Five weekday lunches: 5 different recipes and a simple daily packing plan for work this week

Monday 20 July 2026 15:30 - Mirella Mendonça
Five weekday lunches: 5 different recipes and a simple daily packing plan for work this week

Packing your lunch for the week doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple, balanced, and easy-to-pack recipes, you can eat well at work without always falling back on the same options.

The idea is to mix it up with hearty salads, wraps, sandwiches, and cold dishes that hold up well for a few hours in the fridge and still taste great at lunchtime.

With these five recipes from Petitchef, it’s easier to plan your lunches for the week, save time, and ensure varied, tasty meals that fit your work routine.


Monday: creamy spelt salad with zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes

To start the week off, this creamy spelt salad with zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes is a great choice. Rich in vegetables and packed with nutrients, it can be prepared in advance and enjoyed cold, without needing to be microwaved.

Creamy farro salad with zucchini, eggplant and cherry tomatoesRecipe Creamy farro salad with zucchini, eggplant and cherry tomatoes

Farro salad with roasted vegetables is a fresh, colorful dish that's perfect for the warmer months. Made with zucchini , eggplant and roasted cherry tomatoes , it combines the sweetness of baked vegetables with a creamy dressing of Greek yogurt,...


Tuesday: cheddar cheese, ham, and spinach wrap

On Tuesday, the cheddar cheese, ham, and spinach wrap is a quick and convenient option. It’s easy to wrap, carry, and eat; perfect for those days when lunch needs to be simple but still tasty.

Spinach, ham and cheddar wrapsRecipe Spinach, ham and cheddar wraps

For an easy meal that is quick and no-cook, try our spinach, ham, and cheddar wraps! A lighter sandwich than traditional ones, as we replace thick bread with soft, thin wheat tortillas. Perfect for picnics or lunch breaks at work. And of course, we...

Wednesday: cucumber, chickpea, avocado, and feta cheese salad

For Wednesday, this cucumber, chickpea, avocado, and feta cheese salad offers just the right balance of freshness and substance. The chickpeas help keep you feeling full, while the avocado and feta cheese make the salad creamier and full of flavor.

Cucumber, roasted chickpea, avocado and feta saladRecipe Cucumber, roasted chickpea, avocado and feta salad

Fancy a complete salad that's a little different from the classics? This version ticks all the boxes! Between the crunch of the cucumber, the creaminess of the avocado and the crisp, spicy chickpeas, every bite is full of texture and flavor. The...

Thursday: orzo pasta salad with salmon and zucchini

On Thursday, we recommend the Orzo Pasta Salad with Salmon and Zucchini. This satisfying and balanced recipe combines pasta, fish, and vegetables, and works great as a cold dish to pack in your lunchbox.

Orzo pasta salad with salmon and zucchiniRecipe Orzo pasta salad with salmon and zucchini

See the rice? Now imagine it... in pasta form! Orzo pasta is perfect for complete salads that are both light and satisfying. Here, they are combined with melting salmon , tender zucchini and a handful of arugula for a touch of freshness. Lemon...

Friday: marinated chicken sandwich with salad

To wrap up the week, the marinated chicken sandwich with salad is perfect for a lighter, more convenient Friday meal. To preserve the texture, the tip is to pack the sauce separately and assemble or finish the sandwich just before eating.

Marinated chicken sandwich with coleslaw, tomatoes, and basilRecipe Marinated chicken sandwich with coleslaw, tomatoes, and basil

Not just for burgers, burger buns are perfect for cold sandwiches, adding an extra soft touch! This recipe combines lemon-marinated chicken, coleslaw, tomatoes, and basil. Enjoy your meal!

Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

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