Healthy Packed Lunches for School & Work

Published September 8, 2015 09:15PM

Peanut butter and jelly…again? This year, take a pass on the same old boring lunchbox go-to’s, and upgrade to these quick and easy outside-the-box options. We’ve pulled together some inspired lunch options that are as delicious as they are healthy. Many of these can be made ahead!

Check out our favorite reusable lunch boxes!

Southwest Chicken Salad with Whipped Avocado Dressing

Black beans, corn, cheddar and crunchy tortilla chips are the hallmark ingredients of our killer Southwest salad.

Chicken, Spinach & Ricotta Quesadillas

This hearty whole-grain covered feast will keep you full for hours. Now that’s a meal!

Harvest Squash & Quinoa Salad

This hearty salad layered in a Mason jar is super easy for transporting; store it in your fridge for up to 5 days!

Egg & Ham Turnovers

These grab-and-go breakfast turnovers are stocked with protein and colorful veggies. Why not have breakfast for lunch?

Bangkok Curry Bowls with Rice Noodles & Vegetables

Simply prepare the broth before leaving the house, store in a heat-proof container and pour over top when you’re ready.

Carrot Cumin Coconut Soup

Soups are the perfect grab-and-go midday meal and can accompany just about any lunch side, from your favorite panini to the classic kale Caesar.

Pita Paninis with Tuna, Sprouts, Zucchini and Avocado Cream

These loaded paninis, or “little breads” in Italian, make the perfect on-the-go lunch. The options are endless!

Meatball Sub with Roasted Veggies & Tomato Sauce

Bursting with meaty goodness and doused in tasty red sauce, you’ll need two napkins and a fork for this one!

Quinoa Salad with Cherries & Creamy Vinaigrette

Make this ahead and have lunch on hand for several days – simply refrigerate salad and dressing separately and combine in the morning or right before eating.

Turkey Paninis with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sassier than the average sandwich, these paninis make for a delicious, clean quick-fix meal.

Personal Pizza with Garlic, Spinach & Mozzarella

These quick and easy pizzas use pita bread for a traditionally thin and crispy crust.

Mediterranean Tuna & White Bean Salad Collard Wraps

Spring Romaine Boats with Chicken & Quinoa

These sassy little lettuce cups are brimming with fiery radish and tangy goat cheese. Plus, they’re perfectly portable for busy weeknights on the run.

Portobello & Adzuki Bean Salad

This easy veggie salad features adzuki beans, which are incredibly high in fiber and protein.

Chile Chicken Tortillas

Our handy Chicken Tortillas cost only $2 per serving and take 11 minutes to make. Talk about a quick and easy lunch!