33 Lunchbox Recipes Adults Will Love Too
Let’s be honest, brown-bagging it as an adult can feel… underwhelming. But packing your own lunch doesn’t have to mean soggy sandwiches and sad carrot sticks! It’s time to ditch the boring and embrace lunches that are actually exciting, delicious, and totally worthy of your precious midday break. Think gourmet, think flavorful, think…lunchbox envy from your coworkers!
We’ve rounded up 33 lunchbox recipes so good, you’ll be counting down the minutes until lunchtime. These aren’t just kid-friendly throwbacks (although some childhood favorites get a serious upgrade!), they’re recipes designed for discerning adult palates. So, grab your favorite lunch container and get ready to pack some serious deliciousness!
Spicy Tuna Salad Wraps Recipe
Forget the mayo-laden tuna salad of your youth. This version kicks things up a notch with sriracha, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Wrap it in a whole-wheat tortilla with some crunchy veggies for a satisfying and flavorful lunch.
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
A hearty and healthy option packed with protein and fiber. Roast your favorite vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers, then toss them with cooked quinoa, a lemon vinaigrette, and some crumbled feta cheese.
Chicken Caesar Salad Pita Pockets Recipe
A twist on the classic Caesar salad! Grill or bake some chicken breast, chop it up, and mix it with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and parmesan cheese. Stuff it all into a whole-wheat pita pocket for easy eating.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful salad that’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Combine chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb dressing.
Leftover Pizza Pasta Salad Recipe
Transform leftover pizza into a surprisingly delicious pasta salad! Chop the pizza into bite-sized pieces and toss it with cooked pasta, some extra veggies, and a simple vinaigrette. You might never throw away leftover pizza again!
Sushi Burrito Recipe
All the flavors of sushi, but in a convenient burrito form! Layer sushi rice, your favorite fillings (like avocado, cucumber, carrots, and protein of your choice), and nori seaweed sheets. Roll it up tight and enjoy!
Black Bean and Corn Salsa with Tortilla Chips Recipe
A simple and refreshing snack or light lunch. Combine black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeno for a spicy kick. Serve with whole-grain tortilla chips.
Caprese Skewers Recipe
A classic Italian appetizer that’s perfect for a light and refreshing lunch. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and enjoy!
Mason Jar Salad Recipe
Layer your salad ingredients in a mason jar, starting with the dressing at the bottom and ending with the greens at the top. This prevents the greens from getting soggy and makes for a convenient and visually appealing lunch.
Hummus and Veggie Wraps Recipe
A simple and satisfying vegetarian option. Spread hummus on a whole-wheat tortilla and load it up with your favorite veggies, like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and spinach.
Chicken and Avocado Salad Sandwich Recipe
A healthier twist on the classic chicken salad. Replace some of the mayo with mashed avocado for a creamy and flavorful sandwich filling. Add some chopped celery and red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
Turkey and Brie Baguette Recipe
Elevate your sandwich game with this sophisticated combination. Spread some brie cheese on a baguette and layer it with sliced turkey, cranberry sauce, and arugula.
Lentil Soup Recipe
A hearty and warming soup that’s perfect for colder days. Lentil soup is packed with protein and fiber, and it’s easy to make in large batches and store for lunches throughout the week.
Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe
A flavorful and satisfying noodle dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch. Toss cooked noodles with a spicy peanut sauce, some chopped vegetables, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Egg Salad with Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
Give your egg salad a flavor boost with everything bagel seasoning! This simple addition adds a ton of flavor and texture. Serve it on bread, crackers, or lettuce cups.
Bento Box with Cheese, Crackers and Grapes Recipe
Channel your inner child with an adult-friendly bento box! Pack some cheese cubes, crackers, grapes, and your favorite snacks for a fun and satisfying lunch.
Pasta Salad with Pesto Recipe
A simple and flavorful pasta salad that’s perfect for a light lunch. Toss cooked pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pine nuts.
Cucumber Sandwiches Recipe
A refreshing and elegant sandwich that’s perfect for a light lunch. Spread cream cheese on bread and layer it with thinly sliced cucumbers and fresh dill.
Beef and Broccoli Bowls Recipe
A delicious and healthy bowl that is perfect for any lunch break. Put rice at the bottom, then add your cooked beef and broccoli over the rice.
Spicy Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Heat up your lunchbox with a spicy chicken quesadilla! This is easy to make and can be reheated or eaten cold.
Taco Bowls Recipe
Taco Tuesday any day of the week with a Taco Bowl! These bowls can be customize to your favorite fillings to make it just right.
Pizza Rolls Recipe
Who does not love a pizza roll? An oldie but goodie, enjoy your favorite treat as an adult!
Buffalo Chicken Wraps Recipe
Heat up your lunchbox with this adult delight! Add blue cheese or ranch to cool down the heat!
California Burrito Recipe
California Burritos have it all! French fries, avocado, and your favorite meat, can’t go wrong!
BLT Sandwich Recipe
Classic sandwich, the perfect lunchbox treat!
Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, delicious! A great comfort food for your lunch break.
Macaroni Salad Recipe
This classic side dish can be turned into a main course. Add some protein like ham or tuna to make it more filling.
Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe
Another classic sandwich option. Get creative with your spices and herbs to create a unique flavor profile.
Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich Recipe
For a vegetarian option, try an eggplant parmesan sandwich. It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
Steak Fajitas Recipe
A fancy option for when you’re feeling like treating yourself. Marinate some steak, grill it up, and serve with all the fixings for fajitas.
Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe
Make a big batch of pulled pork on the weekend and enjoy pulled pork sliders for lunch all week long!
Salmon Cakes Recipe
Healthy, delicious, and easy to make, salmon cakes are a great option for a light lunch.
Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe
A quick and easy pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lunchbox treat.
