Packed Lunch Ideas

Looking to elevate your lunch game and break free from the monotony of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or expensive takeout? Whether you’re a busy professional, a student on-the-go, or a parent striving for nutritious options for your kids, this ultimate guide to packed lunch ideas has you covered! From quick and easy recipes to creative twists on classic favorites, we’ve pulled together a collection of simple and easy homemade lunches that are both satisfying and convenient.

Table of Contents

1. Tools and Containers for Packing Lunches Efficiently
2. Salads for On-the-Go Lunches
3. Vegetarian Packed Lunch Ideas
4. Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids
5. Sandwich and Wrap Ideas
6. Incorporating Leftovers into Packed Lunches

This post comes to you as a result of a reader request! I am admittedly not the most creative when it comes to the mid-day meal, so this was a fun challenge for me. Since Keith and I both work from home, we tend to grab leftovers from the fridge or throw together a sandwich with any lunch meat that we have on hand. And while I pack school lunches for two out of three of my kids each day, the boys are happy with the same old basics: peanut butter or turkey sandwiches, cheese and crackers, and the occasional Lunchables thrown in there (ew!).

That said, I enjoyed pulling together this collection of packed lunch ideas. It has inspired me to get a little bit more creative for this often-ignored meal, and I hope that it does the same for you! Here’s what you’ll find in our handy guide:

• Tools and Containers for Packing Lunches Efficiently
• Salads for On-the-Go Lunches
• Vegetarian Packed Lunch Ideas
• Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids
• Sandwich and Wrap Ideas
• Incorporating Leftovers into Packed Lunches

I would love to hear your favorite tips as well! Leave a comment below and let me know if I’ve missed anything. The more inspiration, the better!

Tools and Containers for Packing Lunches Efficiently

When it comes to packing lunches efficiently, having the right tools and containers can make all the difference. Investing in high-quality, versatile containers can streamline your meal prep process and ensure your food stays fresh until lunchtime. If you’re packing meals for kids, be sure to check out the 6 best lunch containers for school.

My boys have used these relatively inexpensive Amazon lunch boxes for years, and we love them. They hold up well, they can be thrown in the washing machine if they get dirty, they’re lightweight, and they’re also roomy enough for all of the food that hungry teenage boys consume! I add two flat ice packs in each lunch box and the food stays cold until they’re ready to eat.

Bento boxes are a popular choice for their compartmentalized design, allowing you to pack a variety of foods while keeping them separate. Look for bento boxes with leak-proof seals to prevent any messy spills in your bag. Additionally, glass containers are an excellent eco-friendly option that can go from the fridge to the microwave with ease, perfect for reheating leftovers or heating up soups and stews.

Aside from containers, having the right tools on hand can also simplify your lunch packing routine. Invest in a set of reusable silicone muffin liners to portion out snacks like nuts, fruits, or granola in your lunchbox. These liners are not only eco-friendly but also come in handy for keeping wet ingredients separate from dry ones. A good quality thermos is essential for keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold, allowing you to enjoy a variety of meals no matter the weather.

Again, for more in-depth and detailed recommendations, be sure to check out our roundup of the best lunch containers.

Salads for On-the-Go Lunches

Packing salads for lunches on the go requires careful consideration to keep them fresh and crisp, but it can be done! Layer the ingredients in wide-mouth quart-size mason jars, or opt for other sturdy, leak-proof containers and pack dressing separately to prevent soggy greens. Here are some of our favorite options:

• Mason Jar Salads, such as Southwestern Corn and Black Bean Salad, Fruit and Nut Quinoa Salad, Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad, and Asian Chicken and Rice Salad
• Mason Jar Turkey Cobb Salad
• Mason Jar Spinach Salad
• Chicken Taco Mason Jar Salads
• Waldorf Salad
• BLT Pasta Salad
• Antipasto Pasta Salad
• Greek Salad with Shrimp
• Southern Chicken Salad or Chicken Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Pepperoni
• Seafood Salad or Tuna Pasta Salad
• Tortellini Salad with Chicken
• Ham Pasta Salad or Aunt Bee’s Shrimp Pasta Salad
• Kale Apple Salad with Bacon or a Kale Caesar Salad with this creamy Caesar dressing (kale is a hearty green that holds up particularly well for packed lunches!)
• Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemon tahini dressing
• Mediterranean chickpea salad with cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and a lemon herb dressing

Vegetarian Packed Lunch Ideas

Sure, peanut butter sandwiches are vegetarian, but sometimes you want something a little bit more creative, sophisticated, or just…different. Here are some great vegetarian lunch options that will still keep your hunger at bay (and be sure to check out our other meatless meals):

• Hummus and veggie wraps with flour tortillas filled with hummus, sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, shredded carrots, and spinach leaves
• Eggplant caponata packed with a side of pita bread, crackers, or chips for scooping
• Pimento cheese and crackers or a pimento cheese sandwich
• Mediterranean quinoa salad with diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon herb dressing
• Black Bean and Corn Salad
• Caprese pasta salad with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and a balsamic glaze
• Chickpea salad sandwiches made with mashed chickpeas, diced celery, red onion, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, served on whole grain bread with lettuce and tomato
• Stuffed bell peppers filled with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese, baked until tender
• Vegetable stir-fry with a mix of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce and served with brown rice
• Vegetarian soups work well packed in a thermos. We love this Crock Pot black bean soup, Crock Pot vegetable soup, homemade Spaghetti O’s, 30-minute tomato basil soup, and easy minestrone soup.
• Mac and cheese is another great option if you have a way to reheat leftovers or to pack it in a thermos. Try our stovetop Dutch oven mac and cheese or this pumpkin mac and cheese for a fall treat.

Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids

If you have particularly “choosy” or picky kids, packing school lunches can be very frustrating! A bento box is a great option because you can fill it with “snacky” finger foods that they enjoy, rather than the more traditional sandwich or salad. Related: You might also like to check out these 75 dinner ideas for picky eaters, these easy snack and lunch ideas for kids, and these toddler lunch ideas.

• This list wouldn’t be complete without the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich! You can also mix it up with almond butter, Sunbutter, Nutella, honey, sliced banana, or marshmallow fluff.
• Mini whole wheat pita pockets filled with turkey or ham slices, lettuce, and cheese
• Homemade lunchables with whole grain crackers, sliced cheese, deli meats, and cherry tomatoes
• Peanut butter and jelly sushi rolls made with whole wheat bread, peanut butter, jelly, and sliced strawberries rolled up and cut into bite-sized pieces
• Veggie and cheese skewers with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, cheese cubes, and grapes on skewers
• DIY pizza lunchables with whole wheat pita bread, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and toppings like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives
• Fruit and yogurt parfaits with layers of Greek yogurt, granola or nut-free granola, and mixed berries in a portable container
• Turkey and cheese pinwheels made with whole wheat tortillas spread with cream cheese, turkey slices, and cheese, rolled up and sliced into pinwheels
• If your kids have access to a microwave (or don’t mind cold chicken), they’ll love these Goldfish chicken nuggets with a side of ketchup or honey mustard for dipping
• Ants on a log with celery sticks filled with peanut butter or cream cheese and topped with raisins
• Peanut butter cracker sandwiches or cheese and crackers to stack
• Muffins (like chocolate chip muffins, one-bowl pumpkin muffins, or sour cream blueberry muffins), banana nut bread or zucchini bread (sandwiched with cream cheese or peanut butter), or homemade snack mix with cereal, nuts, and dried fruit.
• Crescent roll pizza pockets

Sandwich and Wrap Ideas

If you’re stuck in a rut with the same old turkey and cheese, try one of these sandwiches for your next packed lunch:

• Veggie-packed hummus and avocado sandwich with cucumber, bell peppers, sprouts, and spinach on multigrain bread
• Tuna salad sandwich
• BLT sandwich (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) with basil mayo
• Egg salad sandwich
• Tomato sandwich (I often pack these in a cooler for the pool during the summer!)
• Greek yogurt chicken salad sandwich or the best chicken salad recipe served in a sandwich, bagel, or wrap
• BBQ chicken wrap
• Chicken Caesar wrap with grilled chicken strips, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla
• Veggie and hummus wrap with hummus, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, bell peppers, and spinach in a spinach tortilla
• Turkey and avocado wrap with sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing in a whole wheat tortilla
• Greek wrap with grilled chicken, feta cheese, diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, and tzatziki sauce in a whole wheat wrap
• BBQ chickpea wrap with roasted chickpeas, coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and diced red onion in a whole wheat tortilla
• Veggie and black bean wrap with black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, shredded cheese, salsa, and avocado in a whole wheat wrap
• California sushi wrap with imitation crab or cooked shrimp, avocado, cucumber, shredded carrots, and rice wrapped in a tortilla

Incorporating Leftovers into Packed Lunches

Don’t overlook the convenience of leftovers when packing lunches for work and school. Whether you use leftover roast Dutch oven chicken in a wrap, toss some leftover veggies into a mason jar salad, or pack that extra chili in a thermos, there are so many great ways to save money and satisfy your appetite with minimal effort. Here are some leftovers that pack well the next day:

• Turn roasted vegetables into a flavorful wrap or sandwich filling by adding hummus, cheese, and fresh greens.
• Transform leftover grilled or roasted chicken into a delicious chicken salad for sandwiches or wraps.
• Use cooked quinoa or rice as a base for a nourishing grain bowl, topping it with leftover proteins, vegetables, and a tasty tzatziki sauce or lemon vinaigrette.
• Repurpose yesterday’s pasta dish into a cold pasta salad by adding fresh veggies, cheese, and a zippy vinaigrette.
• Almost any of these hearty soup, stew, and chili recipes pack well the next day.
• Create a Buddha bowl with a variety of leftover components like roasted sweet potatoes, grains, beans, and greens, drizzled with a flavorful sauce.
• Utilize leftover taco ground beef or Crockpot Mexican chicken to make a tasty taco salad with lettuce, beans, corn, salsa, and avocado.
• Mix leftover grains like quinoa or couscous with canned beans, diced veggies, and a zesty dressing to make a nutritious and satisfying cold salad.
• Repurpose leftover grilled or sautéed vegetables into a colorful and flavorful frittata or omelette, perfect for packing in a lunchbox.

There you have it, friends — a robust list of packable lunch ideas to help shake up your regular routine. Please share your favorite options in the comments below, too!