Lunch Ideas for Work With No Microwave or Fridge Needed

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Shari Mason

Rephrasing: Though it may appear challenging to prepare a healthy meal without the aid of a refrigerator or microwave, with some inventive thought and strategic planning, numerous alternatives can be identified.

This is especially true if you’re looking for something quick and simple that doesn’t require much prep time.

As an avid meal prepper and lifelong cooking enthusiast, the absence of a microwave or fridge at work never deterred me from enjoying a delicious and satisfying lunch.

I’ll show you how to make some of the lunch ideas for work with no microwave or fridge needed.

Top 10 Amazing Work Lunch Ideas If There’s No Microwave or Fridge

10. Peanut Noodles

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8oz noodles or pasta
• ⅓ cup peanut butter.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 ½ rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp Lime juice
• 1 garlic cloves
• ½ tbsp ginger, grated
• Fresh herbs

Instructions:

Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl. Mix the cooked, drained pasta in the saucepan along with the sauce, and toss to combine all together. Warm the sauce.

I usually add some fresh cilantro as a garnish and additional flavor.

Serving: 4

Read:

• Lunch Ideas For Construction Workers
• What Time Does Jack In The Box Serve Lunch?
• When Does Chick-Fil-A Serve Lunch?

9. Peanut Butter & Banana Pinwheels

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 sliced bananas
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg white or 1 egg yolk
• 2 slices whole wheat bread

Instructions: Spread the peanut butter on each bread loaf. Place a slice of banana across the edge of the bread.

Roll the banana and bread over one another gently. I like to slice it into a 1-inch thick roll for easy consumption. [1]

Serving: 1

8. Ham & Cheddar Muffin

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄2 cup minced onion
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded/diced cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Set the oven to 375° and wax 12 muffin cups lightly. Then sauté the onions in butter. Mix the baking powder, flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a basin.

Mix eggs, mustard, and milk in another bowl. Add the cheese, ham, and cooked onion. [2] 

Serving: 12

7. Orzo Salad

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut into halves
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1 recipe Greek Salad Dressing

Instruction:

Cook the pasta a little past al dente.

Toss cooked orzo, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, and spinach in a big bowl. Toss the salad with dressing and serve with herbs on top.

Serving: 4-5

6. Basil Lime Chicken & Peach Kale Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For chicken:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 limes
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 cup basil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 16 oz chicken sliced breast

For salad:

• 1 cup corn
• 2 peaches
• 1 cup walnuts
• 6 cups kale

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except chicken with olive oil until evenly coated with dressing.

Thin chicken pieces need 4-5 minutes of cooking per side. Cook thicker chunks longer. Repeat until all chicken is done. Ensure the chicken has cooled down before adding it to the salad.

Serving: 3-4

5. Pesto Chicken & Veggies 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 22 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 boneless and skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups cherry tomato
• ½ cup basil pesto
• 1 lb green beans

Instructions:

Cook chicken thighs and olive oil in a big pan and season. Remove chicken from pan once done. Slice and set apart strips.

Cook green beans till crisp. Return chicken strips to the pan and add tomatoes and pesto. Mix thoroughly. [3] 

Serving: 4

4. Pressed Picnic Sandwich

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 red bell peppers
• 1 ½ tsp mustard
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup black-olive paste
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 2 cups fresh herbs

Instructions: Cook peppers on a high-heat grill, then set aside. Mix mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

“Healthy eating is a way of life, so it’s important to establish routines that are simple, realistic, and ultimately livable.”

– Horace, Roman Poet

Cut bread horizontally and remove the soft center. Peppers go on the bottom crust after the olive paste. Crumble goat cheese on peppers. [4] 

Serving: 6-8

3. Korean Beef Power Bowls

Prep time: 30 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

For Korean beef:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 pound ground beef

For the veggie bowl:

• 1 ½ cups cabbage, shredded
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 avocado, thinly sliced
• ¼ tsp sesame seeds
• 1 cup farro

Instructions:

Cook the ground beef with other ingredients until brown. Make the dressing and veggie bowl as the beef cooks.

Separate the farro into bowls. Add kimchi, cabbage, avocado, and ground beef to the top.

“Savor flavorful work lunches without relying on heat or refrigeration.“

–Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Serving: 4

2. Avocado Tuna Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado, pitted and peeled
• 2 tuna steaks
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 lettuce leaves

Instructions:

Mix the ingredients in a bowl. With a fork, incorporate the ingredients by crushing the avocado and tuna bits.

Serving: 2

Read: Ways To Cook Canned Black Beans In Microwave

1. Mexican Turkey and Bean Quinoa Bowl

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 green onions

Instructions: Cook turkey and white onions in a pan on medium heat for 10 min.

Mix salsa, beans, broth, quinoa, and corn. Boil and cover. Stir occasionally for 15 minutes to cook quinoa. Top with cheese and onions. I let the cheese melt for 1–2 minutes.

Serving: 6

Tips & Tricks When Preparing Lunch

• Use an insulated bag to maintain the freshness of food.
• Use coolers to protect your food from the temperature danger zone.
• If you don’t have time, plan ahead to put some cooked food into your insulated bag before work.
• Wrapped your food properly with paper towels or aluminum foil before putting it inside a sealed container to keep its form and shape inside your bag.

FAQs

Final Verdict

Generally, there are a lot of healthy lunch options that you can make even without microwaves and fridges. Most of them are easy and quick to make.

You just need to choose the right and fresh ingredients for your recipe and store your packed lunch in an insulated bag to retain its freshness and quality.

Drawing from my own love for meal prep and culinary explorations, I have shared with you a selection of tantalizing lunch ideas that are both convenient and delicious.

So, say goodbye to boring packed lunches and embrace the joy of flavorful and portable meals that will keep you energized and satisfied throughout your workday. Happy lunching!

References:

1. https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/peanut-butter-banana-pinwheels/
2. https://www.food.com/recipe/ham-and-cheddar-muffins-166343
3. https://tasty.co/recipe/weekday-meal-prep-pesto-chicken-veggies
4. https://www.eatingwell.com/search/?q=pressed+picnic+sandwich

• Author
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Shari Mason

Co-Founder & Senior Writer at Eat Pallet

Hey, I'm Shari! After more than a decade in the restaurant industry, I've decided to share my experience online with you here. Learn more about us here or you can contact me directly [email protected].

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