Midday meals are key to keeping employees happy and productive. Studies show a 67% jump in job satisfaction with a meal program. Adding office lunch catering boosts company culture and work output. This guide offers 11 easy and affordable lunch ideas for teams, perfect for corporate meals and team building.

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Key Takeaways

  • Office lunch catering can significantly boost employee satisfaction and productivity.
  • Affordable team meals range from $10 to $30 per person, depending on the option chosen.
  • Sandwiches, wraps, and pizza are popular corporate lunch options that cater to various dietary preferences.
  • Healthy lunch options usually fall between $15 and $25 per plate.
  • The lunch ideas provided encompass a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and protein-rich choices.

Sandwich Platters

Sandwich platters are great for many events and are easy to serve. They offer a way to have a custom lunch that’s easy to take and serve. Sandwiches can also be individually bagged to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, making them convenient for everyone. This makes them perfect for work events or parties where people like different foods, and sandwich platters are a classic work lunch option.

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Ingredients and Assembly

Sandwich platters are easy to make because of their many ingredients and simple setup. A typical platter has:

  • Assorted bread like sourdough, rye, brown bread, or wholemeal
  • Deli meats such as turkey, ham, and roast beef
  • Various cheeses, including cheddar, Swiss, and provolone
  • Toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles
  • Condiments like mustard, mayo, and hummus

This mix means there’s something for everyone, no matter their taste or diet. Assembling sandwiches for groups is easy and fun, letting guests make their own perfect sandwich.

Benefits of Sandwich Platters

Sandwich platters are great for many reasons. They make easy-to-serve office lunches by saving time and effort. They also encourage shared meals, which foster team bonding and help build stronger connections among colleagues. They work well for different diets, like vegetarian or gluten-free, making them perfect for any event.

These platters look good and are sure to impress. They often come with sides like chips, salads, or fruit, making the meal better. They are a budget-friendly and easy sandwich catering choice that makes planning events easier.

Looking for tasty and flexible lunch options? Try adding Mediterranean bowls or poke bowls to your menu. For more ideas on catering, check out this link about sandwich catering. Sharing lunch with sandwich platters can help build relationships and enhance communication among team members.

Catering OptionDescriptionIdeal ForSandwich PlattersA variety of sandwiches with diverse fillings and sidesCorporate events, team lunchesPizza BuffetAll-you-can-eat pizza with assorted flavors and toppingsCasual gatherings, team celebrationsWrap PlattersCustomizable wraps catering to various dietary needsHealth-conscious events, diverse dietary requirementsSalad BowlsNutritious and customizable salad optionsHealth-focused events, lighter meal options

For more catering ideas, especially for work lunches, check out this resource.

Wrap Platters

Wrap platters are great for team lunches. They are easy to make and can be customized for everyone. Let’s look at how to make perfect wrap platters for teams.

Choosing the Right Tortillas

Choosing the right tortillas is key for a tasty wrap platter. You should think about different diets when picking. You can choose from flour, corn, whole wheat, or gluten-free tortillas.

Creative Fillings and Toppings

Wraps are fun because you can use many fillings. You can pick from chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp. Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and various sauces for flavor and texture.

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Presentation Tips for Wrap Platters

How your wrap platter looks matters a lot. Put the wraps on a platter neatly with colorful garnishes like veggies and herbs. Add dips like salsa, hummus, and guacamole for more fun.

For an even more engaging and social lunch experience, consider setting up interactive food stations where guests can build their own wraps with a variety of fillings and toppings.

Tortilla TypesPopular FillingsTopping SuggestionsDipping OptionsFlourChickenLettuceSalsaCornBeefTomatoesHummusWhole WheatTofuCheeseGuacamoleGluten-FreeShrimpOnionsYogurt Dip

Salad Bowls

Salad bowls are great for a healthy lunch. They are affordable and can be made to fit what you like. They’re perfect for office lunches and events because they are easy to make and nutritious.

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Grain salad bowls are a top pick. They mix greens, grains, beans, veggies, and tasty sauces. You can make many different kinds, making them a hit with those who care about health. Here are some key things to add to your salad bowl:

  • Greens: Use mixed greens, spinach, arugula, and kale for a fresh base.
  • Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and barley add fiber.
  • Beans and Legumes: Chickpeas, black beans, lentils, and edamame give plant-based protein.
  • Vegetables: Add cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms for flavor and nutrition.
  • Healthy Fats: Cheese, nuts, and avocado add rich textures and tastes.
  • Dressings: Choose homemade vinaigrettes, salsa, hummus, sesame oil, soy sauce, vegan Caesar, or creamy herb dressings.

These bowls are easy to make and quick to prepare. Here are some fun recipe ideas to try:

RecipeIngredientsDressingQuinoa Chickpea SaladQuinoa, chickpeas, mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoesLemon vinaigretteKale with Brown Rice and EdamameKale, brown rice, edamame, snap peas, carrotsSesame soy dressingSpinach with Barley and LentilsSpinach, barley, lentils, arugula, mushroomsHummus dressingFall Harvest SaladWatermelon, butternut squash, farro, kale, nutsMaple balsamic vinaigrette

Salad bowls are great for many diets, like Dairy-free, Eggless, Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Whole30. They are easy to make and loved by many. Salad bowls are a tasty and healthy choice for any office lunch.

Pasta Salads

Pasta salads are great for group meals because they are easy to make and loved by many. They can be made with many ingredients and flavors. This makes them perfect for team lunches.

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There are 24 pasta salad recipes to choose from. Some top picks include:

  • Mediterranean Pasta Salad: It’s full of Mediterranean flavors.
  • Greek Pasta Salad: Another great choice with Mediterranean tastes.
  • Best Pasta Salad: It has fresh veggies, feta cheese, and a tasty dressing.
  • Grilled Chicken Cajun Pasta Salad: It’s spicy and full of flavor.
  • Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: It’s packed with protein-rich chicken.
  • Thai Chicken Peanut Pasta Salad: This one has bold flavors.
  • Ramen Noodle Salad: A fun twist on traditional pasta salads.

Assembling and Mixing Tips

Putting together pasta salads is easy. Here are some tips to make your pasta salad catering a hit:

  1. Choose the Right Pasta: Pick pasta shapes like orecchiette, orzo, or macaroni that work well in salads.
  2. Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop veggies, cook chicken or seafood, and make dressings early to save time.
  3. Mix Just Before Serving: Put everything together and add dressings right before serving to keep the flavors and texture great.
  4. Consider Dietary Restrictions: Offer different pasta salads for various diets, like vegetarian or gluten-free.

Why Pasta Salads Are Crowd-Pleasers

Pasta salads are loved for many reasons:

  • Variety: There are many pasta salad types to fit every taste, from spicy to creamy or tangy.
  • Ease of Preparation: They’re easy to make in large amounts, making them perfect for group meals. This makes pasta salads especially ideal for large groups and team events.
  • Customizability: You can change up pasta salads with different veggies, proteins, and dressings for everyone’s taste.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Many pasta salads can be made before serving, letting flavors get better over time. They’re great for meal prep.

Pasta salads are a top pick for team meals. They’re easy to make, loved by many, and fit many tastes.

Grilled Chicken or Vegetable Skewers

Grilled chicken or vegetable skewers are great for team lunches. They are nutritious and taste good. They are easy to make but look impressive. This makes them a top pick for office meals.

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Marinade and Seasoning Ideas

Marinades make skewers taste amazing. You can use olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, and herbs. For chicken skewers, mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, thyme, and garlic for flavor.

Vegetable skewers are great with balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and oregano. Try different mixes to find your team’s favorite.

Skewer Assembly and Grilling Tips

Putting together skewers is easy but important for even cooking. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to stop them from burning. Add chicken, red bell peppers, zucchinis, and red onions to the skewers.

Heat your grill to 375°F. Put the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn them a few times to cook evenly. Make sure chicken is at 165°F.

For leftovers, reheat with olive oil. Serve in low-carb pitas or tortillas for a new twist. Grilled skewers are ideal for any office event.

  1. Marinate chicken or vegetables for at least four hours.
  2. Soak wooden skewers for 20 minutes before use.
  3. Preheat grill to 375°F.
  4. Grill assembled skewers for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Ensure internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F.

Quiche or Frittatas

Quiches and frittatas are great for team lunches. They are easy to make and offer many tasty options. These dishes are perfect for brunch with your team, from morning to afternoon. They come from France and Italy, bringing unique tastes and ways of making them.

Common Fillings and Flavor Combinations

Quiche recipes let you get creative with ingredients. You can go for a classic mix like Swiss cheese, sautéed onion, and bacon. Or try something new like caramelized onions and Gruyére cheese.

For vegetarians, fillings can include fresh veggies like asparagus, zucchini, and tomatoes. These are often mixed with rich cheeses like ricotta or cheddar. Meat lovers can choose from ham and cheese to ground beef with shredded potatoes as the crust.

Frittata catering focuses on simplicity and freshness. A great filling might be asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, and ricotta, inspired by Italy. Another favorite is roasted sweet potato and kale frittata with creamy goat cheese. For a quick, healthy meal, try a Mexican-inspired frittata ready in 20 minutes with Tex-Mex flavors.

Preparation and Cooking Tips

Preparing quiches often means making a crust. You can use a traditional pie crust, a crispy cheddar hash brown crust, or a gluten-free almond flour crust. After the crust is ready, add a mix of eggs, milk or cream, and your chosen fillings. Then bake it in the oven. Many recipes suggest letting the quiche cool, which makes it taste better when served chilled.

Frittatas are quicker to make because they don’t need a crust and rarely use milk or cream. They are cooked on the stovetop. The eggs are mixed with fillings and then fried until they set. Frittatas can be served hot right from the skillet, making them perfect for eating now.

Benefits of Serving Quiche or Frittatas

Quiches and frittatas are great for team lunches because they’re easy to make. They can feed a lot of people with ingredients you already have. Plus, you can make individual portions or mini quiches ahead of time and freeze them. This makes them easy for meal prep and helps reduce food waste.

  1. Customizable to varied tastes: Choose from many fillings like vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
  2. Versatile: Good for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
  3. Economical: Uses ingredients you can easily find.
  4. Convenient: Most recipes are quick to make, taking from 15 minutes to an hour.

These savory dishes make any meal special, whether it’s for a casual office lunch or a fancy brunch. With frittata catering and many quiche recipes, there’s a dish for every taste.

Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are great for *comforting office meals*. They bring warmth and satisfaction to those eating at lunch. These dishes are perfect for the fall season. They can have many ingredients, like beef and potatoes, or fresh herbs and root vegetables for vegetarians.

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Soups and stews are simple to make, making them perfect for *easy soup catering* at work. They fit many diets and are easy on the wallet. You can make them quickly with rotisserie chicken, ready in under 30 minutes, for big groups.

There are many ways to prepare these meals, like using slow cookers, microwaves, or multi-cookers. You can use ingredients like tortellini, fresh-baked biscuits, cheese, and meats and veggies. These dishes can be inspired by different cultures, like Mexican-style tortilla soup or gumbo from New Orleans.

Here is a table with details about these recipes:

Recipe TypeIngredientsPrep & Cook TimeSpecial FeaturesHearty Beef StewBeef, potatoes, carrots, peas1 hourRich, savory flavorChicken Tortilla SoupChicken, tortillas, avocado, black beans30 minMexican-inspiredVegetarian MinestronePasta, beans, tomato, spinach40 minHigh in fiber

To make meals more special, you can add toppings like avocados or serve with cheesy garlic bread. You can also offer different garnishes. Whether it’s pork stew or chicken and dumplings soup, these dishes will please everyone at work.

In summary, soups and stews add flavor and a sense of community to the office. They are easy to make and serve, making them great for *comforting office meals*. Try adding these dishes to your next team lunch for a warm, satisfying meal.

Team Lunch Ideas: Taco or Nacho Bars

Taco or nacho bars make team lunches fun and engaging. They offer a Mexican-themed catering experience that fits many diets, like vegan and gluten-free. Choosing a fun theme, like a taco or nacho bar, can make the lunch even more engaging and enjoyable for everyone. The taco bar setup is easy, and nacho bars let everyone customize their food. This makes lunch fun and interactive for the team.

Planning this meal is easy and encourages creativity in how you present the food. Exploring different theme ideas for your taco or nacho bar can keep team lunches exciting and help boost morale.

Essential Ingredients for Taco Bars

Start your taco bar with the right ingredients. Make sure you have enough soft and hard shell tortillas for everyone. Use 18 pounds of ground beef for a big group.

Include a variety of toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, and different salsas. Offer 2 to 3 tacos per guest, and more for teens.

Use quick delivery packaging to make prep easy. Serve food in Crock-Pots and chafing dishes to keep things fresh. Arrange your serving items in order, starting with utensils and ending with toppings.

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Setting Up a Delicious Nacho Bar

A nacho bar is great for fun lunch stations. Use a lot of cheese and all the toppings you need. Popular toppings include salsa, green onions, and refried beans.

Add cooked chicken for extra protein. Label the salsa and have Tums on hand for spice lovers.

Setting up a nacho bar is easy and fun, making it a hit with guests. Check out this guide for more tips.

Catering Tips for Taco and Nacho Bars

Make your catering stand out with careful planning and presentation. Tacos are easy to make ahead of time. Serve Churros and Tres Leches Cake alongside your main dishes.

Use a taco bar guide to plan your event. Plan for 15 pounds of meat per 100 people and 2-3 tacos per guest. Nacho cheese can be ready in just 2-3 minutes in the microwave.

Follow these checklists and tips for a successful catering event. Your guests will enjoy a delicious, budget-friendly meal that’s also healthy.

Sushi Platters

Sushi platters are a great choice for team lunches. They are both fancy and healthy. They come with many sushi rolls, so everyone can find something they like. This makes them perfect for corporate events.

Types of Sushi Rolls to Include

When picking sushi rolls for a team, mix traditional and new ones. Use both cooked and raw to please everyone. Here are some top sushi rolls to add:

  1. Shrimp Tempura Roll: Deliciously crispy shrimp paired with avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo.
  2. California Roll: A classic choice with Krab sticks, avocado, and cucumber.
  3. Spicy Tuna Roll: Sushi-grade tuna mixed with spicy mayo, providing a flavorful kick.
  4. Avocado Roll: A simple yet satisfying option for vegetarians, featuring fresh avocado slices.
  5. Philadelphia Roll: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber create a rich and creamy taste.

Health Benefits of Sushi

Choosing sushi platters for lunch is a smart health move. Sushi is low in bad fats and high in good stuff like omega-3s. These are great for your heart.

NutrientBenefitOmega-3 Fatty AcidsSupports heart health and brain function.ProteinAids in muscle repair and growth.VitaminsProvides essential vitamins such as B12, A, and D.MineralsContains minerals like iodine and selenium for thyroid function and antioxidant defense.

Adding sushi to team lunches brings lots of flavors and nutrients. It’s a great way to keep your team healthy and happy. This makes sushi a top pick for corporate lunches.

Involving Remote Team Members

In today’s flexible work environment, involving remote team members in team lunches is essential for building a strong, inclusive company culture. When everyone—no matter where they work—feels connected, it boosts morale, encourages employees to share ideas, and helps the whole team stay engaged. Here’s how you can make sure your team lunches include every team member, whether they’re in the office or working remotely.

Virtual Lunch Ideas

Bringing remote team members together for lunch doesn’t have to be complicated. There are plenty of creative lunch ideas that make everyone feel included, no matter where they are. Try hosting a virtual potluck, where each team member prepares their favorite homemade food and shares recipes over a video call. This is a fun way to swap recipes, show off cooking skills, and discover new dishes from different countries or cultures.

Another great option is to organize online cooking classes during the lunch hour. Team members can learn new cooking skills together, making the lunch break both educational and interactive. For a more relaxed setting, set up regular video call lunches where team members can catch up, discuss ongoing projects, or simply enjoy some delicious food together. You can even add a fun twist with virtual game nights or trivia sessions during lunch, turning a simple meal into a lively team bonding experience.

Hybrid Lunch Logistics

Coordinating team lunches for both in-office and remote team members requires a bit of planning, but it’s well worth the effort. Start by making sure everyone has access to the same food options. Sending meal credits or gift cards to remote team members allows them to order their favorite food from local restaurants or food trucks, so no one misses out on the free lunch experience.

Set up a shared online calendar to schedule regular team lunches, making it easy for everyone to join in, whether they’re at the office or dialing in from home. During the lunch hour, host a video call so all team members can eat together, share ideas, and enjoy the same meal, even if it’s from different food trucks or kitchens. This approach ensures that every team member feels included and valued, helping to strengthen team spirit and company culture.

Keeping Remote Employees Engaged

Keeping remote employees engaged during team lunches takes a little creativity, but the payoff is a more connected and motivated team. Encourage remote team members to actively participate in virtual lunch meetings by sharing their thoughts, ideas, and even their own lunch creations. Create a sense of community by setting up online forums or social media groups where employees can post photos of their meals, swap recipes, or start conversations about their favorite lunch ideas.

Recognize and reward remote team members for their contributions, whether it’s through shout-outs during lunch or small prizes for the best homemade food. Provide opportunities for remote employees to connect with in-office team members through team building activities, brainstorming sessions, or themed lunch events. By making every team member feel seen and appreciated, you’ll build camaraderie and ensure that your team lunches are a meaningful experience for everyone.

Making Team Lunches Engaging

A successful team lunch is about more than just delicious food—it’s about creating an environment where team members can relax, connect, and build lasting relationships. Engaging team lunches help encourage conversation, spark creativity, and make the lunch hour a highlight of the workday. Here’s how to make your next team lunch a memorable and meaningful experience.

Conversation Starters and Icebreakers

Getting the conversation flowing is key to a lively atmosphere at team lunches. Start with simple conversation starters, like asking team members to share their favorite hobbies, comfort food, or a fun fact about themselves. Games like “two truths and a lie” or quick-fire trivia are great ways to break the ice and get everyone laughing.

Themed lunch ideas can also encourage employees to open up. Try a baked potato bar, where team members can customize their own baked potato with fresh veggies, cheese, and other toppings—this interactive food station is a fun way to start conversations about favorite foods and new dishes. Or host a food truck festival in the office, featuring different food trucks or cuisines from different countries, to spark curiosity and discussion.

Incorporate team building activities, such as group cooking classes or volunteering together during the lunch hour, to foster a sense of unity and purpose. Encourage team leaders to share their own stories and invite team members to talk about their goals, both personal and professional. By mixing in conversation starters, themed lunch events, and team building activities, you’ll create a relaxed setting where everyone feels comfortable to share ideas and connect with the whole team.

With a little planning and creativity, your team lunches can become a powerful tool for building camaraderie, boosting job satisfaction, and strengthening workplace culture.

Conclusion

Choosing cost-effective lunch ideas is a smart move for companies. It helps boost employee engagement and morale. We looked at team lunch options like sandwich platters and sushi rolls. These ideas help build team spirit without breaking the bank.

Team lunches are key to balancing work and well-being. They give employees a break to rest and recharge. This helps them come back to work with more energy.

They also make it easier for employees to share ideas. This improves communication and teamwork.

Choosing a taco bar, a virtual lunch, or a cooking competition can really help team dynamics. Teams that are more engaged are 21% more profitable. So, these lunch ideas are good for both morale and business.

A well-planned team lunch does more than just feed the body. It helps build a strong, productive team.

FAQ

What are some affordable team lunch options for office catering?

Affordable team lunch options include sandwich platters, wrap platters, salad bowls, and pasta salads. You can also consider grilled chicken or vegetable skewers, quiches or frittatas, soups and stews, taco or nacho bars, and sushi platters.

What ingredients are essential for a sandwich platter?

For a sandwich platter, you need assorted bread, deli meats, and various cheeses. Don’t forget to include toppings and condiments. This mix makes sure everyone gets something they like.

What tortillas should be chosen for wrap platters?

Pick a mix of tortillas like flour, corn, whole wheat, and gluten-free. This variety meets different dietary needs and tastes.

Why are salad bowls a good option for office lunches?

Salad bowls are great for office lunches because they’re full of nutrients and can be customized. They offer fresh greens, veggies, proteins, and dressings for everyone.

How can I make pasta salads that appeal to everyone?

Make pasta salads appealing by using a mix of veggies, meats, cheeses, and dressings. This way, everyone can customize their salad to their liking.

What are some marinade ideas for grilled chicken or vegetable skewers?

Try marinades like teriyaki, lemon herb, garlic and herb, barbecue, and Thai peanut sauce. These flavors are tasty and can suit various tastes.

What are common fillings for quiches or frittatas?

Quiches and frittatas often have fillings like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, bacon, ham, or sausage, and cheddar, feta, or mozzarella cheese. These fillings offer a mix of flavors and textures.

Why are soups and stews ideal for feeding large teams?

Soups and stews are perfect for big groups because they’re easy to make and fit many diets. They’re also comforting and filling.

What ingredients are essential for setting up a taco or nacho bar?

For a taco or nacho bar, you’ll need meats like chicken, beef, and pork, along with cheeses, veggies, and toppings. Don’t forget the sauces. This setup lets everyone make their own perfect snack.

Are sushi platters a healthy lunch option?

Yes, sushi platters are a healthy choice. They often have fish full of omega-3 fatty acids and are low in cholesterol. They suit many tastes and dietary needs.

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