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54 Cold Lunch Ideas for Work - Packed Lunches Ideas

Published: · Modified: by · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

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You've been asking for cold lunch ideas and foods that can be packed and taken for work. I realize not everyone has a microwave at their fingertips!

I've rounded up 54 of the best cold lunch ideas, no heat required! If you need ideas for easy lunches to take to work, then read on!

This resource has a ton of ideas ranging from salads in mason jars to wraps and low carb cold lunches and pinwheel sandwiches.

Even better, you can make a batch of these as part of your weekly meal prep and be set for the week!

You may have seen my Ultimate Guide to Easy Sandwiches because let's face it, sandwiches are a part of life. But with so many cold lunch ideas, you don't need to have a boring old sandwich every day for lunch!

These are perfect for farmers and those who work in agriculture who don't have an office to heat their lunch and a plain old lunch bag just won't cut it. But these cold lunch ideas are awesome for workers on the go whether it's working in construction, driving a truck, or even for students who want to catch a quick bite between classes.

My goal here is to give you some ideas that are somewhat healthy and easy to prepare.

But before we get started, let's talk about how to set up cold lunch success!

Heated lunch boxes are awesome for those days you want something warm. I have one of these (thanks, Mom) and it actually DOES work!

For other days, cold lunch will have to do!

That means you'll want to keep your cold foods cold with an ice pack without taking up too much room in your lunchbox.

A tiny lunchbox won't do, especially if you're on the road all day! I recommend this lunch box because it's big enough for a meal plus drinks and snacks for later!

Okay, now let's talk about the lunch ideas. Like I said, this resource has a ton of ideas ranging from mason jar salads to wraps, noodle dishes to low carb cold lunches.

For anything involving salads, you'll want to keep salad dressings in separate containers

Ladies who have been asking for easy lunch ideas for their husband, here you GO!!!!!!

Free Cheatsheet: Download my free guide with 101+ recipes and ideas for meals on the go (complete with links and categories!)

Cold Lunch Ideas for Work

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cold noodles, pasta salad and other cold lunch ideas for work
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More Packed Lunch Ideas...

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various packed lunch ideas
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders - This Farm Girl Cooks

The next two chicken salad recipes are a great way to use rotisserie chicken as a short cut!

Greek Lemon Orzo Salad - serve as a meatless option or add some grilled chicken or leftover pork chops on the side.

Taco Pasta Salad - This Farm Girl Cooks

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad - This Farm Girl Cooks

Caprese Orzo Salad with Pesto - This Farm Girl Cooks

I hope you enjoyed these cold lunch recipes!

Other Lunch Ideas and Snacks

More Meals for Families on the Go

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tatty

    It's amazing article! I'm waiting for new articles, thank cooks

    Reply

  2. Tim

    The link for the cheatsheet 101+ recipes just sends you to a sign up page for 'ActiveCampaign', which sounds very dodgy.

    Reply

    • Deanne Frieders

      Oooh, I can understand that. Thank you for catching that Tim, I used to use them as my email provider, so no dodgy behavior intended. Were you able to get the list?

      Reply

    • Deanne Frieders

      Thanks so much!

      Reply

  4. Somma.vn

    Great ideas, I love this. I work at the office, lunch is essential, and this is what I need for the days to come.

    Reply

  5. PLy Somma

    Great ideas, I love this. I work at the office, lunch is essential, and this is what I need for the days to come.

    Reply

  6. Long

    There hasn’t been your a recipe my family has made that we didn’t love! Thanks you for sharing this.

    Reply

  7. Cassie

    Absolutely awesome post - I always struggle for work lunch ideas so this is so helpful with so many yummy ideas!! Thank you for featuring my Healthy Zucchini Slice - it is one we love to meal prep for either lunch or snacks for work most weeks.

    Reply

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