There’s nothing more depressing than a wilted pile of lettuce topped with chicken breast, hastily consumed in front of a computer (aka the sad desk lunch). Since ordering Postmates every day isn’t exactly realistic—because, you know, budgets—we went on the hunt for fresh recipes you can whip up at home. The criteria: must be healthy, easy and not a salad. We found seven delicious dishes you’ll actually look forward to eating come lunchtime (even if you have to stay at your desk). Upgrade your midday-meal game, starting now.
No More Sad Desk Lunches
One Pan Mexican Quinoa
This flavorful dish is packed with plant-based protein from beans and quinoa.
Recipe author: Damn Delicious
Prep time: 10 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 jalapeno, minced 1 cup quinoa 1 cup vegetable broth 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 14½-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes 1 cup corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted 1 teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon cumin Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced Juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls
Take your meal prep to the next level with this easy stir-fry recipe.
Recipe author: Sweet Peas And Saffron
Prep time: 10 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients: Honey Sesame Sauce: ¼ cup chicken stock or water ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup honey 1 Tbsp sesame oil ½ tsp red pepper flakes 1 tsp cornstarch
Chicken Lunch Bowls:¾ cup uncooked rice1 Tbsp olive oil3 cups broccoli, chopped into small pieces3 cups snap peas, cut into small pieces2 large chicken breasts, cut into small piecesSalt and pepperRed pepper flakes (optional)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl
Move over, poke bowls—it's all about Buddha bowls now. This one is packed with veggies and will keep you full until dinner.
Recipe author: Minimalist Baker
Prep time: 5 minutes
Yields: Two to three servings
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil ½ red onion, sliced 2 sweet potatoes 1 bundle broccolini 2 handfuls kale 1 15-ounce can chickpeas 1 tsp cumin ¾ teaspoon chili powder ¾ teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
Pumpkin Seed And Avocado Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Two words: avocado and pesto. Need we say more?
Recipe author: Ambitious Kitchen
Prep time: 15 minutes
Yields: Two sandwiches
Ingredients: ¾ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast 2 Tbsp raw pepitas ½ avocado 1 cup packed basil leaves 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 clove garlic 3 Tbsp water 2 large carrots, shredded 4 slices sprouted bread 1 cup arugula Salt and pepper
Directions: Full recipe details can be found here.
Sesame Almond Butter Zucchini Noodles
PSA: You can use your spiralizer on a multitude of veggies, so don't be afraid to try this creamy-yet-healthy recipe with sweet potatoes or broccoli instead of zucchini.
Recipe author: My Sequined Life
Prep time: 12 minutes
Yields: Three to four servings
Ingredients: 5 to 6 zucchini 2 Tbsp olive oil ¼ cup creamy almond butter ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 2½ Tbsp hoisin sauce 1½ Tbsp Sriracha 2 tsp sesame oil ¼ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp minced garlic ¼ tsp five-spice powder, to taste Sesame seeds Sliced scallions
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
Enchilada-Stuffed Sweet Potato
Enchiladas are undoubtedly delicious. Unfortunately, they're not exactly lauded for their health benefits. Enter: this Paleo version.
Recipe author: Living Loving Paleo
Prep time: 5 minutes
Yields: Three to four servings
Ingredients: 3 to 4 medium sweet potatoes 1 Tbsp ghee or coconut oil 1 small onion, diced 5 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound ground beef or chicken 4 Tbsp chili powder 1 Tbsp cumin 1 tsp sea salt 2 cups tomato sauce
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
Healthy Tuna-Stuffed Avocado
We never met an avocado we didn't like, which is why we're fans of this protein- and (healthy) fat-packed dish. (But maybe don't eat this one at your desk.)
Recipe author: The Stay at Home Chef
Prep time: 10 minutes
Yields: One to two servings
Ingredients: 1 avocado 1 can tuna ¼ cup diced red bell pepper 1 Tbsp minced jalepeño ¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped 1 Tbsp lime juice Salt and pepper
Directions: Full recipe instructions can be found here.
