14 10-Minute Low-Calorie Lunches to Pack for Work

Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

Upgrade your lunch breaks with these easy recipes. Ready in just 10-minutes or less, prepping your lunch in the morning or the night before has never been easier. Plus, they’re all 375 calories per serving (or less) to ensure you can meet your nutritional goals–even at the office. Try our super-simple 3-Ingredient Bean Salad or make our Herbed Chicken Salad ahead of time for an effortless grab-and-go meal.

01 of 14

3-Ingredient Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen.
Credit: Photographer: Stacy Allen.

This easy three-ingredient bean salad makes a satisfying plant-based lunch with minimal prep. Creamy great northern beans are tossed with tangy pickled red onions and fresh parsley for a bright, flavorful dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. Enjoy it on its own, spooned over greens or paired with crusty whole-grain bread.

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02 of 14

Herbed Chicken Salad

Credit: Diana Chistruga
Credit: Diana Chistruga

This quick chicken salad combines hearty rice, tender shredded chicken and crisp vegetables with a bright citrus-herb dressing. Fresh mint and cilantro add vibrant flavor, while a hint of cinnamon and cayenne brings subtle warmth to each bite. It’s a satisfying, well-balanced dish that comes together in just minutes.

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03 of 14

Cucumber-Spinach Wrap

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This fresh and creamy cucumber-spinach wrap comes together in minutes. A quick yogurt spread, brightened with lemon and dill, acts like a shortcut tzatziki, while crisp cucumber, buttery avocado and a sprinkle of za’atar add cool crunch and herby depth.

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04 of 14

The Only High-Protein Mason Jar Salad Formula You Need

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

Mason jar salads make for a convenient lunch that can easily be taken on the go or enjoyed at home. With just a few ingredients, you have a well-rounded lunch packed with fiber, protein and micronutrients that won’t spike your blood sugars. This nutritious Mason jar salad allows plenty of room for customization based on your preferences.

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05 of 14

Cucumber Sandwich

Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Credit: Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

This creamy, crunchy cucumber sandwich recipe strikes a lovely balance between decadent and light. The cream cheese–yogurt spread complements the crisp refreshing cucumber, while the whole-wheat bread holds everything together with hearty flavor and texture.

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06 of 14

No-Cook White Bean & Spinach Caprese Salad

This easy white bean and spinach caprese salad features the classic combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil and tangy balsamic vinegar, but adds tender white beans and fresh baby spinach to the mix. If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, cut or tear a fresh ball of mozzarella into bite-size pieces instead. If you like your salad with a little kick, try swapping out the spinach for arugula or use spring mix for a more mild flavor.

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07 of 14

Green Goddess Tuna Salad

Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco
Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

Canned tuna makes this recipe convenient and pantry-friendly while also offering an impressive punch of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, sardines or mackerel would work just as well in this quick recipe. Use the remaining herb sauce as a dressing for salads or grain bowls, as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables. This recipe is easily doubled to make a big batch to meal-prep for the week. Serve on bread, in a wrap, over a bed of greens or scooped up with your favorite chips, crackers or cucumber slices.

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08 of 14

Cucumber & Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Wrap

Credit: Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Skyler Myers, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Credit: Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Skyler Myers, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

This easy vegetarian wrap makes a great grab-and-go lunch for work or school. Roasted red pepper hummus adds color and a little extra flavor, but any flavor hummus will work well here. Cucumber, sprouts, salad greens or spinach all add a refreshing crunch. For a peppery kick, try using arugula.

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09 of 14

Fiber-Packed Spicy White Bean & Spinach Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

In this light and refreshing salad, we season white beans with ras el hanout, a Moroccan spice blend which features cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, ginger, cardamom and ground black and red pepper. If you prefer a creamier texture, gently mash some of the beans as you stir everything together. The bean salad is served on a bed of lightly dressed spinach that pairs well with the beans, but could also go with grilled chicken or steak kebabs on another night.

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10 of 14

Cucumber Sandwich with Cotija & Lime

Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman
Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman

This easy vegetarian cucumber sandwich draws flavor inspiration from elote, the Mexican street corn dish. Instead of corn, we flavor cucumber slices with cotija cheese, lime and cilantro for a tasty filling. Cotija—a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese—is similar in flavor and texture to feta cheese, which can be used as a substitute. Arugula adds a peppery flavor, but any tender greens will work well here.

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11 of 14

Buffalo Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly
Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly

We took all the flavors you know and love from Buffalo wings and used them in this plant-based chickpea salad. Celery adds a satisfying crunch, while blue cheese provides a cooling element to balance the spicy sauce. Serve on top of leafy greens or use as a sandwich filling.

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12 of 14

The Best Tomato Sandwich to Make All Summer Long

Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Anna Kelly, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Anna Kelly, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

This classic tomato sandwich features a lovely combination of sweet juicy tomatoes and herby cream cheese. You can make a big batch of the cream cheese mixture and have it on hand to spread on bagels or crackers. For a boost of protein, add smoked salmon or sliced turkey or chicken.

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Tangy Chicken Salad with Grapes

Credit: Antonis Achilleos
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Sweet red grapes and crunchy celery make this chicken salad sing, and also balance the slight tang from the yogurt and lemon. But go ahead and customize the mix-ins with whatever you desire (perhaps some chopped nuts or dried fruit) because this chicken salad recipe is easily adaptable. We use rotisserie chicken (look for unseasoned to keep sodium in check!) to simplify things, but any leftover cooked chicken will work.

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3-Ingredient Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Credit: Carolyn Hodges
Credit: Carolyn Hodges

We put a flavor twist on the classic chicken salad by using a lemon-herb mayonnaise. Try other mayo varieties—like roasted garlic or chipotle lime—in this fast, no-cook lunch recipe. Serve this rotisserie chicken salad with whole-grain crackers.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/10-minute-low-calorie-lunch-recipes-for-work-11993941