Delight Your Employees with These Catered Lunch Ideas: A Comprehensive Guide to Appetizing Menus

August 21st, 2024

Delight Your Employees with These Catered Lunch Ideas: A Comprehensive Guide to Appetizing Menus

In today's workforce, employee satisfaction is paramount, especially with rising turnover rates and a growing demand for a satisfying workspace. Providing a carefully crafted catered lunch is an excellent way to show appreciation and reduce turnover, ultimately benefiting your bottom line. While we don’t suggest viewing employees as soldiers, the old adage, "an army marches on its stomach," holds some truth. Outstanding catering can lead to healthier, satisfied, and more productive employees. In this blog post, we’ll outline the compelling reasons to prioritize good quality, delicious food in the workplace and the dishes we think create the perfect catered lunch.

The Impact of Food on the Workplace

Food does more than just nourish; it is a cornerstone of corporate culture and team dynamics. This section explores how integrating food into the workplace goes beyond simple sustenance to significantly influence employee engagement, productivity, and overall workplace atmosphere.

Boost in Productivity

National Institutes of Health research highlights that a well-fed workforce can experience significant productivity boosts. Proper nutrition has been shown to enhance cognitive function and improve employee focus and decision-making. Regular, nutritious meals help maintain consistent energy levels, reducing fatigue and increasing the number of productive hours in the day. Additionally, a balanced diet can improve mood and reduce stress. We’ve all experienced the infamous sugar crash accompanied by a bout of crankinesses. Ensuring employees have access to quality food can help foster a positive and collaborative work environment. Ultimately, investing in employee nutrition supports individual health and drives organizational success by promoting a more efficient and engaged workforce.

Employee Satisfaction

Proper nutrition also plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction, as a Hubstaff article details. Providing nutritious meals at the workplace can significantly enhance employees' overall well-being, leading to higher satisfaction. When employees feel well-cared for through healthy food options, they are more likely to feel valued and appreciated by their employers. This sense of value and appreciation translates into increased morale and a stronger commitment to their work. Ultimately, prioritizing nutrition boosts satisfaction and reduces turnover, saving on the high costs of hiring and training new staff.

Health Benefits

Maintaining a healthy workforce begins with proper nutrition, as emphasized by the World Health Organization's guidelines on healthy diets. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential for preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. When employees have access to nutritious meals, their overall health improves, leading to fewer sick days and higher energy and productivity levels. Prioritizing nutrition is a fundamental step in promoting long-term health and well-being among employees, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the organization as a whole.

Healthy & Delicious Catered Lunch Ideas

Since we understand the vital relationship between nutrition and productivity, satisfaction, and health, it's time to explore some dishes that could be included in your catered lunch menu.

Protein Packed Entrées

Fuel your team's performance with protein-packed entrées designed to energize and satisfy. Let’s delve into the benefits of high-protein meals and showcase enticing options that can transform your catered lunches into powerful productivity boosters.

Chicken Dishes

  • Cilantro Garlic Roasted Chicken: Tender chicken thighs roasted with cilantro and garlic marinade.

  • Chicken Adobo: Slow-cooked in a soy and vinegar sauce with garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.

  • Green Curry Chicken: Chicken thighs simmered in green curry sauce and seasonal vegetables.

Beef Dishes

  • Chipotle Braised Brisket: Chipotle marinated, seared, and braised brisket with crispy shallots. 

  • Beef and Tomato Stir Fry: Cantonese-styled stir fry with beef and tomatoes.

  • Rosemary Steak: Garlic and herb marinated flank steak grilled to perfection.

Vegetarian and Vegan Entrees

Explore the vibrant world of vegetarian and vegan cuisine. We highlight delicious, plant-based options that cater to diverse dietary preferences and contribute to a healthier, more inclusive workplace environment.

Vegan Entrées

  • Scarlet Bean Colorado: Spiced heirloom beans in a chili red sauce.

  • Vegetable Kare-Kare:  Filipino-inspired vegetable stew 

  • Vegan Philly with Peppers & Onions: Vegan ‘beef’ strips and mushrooms, sautéed peppers and onions.

  • Pulled Jackfruit Pibil: Achiote marinade, tamari sauce. 

Vegetarian Options

  • Cauliflower Rice: roasted cauliflower with roasted tofu.

  • Vegetarian Lasagna: ricotta and spinach in a rich tomato sauce with melted mozzarella.

  • Stuffed Bell Peppers: with quinoa, black beans, and corn.

  • Eggplant Parmesan: marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh breadcrumbs

Side Dishes and Salads

Dive into our selection of side dishes and salads, each crafted to complement your main courses with a burst of freshness and flavor.

Hearty Sides

  • Garlic Rice: Simply steamed with garlic.

  • Vermicelli Noodles: Sweet and savory rice noodles on the side.

  • Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: Roasted potatoes with rosemary or garlic.

  • Healthy Greens: Served with a sweet balsamic.

  • Baby Kale Salad: With shaved vegetables, olives, and sherry vinaigrette.

  • Spring Mix & Marinated Tomatoes: With mango curry vinaigrette.

  • Country Cole Slaw: Crunchy with sweet and creamy dressing.

  • Roasted Butternut Squash: Seasoned with rosemary and thyme and roasted to perfection.

  • Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.

  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and chives.

  • Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.

Specialty Salads

  • Island Time Green Salad: grilled fruit, chilies, plantains, mango vinaigrette.

  • Baby Kale Salad: shaved vegetables, olives, sherry vinaigrette

  • Caprese Salad: tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze.

  • Greek Orzo Salad: cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, feta cheese, lemon vinaigrette.

  • Southwest Black Bean and Corn Salad: bell peppers, avocado, cilantro, lime-cumin dressing.

  • Farro and Roasted Vegetable Salad: arugula, balsamic vinaigrette.

  • Thai Peanut Salad: mixed greens, shredded cabbage, carrots, red bell peppers, edamame, roasted peanuts, peanut sauce.

  • Watermelon and Feta Salad: mint leaves, balsamic glaze.

  • Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, feta cheese, lemon-herb vinaigrette.

  • Apple and Walnut Salad: mixed greens, apple slices, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, maple vinaigrette.

  • Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: mixed greens, candied pecans, honey mustard dressing.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating thoughtfully curated, delicious, and nutritious meals into your workplace can transform the employee experience. As we’ve highlighted, the positive impact on productivity, satisfaction, and health is substantial. Investing in a high-quality catered lunch is more than just a perk; it's a strategic move toward fostering a more engaged, healthier, and loyal workforce.

JustFare’s diverse menu options satisfy every palate, from hearty meat dishes to vibrant vegetarian and vegan delights. The array of sides and specialty salads adds variety and excitement to the lunch table, encouraging employees to look forward to their meals and enjoy the communal dining experience.

Ultimately, prioritizing good food in the workplace is a win-win for employees and employers. By making thoughtful meal choices, you show that you care about your team's well-being and create a more positive, productive, and cohesive work environment. So, take the next step towards delighting your employees and watch how the benefits of a well-fed workforce unfold in your organization.


Ready to elevate your workplace dining experience and see the transformative effects on your team's productivity and morale? Contact us today to explore our diverse menu options and plan meals that satisfy hunger and inspire and energize your workforce.

Andreina Villegas