Do you want to find some easy healthy lunch box ideas for adults? You don’t have to spend all day making lunch, but that doesn’t mean your kids won’t love their lunch box treats. We’ve got 6 easy healthy lunch box ideas for adults you can whip up in minutes. They’re simple and tasty, and best of all? Kids love them.
If you’re tired of a bland lunch then you’re in the right place.This post contains several easy healthy lunch box ideas for adults. All you need is a little time and some imagination
Easy and healthy lunch box ideas for adults
If you think bento boxes are just for kids, then think again. A bento box-packed lunch offers variety, portion control and nutritional balance for anyone.
My tips for packing an adult lunch box
Preparation is everythingÂ
Save time by washing fruit and veggies as soon as you buy them. Choose fruit and vegetables that need minimum chopping, like grapes and cherry tomatoes.
Stay seasonal
Not only do seasonal fruits and veggies usually taste better, they’re often better for your budget too.
Plan ahead
Planning your bento box menu for the week will help save time, money and avoid food waste. Stretch your dollars and make your food go further by enjoying left over dinner for lunch the next day.
Get organised
Pack your pantry and fill your fridge and freezer with your favourite lunch box staples.
We like to cook our favourite lunch box items in bulk and freeze for later so that when we’re packing our lunch box we can grab and go. We always keep a stash of sausage rolls, meatballs and bliss balls in the freezer. Here are some similar frozen lunch ideas, suitable for kids and adults alike.
We always keep a stock of dried fruit, nuts, seeds and crackers in the pantry and have a selection of fruit, vegetables, antipasto items, cheese and at least one dip in the fridge. That way, we can always make something out of almost nothing!
Keep it colourful
Try to include a variety of colours in your lunch box. Not only does it look good but it’s good for you too, ensuring you’re lunch includes a wide range of nutrients.
Bento box inspiration
Need some lunch box inspiration? Here are some bento box lunches that are simple to make and delicious to eat.
Meatball bento
This bento box has baked meatballs, cheddar cheese, apple slices, grapes, carrot sticks and hummus.
Black bean bento
This bento box has some left over black bean salad, cottage cheese and pickles, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin hummus, natural corn chips and melon chunks.
Pasta bento
This bento box has left over pasta, cherry tomatoes and pickles, cheese and crackers, apple slices and walnuts.
Chicken bento
This bento box has some pasta salad, left over shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, salsa and melon chunks.
Sushi bento
This bento box has homemade sushi, grapes, cherry tomatoes, baby pickles, nuts and a bliss ball.
Bento box checklist
By including these items in your next supermarket shop, your pantry should be stocked to make many a bento box:
Savoury items
- Baked meatballs
- Savoury muffins
- Frittata fritters
- Vegetarian sausage rolls
- Boiled eggs
- Homemade sushi
Snacks
- Crackers and cheese
- Natural corn chips
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Bliss balls
Leftovers
- Homemade pizza
- Pasta
- Cooked chicken
- Quiche or frittata
- Pasta salads
Antipasto
- olives
- pickles
- cheese paired with a fruit or vegetable
One thing is for sure: With such a healthy, colourful and delicious looking lunch box, you’ll be the envy of the office.
Healthy Lunch Box Ideas for Adults
Lunch Ideas for Adults
Are you looking for some bento lunch box ideas for work or a day out?
There are awesome lunch box ideas for adults that are healthy and ready in less than 30 minutes.
We all know how much it can cost us to buy food when we are out and about.
While buying lunch is convenient and quick, it’s not a cost-effective option.
Packing your own lunch is going to save you money and give you the peace of mind knowing that you are eating healthy food.
Now the biggest hurdle is, brainstorming make-ahead lunch box ideas that will stay fresh all day.
To help with this, I have put together a list of healthy lunch ideas for adults that can be made a day in advance. These recipes stay fresh all day and work well for family picnics too!
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Here’s a little tip.
When it comes to packing lunch, the easiest food idea that comes to mind is sandwiches. Try and make use of leftover ingredients for this so you are not wasting food.
I have a post that shows you how to use this free recipe finder that helps you with cooking meals from left-over ingredients in your fridge.
When you have just one carrot or a small piece of pumpkin, and can’t think of a recipe to use them in, the recipe finder will help you with some ideas.
Okay, now let’s get onto this list of lunchbox ideas for adults that are great for the weekdays.
 Packed Lunch Ideas for Adults
1. CHICKEN HUMMUS NAAN WRAP
An easy chicken wrap recipe you can throw together in just 15 minutes for a quick & healthy dinner or lunch.
Featuring simple ingredients like shredded chicken, hummus, chopped fresh veggies, a homemade vinaigrette, and crumbled cheese all piled onto a piece of soft & chewy naan bread.
2. VEGAN CHICKPEA SANDWICH
This 5-ingredient Mashed Chickpea Salad is vegan, gluten-free, and ready in 10 minutes.
Meal prep it for weekday lunch or healthy snack. This chickpea salad is spreadable, so it’s also perfect on crackers and wraps.
3. BUFFALO CHICKEN PASTA
4. CURRY EGGLESS SALAD
This easy and flavorful vegan egg salad is made with 10 healthy ingredients.
5. HEALTHY CHICKEN WRAP
Dinner is served! These delicious and Healthy Chicken Wraps are super simple to prepare and ready in only 20 minutes!
Bonus, these wraps save great and are perfect for workweek lunches.
6. Chicken and Bacon Wrap
A good lunch is filling, flavorful, and easy to make. And this Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap checks all of the boxes. Enjoy a healthy and refreshing family favorite lunch that’s economical and simple to make using leftover chicken.
7. TURKEY AVOCADO SANDWICH
A simple turkey sandwich that’s quick and easy to make!
5 HEALTHY LUNCH BOX IDEAS FOR ADULTS (PERFECT FOR WORK!)
Are you looking for something quick to prep for lunch? These 5 easy and healthy lunch box ideas will be ready in less than 30 minutes. They can be prepped well in advance, and they are the perfect work lunch recipes to help you start your week with wholesome, nutritious food!
I know, I know!
You all love those very expensive sandwiches from the deli next door!
I do too! Guilty!
But guess what? Making a fantastic packed lunch box is a great way to save money! And before you object, I know that packing lunch every day can be challenging. But a bit of planning goes a long way.
And remember!
It’s not just about saving money. It’s also about eating healthy, wholesome food rich in protein, fiber, and no processed fats! By eating a healthy lunch, you’ll feel fuller and more energized throughout the day.
And once you try these quick and easy lunch ideas, I am sure you’ll be more motivated to stick to this new habit.
These lunch box ideas for adults not only look delicious, but they are super easy to make ahead! They all take between 10 to 30 minutes and are cheap and easy to make, even if cooking isn’t your thing.
And if you are a great cook, even better! You’ll pack these lunch boxes so quickly that you’ll have plenty of time to relax and count the money you saved from buying a ready-made lunch!
Plus, kids will love them too!
5 Healthy Lunch Box Ideas!
Here are my favorite quick and healthy lunch boxes, perfect on the go and all ready in less than 30 minutes!
1. Italian Lunch Box
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
With my Italian roots, I had to have an Italian Lunch Box! I love all Mediterranean food, and this healthy lunch box reminds me of the sunny Italian summers, with the smell of fresh basil and pesto!
Ingredients:
- A fresh mozzarella
- A couple of fresh tomatoes
- Basil
- Pesto
- Pinenuts
- Green and black olives
- Dressing: extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper
- A toasted slice of bread
- Red and green grapes
2. Vegan Lunch Box
PREP TIME: 20 minutes
If you are looking for a healthy plant-based lunch, this delicious make-ahead vegan lunch box is perfect for you.
Ingredients:
- Vegan salad: cucumber, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, brown rice, fresh parsley, green and black olives, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper
- An avocado
- A lemon wedge
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Hummus
3. Energy Boost Lunch Box
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
If you have a sweet tooth or prefer to snack instead of having a proper lunch, you need to try this energy-boost lunch box! You can prep this box in record time, either in the evening before you go to bed or in the morning before you leave the house.
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt or Coconut yogurt (for a vegan alternative)
- Maple syrup
- Mixed nuts: almonds, walnuts, and cashew nuts
- Fresh berries
- A sliced red apple
- A tablespoon of peanut or almond butter
4. Protein Lunch Box
PREP TIME: 25 minutes
With roasted chicken breast, boiled eggs, and peanut butter, this lunch box is rich in protein!
Ingredients:
- Roasted chicken breast
- Cherry tomatoes
- 2 boiled eggs
- A sliced red apple
- A tablespoon of peanut or almond butter
5. Greek Lunch Box
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
Another Mediterranean-inspired lunch box, filled with a delicious Greek salad, brown rice, and grapes!
Ingredients:
- Greek salad: cucumber, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, feta, fresh parsley, green and black olives, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Brown rice
- A lemon wedge
- Red and green grapes
And if you love Mediterranean flavors, check out these other 2 great lunch ideas:
1. Mediterranean Lunch Box ~ 2. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Other Ideas For Your Lunch Box
What Do You Pack In A Lunch Box?
Food in your lunch box should be easy and simple to prepare. You also need to make sure you pick food that will store well. No one wants a soggy salad or a sad-looking sandwich!