Freshen Up Your Packed Lunch Roster (11 Days Worth of Ideas)

If you’re anything like me, after a while of being on track and eating healthy packed lunches, your eye starts to wander onto expensive and sometimes not as healthy takeout or restaurant options. 

Being bored with lunch is one thing, but when it impacts our willpower to stay on track with our nutrition goals, it’s time to spice things up! 

I’ve scoured the far reaches of the internet to find some fresh, exciting packed lunch ideas to keep you full, satisfied, and looking forward to opening your lunchbox. 

1. Quinoa Salad Jars:

Layer cooked quinoa with your favorite veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and spinach. Add a protein boost with chickpeas or grilled chicken. Top it off with your favourite vinaigrette and store in the fridge for a grab-and-go lunch. 

2. Greek Pasta Salad:

Cook whole wheat pasta and toss it with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a homemade Greek dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

3. Mason Jar Ramen:

Yes, you read that right! Ditch the nutrient void options in the styrofoam cups and opt for a healthier homemade version. Layer cooked ramen noodles with sliced veggies like carrots, mushrooms, and green onions. Pack a separate jar with your favourite broth (I suggest bone broth!). When you’re ready to eat, simply pour in the broth and microwave until heated through. Customize your toppings with soft-boiled eggs, tofu, or shredded pork or chicken.

4. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad:

Combine canned chickpeas with pearl couscous, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress it up with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dried herbs like oregano and parsley. 

5. Sushi Bowl:

Get all the flavors of sushi without the take out price tag or the hassle of rolling with this deconstructed sushi bowl. Start with a base of cooked rice or quinoa and top it with sliced avocado, cucumber, shredded nori, and your choice of protein such as cooked shrimp, smoked salmon, seared ahi, or tofu. Drizzle with soy sauce and a dollop of spicy mayo for an extra kick. 

6. Caprese Sandwich Wraps:

Spread a whole wheat tortilla with pesto sauce, then layer on slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, juicy tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves. Roll it up tightly and slice it into pinwheels for easy packing. These wraps are delicious served cold and can be enjoyed on the go.

7. Cold Peanut Noodle Salad:

This Asian-inspired noodle salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Cook soba or whole wheat spaghetti noodles and toss them with a sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey. Add shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, and chopped scallions for crunch and flavor. You can add some prawns, tofu, or grilled chicken for extra protein. 

8. Veggie Bento Box:

Pack a nutritious and colorful assortment of veggies alongside homemade hummus for dipping in a convenient bento box. Fill compartments with cucumber slices, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, broccoli crowns, and snap peas. Add a portion of whole grain crackers or sliced pita bread and you've got the perfect option for grazing throughout the day. 

9. Cold Quinoa Salad with Mango and Black Beans:

Combine cooked quinoa with diced mango, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Dress it with a lime vinaigrette made from lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and cumin. This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious and satisfying lunch option. Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge or at room temperature. 

10. Chicken Caesar Wrap:

Put a healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad by turning it into a portable wrap. Fill a whole wheat tortilla with sliced grilled chicken breast, romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a high quality caesar dressing and roll it up tightly. These wraps are perfect for a protein-packed lunch on the go or at your desk. 

11. Charcuterie On the Go:

Roll up or slice your favourite cured meats alongside a soft cheese, a hard cheese, and some olives and fancy crackers for a charcuterie lunch on the go. Sadly, you’ll have to pass on the wine pairings, but you could add a few fresh grapes for that luxurious feel. 

Bon appetit!