Some days, you can store your meal-prepped lunch in a refrigerator. Some days, you have access to a microwave to heat up your meal<\/a> to your heart\u2019s content. <\/span>Or maybe, all the time you don\u2019t; it all depends on your work place. But don\u2019t let that stop you from packing lunch or eating healthy satisfying meals if that\u2019s your goal.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been there. At my first job, fridge space was hard to come by, especially when the New Year\u2019s resolutions to spend less money buying lunch rolled in every January. But secretly, I\u2019m grateful for my limited fridge access because it helped me find recipes I felt confident eating at room temperature. After all, there\u2019s nothing worse than being ravenous and having to wait in line for the work microwave, which somehow seems to break once a week.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re on the go, between classes at school or there is no microwave or fridge at work, fear not. I\u2019ve rounded up delicious recipes that I love and are perfectly safe and delicious to keep at room temperature\u2014no reheating necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n Before we get into the recipes, let\u2019s talk about the tools you\u2019ll need for success. The right lunchbox and ice pack combination can be just what you need to put your mind at ease if you don\u2019t have the ability to refrigerate your food. These are some of your best options.<\/p>\n PackIt <\/b>\u2013 Though they have many fun patterns and colors to choose from, these lunch bags<\/a> aren\u2019t just nice to look at. PackIt freezable lunch boxes come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit your preferences, whether you\u2019re looking for something smaller to fit in your backpack or a tote to throw over your shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n Store the bag in your freezer overnight, and before you leave for work stick your meal prep containers<\/a> inside. \u00a0Then, keep it by your desk until you\u2019re ready to dig in! Your lunch will stay chilled inside.<\/span><\/p>\n MIER Adult Lunch Boxes \u00a0<\/b>\u2013 These bags<\/a> are insulated, leakproof, and spacious, MIER\u2019s adult lunch boxes will keep your food cool (or warm!) for hours. <\/span><\/p>\n Fit and Fresh Cool Coolers\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>\u2013 Slim and easily packable, buy this set<\/a> and use as many as you want\u2014or can fit in your lunch bag\u2014to keep your food cold.<\/span><\/p>\n Rubbermaid Sandwich Kit \u2013 <\/b>This little unit<\/a> is a great option to not only keep your main meal cold, but also any snacks you\u2019re taking for the day!<\/span><\/p>\n HotLogic \u2013<\/b> If you\u2019re someone who loves eating a hot lunch but you don\u2019t have a microwave at your office, you should probably invest in this mini personal portable oven<\/a>, which allows you to heat up food on the go and it\u2019s totally safe. How cool is that!<\/span><\/p>\n According to the FDA, it is not advised to eat food that\u2019s been left at room temperature for more than two hours. After that point, it starts to enter the \u201cdanger zone,\u201d when the food\u2019s temperature hovers between 40 and 140 degrees F and it can start to develop harmful bacteria. <\/p>\n Be careful to pack your food in an insulated bag with an ice pack and you\u2019ll at least double its lifespan. If you\u2019re really worried, you can pop a small thermometer in your lunch bag to keep an eye on the temp. Luckily, in most cases, you\u2019ll be just fine if you use your judgment. Don\u2019t eat anything that smells bad or looks funny, and if the first bite doesn\u2019t taste quite right put it down, but odds these no-reheat recipes won\u2019t let you down.<\/p>\n A veggie burrito bowl will never let you down, even at room temperature. You can keep extra toppings on the side, too, if you\u2019re worried they will wilt.<\/p>\n \u00a0This salad is bright, full of texture, and really hits the spot! It is the perfect no-reheat salad to take into the office. <\/p>\n This sheet pan meal is extremely delicious and versatile! You can switch it up throughout the week to keep things interesting. This meal will stay cool with an ice pack and is perfect for when you run into a situation with no microwave or fridge.<\/p>\n Snack lunch boxes are perfect when you need a little variety in your everyday routine. Add all your favorite snacks, fruits, veggies, dips, chocolate, etc. This one also has a pinwheel wrap with garlic aioli to keep you full through the entire workday. <\/p>\n Trendy, yes, but for good reason! These grain bowls aren\u2019t just filling\u2014 they\u2019re also great candidates for no-reheat, no-fridge lunches because they taste great at room temp. But the best part is that they\u2019re super versatile\u2014you can switch it up with whatever grain you have on hand or enjoy most.<\/span><\/p>\n Veg = vegetarian; V = Vegan<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n When I\u2019m planning meals for a busy week, I know I\u2019m in good shape if I have lentils and quinoa in my pantry. I love making this grain bowl if I know I\u2019m going to be working remotely, but don\u2019t want to spend $10+ on lunch just because I won\u2019t have a fridge nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n This isn\u2019t your regular Waldorf salad. The base here is quinoa and we aren\u2019t using mayo since we know that can be a turnoff for some folks!<\/p>\n One of my favorite quinoa bowls not just because it takes 30 minutes to make, but because it ticks two of my favorite boxes: unexpected but delicious flavor profile and ONE POT. \u00a0It also keeps like a dream and somehow gets better as the week goes on.<\/span><\/p>\n Couscous doesn\u2019t always get the attention it deserves, but I\u2019m a huge fan. The spices on the chicken and the texture of couscous make this simple recipe a little unique\u2014definitely not your average chicken and rice bowl! I like the idea of swapping in Israeli couscous, too.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s hard not to love tabbouleh, and I love that adding a bit of quinoa makes it so much more satisfying. This recipe makes 6 servings, so it\u2019s great for sharing with a partner or a roommate.<\/span><\/p>\n This recipe features my favorite grain, farro. I love its chewy texture, and something about the roasted squash and farro combo just makes me feel cozy whether it\u2019s chilled, warm, OR at room temperature! If you\u2019ve never tried farro\u2026I don\u2019t have anything clever to say, I just think you should try it!<\/span><\/p>\n These sandwiches and wraps are self-contained powerhouses. Just assemble, pack, and enjoy when you\u2019re ready, no need to heat up or keep cool. Sandwiches are a great option when there is no microwave or fridge available.<\/span><\/p>\n This pesto chicken salad ciabatta sandwich is SO GOOD and you can enjoy it in a couple of different ways. Have it on some crunchy bread, as shown above, stuffed in a pita, as an open-faced sandwich, or eat the filling on its own!<\/p>\n Pita pockets are hearty, durable, and portable, making them perfect for packing into your work bag especially when there is no microwave or fridge. Nearly anything you can put on a sandwich, you can put inside a pita pocket and it\u2019ll be just as good. A perfect example is this upgraded PB&J, or whatever nut butter and fruit or jam combo works for you. Lately, I\u2019ve been packing almond butter and sliced plum with a little cinnamon sprinkled inside on Joseph\u2019s pita bread<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t discovered the apple and cheddar and turkey combination, this sandwich is a great and easy start. Two pro-tips here: to avoid soggy bread, toast it slightly before assembling the sandwich and a little lemon juice prevents apple slices from browning\u2014works like a charm!<\/span><\/p>\n These wraps are packed with veggies, and customizable in just about every way! If you want to take it a step further and make your own hummus as well, here is our easy and delicious recipe!<\/a> And if you want a similar recipe, check out our roasted veggie sandwich.<\/a><\/p>\n The day I discovered curry chicken salad was a very happy day. Not a fan of mayo, like me? I sub plain greek yogurt with a little lemon juice. Put this inside a wrap, pita pocket, or on toasted bread and you\u2019re in business.<\/span><\/p>\n I was late to the buffalo-anything game, but buffalo tofu and tempeh is now something I crave at least once a month. Great on a sandwich or a wrap, or stuffed into a pita!<\/span><\/p>\n A tuna salad sandwich is a classic go-to for a quick and easy lunch. You can make the filling a few days in advance but to keep this fresh and the bread not soggy, assemble it the morning before you eat!<\/p>\n They\u2019re not just for summer barbecues. After you prepare a pasta salad, the flavors of all the ingredients continue to meld, so that by the time you sit down to eat lunch, it\u2019ll usually taste even better than when you first prepped it!<\/span><\/p>\n One of my go-to pasta salad recipes all year round, especially when you have no microwave or fridge. The dressing is delicious\u2014and when I\u2019m out of sugar, I make the recipe with honey and it tastes just as great. However, it won\u2019t still be vegan if you do use honey. Maybe try agave instead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This antipasto pasta salad is a great minimal cooking recipe and perfect for using up deli meats or extra veggies in your fridge. This will be one of your new favorite recipes. <\/p>\n This pasta salad is great cold, at room temperature, or heated up if you do in fact have a microwave! \u00a0Choose your favorite store-bought pesto, or if you own a food processor, you can try your hand at making pesto. Here\u2019s an easy recipe that can be your go-to<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So flavorful, and having this easy spicy peanut sauce in your arsenal will be a game-changer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Give me a Greek salad any day of the year and I\u2019m happy.\u00a0 Add pasta into the mix and your Greek salad will actually have some staying power. The lemon juice is your secret weapon for keeping all the veggies in this salad extra fresh in your bag. <\/span><\/p>\n Ever thought to combine Mexican flavors with pasta? You really need to try this creamy, zesty salad with a kick.<\/span><\/p>\n Workweek Lunch offers hundreds of no-reheat meal ideas that don\u2019t have to be refrigerated in the WWL Meal Prep Program<\/a>, but a few free recipes also fit the bill. Learn how to become a member and access all WWL recipes here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/easy-weekly-meal-plans-for-10mo-3-1024x1024.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nHow do you keep lunch cold without a fridge?<\/h2>\n
Related: Best Lunchboxes and Meal Prep Equipment for Teachers and Students<\/a><\/h3>\n
There are ways to heat up your food without a microwave:<\/h3>\n
Related: <\/strong>Meal Prep Sandwiches and Wraps<\/a><\/h3>\n
Is Food Safe to Eat When You Have No Microwave Or Fridge<\/strong>?<\/h2>\n
Related: 20 Meal Prep Salads That You\u2019ll Actually Enjoy Eating<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
These are some of our favorite room temperature meals<\/h2>\n
Veggie Burrito Bowl<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"veggie](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/GRILLED-VEGGIE-FAJITAS-BOWLS-WITH-GREEN-RICE-8-edited.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nBasil Lime Chicken & Peach Kale Salad<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"peach](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/chicken-peach-salads-4-edited-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nChickpea, Spinach, Onion and Red Pepper Pita Wraps with Tahini Yogurt Sauce<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"pita](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/chickpea-pita-pockets-wrap-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nPinwheel Snack Lunches<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/pinwheel-snack-box_jpg.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nNo Microwave or Fridge Grain Bowls<\/h2>\n
Quinoa Bowl with Lentils & Mustard Vinaigrette (Veg)<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Quinoa](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/quinoa-bowl-with-lentils-and-mustard-vinaigrette-recipe-BA-121217.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nChicken Waldorf Salad With Quinoa (No Mayo!)<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"no](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/waldorf-salad-chicken-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nMoroccan Chickpea Quinoa Salad (V)<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"chickpea](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/quinoa-salad-1024x980.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nSpiced Chicken Couscous Salad<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"spiced](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Screen-Shot-2020-04-03-at-1.40.46-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\nQuinoa Tabbouleh (V)<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"tabbouleh](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-20-at-4.45.14-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nKale Butternut Squash Farro Salad (V)<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Roasted-Butternut-Squash-Salad-with-Kale-Farro-and-Cranberry-Dressing-kitchenconfidante.com-3190-1-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nRelated: Meal Prep Snacks: The Best Snacks To Take To Work Or School<\/a><\/h3>\n
No Microwave or Fridge Sandwiches\/Wraps<\/b><\/h2>\n
Pesto Chicken Salad Ciabatta Sandwich<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/ciabatta-3-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nFruity Peanut Butter Pita (V)<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"banana](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-20-at-4.53.49-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTurkey Cheddar & Apple Sandwich<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"turkey](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-20-at-4.55.48-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nGrilled Veggie Hummus Wraps (V) <\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"grilled](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/veggie-hummus-wraps-3-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nCurried Chicken Salad<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"curried](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-20-at-5.05.49-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nBuffalo Tofu Wrap (Veg)<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"buffalo](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-20-at-5.08.21-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nMeal Prep Tuna Salad Sandwich<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"meal](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/tuna-salad-sando-3-2-scaled.jpg\"\/)
![\"meal](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/tuna-salad-sando-3-2-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nNo Microwave or Fridge Pasta Salads<\/b><\/h2>\n
Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing<\/span> (V)<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"pasta](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-20-at-5.10.05-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nMeal Prep Friendly Antipasto Pasta Salad<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"no](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/antipasto-salad-meat-3-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nVeggie Pesto Pasta Salad With Chickpeas<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"veggie](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pesto-pasta-in-a-bowl-1024x1024.jpg\"\/)
![\"veggie](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/pesto-pasta-in-a-bowl-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nSpicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad (Veg)<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"no](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-20-at-5.12.14-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nGreek Chicken Pasta Salad<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"pasta](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-20-at-5.13.28-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nMexican<\/span> Pasta Salad (Veg)<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"mexican](\"https:\/\/workweeklunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-20-at-5.17.04-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nMore No-Reheat Meal Ideas<\/h2>\n