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.

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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

A bowl of colorful coleslaw with shredded purple and green cabbage, carrots, chopped peanuts, and greens, mixed with dressing.
Asian Slaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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

Kachumber salad in a grey bowl.
Kachumber. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

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

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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

A close-up of a plate with bright green guacamole, chopped vegetables, and tortilla chips on the side.
Green Goddess Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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 bowl of tuna salad mixed with chopped herbs, likely parsley or chives, with a spoon resting inside the bowl.
Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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

A close-up of a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and pecans on a plate with a gold fork.
Green Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

A close-up of a salad featuring grilled tofu cubes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and leafy greens, all drizzled with a creamy dressing.
Grilled Paneer Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

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

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Close-up of a dish featuring a creamy yellow curry with chunks of vegetables, cashews, and raisins, garnished with fresh herbs.
Curried Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

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

Roasted beetroot and feta salad in a bowl, with a light pink cloth around it.
Roasted Beetroot and Feta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

A bowl of chopped cucumber salad mixed with nuts and fresh herbs.
Cucumber Peanut Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

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

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

Kala chana chaat served in a blue bowl.
Kala Chana Chaat. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

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

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

Close-up of thinly sliced red onions, marinated with herbs and spices, placed on a white plate.
Laccha Pyaz. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

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

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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!)

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

A plate of watermelon salad with cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and mint leaves, served with a lime wedge.
Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

Chunks of tomato, cucumber, and onion in a bowl.
Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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 bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *