13 Desk Lunches You’ll Look Forward To All Morning

By Jenn Segal

Brown-bagging doesn’t have to be boring. From make-ahead salads to hearty soups, these packable desk lunches are ones you’ll actually look forward to. (Beware of jealous coworkers!)

Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Mozzarella Pearls

Since this pasta dish is delicious hot or cold, leftovers make the perfect packable lunch.
Classic Egg Salad

Most egg salads are bland, mayo-laden affairs, but this one is vibrant, fresh and delicious!
Chickpea Salad

This super-simple chickpea salad makes a hearty, healthy lunch and keeps well for days.
Granola

Breakfast for lunch? Yes, please! This homemade granola boasts huge crunchy clusters, perfect for spooning over Greek yogurt.
Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a tangy and creamy cheese spread that’s often referred to as the pâté of the South. It’s wonderful on crackers, crudités, or sandwiches.
French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Standard fare in French bistros, this carrot salad is a cinch to make, keeps well, and is good for you.
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

This easy-to-make butternut squash soup with sweet potatoes, apples, and warm spices tastes like fall in a bowl.
Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples, Walnuts & Parmesan

This sweet and tangy Brussels sprout salad is best prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for brown-bagging.
Thai Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Vinaigrette

Chockfull of veggies and full of flavor, this packable Thai-style quinoa salad is a healthy eater’s dream.
Tomato Soup

Make a big batch of this hearty tomato soup and you’ll have lunch covered all week long — or freeze in lunch-size portions and defrost as needed.
Bulgur Salad with Cucumbers, Red Peppers, Chickpeas, Lemon & Dill

With fresh herbs, chopped vegetables and chickpeas, this Middle Eastern-style bulgur salad is like a bulked-up tabbouleh.
French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese

Made with French green lentils, which hold their shape when cooked, this salad makes a super-satisfying lunch.
Cauliflower Fried Rice

This Chinese-style cauliflower fried rice is a healthy, low-carb dish that reheats beautifully in the microwave.