Heading back to the office is synonymous with packing a lunchbox . . . again! Say goodbye to your boring old ham-and-cheese sandwich, because we’ve got a ton of lunch ideas that will titillate your tastebuds and wow your colleagues!
The sandwich, reinvented
We’ve got nothing against the classic sandwich. In fact, we love just how versatile it is and how easy and fun it is to reinvent it!
The pizza bagel: a delicious duo
Swap out your traditional cream cheese and smoked salmon with your favourite pizza toppings. The idea is simple: spread tomato sauce on your sliced bagel, add pepperoni, olives, diced peppers (or any other veggie you have on hand), then set to broil until done. Enjoy it hot or cold!
Scandinavian tartine: Nordic sandwich
Are you familiar with smørrebrød? This term, which means “butter and bread” in Danish, is an open-faced sandwich made with rye bread, topped with crème fraîche or goat cheese, gravlax, Nordic shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs. Add some fresh herbs, pickled red onions, and spices, and you’ve got yourself an original lunch ready in just a few minutes!
Gourmet salads
When you think of salad, do you picture it as a side dish only? Doesn’t have to be—salads can be the star of the show come lunchtime! You might be surprised just how filling and delicious a gourmet salad can be!
Salad in 5 easy steps
Incorporate the following ingredients to transform your salad into a complete, balanced meal:.
Grains or legumes: For a salad that’ll keep you feeling full until dinner, add some quinoa, couscous, chickpeas, or whole-grain or wild rice.
Veggies: Add some freshness to your plate with shredded carrots, red cabbage, radishes, or thinly sliced cucumbers.
Protein: For a heartier salad, add some cold chicken or salmon, smoked tofu, a hard-boiled egg, or cheese, such as halloumi, feta, or goat.
Dried fruits and nuts: The secret to a succulent salad? Combine sweet and salty flavours. Simply add a handful of dried fruits or maple-flavoured nuts.
An original dressing: In the mood for something different? Try lesser-known ingredients, such as tahini, sesame oil, plain yogurt, or herb pesto.
Quick and easy salad
Who has time to prepare a well-balanced lunch in the morning? Here are our top time-saving tips:
Save precious time by roasting vegetables in the oven—they make the perfect addition to any salad.
When preparing dinner, make sure to cook extra portions of protein to add to your lunch the next day.
The bento box: from the land of the rising sun
Are you familiar with the bento box? This traditional Japanese meal is a single-serving packed meal, divided into various compartments. It often features rice as the base, but you can use whatever you like and have on hand.
To create a bento-style lunch, we recommend using sushi rice, but any other rice will do just fine, too! Then add some protein, such as shrimp, fish, marinated tofu, or hard-boiled eggs, as well as some thinly sliced vegetables. Succulent, elegant, and colourful, the bento box is a feast for the tastebuds AND the eyes!
With some organization and originality, your lunches will make your mouth water . . . and be the talk of the office!
