Sometimes lettuce/greens-based salads just don't cut it for lunch when you're on the Paleo or AIP diet. When I first went paleo in 2010, I had no idea what else I could pack for my lunch every day besides a big salad. They were pretty exciting and delicious for a while: I would use fresh local produce from the farmer's market and top them with hard boiled eggs from my friend's farm that had the most gorgeous dark orange creamy yolks I've ever seen.
But after about a month of that, I was tired of variations on the same thing all the time. My solution then was to buy one of these thermal containers so that I could take leftovers from supper to work and they'd still be piping hot at lunch time (I didn't want to use the microwave at work for reheating since I don't like the way it changes the texture of food). Just bring a bowl (or leave one at work) to dump your meal into and enjoy :)
Luckily, there are a TON of things you can pack for a healthy, satisfying Paleo lunch that aren't boring old greens-based salads. I've collected 20+ easy recipes here for you to try. Enjoy!
Recipes to make ahead and reheat at work, or warm at home and pack into a thermal container:
If you don't already have an office toaster oven, fix that!! Speak to your supervisor about having one added to your break room, if you have one. Your colleagues will surely appreciate it, too. If you have to buy one and bring it in to share, it will be worth the small investment, especially if it saves you from needing to eat out for lunch on your workdays. Two or three lunches eaten out cover the cost of a basic model that will get the job done!
And, again, this thermal container is AMAZING at keeping food hot for 6-7 hours. It's been a lifesaver for me!
Smoked Salmon Egg-Stuffed Avocados by Grok Grub
Bacon and Jalapeno Paleo Chicken Bites by The Paleo Fix
"Cheesy" Chicken Casserole (AIP) by Empowered Sustenance
Paleo Curried Lemon Coconut Chicken by Pure and Simple Nourishment
Slow Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja by The Curious Coconut
Unrolled Cabbage Rolls by The Curious Coconut
Cuban Lechon Asado (slow cooker or Instant Pot) by The Curious Coconut
Recipes to enjoy chilled:
Crustless Bacon Paleo Quiche by The Paleo Fix
Paleo Souffle Spice Pancakes by Colorful Eats which Caroline let me know make the BEST lunch since they taste great slightly cold, too!
Lunchtime Mezza for One by And Here We Are
Paleo Creamy Herb Chicken Salad with Pomegranate by Recipes to Nourish
Swanky Sardines by Au Naturale Nutrition
Venezuelan Reina Pepiada (avocado chicken salad) by The Curious Coconut
Curried Chicken Salad Flatbread Sandwiches by The Curious Coconut
Rich and Creamy Beef Liver Pate with Blueberry Jelly (AIP) by The Curious Coconut
Paleo Kids Lunches by Hollywood Homestead - just increase the serving sizes for adults and these look GREAT!
Breads and crackers for sandwiches or to pair with the chilled recipes above:
Paleo Sandwich Rounds by Empowered Sustenance
The Perfect Paleo Crackers by The Curious Coconut
Autoimmune Paleo Dinner Rolls by The Curious Coconut
2-Ingredient Plantain Muffins or Pancakes by The Sweet Plantain
Paleo "Corn"bread Muffins by Empowered Sustenance
