10 Easy Cold Lunch Box Recipes
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.As the seasons change and the weather cools down, our lunchboxes need a refresh too. Gone are the days of soggy sandwiches and wilted greens; it’s time to get creative with our cold lunch box recipes. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for healthy and easy meal ideas, a student seeking a delicious and satisfying meal to fuel your studies, or simply a foodie looking to mix things up, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite cold lunch box recipes that are not only tasty but also easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for a quick and easy meal on-the-go.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of quinoa with fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese. This cold salad is perfect for lunch boxes, offering a burst of Mediterranean flavors that will keep you energized throughout the day. Easy to prepare and packed with protein, it’s a delicious way to savor healthy ingredients on the go.
1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water, then cook it in 2 cups of vegetable broth according to package instructions. 2. While the quinoa is cooking, chop 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, and a handful of cherry tomatoes. 3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped vegetables, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and a handful of chopped parsley. 4. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon, then season with salt and pepper to taste. 5. Toss everything together until well mixed, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Turkey and Cheese Wraps
Turkey and Cheese Wraps are a delicious and convenient option for a cold lunch box. Filled with lean turkey, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables, they offer a tasty balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a quick meal on the go, these wraps are not only satisfying but also easy to prepare.
1. Start with a large tortilla or wrap of your choice. 2. Layer slices of turkey on the tortilla, followed by your favorite cheese. 3. Add fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. 4. Drizzle with mustard or mayonnaise if desired. 5. Roll the tortilla tightly, tucking in the edges as you go. 6. Cut the wrap in half to serve, and pack it in a lunch box.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
The Chickpea Salad Sandwich is a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional meat sandwiches, perfect for a cold lunch box. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it offers both flavor and health benefits. This vegetarian option is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients for a satisfying meal on the go.
1. In a large bowl, mash one can of drained chickpeas with a fork until slightly chunky. 2. Add 1/4 cup of diced celery, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, and 1/4 cup of diced bell pepper. 3. In a separate small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, juice of half a lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. 4. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and stir until well combined. 5. Serve on whole grain or gluten-free bread with lettuce or spinach, and enjoy!
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that combines the classic Italian flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with al dente pasta. This vibrant salad is perfect for a cold lunch box, offering a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that will delight your palate. Easy to prepare and bursting with color, it’s a nutritious option that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let it cool. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. 3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. 4. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to meld the flavors.
Hummus and Veggie Platter
Hummus and Veggie Platter is a vibrant and healthy cold lunch option that combines creamy, flavorful hummus with a variety of fresh vegetables. This dish not only offers an abundance of nutrients but also provides an exciting array of colors and textures. Perfect for packing in a lunch box, it makes for a satisfying and energizing meal any time of day.
To make Hummus and Veggie Platter, start by preparing the hummus. In a food processor, combine 1 can of drained chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, juice of 1 lemon, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Next, select a variety of fresh vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Wash and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Serve the hummus in a small container alongside the arranged veggies for dipping. Enjoy your healthy and colorful lunch!
Cold Noodle Salad
Cold Noodle Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for warm weather lunches. This vibrant salad combines chilled noodles with crisp vegetables and a savory dressing, making it both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
1. Cook your choice of noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse them under cold water. 2. In a large bowl, combine the chilled noodles with sliced cucumbers, julienned carrots, bell peppers, and green onions. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar to create the dressing. 4. Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture, tossing to coat evenly. 5. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts if desired.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
A Fruit and Yogurt Parfait is a delicious and refreshing cold lunch option, perfect for warm days. Layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola create a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal on the go.
1. Start by gathering your ingredients: Greek yogurt, a variety of fresh fruits (such as berries, bananas, and peaches), and granola. 2. In a clear glass or bowl, spoon a layer of yogurt at the bottom. 3. Add a layer of your chosen fruits on top of the yogurt. 4. Sprinkle a layer of granola over the fruit. 5. Repeat the layering process until you reach the top of the glass, finishing with a layer of fruit and a sprinkle of granola. 6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short time before enjoying.
Savory Rice and Bean Bowl
The Savory Rice and Bean Bowl is a delightful and nutritious option for a cold lunch. Packed with protein-rich beans and fluffy rice, this dish is both filling and flavorful. It’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal anytime you need a quick and healthy bite.
1. Cook 1 cup of brown rice according to package instructions and let it cool. 2. Rinse and drain 1 can of black beans and 1 can of corn. 3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and chopped cilantro. 4. Drizzle with olive oil, lime juice, and season with salt, pepper, and cumin to taste. 5. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and transfer to lunch containers. 6. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Pasta salad with Italian dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold lunch box. This salad combines al dente pasta with fresh vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Easy to prepare, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.
1. Cook 8 ounces of your favorite pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1 cup of diced cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of sliced cucumbers, 1/2 cup of black olives, and 1/2 cup of cubed mozzarella cheese. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. 4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine. 5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy your cold pasta salad!
Chicken Caesar Wraps
Chicken Caesar Wraps are a delicious and convenient option for a cold lunch box. Packed with seasoned grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing all wrapped in a soft tortilla, they are both filling and flavorful. These wraps are easy to prepare and perfect for on-the-go meals, making them a favorite among busy families.
1. Begin by grilling or cooking your chicken breasts until fully cooked; season them with salt and pepper. 2. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly before slicing it into thin strips. 3. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing, tossing gently to coat evenly. 4. Lay a large tortilla flat and layer the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla. 5. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and croutons on top for extra flavor and crunch. 6. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly from the bottom. 7. Slice the wrap in half and enjoy, or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap for lunch on the go.
