Preparing lunch during the workday can be difficult, especially if you’re looking for something quick, easy, and healthy. Here are some of my favorite quick lunch ideas that can be made in under 10 minutes, using simple proteins, ready-to-eat vegetables, and canned goods for a filling and nutritious meal.
I love cooking, but preparing something in the middle of the workday can be challenging. I often try to make an extra serving of my dinner the night before, but leftovers aren’t always possible. Below, you can find some of my remote work friendly lunch recipe ideas!
Tortellini Salad
Want to add some veggies to your pasta? Try this simple tortellini salad! Using pre-packaged tortellini, you can easily add your favorite add-ons and sauce. Just cook pre-packaged tortellini and your favorite veggies, then toss with arugula and your favorite sauce! I prefer pesto for this dish. You’ll also have some leftovers for dinner or lunch the next day.
Ingredients
1 package of tortellini
Canned white beans- I like to bake mine with olive oil for some crunch
1 jar of pesto
Handful of arugula
Grape tomatoes
Favorite vegetables- asparagus, zucchini, etc.
Simple Niçoise Salad
This simplified version of the classic French Niçoise salad is a refreshing and nutritious option that’s perfect for a quick lunch. Canned tuna provides protein, while grape tomatoes and arugula add a burst of freshness. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients! Feel free to swap the canned tuna for anchovies, or add some olives as a tasty addition.
Ingredients
1 hard boiled egg
1 can of tuna
Handful of Grape tomatoes
Handful of Arugula
Dressing:
Splash of olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
White Bean Avocado Mash
This creamy and satisfying white bean mash comes together in minutes. Simply mash white beans and avocado with a fork, spread on toasted bread, and top with arugula for a quick and healthy lunch.
Recipe:
Can of cannellini beans (or your favorite white bean)
Avocado
Piece of bread- I like the Seedtastic bread from Aldi or sourdough from Whole Foods
Handful of arugula
Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp
My fiancé is great at making a traditional Spanish dish called gambas al ajillo. This simple but delicious Spanish-inspired dish is bursting with flavor. Sauté shrimp with garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a busy workday. This is great served with a side salad or crusty bread (or both).
Recipe
1 serving of shrimp
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 clove of garlic
Crushed red pepper
Sweet Potato “Nachos”
I looooove sweet potatoes. I also love using them as a more nutrient dense version of tortilla chips. Preheat your oven to 350F and slice a sweet potato into thin rounds. Add some oil, salt, and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes or longer if you have thicker slices. While the sweet potatoes cook, pan fry your choice of ground protein with taco seasoning. While this cooks, cut of your choice of toppings like red onion, avocado, and cilantro. Once the potatoes are done, add your protein and toppings to the top and some shredded pepper jack cheese if you’d like.
Recipe
Sweet potato- sliced into thin rounds
Ground protein- beef, turkey, tofu
Avocado
Red onion
Cilantro
Taco seasoning- or whatever seasonings you have on hand
