

1. Arrange sushi rice in a bowl.
2. Top with avocado, cucumber, carrots, and edamame.
3. Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
4. Chill and serve as a refreshing cold lunch.

Pesto Chicken Sandwich

A Pesto Chicken Sandwich brings together tender chicken and vibrant pesto for a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole grain bread
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced
• 2 tablespoons pesto
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
• 1/4 cup arugula

Cooking method:

1. Spread pesto on one side of each bread slice.
2. Layer with chicken, roasted red peppers, and arugula.
3. Close the sandwich and cut in half.
4. Pack for a convenient on-the-go lunch.

Curried Chickpea Salad

Curried Chickpea Salad offers a burst of exotic flavors in a healthy, protein-rich meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, red onion, raisins, Greek yogurt, and curry powder.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix well and chill before serving.

Tuna Niçoise Salad

This Tuna Niçoise Salad is a classic French dish that combines the best of land and sea in one healthy bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna, drained
• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup green beans, blanched
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vinaigrette dressing

Cooking method:

1. Arrange salad greens on a plate.
2. Top with tuna, green beans, tomatoes, and egg slices.
3. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve cold.

Hummus and Veggie Wrap

Perfect for a light and nutritious meal, the Hummus and Veggie Wrap is as satisfying as it is easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole wheat wraps
• 1/2 cup hummus
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup cucumber slices

Cooking method:

1. Spread hummus evenly over each wrap.
2. Layer carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber slices on top.
3. Roll the wraps tightly and slice in half.
4. Pack for a healthy and refreshing cold lunch.