Top 10 lunchbox ideas
Give your lunchbox some love with our homemade recipe ideas, from satisfying stews and super-healthy salads to filling flapjacks and frittatas.
Does the prospect of a limp shop-bought sandwich fill you with despair? Try whipping up something special at home and you'll soon be excited to open your lunchbox again. These easy, varied recipes keep things interesting at lunchtime – take your pick and start planning your week of delicious meals.
Want even more healthy lunch inspiration? Learn how to pack a healthy lunch and get more advice on sugar, salt and portion sizes with our easy-to-follow guide. You can also find more kids’ recipes for every occasion in our family hub.
1. Smoky beef stew
If it's raining outside, get the comfort of a super-healthy, hot meal in the office. Whip up this smoky beef stew for dinner the night before and simply bundle up the leftovers for a tasty lunch al desko.
2. Barley couscous & prawn tabbouleh
Craving a hearty couscous salad to keep you full? A box filled with barley couscous & prawn tabbouleh could be the answer, or try our roasted veg & couscous salad for a vegetarian version.
3. Storecupboard pasta salad
Our storecupboard pasta salad is an easy, budget-friendly lunch that will only take you five minutes to make in the morning. Alternatively, try our family-friendly BLT pasta salad or choose from our full collection of pasta salad recipes.
4. Coronation chicken salad
Using leftover roast chicken is a great way to eat well and save money. Try this quick and healthy coronation chicken salad – or make sesame chicken noodles or chicken with Spanish-style butter beans.
5. Super-green mackerel salad
Eating mackerel at your desk might not make you too popular, but ,trust us, it’ll be worth it. This scrumptious super-green mackerel salad takes 20 minutes to prepare and is packed full of good stuff.
6. Frittata
Protein-rich frittatas can help you through the afternoon – pop a slice of this masala frittata with avocado salsa into your lunchbox, or make a more traditional asparagus & new potato version with seasonal produce.
7. Sesame & ginger sushi bowls
Start with a layer of brown basmati rice, then add nutritious toppings such as avocado, shredded carrot and a punchy Asian-style dressing. Sesame & ginger sushi bowls may become your new favourite lunch!
8. Healthier flapjacks
Can't make it through to lunch without a little elevenses? We know the feeling. These healthier flapjacks are packed with seeds, oats and agave syrup to give you the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up.
9. Chicken, carrot & avocado rolls
Already got lunchboxes to prepare for the kids in the morning? These healthy chicken, carrot & avocado rolls will be a hit with the whole family, so there's no excuse not to pack yourself something tasty too.
10. Salmon & chive bagel topper
Not had time to make anything the night before? This sophisticated salmon & chive bagel topper can be assembled in a flash with just a handful of ingredients.
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Do you have a lunchbox favourite? Share your ideas with us below...
