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15 Lunches to Brighten Your Workday

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Tired of the same old lunch? These 15 recipes offer a fresh take on midday meals. Perfect for the office or a quick break at home, they’re designed to keep you satisfied. With these options, lunch becomes a highlight of your workday, not just a break. Warning: you might become the office lunch guru!

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.

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Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Empanadas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Empanadas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Lunch breaks should be your daily mini escape, right? Imagine biting into Air Fryer Empanadas, where the crispy outside meets a warm, savory filling. It’s a mess-free, easy-to-pack choice that brings a spark of joy in the middle of your workday.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Mulligatawny Soup

Bowl of mulligatawny soup with a hand lifting a spoonful of soup.
Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If warming up is what you need, a bowl of Mulligatawny Soup does more than fill the void. With its rich flavors, it’s comfort in a cup that makes your lunch break feel like a retreat. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for any day, rain or shine.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap.
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Sometimes, you need lunch to be a hands-on affair that wakes you up from the workday lull. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps offers just that, with its blend of spices and that irresistible crunch. It’s a lunch that won’t weigh you down but keeps the energy levels up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For those days when time is of the essence, Instant Pot Tortilla Soup comes to the rescue. It’s a hearty, comforting bowl that feels like a hug from the inside out. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of the southwest to your lunchtime routine.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Chicken Pakora

Low angle shot of chicken pakora on a plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Pakora. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you’re craving something different, Chicken Pakora serves up that lovely crunch. It’s a finger food that’s both exciting and fun, launching your lunchtime straight into an adventure. It’s ideal for sharing, but you might not want to.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

A black bowl of Japanese cucumber salad garnished with sesame seeds.
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono). Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Light, refreshing, and subtly flavorful, Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono) is the cleanse your palate seeks. It’s the perfect side or main for a no-fuss lunch that leaves you feeling rejuvenated. Break away from the heavy meals and let this salad lift your spirits.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

Indian Spiced Lentil Dal

Overhead shot of 2 bowls of dal soup garnished with coconut milk and sliced green chiles.
Indian Spiced Lentil Dal. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Indian Spiced Lentil Dal is like a warm blanket on a chilly day, offering comfort with every spoonful. Its depth of flavor makes lunch an experience rather than just another meal. It’s simple, it’s filling, and it brings a touch of homeliness to your workplace.
Get the Recipe: Indian Spiced Lentil Dal

Cucumber Raita

A low angle shot of a bowl of cucumber raita with radishes on top.
Cucumber Raita. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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When you’re looking for something cool and calming, Cucumber Raita is the answer. This dish is a refreshing escape from the heat or from a morning filled with back-to-back meetings. It pairs well with spicy foods or shines on its own for a light lunch break.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Raita

Corn and Tomato Chowder

A bowl of corn and tomato soup with fresh basil.
Corn and Tomato Chowder. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Corn and Tomato Chowder brings a pop of color and flavor to your lunch routine. It combines the freshness of vegetables with a creamy base for a soup that’s both energizing and filling. Perfect for when you need something both comforting and light.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Tomato Chowder

Onion Samosas

Low angle shot of fried onion samosas ready to serve.
Onion Samosas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Crunchy, flavorful, and just the right size, Onion Samosas are a snack turned lunch hero. They hit the spot without the need for a nap afterward. Pack these for a midday treat that feels more like a treasure.
Get the Recipe: Onion Samosas

Mochiko Chicken

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When the usual lunch fare gets boring, Mochiko Chicken shakes things up. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and all-around delicious. This is how you make lunch an event to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mexican Corn Salad is a vibrant, delicious way to brighten your midday meal. It’s easy to put together and even easier to enjoy. This salad packs a flavor punch that will make your lunch break the highlight of your day.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Chicken Kathi Rolls

Low angle shot of 3 chicken kathi rolls wrappedin foil on a wooden plate with fresh mint leaves.
Chicken Kathi Rolls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Wrap your hands around a Chicken Kathi Roll and instantly transport yourself to a place of flavor and excitement. It’s street food made simple for the lunchtime crowd. This dish is proof that you don’t need to fly miles away to enjoy global cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Kathi Rolls

Pork Belly Banh Mi

3 pork belly banh mi on a white platter with limes and pickled veg in the background.
Pork Belly Banh Mi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pork Belly Banh Mi offers a crunchy, savory, and slightly tangy experience with every bite. It’s a fusion of flavors that turns lunch into a far-from-ordinary affair. If you’re up for a sandwich that breaks the mold, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Banh Mi

Asparagus and Shrimp Salad

Asparagus and shrimp salad in a white bowl.
Asparagus and Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Bringing together tender shrimp and crisp asparagus, Asparagus and Shrimp Salad is light yet fulfilling. It’s the sort of dish that makes lunch feel like a shared secret among food lovers. And it’s the refreshing change of pace your workday is craving.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and Shrimp Salad

By on July 8th, 2024
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About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind Eggs All Ways. She's a writer, recipe developer, photographer, and cookbook author with more than 40 books to her name, including the bestselling Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications, both print and digital, including MSN, Cooking Light, Fitness, Buzzfeed, and Eating Well.

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