9 Eco-Friendly Lunch Ideas for Work That Are Anything But Boring

Goodbye cushy work-from-home couch, hello office rolling chair. With more and more people returning to the office, you may be stressing about something you haven't had to think about in a long time: lunch ideas for work.

Have no fear. We've got plenty of lunch ideas for work. Aside from being easy, quick, and delicious, they're also more planet-friendly. Whether you're trying to continue your sustainable cooking habits on the go or simply want to eat a little healthier, these recipes might just make lunch your favorite meal.

9 Fun and Delicious Lunch Ideas for Work

1. Mexican Chicken Lunch Bowl

Skip the trip to that fast-casual restaurant down the road and indulge in this delicious lunch bowl instead. When you're eating meat, chicken is one of the most sustainable options to go with (so long as you find it labeled as pasture-raised or free-range). With sweetness from the corn and creaminess from the avocado, you'll wish you packed more of this flavorful dish to snack on throughout the day.

2. Buffalo Chickpea Sandwich

Sandwiches are the quintessential work lunch, and this vegan option won't disappoint. With a variety of ingredients—like hummus and crunchy veggies—you'll get back to your to-do list feeling energized and ready to take on the day.

3. Vegetarian Chili

On a cold day (or in a cold office), nothing can soothe the soul quite like a warm serving of chili. This recipe is vegan as-is, but feel free to add some sour cream or grated cheddar cheese to make your own perfect bowl.

4. Black Bean Mason Jar Salads

It's time to ditch the idea that salads are boring. If you've got a whole stash of Mason jars in your kitchen, whip up this easy yet mouth-watering, Mexican-inspired salad. With fresh greens and a tangy cilantro and lime jalapeño dressing, you'll have a party in your mouth.

5. Crunchy Southwestern Chicken Wrap

Chicken meets cheese meets lettuce and tomato to make the ultimate lunchtime wrap. This quick dish manages to be both incredibly filling and easy to make. It also makes for a pretty tasty bite!

6. BBQ Jackfruit Bowls

Vegan barbecue for lunch? Count us in. This bowl features scrumptious barbecue "meat" made from jackfruit, as well as roasted sweet potato wedges for a lunch all your coworkers will be drooling over (and wish they had!).

7. Vegan Kimbap

This ultra-popular Korean dish is the perfect option for work. While it may look like sushi at first glance, kimbap is made from totally different ingredients, such as pickled radish and (vegan) eggs. This recipe is also gluten-free.

8. Sesame Noodles with Chicken

You can never go wrong with a bowl of noodles. This meal consists of a luxurious, nutty sesame sauce and your favorite protein option for a lunch you'll slurp up real quick. Plus, it makes the perfect dish for meal prepping. Leftover pasta for later? Yes, please.

9. Easy Vegetarian Chickpea Gyro

These chickpea gyros are packed full of flavor and protein to keep you feeling good throughout the day. Few can resist the combination of spiced chickpeas with a delicious dill yogurt sauce. The best part? It only takes 15 minutes to make.

Want more lunch ideas for work? Grab some recipes from the Brightly community (there are 300+ to choose from!), or check out these tasty tempeh recipes.

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