Advertisement
Home Workday lunches
Tomato smash with feta whip

Tomato smash with feta whip

This recipe sings with flavour! Get your hands on as many tomatoes of different varieties, shapes, sizes and colours that you can – just make sure they’re all top-quality tomatoes.
Advertisement
gruyère and smoked ham french toasties

Gruyère and smoked ham french toasties

Ghee is good to cook with as it doesn’t burn as quickly as butter. If you prefer, use 30g unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying. Micro cress is a cress that has been harvested at seedling stage. It is available at speciality greengrocers and markets. Micro cress is highly perishable, so must […]
Chicken burgers

Chicken burgers

Children love the finger-food nature of burgers, this chicken burger will be a hit with its homemade Japanese slaw.
Advertisement
BLT pasta salad

BLT pasta salad

BLT makes for a delicious sandwich but if you’re looking to swith it up, take all those best bits (that would be the bacon, lettuce and tomato) and turn it into this pasta salad. We love this as a side dish but this is also great for lunches. Looking for other pasta salad ideas? Take […]
Advertisement
Zucchini slice

Zucchini slice

One of Woman's Weekly's most popular recipes, this tasty zucchini slice is so healthy and versatile. Enjoy it warm with a side salad or refrigerated and popped in a lunchbox for work or school.
Bacon and cheese tart

Bacon and cheese tart

Use a full-flavoured cheese for this recipe and you’ll be rewarded with an extremely tasty tart – great for lunch or a simple supper
Advertisement
Amazing asparagus recipes

Amazing asparagus recipes

Put some spring in your step with these delicious asparagus recipes. Choose from our best recipes including asparagus salad, soup, quiche, risotto and a range of delicious side dishes.
Mini chicken and bacon pies

Mini chicken and bacon pies

For your sweetie pie! These are fantastic tiny little tempters if you’re looking for picnic fare - or anytime fare too!
Seafood risotto

Seafood risotto

The rich creaminess of flavourful seafood risotto with delicious marinara mix will quickly become a new family favourite. Serve with lemon wedges and parsley garnish.
Advertisement
Alfredo pasta sauce

Classic alfredo pasta sauce

A creamy pasta sauce that can turn a busy weeknight dinner into something special. You can add ham, mushroom and spinach to the pasta to give it more bulk.
white plate with selection of paua fritters and lemon slices, garnished with fresh herbs

Pāua fritters

As kids, we were spoiled with these Pāua fritters! Friends of Mum and Dad always used to drop off pāua and now I crave them, so I love getting my hands on some when I can. I have changed my usual recipe a little, with inspiration from my chef brother, by adding some herbs and zest. These are fantastic!
Advertisement
Caramelised onion, corn and tomato tart

10 workday lunch ideas that aren’t salad

Be the envy of all your workmates with these work lunch ideas! We've brought together all our favourite recipes, from pesto pasta to prawn noodles, to make your lunchtimes extra exciting. And don't worry - there's not a salad in sight!
Twisted courgette slice

Twisted courgette slice

Be the champion of meal prep with this courgette slice - just over 60 minutes of work and you can have lunch ready in the freezer for two months! Plus, when it's this delicious, you'll never want anything else.
Mussel fritters

Classic mussel fritters

Nici Wickes' delicious mussel fritters recipe is incredibly easy to make and fantastic served with lemon wedges and a herby, creamy mayo sauce. Enjoy for a tasty lunch with friends and family
Advertisement
zucchini fritters

Zucchini fritters recipes

These vege-packed zucchini fritters recipes make the perfect lunch or light dinner. Serve with your favourite dip or sauce, or top with a perfectly poached egg, bacon or salsa
Advertisement
Raw slaw with poached chicken

Raw slaw with poached chicken

There's no excuse for boring lunches with this raw slaw recipe up your sleeve. Combining the beautiful colours of raw veges with the beautiful tenderness of poached chicken, it's healthy and delish.
Sesame chicken barley slaw

Sesame chicken barley slaw

This salad is simple to make but will not disappoint. Packed with deliciously zingy flavours, as well as the wholesome ingredients of pearl barley, chicken and coleslaw, it's perfect for a workday lunch.
Advertisement
Lemongrass stir-fry

Lemongrass stir-fry

If you have time, marinate chicken for 2 hours to enhance the flavour. Common mint may be used if Vietnamese mint is unavailable. Note
Ploughman's Lunch

Ploughman’s lunch

This simple English fare has stood the test of time. Perfect to take to work or on a picnic.
Advertisement
Quiche Lorraine

Quiche lorraine

This is the traditional French savoury quiche recipe made with bacon, egg and cream.
If you're not a confident pastry cook, you can make this dish using a sheet of frozen shortcrust pastry.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Prawn & prosciutto salad

Prawn & prosciutto salad

If you like Caesar salad and prawn cocktails, you'll appreciate this salad of prawns, egg, prosciutto and crispy bagel croutons - just add cocktail sauce!
Advertisement
Make the King’s Coronation Quiche

Make the King’s Coronation Quiche

A deep quiche with a crisp, light pastry case and delicate flavours of spinach, broad beans and fresh tarragon. Eat hot or cold with a green salad and boiled new potatoes – perfect for a coronation feast!
Salmon & white bean fish cakes

Salmon & white bean fish cakes

You can steam your salmon and flake it, or pan fry in a little oil. For a faster option, try using a fillet of hot- smoked salmon. The fish cakes can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. You can also grill the fish cakes. Place on a baking tray lined with lightly greased foil. […]
Advertisement
Tuna & edamame rice bowl

Tuna & edamame rice bowl

Frozen edamame can also be used in a variety of salads and stir-fries. You could replace with frozen peas. The lime pickle has a variety of uses. Traditionally served with curries, it can be rubbed over chicken pieces before roasting, tossed through rice dishes for flavour or served with grilled salmon. Note
16 make-ahead lunches to jazz up the working week

16 make-ahead lunches to jazz up the working week

Having a packed lunch to take to work is one of the simplest ways to feel organised. Plus it means you skip the disappointing sandwich or soggy sushi from nearby cafes. Here are 16 recipes to make ahead of time to get your working week started on the good foot
Advertisement
Summer lamb and beetroot salad

Summer lamb and beetroot salad

Quickly seared lamb underpins this tasty dish, making it perfectly adequate for dinner. Pulled together in just 20 minutes, it's a quick and healthy meal that everyone will love.
Advertisement
Peppered steak sandwich with crunchy cos

Peppered steak sandwich with crunchy cos

Summer meals don't get much easier (or more delicious) than this! Baguettes are filled with barbecued pepper steak, crunchy cos and sharp dijonaise, making a sandwich that is perfect for a light dinner or picnic lunch.
Advertisement
Basic sausage rolls

Basic sausage rolls

You can't go wrong with this classic recipe. Whip up a batch of this tasty sausage rolls for lunch or dinner with the family. All you need is a generous dollop of tomato sauce...
Marinated salmon poke bowl with soba noodles

Marinated salmon poke bowl with soba noodles

These salmon poke bowls are fantastic as a quick dinner or tasty workday lunch. Simply leave the salmon to marinate while you prepare the rest of your ingredients and you have a fresh and healthy meal at the ready!
Advertisement
Avocado Buddha bowl with tahini dressing

Avocado Buddha bowl with tahini dressing

Keep things fresh, simple and delicious with this uber-easy avocado Buddha bowl. A quinoa base is topped with healthy greens, dukkah-crusted eggs and a zingy tahini dressing, making a dish that's perfect for a fuss-free lunch or dinner.
Advertisement
Asparagus and fetta frittata

Asparagus and feta frittata

This scrumptious asparagus and feta frittata can be made ahead, stored, then reheated later for an easy summer lunch or dinner. You could even whip one up to take on a family picnic - it's so quick to make!
Thai beef salad with chilli dressing

Thai beef salad with chilli lime sauce

Enjoy a dinner that is bursting with Thai flavours by pulling together this sharp and zingy beef salad. It's the ideal recipe for those nights where you have limited time but still crave a delicious, filling meal.
Advertisement
20 deliciously simple fritter recipes

20 deliciously simple fritter recipes

Is there anything you can't put in a fritter? From veges and seafood to meat and cheese, a good fritter recipe is a must-have in your cooking repertoire. Discover our best recipes in this lip-smacking collection.
Warm potato and avocado salad

Warm potato and avocado salad with salmon

This salad is a deliciously flavoursome childhood recipe of Nici Wickes' mum's, which is fabulous in its simplicity. The avocado is warmed by the potatoes just enough to bring up its flavour and creaminess.
Four ways with: hearty winter salads

Four ways with: hearty winter salads

Harness the power, goodness and versatility of barley for a healthy, filling salad, perfect as an accompaniment to a winter roast. And the best part is, these salads are just as delicious as they are beautiful!
Advertisement
Prawn, kale and chickpea tabbouleh

Prawn, kale and chickpea tabbouleh

This prawn, kale and chickpea tabbouleh is such a simple way to power your body with nutrients. With the benefits of burghul, kale and prawns, as well as a zing from the lemon and herbs, this dish has everything you need.
Advertisement
How to make your own beeswax wraps

How to make beeswax food wraps

Looking for an achievable way to reduce plastics in the kitchen? Beeswax food wraps are a sustainable, reusable alternative to plastic food wrap. Made from non-toxic natural ingredients and cotton fabric, they are also super durable and fun to make. Sophie Gray runs us through her simple step-by-step process. So get your DIY hat on […]
Magnificent mandarin recipes

Magnificent mandarin recipes

Mandarins seem to overflow from the fruit bowl in winter. Make the most of an abundance of this citrus fruit with these zingy and zesty recipes!
Advertisement
Five-minute tuna, rice and quinoa

Five-minute tuna, rice and quinoa

Get dinner on the table in a heartbeat thanks to this five-minute tuna, rice and quinoa dish. Not only is it simple and scrumptious, but it also has all the nutrients needed for a well-balanced meal.
Chinese noodle, tofu and vegetable soup

Chinese noodle, tofu and vegetable soup

This Chinese-style soup is perfect if you’re looking for a quick and easy meat-free meal. Filled with the hearty goodness of tofu, vegetables and noodles, it's a nourishing winter recipe.
Butter chicken meatball skewers

Butter chicken meatball skewers

A unique spin on everyone's favourite takeaway dish, these butter chicken meatball skewers are always scrumptious. Wrap with naan and serve with salad and deliciously creamy butter chicken sauce for a simple and wholesome meal.
Advertisement
Fish and leek pie with caper parsley peas

Fish and leek pie with caper parsley peas

This is a big family-style pie, but it can easily be pared back to suit one or two. It's a scrumptious way to add some fish to your weekly menu, and the pairing with caper parsley peas makes a well-rounded meal.
Pea, ham and sour cream spirals

Pea, ham and sour cream spirals

This no-fuss pasta is a hit with kids and can be whipped up super-quick using a handful of common ingredients in just three easy-peasy steps – just cook the pasta and peas, stir it all together and eat!
Advertisement
Kumara and onion pizza

Kumara and onion pizza

This simple, affordable and delicious meal is perfect for a midweek dinner. Whether it's the crispy pita bread, slices of kumara, or the vintage cheddar that tickles your taste buds, these homemade pizzas are a sure crowd pleaser.
Prawn and ginger noodles for one

Prawn and ginger noodles for one

Do your chopping while watching the news and in the ad break, fry it up! These noodles are so quick to cook and delicious to eat, and they suit the “dinner for one” approach as they work best cooked in a single portion.
Advertisement
Lamb leg steaks with tabbouleh

Lamb leg steaks with tabbouleh

This Middle Eastern dish will tickle your taste buds with its zingy and zesty quinoa tabbouleh and delicious lamb leg steaks coated in cumin seeds. It takes less than 30 minutes to make, so it's a win-win!
Pasta with salmon and minty pea pesto

Pasta with salmon and minty pea pesto

On the table in just 25 minutes, this pasta is a scrumptious idea for a quick dinner or lunch. Packed with delicious flakes of salmon and a zingy homemade pea pesto, it’s a simple meal that will blow your mind!
Caramelised onion, corn and tomato tart

Caramelised onion, corn and tomato quiche

Add a delightful splash of colour to the table with this delicious onion, corn and tomato quiche recipe. Perfect for your next picnic or al fresco meal, this recipe is summer at its best!
Advertisement
Roast kūmara, green bean, corn and feta frittata

Roast kūmara, green bean, corn and feta frittata

This nourishing dish is perfect as a simple but delicious family dinner. Combining the sweetness of kūmara with the saltiness of feta, and served with homemade tomato relish, Nadia Lim's frittata is always a hit!
Ginger and lemongrass pork

Ginger and lemongrass pork

A quick stir-fry such as this is perfect for health and happiness – it’s full of pingy flavours and will transport your taste buds to Vietnam!
Advertisement
Chicken breast with romesco sauce

Chicken breast with romesco sauce

The great thing about chicken breast is that it will soak up whatever flavours you throw at it. Here, it’s coated in balsamic vinegar, pan-fried and drizzled in romesco, the classic Spanish roasted red pepper sauce.
Venetian rice and peas

Venetian rice and peas

From A Year at Hotel Gondola (incidentally about a 50-year-old food writer who heads to Venice, falls in love and grapples to meet her publisher’s deadlines!), this dish is incredible – salty, sweet, soupy and pure comfort.
Gluten-free poppy seed bagels

Gluten-free poppy seed bagels

Start your day with a bite of deliciousness by whipping up a batch of these incredible gluten-free poppy seed bagels. Our step-by-step images make it so simple, and you can top them with all your favourite goodies!
Advertisement
ricotta and spinach pasta bake

Ricotta and spinach pasta bake

This pasta bake is the epitome of comfort food. Combining the magical pair of spinach and ricotta, along with a beautifully flavoured tomato sauce, it's ideal as your family dinner on a cooler evening.
Ratatouille with eggs

Ratatouille with eggs

This traditional French dish is given an extra dose of protein in our recipe, topped with a couple of baked eggs. Serve with thick slices of sourdough bread for a delicious and filling dinner.
Advertisement
Courgette pasta with avocado and pesto

Courgette pasta with avocado and pesto

Mix up your go-to pasta dish thanks to our tasty courgette pasta recipe. This pasta alternative is not only gluten free and super healthy, the homemade avocado pesto makes it simply irresistible!
Advertisement
Pork and fennel stuffed capsicums

Pork and fennel stuffed capsicums

Make a batch of these stuffed capsicums and enjoy with a salad and potatoes for a simple and delicious dinner. Plus, leftovers served cold make a great lunch.
Salmon citrus salad

Salmon citrus salad

Packed full of all the good things, this salad is a star. Smoked salmon really benefits from the hit of sweet and citrusy orange, moreish edamame beans plus a dressing full of sesame and saltiness.
Advertisement