If you are looking for some healthy and delicious lunch box ideas, you have come to the right place! In this blog post, we will discuss 21 different lunches that you can take with you to work or school. We have separated these into 2 categories, hot and cold so you can find something for you whether you have access to a microwave or not. We also included some great side dish ideas to go with your lunch as well as some lunch box options if you’re looking for a new one.
Meal Prep Your Lunches For The Week
One of the best ways to save time and money is to meal prep your lunches for the week. This means that you will cook all of your meals ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Then, when it is time for lunch, you can simply grab a meal from the fridge and go. Meal prepping is a great way to make sure that you and you’re family are eating healthy and delicious meals all week long.
Cold Lunch Ideas:
Sandwich
A sandwich is a classic lunchbox meal that can be customized to your liking. You can choose whatever type of bread, condiments, and fillings you like. If you are looking for something a little more interesting than your typical PB&J, try adding some avocado or hummus to your sandwich. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or rye.
Wraps
A wrap is similar to a sandwich, but it is usually made with a tortilla or flatbread. This is a great option if you are trying to avoid bread or want something that will be easy to eat on the go. You can fill your wrap with anything you would put in a sandwich, such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a healthy and convenient breakfast or lunch option. They are perfect for those mornings when you do not have time to make something from scratch. Simply combine some rolled oats, milk, and your favorite fruits and spices in a jar the night before and let them sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you will have a delicious
Salad
A salad is a healthy and refreshing option for lunch. You can make a big batch of salad at the beginning of the week and then pack it into individual containers for each day. This will save you time in the morning and ensure that you have a healthy meal to eat. There are endless possibilities when it comes to salad, so you can mix and match different ingredients to find a combination that you love.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is another great option for a cold lunch. You can cook a big batch of pasta at the beginning of the week and then pack it into individual containers. This is a quick and easy meal that you can customize with your favorite sauce or vegetables.
Fruit
Fruit is a healthy and refreshing snack that can be easily packed into a lunch box. You can choose whatever fruits you like, but we recommend packing a mix of different colors and types. This will give you a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Vegetables
Vegetables are another healthy and delicious option for a lunch box. You can pack them raw or cook them in advance. If you are short on time, you can buy pre-cut vegetables at the grocery store. This is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Egg Salad
Egg salad is a protein-packed lunch that is perfect for busy days. You can make a big batch of egg salad at the beginning of the week and then pack it into individual containers. This meal is also great for meal prep because it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a delicious and easy way to pack a protein-rich lunch. You can make chicken salad at home or buy it pre-made at the grocery store. This is a great option for days when you are short on time or need a quick and easy meal.
Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is another protein-packed lunch that is perfect for busy days. You can make tuna salad at home or buy it pre-made at the grocery store. This is a great option for days when you are short on time or need a quick and easy meal.
Hot Lunch Ideas
Soup
Soup is a warm and comforting lunch that is perfect for chilly days. You can make soup in advance and then pack it into individual containers. This is a great meal to make ahead of time because it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Chili
Chili is a hearty and filling lunch that is perfect for winter days. You can make chili in advance and then pack it into individual containers. This is a great meal to make ahead of time because it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. You can make mac and cheese in advance and then pack it into individual containers or buy a frozen if you want to avoid making your own.
Pizza
Pizza is a classic lunchtime favorite that can be easily packed into a lunch box. You can buy pre-made pizza or make your own at home. This is a great option for days when you are short on time or need a quick and easy meal. We even have a low-calorie pizza recipe that is excellent as a hot lunch option.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a delicious and easy way to pack a hot lunch. You can make quesadillas in advance and then pack them into individual containers. We have a chipotle egg quesadilla recipe that is awesome as a lunch box option.
Wraps
Wraps are a versatile and easy-to-eat lunch option and don’t have to be served cold. You can fill them with whatever you like, but we recommend a mix of protein and vegetables. This is a great way to pack a nutrient-rich lunch that is easy to eat on the go.
Bean And Rice Burrito Bowl
This is a hearty and filling lunch that is perfect for any day of the year. You can make the bean and rice mixture in advance and then pack it into individual containers. Then you just add your toppings and presto lunch. Check out our burrito bowl recipe here.
Teriyaki Chicken And Rice
This is a delicious and easy-to-pack hot lunch. You can make the teriyaki chicken and rice in advance and then pack them into individual containers. We have an awesome teriyaki chicken and cauliflower rice recipe.
Pulled Chicken Tacos
These are a fun and easy way to pack a hot lunch. You can make the pulled chicken in advance and then pack it into individual containers. Then you just add your toppings and presto lunch. We have an awesome recipe for pulled chicken tacos.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a delicious and easy-to-pack hot lunch. You can make oatmeal in advance and then pack it into individual containers.
Leftovers
One of the easiest ways to pack a hot lunch is to simply reheat leftovers from dinner. This is a great way to use up any leftover meat, vegetables, or grains that you have. Simply pack them into a container and reheat them in the microwave when you are ready to eat.
Sides To Go With Your Lunch
There are endless possibilities when it comes to side dishes for your lunch. Here are a few of our favorites:
Fruit
Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Strawberries, Kiwis, Mangos, and Oranges are some great options.
Vegetables
Carrots, Celery, Mushrooms, Broccoli, and Snap peas are all convenient easy-to-eat choices.
Yogurt
Plain or Greek yogurt is a great way to add some protein and calcium to your lunch.
Nuts
Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews, and Pistachios are all great choices.
Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, and Sesame seeds are all great options.
Dried Fruit
Dates, Figs, Apricots, Mango, and Raisins are all great choices.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are a great way to add some fiber and protein to your lunch.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a great way to add some whole grains and fiber to your lunch.
Chips
Chips are a great way to add some crunch to your lunch and our a classic side in most lunchboxes.
Crackers And Cheese
Crackers and cheese are a great way to add some protein and calcium to your lunch.
Fruit Cups
Fruit cups are a great way to add some fruit to your lunch without having to worry about it going bad.
Cookies
If you have a sweet tooth, Cookies are a great way to add some sweetness to your lunch.
Lunch Boxes
There are a ton of different lunch box options out there. It really just depends on your preference. Some people prefer hard-sided lunch boxes, while others prefer soft-sided ones. It really just depends on what you like and what will work best for you. We have listed a few options below.
*Disclosure, below are affiliate links to products we recommend. We do not include links to products we have not used or honestly recommend*
Maelstrom Lunch Box
Bento Box
Homespon Lunch Box
Wagindd Bento Box
Summary
There are endless possibilities when it comes to packing a lunch. With a little creativity, you can pack a delicious and nutritious meal that will fuel your body and mind all day long. So get creative and experiment with different ingredients and recipes until you find something that you love. What are your favorite lunches to pack? let us know in the comments.
