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We all know packing your own lunch is a cheap and easy way to enjoy your favorite meals even when you’re on the go.
In some cases, we may not have access to a microwave, or a way to heat up our food when it’s lunchtime. In cases like this, cold lunches are the way to go.
These are meals that taste great even when served cold, or at room temperature. They’re an easy way to enjoy a nice tasty lunch, without having to worry about re-heating food, or anything like that.
If you’re looking for the best cold lunches to pack for work, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, you’ll find 32 incredible cold lunch recipes for you to enjoy. From the best cold salads, to wraps, roll-ups, sandwiches, and much more.
These tasty lunch recipes are super easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for when you’re on the go or when you want to enjoy something without having to reheat.
Let’s get right into it.
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32 Tasty Cold Lunch Ideas For Work
1) Chicken Club Lettuce Wrap Sandwich
Experience a fresh take on the classic sandwich with these Chicken Club Lettuce Wrap Sandwiches.
Crisp lettuce leaves cradle a mouthwatering ensemble of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes.
Light yet satisfying, this recipe remixes your favorite club flavors into a wholesome delight. Ready in under 10 minutes from scratch.
Get the recipe at – Skinny Taste
2) Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad
Discover pure delight in every forkful with this Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad recipe. Tender chicken, creamy avocado, and al dente pasta dance in harmony, embraced by a medley of fresh vegetables.
Drizzled with a zesty dressing, this dish is a symphony of textures and flavors that transforms a simple salad into a culinary sensation. A tantalizing union of health and taste that’s simply irresistible.
Get the recipe at – From Valerie’s Kitchen
3) Avocado Egg Salad
This creamy and tasty avocado salad is one you can enjoy regardless of temperature. You only need a few ingredients to get this going, and it’s tasty, healthy, high in protein and super satisfying.
Get the recipe at – Downshiftology
4) Turkey Roll Ups
Elevate snacking with Turkey Roll-Ups, where succulent turkey meets tangy cranberry sauce, cream cheese and a couple of other tasty ingredients.
These roll ups redefines appetizers, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures wrapped in every bite. These come together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Get the recipe at – Culinary Hill
5) Shrimp Louie Salad
Shrimp is one seafood that can taste great either cold or warm. This delight combines tasty shrimp with eggs and juicy tomatoes, served over a bed of veggies, and blessed with a nice spicy lemon mayo-based dressing.
You can toss this together in just 10 minutes from scratch, and it’s sure to leave you satisfied.
Get the recipe at – Belly Full
Also See: 25 Amazing Shrimp Recipes Every Seafood Lover Will Enjoy
6) Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Elevate your cold lunch game with this Buffalo Chicken Wrap. Tender chicken meets the bold flavors of buffalo sauce, complemented by crunchy veggies and creamy dressing, all bundled in a soft tortilla.
This recipe effortlessly marries convenience and taste, offering a zesty, satisfying option for on-the-go lunches. Embrace a delightful kick of flavor while savoring a hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy days.
Get the recipe at – Tastes Better From Scratch
7) Creamy Corn & Pea Pasta Salad
This creamy corn and pea pasta salad will leave you drooling. A symphony of flavors and textures, tender pasta dances with sweet corn, vibrant peas, and a velvety dressing.
Perfectly suited for a refreshing cold meal, this salad delivers a delightful balance of comfort and crispness in every bite. Embrace a satisfying and flavorful lunch that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.
Get the recipe at – Gimme Delicious
8) Caprese Sandwich
When it comes to easy cold lunch ideas you can enjoy on the go, sandwiches are among the top 3. Easy to pack, tasty, and pretty versatile too.
With tomatoes, mozzarella, and a creamy basil sauce, all sandwiched between baguettes, this makes for a great meal, regardless of the occasion.
Get the recipe at – Cookie and Kate
9) Carrot Ginger Soup
Soups are one option you might not have considered making for lunch, much less cold, but this carrot ginger soup will change your mind.
It’s perfect for those hot summer afternoons when you just want something a little light. Creamy, tasty, and super nutritious, there’s no reason to not give it a shot.
Get the recipe at – Bowl of Delicious
10) Pasta Cobb Salad
Salads don’t necessarily have to be boring, and this is proof of that. With crispy bacon, chicken, eggs, and juicy veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, combined with some pasta and covered in a nice wine vinaigrette, there’s no resisting this.
It’s rich in protein and healthy nutrients, and packs in a ton of good flavor. And it only takes a few minutes to get this going.
Get the recipe at – The Recipe Critic
Also See: 25 Incredible Pasta Salads That Are Just Too Good To Resist
11) Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads
Unveil the artistry of your cold lunch with these Southwestern Quinoa Mason Jar Salads.
Watch as layers of quinoa dance with a cumin lime dressing, while black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes join the flavorful performance.
Elevate your week with this ensemble of delicious, healthy lunches, meticulously prepared to redefine your midday indulgence.
Get the recipe at – Making Thyme For Health
12) Turkey BLT Wraps
Wraps are another great on the go lunch idea to enjoy. These turkey BLT wraps taste great warm or cold. They also toss in a couple of other tasty veggies for added nutrition and yumminess. And you only need 5 minutes to get these done.
Get the recipe at – Aberdeen’s Kitchen
13) Cold Sesame Noodle Meal Prep Bowls
Step up your cold lunch game with these delectable cold sesame noodle meal prep bowls.
Crafted for convenience and flavor, spiralized veggies and chickpeas dance with whole wheat spaghetti, all coated in a zesty almond butter sauce.
Indulge in a plant-based, make-ahead delight that promises a tantalizing medley of tastes and textures. A vegan masterpiece tailored for your on-the-go lifestyle.
Get the recipe at – Sweet Peas And Saffron
14) Thai Chicken Salad
This Thai chicken salad is as tasty as it is healthy. It combines an array of yummy veggies like carrots, cucumber and cabbage, with some juicy chicken, papaya, and the best spicy peanut dressing.
Its easy to prep, stores relatively easy too, and can be brought to life in just 20 minutes from scratch.
15) Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
In the quest for cold lunch ideas, you can never go wrong with roll ups and pinwheels. They take only a couple ingredients to make, can easily be carried to wherever you’re going, and sure to leave you satisfied.
These ham and cheese roll ups is nothing short of amazing. Make a batch of these, pack them up and enjoy on the go.
Get the recipe at – Bread Booze Bacon
Also See: 30 Delicious Pinwheel Appetizers You’ve Got To Try Today
16) Lentil Quinoa Bowls with Coriander and Lemon
Savor the brilliance of these speedy 30-minute vegetarian Lentil Quinoa bowls. Lemon-kissed coriander lentils dance with dill and sweet onion, uniting with quinoa, feta, and cucumber in a harmony of flavors.
Easy to throw together, tasty, and super nutritious too.
Get the recipe at – Healthy Seasonal Recipes
17) Protein Snack Pack
If you want something even easier, that can be thrown together and easily customized to fit your preferences, this protein snack pack is a fabulous idea.
With hummus, eggs, deli meat and a mix of nuts, it packs in good taste, and a nice protein punch as well that will keep you satiated for hours.
Get the recipe at – The Forked Spoon
18) Spicy White Bean & Sweet Corn Gazpacho
Embrace the raw and vibrant essence of summer with the Spicy Sweet Corn and Tomato Gazpacho, a refreshing respite from scorching days.
While the stove remains idle, this zesty delight shines. Infused with protein-rich white beans, it morphs into a satisfying meal or charming appetizer, elegantly served in shooters.
A fusion of flavors and health, capturing the season’s allure in every blissful sip.
Get the recipe at – Vegetarian Ventures
19) 20-minute Peanut Noodles with chicken
Craft an exquisite weeknight dinner in just 20 minutes with Peanut Noodles and Chicken.
Luxuriate in the embrace of Thai-inspired creamy peanut sauce that drapes over tender chicken and pairs harmoniously with the crunch of vibrant red cabbage.
This culinary symphony fuses speed, flavor, and convenience, transforming ordinary evenings into extraordinary dining experiences.
Get the recipe at – Platings And Pairings
20) Easy Protein Bistro Snack Box
Get the recipe at – With Peanut Butter On Top
Also See: 35 High Protein Low Calorie Snacks To Satisfy Your Cravings
21) Tuna and Chickpea Pita Pocket Sandwiches
Enjoy nourishing and substantial tuna sandwiches. Combine delicate tuna and tender chickpeas, enveloped in a zesty, creamy lemon herb dressing.
Fill whole wheat pita pockets with this mix, along with crisp spinach and juicy tomatoes. A vibrant blend of health and taste, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Get the recipe at – Cooking Classy
22) Meal Prep Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Whip up nutritious Caprese Chicken Quinoa Bowls with ease. It combines basic ingredients like juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella while a balsamic drizzle adds a tangy touch. A speedy, flavorful lunch that’s ready whenever you are.
Get the recipe at – Wholefully
23) Green Goddess Gazpacho
Savor the Green Goddess Gazpacho, packed with crisp cucumber, herbs, zesty jalapeño, and lemon juice for a kick.
Velvety and lush, thanks to avocado and Greek yogurt, this soup embodies lightness and refreshment, offering a delightful twist on the classic. Indulge in its creamy, herb-infused charm for the ultimate cool and revitalizing experience.
Get the recipe at – Spices In My DNA
24) Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Experience a burst of flavors with the Mediterranean Tuna Salad! Canned tuna meets crisp veggies, feta cheese, olive oil, and zesty Dijon mustard.
Crafted for speed, this salad transforms into a delectable lunch within a mere 10 minutes. A symphony of tastes and textures, ready to fuel your day.
Get the recipe at – A Couple Cooks
25) Greek Kale and Quinoa Salad Meal Prep Bowls
Indulge in the irresistible Greek Kale and Quinoa Salad Meal Prep Bowls! With tender kale, savory feta, and crisp cucumbers, it’s a complete salad-to-go for your workweek.
Crafted for simplicity and healthiness, these bowls offer a quick and satisfying meal prep solution, ensuring deliciousness every day.
Get the recipe at – Abra’s Kitchen
Also See: 25 Healthy Meal Prep Lunches That’ll Make Your Life Easier
26) Ben’s Broccoli Salad
Rediscover a timeless favorite: the Healthy Broccoli Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing. Broccoli, bell pepper, chickpeas, and crumbled feta intertwine in a zesty lemony embrace of Greek yogurt dressing.
Made from just a few ingredients, it’s a breeze to prepare in under 15 minutes from scratch. Plus, this dish keeps things cool. No stovetop action required.
Get the recipe at – Plays Well With Butter
27) Easy Bean Salad
Whip up a delightful Bean Salad Recipe in under 15 minutes. Packed with four bean varieties, crisp veggies, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes, it’s a vegan, gluten-free marvel.
A splash of zesty red wine vinaigrette crowns this colorful Mexican Bean Salad, promising a taste everyone will relish.
Get the recipe at – The Forked Spoon
28) Classic Muffuletta
Get the recipe at – Simply Recipes
29) Seafood Salad
Dive into a delightful seafood blend! Imitation crab and succulent shrimp meet fresh veggies, all caressed by a creamy dill dressing.
Elevate your protein intake effortlessly with this quick, homemade lunch option. From start to finish, it’s a scrumptious journey that takes less than 15 minutes.
Get the recipe at – Dinner At The Zoo
30) Chicken Caesar Wraps
Get the recipe at – Taste And Tell
31) Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Craft your own Vietnamese Spring Rolls that’ll give their restaurant counterpart a run for their money. Embrace the blend of crisp veggies, fragrant herbs, and succulent shrimp a burst of flavor in every bite.
With their vibrant, refreshing profile, these homemade delights are not only delectable but also a feast for the eyes. A wholesome and delightful treat awaits.
Get the recipe at – Belly Full
32) Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Avocado, & Feta Sandwich
