If you love healthy food, your usual boring office lunch won’t cut it. You need a healthy and satisfying alternative to keep up the energy through the workday! One that keeps you amped up to tackle whatever comes your way, and up your productivity levels. Moreover, having a delicious and healthy meal gives you something to look forward to. It also boosts concentration and prevents midday energy dips.

As much as preparing meals from scratch at home is good, most professionals resort to convenient solutions like office lunch catering to ensure a balanced and fresh diet without taking the effort to prepare meals. A balanced office lunch benefits more than one's hunger, as a well-nourished meal can affect employees' welfare. Research indicates that well-balanced meals loaded with fiber, proteins, and dietary fats enhance concentration, keep one's sugar level stable, and aid digestion.

Whether cooking at home or having catered office meals, choosing the right options could be the difference between a good and bad workday. Read on to explore a few healthy office lunch catering ideas.

Protein-Packed Wraps

Wraps are a convenient easy-to-eat lunch option that can easily be customized based on dietary needs. For the best wraps, use:

- Whole wheat or spinach wraps

- Lean proteins like turkey, tofu, or grilled chicken

- Fresh leafy greens such as spinach or arugula

- Hummus or avocado spread for added nutrition

These wraps have a good balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fat to keep you full and satisfied.

For extra flavor, add roasted red peppers, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of feta cheese. If you prefer some heat, a dash of sriracha or a drizzle of light chipotle sauce will enhance the flavor without adding extra calories. Salad jars can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making them a great grab-and-go meal.

Hearty Salads

A refreshing Greek Salad from Empanada Mama.

Salads are a convenient way to enjoy a healthy meal without the risk of soggy greens. Layer ingredients in the following order for an amazing and refreshing bite:

Dressing at the bottom (balsamic vinaigrette, lemon tahini, or Greek yogurt-based dressing)
Hearty ingredients such as chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes
Fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and shredded carrots
A protein source such as grilled chicken or tofu
Leafy greens on top to keep it fresh

Greek salad, Cobb salad, and chickpea salad are a few popular options.

Salads are great for meal prepping since they can be made several days in advance and stay fresh. Mix things up by trying different dressings, such as honey mustard or miso ginger. Add some nuts or seeds, like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, for extra texture. If you’re looking for amazing salads to try, visit Empanada Mama today!

Hearty Soup & Sandwich Combos

When it is cold outside, what could make a better meal than a hot bowl of soup with some rice? It is a great option for a healthy and nutrient-packed office lunch. A few healthy combinations you can try out are:

Pumpkin tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich
If you’re a soup and sandwich purist, try split pea soup paired with a yummy ham and cheese sandwich.
If you want to be transported into an NYC deli, try some matzo ball soup with a Reuben sandwich.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try our Sancocho De Cola – Colombian-style oxtail soup with yucca, green plantains, corn on the cob, recite, cilantro & onions with a side of white or yellow rice

The best soups are packed with flavor and healthy nutrient options, designed to keep you fresh and ready throughout the day.

Soups are also an excellent means of adding vegetables to your diet. If you’re feeling like eating some Italian food, try some roasted garlic and basil tomato soup with a mozzarella and pesto sandwich. Lentil soup, which is high in fiber and protein, can be served with a grilled vegetable sandwich. The best part? You can batch these up and freeze them to always have a nutritious and quick meal whenever needed.

Grain Bowls with a Power Boost

Grain bowls offer a perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. A well-rounded grain bowl includes:

Base Options: Brown rice, quinoa, or farro
Toppings: Roasted vegetables, chicken or tofu, nuts, and seeds
Dressing: A flavorful tahini or lemon herb dressing

These bowls are satisfying and can be prepared in advance.

A spoonful of fermented foods, such as kimchi or pickled radish, can do wonders for gut health while also enhancing the dish’s overall flavor. Roasted beets or sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants. These bowls are highly adaptable, making them a great choice for anyone following a special diet.

Guilt-Free Pasta Alternatives

For all pasta lovers out there, some healthier alternatives can provide the same satisfaction without consuming too many carbs. Try:

- Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): With fresh pesto and cherry tomatoes tossed in thinly sliced zucchini.

- Chickpea Pasta: Grilled shrimp or tofu and light marinara sauce served with pasta from chickpea flour.

These dishes offer protein and fiber without making meals heavy. Lean proteins such as turkey meatballs or grilled fish add filling to pasta alternatives. Spiral vegetables like carrots or butternut squash also bring variety to regular pasta meals.

Empanadas: A Tasty and Filling Choice

Bourbon Chicken Melt from Empanada Mama.

Empanadas are one of the best options for a quick, easy, and healthy office lunch. Empanadas are packed with protein, vegetables, and flavorful spices, making them a satisfying and balanced meal. With a crispy, golden crust and a variety of fillings such as seasoned meats, beans, cheese, or roasted vegetables, we provide a perfect blend of texture and taste. They contain the following fillings:

- Vegetarian: Spinach and cheese, black beans, and sweet potatoes

- Chicken: Grilled chicken, mushrooms, and onions

- Beef: Classic beef and cheese, spicy beef

If you’re looking for the best empanadas in town, look no further than Empanada Mama. With a range of empanadas, we can satisfy your cravings in no time!

DIY Bento Boxes

Bento boxes provide a balanced, portioned lunch. An ideal bento box contains:

- Protein: Grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs

- Whole Grains: Brown rice or quinoa

- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, sliced bell peppers, and cucumbers

- Fruits: Apple slices or fresh berries

A bento box is your best pick if you’re looking for a meal-for-one option that is nutritious and delicious.

Healthy Snack Boards

Healthy snack boards are an amazing choice for those looking to diversify the number of palates one plate can satisfy. It provides a balanced mix of nutrition including:

- Nuts and seeds for protein

- Cheese for healthy fat

- Hummus for protein and fiber

- Fresh fruit and whole-grain crackers for crunch

If you’re looking for healthy office lunch catering ideas, visit Empanada Mama for our diverse catering menu, designed for all!

Light and Fresh Sushi Rolls

For office lunch catering options that are convenient, light, and gorgeous, why not pick refreshing sushi rolls? To cater to a diverse range of preferences, offer a well-balanced selection that includes:

- Brown rice sushi for fiber

- Veggie rolls with avocado, cucumber, and more

- Salmon and avocado rolls for a healthy dose of omega-3s

- Meatier options like beef bulgogi, bacon and avocado, and unagi roll.

Noodle Bars

If you prefer to give your team an option that is versatile, and easily customizable, a noodle bar is the perfect choice. The best option would be to design it in a way that lets everyone customize their bowl. When designing a noodle bar, remember to:

Keep it dietary-friendly and inclusive with gluten-free(rice noodles), vegan (tofu, veggie broth), or even a protein-packed chicken noodle option.
Keep it mess-free and easy to eat with easy plating and serving stations that reduce spillage and promote interactions.
Keep the wastage to a minimum by offering guests only the amount they ask for.

Why Office Lunch Catering is the Smart Decision

With the right tips and tricks up your sleeve, office lunch catering can be a dream come true. Selecting office lunch catering helps you:

Saves time: Picking office lunch catering lets you save time that would otherwise go into curating special menus, finding servers, and handling logistics. Since they don't have to go out for lunch, employees also save time and energy.
Offers variety in one place: One of the many advantages of office lunch catering is the variety and customization options that it offers. You can provide healthy lunches catered to a wide range of tastes and preferences in one go, keeping everyone happy.
Boosts team bonding: With office lunch catering, you can be sure that your team will have a good time! Sharing meals lets you connect, collaborate, and create meaningful bonds.
Encourages healthier eating: Creating a balanced and nutritious office lunch catering menu ensures that everyone is eating healthy and energized throughout the day.

Good food makes good teams thrive. With Empanada Mama, finding healthy, delicious, and nutritious office lunch options is no longer a dream, but a reality! Place your order today and treat your team to a meal they will love!

10 Healthy and Easy Office Lunch Ideas