When I Packed These 29 Salads For Lunch, I Actually Looked Forward To It
Lunch used to feel plain and easy to forget. Then came these 29 salads, packed fresh and full of color. Each one brought a new taste that made lunchtime something to enjoy. The day felt better with something light and good waiting in the bag. Simple food made with care turned a small meal into the best part of the day.

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Packing this for lunch feels like a mini treat waiting to happen. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing brings a perfect mix of bold flavors and smooth textures. It strikes that balance between light yet filling, while still being exciting to eat. You might find yourself looking forward to every bite long before lunchtime hits.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Asian Slaw

With its crisp crunch and vibrant vibe, Asian Slaw feels like a fresh twist on lunchtime. It’s simple yet packs enough of a punch to make midday meals interesting. You’ll love how perfect it feels without being too heavy. It’s just the right kind of pick-me-up to brighten your lunch break.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw
Dense Bean Salad

Opening up Dense Bean Salad at lunch is like finding a bowl full of hearty goodness. It’s rich enough to keep you going, but also refreshing in a way that makes eating fun. Perfect for busy days when you need something substantial yet easy to digest. By the time you finish, you’ll feel just right, not weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
Italian Pasta with Salami

With Italian Pasta with Salami, lunch turns into something you’ll eagerly anticipate. It’s got that irresistible mix of bold flavors and comforting textures that make midday meals better. There’s something about the way it comes together that feels effortless yet delicious. You won’t want to leave a single bite untouched before heading back to the grind.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Mango Shrimp Salad

Lunchtime gets a fun twist with Mango Shrimp Salad sitting in your bag. The way its flavors pop and textures combine feels fresh and enjoyable every time. It’s not just a salad; it’s something you’ll actually look forward to digging into. A perfect way to take a break and recharge.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad
Kachumber

Packing Kachumber for lunch gives you a simple yet refreshing way to switch things up. Its mix of crisp ingredients keeps things light without feeling boring. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to enjoy and how good it makes you feel afterward. It’s the kind of thing that makes lunch worth thinking about ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber
Potato Salad

Opening your lunch and seeing Potato Salad is just one of those little things that make the day better. It’s comforting and filling without going overboard, making it perfect for a midday meal. The textures and flavors work so well together, you’ll feel glad you packed it. Lunch feels less like a task and more like a small moment to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Green Goddess Salad

Bowl of Green Goddess Salad in your lunch bag turns a regular break into something better. It’s got that mix of hearty greens and lively flavors that keep things interesting every single bite. It fills you up while still feeling fresh and balanced throughout the meal. By the end, you’ll be glad you made time for it in your day.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad
Tuna Salad

A midday meal featuring Tuna Salad feels like a win every time you open your lunch box. It’s light yet packed enough to hit the spot and keep you focused. The combination of textures makes every forkful enjoyable without being overwhelming. You’ll be ready to tackle the rest of the day with a happy stomach.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad
Green Salad

Lunch breaks get a fresh boost when Green Salad is involved. It’s simple but has enough variety to keep things exciting. The fresh crunch makes it an easy and quick option that feels good to eat. Finished with just the right amount of balance, you’ll find yourself more energized afterward.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad
Grilled Paneer Salad

With Grilled Paneer Salad, you get a mix that feels hearty yet fresh for lunch hour. Packing this dish always feels like a treat waiting to happen later in the day. The grilled flavors paired with crisp ingredients make it something you’ll genuinely enjoy. It’s the kind of meal that makes lunch something worth waiting for.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Paneer Salad
7 Layer Salad

Getting to dig into 7 Layer Salad during lunch breaks feels like discovering a perfectly layered bowl of happiness. It’s got all sorts of flavors working together in every bite. You’ll love how it’s filling without being overwhelming just the right amount for midday energy. It’s not just your everyday lunch, it’s better.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Curried Chicken Salad

Pulling out Curried Chicken Salad during lunch feels exciting because of its flavorful twist. It’s a refreshing break from more typical meals but still easy and comforting to eat. The balance between protein and spices keeps it light yet delicious. You’ll find yourself actually looking forward to finishing every bite.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad
Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad

Lunch becomes a little more interesting with Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad waiting for you. It’s packed with textures and flavors that just seem to click perfectly. It’s filling enough to power you through the day while still offering something new. One bite in, and you’ll be glad you made the choice.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad
Cucumber Peanut Salad

With Cucumber Peanut Salad, lunchtime gets a little more enjoyable thanks to its crunch and balance. It’s a great option for when you want something light but still bold enough to keep things interesting. Each bite brings together freshness with a nutty twist. By the time you finish, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to roll.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Peanut Salad
Honeycrisp Salad

Packing this up felt like I was preparing something truly refreshing for myself. Honeycrisp Salad has this perfect crunch and juiciness that feels like a reward during lunch. There’s something so enjoyable about how everything comes together without overshadowing each other. Definitely worth looking forward to opening at midday.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Kala Chana Chaat

Lunch feels exciting when you know there’s something flavorful waiting for you. Kala Chana Chaat is perfectly balanced with textures and tastes that make each bite enjoyable. It has just the right kick that keeps things interesting but not overwhelming. It’s a hearty option to brighten up the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Kala Chana Chaat
Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Knowing that spicy sweetness is waiting makes lunch break so much better. Hot Honey Chicken Salad brings a smooth blend of flavors and textures that’s anything but boring. It’s the combination that makes every forkful worth it and keeps you looking forward to lunchtime. Feels like a real treat midday.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Laccha Pyaz

There’s a simple charm in layers of flavors and textures. Laccha Pyaz manages to have a crisp and tangy bite that can make lunch feel special. It’s easy to prepare yet feels fresh and exciting to open up hours later. Definitely something to look forward to every time.
Get the Recipe: Laccha Pyaz
Waldorf Salad

Some salads feel like a treat rather than just another meal. Waldorf Salad has that balance of crunchiness and freshness that makes each bite interesting. It feels uplifting to pull it out of your lunch bag and enjoy its subtle sweetness. A perfect midday refreshment that’s tasty in its simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

When packed, the combination stays fresh and ready to impress come lunchtime. Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) makes your lunch hour more fun with its varied textures and light crunch. Every bite feels exciting without feeling heavy. Definitely one of those dishes you’ll want to pack again.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)
Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Feels good knowing your lunch is fresh and full of good vibes. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad combines juicy freshness with just the right hint of creaminess to keep everything light but lively. It’s simple yet tasty when opened midday. A lovely escape from anything too predictable.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

It’s easy to enjoy your lunch hour when you know there’s something wholesome to look forward to. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing strikes the balance between being light yet filling enough to keep you energized. Each bite feels refreshing without being overwhelming. A great choice for packing in advance.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Some mixes just work really well when put together. Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad has that crisp freshness that stays flavorful even hours after being packed. It’s light without feeling underwhelming, leaving you excited to unpack it during lunch. A smart choice, especially when you want something quick and clean.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad
Quinoa Salad

Packing a nutritious lunch doesn’t have to feel boring. Quinoa Salad feels vibrant and wholesome with its mix of textures that stay fresh throughout the day. It’s easy to enjoy even during the busiest afternoons because it doesn’t feel heavy. A reliable favorite any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad
Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bold and crunchy lunch always feels worth waiting for. Red Cabbage Coleslaw packs well, remaining crisp and full of texture and flavor. It’s something different yet approachable that adds variety to your midday meal. Feels refreshing every time you reach for it.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Pizza Salad

Who wouldn’t enjoy a lunchtime surprise that keeps things exciting, Pizza Salad is exactly what makes your midday break more fun, with a playful combination of textures. It’s filling without being overwhelming and offers something familiar yet fresh all at once. Definitely a crowd-pleaser even in a lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad

Some combinations feel effortlessly refreshing. Cucumber Tomato Salad is light and crisp, making it the kind of meal you genuinely look forward to opening. It doesn’t overpower but still feels flavorful enough to keep things fun. An easy win for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad
Macaroni Salad

There’s comfort in packing a classic that’s never dull. Macaroni Salad brings the perfect pairing of creamy and filling, ready to keep you going through the day. It’s hearty while still being enjoyable, staying fresh when the lunch break finally rolls around. A great fit for busy schedules or slow afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
