5 Desk Lunches That Are Anything but Sad

Photo: Ed Anderson

Chilled Noodles

Elevate your desk lunch with Patricia Heaton's Chilled Noodles. Inspired by her cash-strapped days as a struggling actress in New York City, these sweet and tangy sesame noodles with a peanutty crunch infuse lunchtime with flavor without breaking the bank.

Get the recipe: Patricia Heaton's Chilled Noodle Recipe

Photo: Aubrie Pick

Marinated Salumi Sandwiches

Giada De Laurentiis's Marinated Salumi Sandwich is a flavorful twist on the classic bologna, evoking childhood memories of packed lunches. Packed with charcuterie, cheese, and greens, it's a guaranteed hit that gets better with time. Her secret ingredient? Basil-almond pesto, adding a bright and herby kick.

Get the recipe: Marinated Salumi Sandwiches

Photo: Erin Kunkel

Curried Chicken Salad

Upgrade your lunch with this healthy rendition of chicken salad, featuring nonfat yogurt, cumin, turmeric, and hearty cashews for extra satisfaction. Portable and versatile, it's perfect on its own, in a sandwich, or stuffed into avocado halves.

Get the recipe: Curried Chicken Salad Recipe

Photo: The Jewels of New York

Summer Pasta Salad

Every bite of this pasta sings with lemon, garlic, and mint, thanks to orecchiette pasta that catches all the flavorful bits. Assemble ahead of time, with the dressing kept separate until serving, for a refreshing and convenient desk lunch option.

Get the recipe: Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

Photo: Sonja and Alex Overhiser

Artichoke Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde

Experience the play of contrasts in this hearty dish, where bright snow peas and artichokes meet dark and earthy kale and lentils. Top it off with Italian salsa verde, combining lemon, garlic, parsley, and capers for a burst of fresh flavor.

Get the recipe: Artichoke Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde

Photo: Paul Sirisalee

Kale Pesto Bulgur Salad

Busy cooks rejoice with this ultrahealthy and utterly tasty salad featuring bulgur, fresh veggies and crunchy almonds. Soak the bulgur overnight so the salad is ready for assembly the next morning.

Get the recipe: Kale Pesto Bulgur Salad Recipe

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