24 Beautiful Desk Lunches That Are Our Entire Mood Right Now

By now, we all know about the “sad desk lunch,” the squashed PB&J or the over-microwaved lasagna leftovers you brought into the office to eat at your desk, just like 62 percent of the American workforce.

When it comes to the workday, we believe meals should be one of the highlights—even if you stay glued to your swivel chair. With a little inspiration, meal-prepping can be fun and, dare we say, pretty. Here are 24 beautiful Instagram-worthy meals to try. Sad desk lunches no more!

24 beautiful desk lunches

1. Who needs Chipotle when you can make a bomb burrito bowl in the comfort of your own home?  You can use pretty much everything in your pantry to make these, and they’re always delicious. Plus, no extra charge for avo. A total win.

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A post shared by The Best Vegan Food 🌱 (@goodoldvegan) on Dec 31, 2019 at 7:54am PST

2. This recipe uses riced cauliflower to make an all-veggie stir fry! Nestled next to a stuffed sweet potato? Yes, please!

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A post shared by Kate Regan (@thewholesomechick) on Jun 21, 2019 at 4:30am PDT

3. Spinach is super high in vitamins and minerals, making it a great base for salads. This one is so pretty, and the pecans just top it off (pun intended).

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A post shared by Bento Box Lunch Ideas (@bento_box_lunches) on Nov 18, 2019 at 11:52am PST

4. Avo toast is all the rage for good reason. It takes mere minutes to make and can be customized according to your taste (goat cheese, chili flakes, and everything bagel seasoning is my personal favorite combination).

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A post shared by Paige Ashlie (@bypaigeashlie) on Jan 28, 2020 at 11:37am PST

5. A salad in a jar is the ultimate on-the-go meal. Keep dressing at the bottom and shake when you’re ready to eat!

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A post shared by nyrelle_hawkins (@nyrelle_hawkins) on Jan 29, 2020 at 3:25pm PST

6. Color-coordinating your veggies; we love an aesthetically pleasing plate.

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A post shared by Lauren Kenson • Free Your Fork (@freeyourfork) on Jan 10, 2020 at 2:54pm PST

7. Spice up your day with some chickpea, spinach, and tomato curry. It’s a creative way to get in all your veggies.

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A post shared by Healthy food (@eatwellarmy) on Jan 29, 2020 at 9:00am PST

8. Wrappiness is the new happiness. Sorry.

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A post shared by Danielle @ Project Meal Plan (@projectmealplan) on Oct 6, 2019 at 9:37am PDT

9. A grown-up twist on the tried and true sandwich-apple-chips combo. Because we’re just sophisticated like that.

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A post shared by Gena Hamshaw, MS, RD (@thefullhelping) on Apr 5, 2019 at 6:53am PDT

10. Trader Joes’ cauliflower gnocchi is truly a game-changer. It’s got all the yumminess with far fewer calories. Spruce it up with some veggies and pesto, and you’ve got a quick and tasty desk lunch!

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A post shared by • sydney • (@hopelesslydevoatmeal) on Apr 17, 2019 at 8:25pm PDT

11. If you’re trying to make some improvements in your diet, subbing iceberg lettuce for bread is a great way to go. You can stuff the lettuce with pretty much anything. Oh… and don’t forget the Sriracha.

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A post shared by Steph | Meal Plan Addict (@mealplanaddict) on Jan 14, 2020 at 10:37am PST

12. A pasta salad still counts as a salad, right?

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A post shared by Fit Healthy Recipes (@fithealthyrecipes) on Jan 5, 2020 at 11:30am PST

13. Going for a fancy look at your desk? Want to make your coworkers jealous? This simple garlic and herb-crusted salmon is definitely a power move.

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A post shared by Rohana’s Bento (@bentobyro) on Jan 24, 2020 at 10:12am PST

14. Homemade quesadillas are seriously the best. If you have a panini press or a waffle maker, you can make these in there too!

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A post shared by Deja (@dejasdailyeats) on Nov 22, 2019 at 11:57am PST

15. Especially on a colder day, soup is a great option for lunch. Using black beans as a base gives it a great hearty richness, and you can sub Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want a lighter option.

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A post shared by Easy as Tighe (@easyastighe) on Nov 4, 2019 at 10:40am PST

16. Last night’s leftovers make the best lunches.

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A post shared by Oriel (@my_work_lunches) on Jan 28, 2020 at 1:28am PST

17. A protein, veggie, and starch combo is essential to beating the 2 p.m. slump.

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A post shared by * Emma Reynolds * (@emmareynolds_fitness) on Jan 6, 2020 at 6:28am PST

18. It’s all about plating.

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A post shared by PlantBased & Tasty Recipes🌠 (@janetsmunchmeals) on Jan 22, 2020 at 12:25pm PST

19. Poke bowls are one of my favorite things right now. Deconstructed sushi is really simple to make at home and personalize with things like edamame, scallions, and fried tofu.

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A post shared by Sara 💜 Smiles (@sarasmiles_ww) on Dec 11, 2019 at 10:02am PST

20. This fresh, juicy salad is bound to add some color to your workday.

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A post shared by ProteinSources💪🏼 (@protein_sources) on Jan 27, 2020 at 4:37am PST

21. Grilled shrimp and avocado are a match made in heaven. This bowl is totally drool-worthy.

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A post shared by ProteinSources💪🏼 (@protein_sources) on Jan 13, 2020 at 9:43pm PST

22. Cooking your eggs with veggies or bacon in the hole of an avocado is a really filling, healthy-fat filled meal.

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A post shared by Paleo Living Spices (@paleolivingspices) on Dec 19, 2019 at 3:22pm PST

23. Who says lunch can’t be sweet? These gluten-free pancakes look great and will satisfy all your mid-afternoon cravings.

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A post shared by Julia (@its_lifeonaplatter) on Nov 12, 2019 at 11:50pm PST

24. Trying out veganism for a bit? Check out this yummy plant-based bowl.

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A post shared by Karen (@shineyvegnyc) on Jan 9, 2020 at 11:22am PST