61 Easy Packed Lunch Ideas for Meals on the Go
While buying lunch out is convenient, packing your lunch has plenty of advantages. You can choose healthy (and still delicious!) foods and save money at the same time. But sometimes it can be hard to come up with easy packed lunch ideas. Browse our list of 61 ideas to inspire your lunches for weeks to come.
Table of contents
1. Chicken fried rice
Category: Chicken
This fluffy chicken fried rice is flavorful and filling. It even makes a great freezer meal — prep a big batch, freeze individual portions and pop it in the microwave whenever you need some quick and easy packed lunch ideas..
2. Chicken and rice
Category: Chicken
Make this easy chicken and rice recipe for dinner and save the leftovers for lunches throughout the week! It makes a perfect, flavorful lunch.
3. Chicken burrito bowl in a jar
Category: Chicken
Mason jars can make any meal more fun, especially for kids. Layer ingredients from this burrito bowl recipe into jars for one of the most convenient and easy packed lunch ideas for school.
4. Chicken tetrazzini
Category: Chicken
Sometimes you need comfort food for lunch, and packing leftover microwave-friendly chicken tetrazzini is the perfect solution. Save this recipe for a cold week to bring you some extra warmth.
5. Buffalo chicken wraps
Category: Chicken
Shredded chicken breast or pre-cooked chicken tenders taste great when wrapped up with ranch or blue cheese dressing in a tortilla or lettuce leaves. Add buffalo sauce for something a bit spicier!
6. Thai chicken green curry
Category: Chicken
Try a Thai-inspired green curry by mixing chicken, vegetables and spices in a creamy coconut milk curry sauce. Eat it like soup or serve it over rice.
7. Chicken salad sandwich
Category: Chicken
Combine juicy chicken with celery and mayo to make a creamy chicken salad sandwich. Or just make the chicken salad and eat it with crackers.
8. Chicken tortilla soup
Category: Chicken
Mouthwatering chicken tortilla soup is just one of many low-calorie soup ideas. Store your soup in a thermos so it stays warm until lunchtime.
9. Hawaiian pineapple chicken
Category: Chicken
Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to this sweet and tangy Hawaiian chicken with pineapple sauce. Transport yourself to a tropical island with this flavorful packed lunch idea.
10. Chicken burritos
Category: Chicken
Build a chicken burrito for lunch on the go with shredded chicken or ground beef, cheese, black beans and plenty of spices. Skip the chicken and double the beans or add cooked tofu for a vegetarian meal prep version.
11. Cobb salad
Category: Chicken, pork
Sometimes a hearty salad just hits the spot. This Cobb salad recipe is loaded with chicken, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado and creamy blue cheese.
12. Chicken curry
Category: Chicken
Chicken cubes and basmati rice come together in a wonderfully flavorful sauce to form this satisfying curry. Plus, it heats up easily in the microwave the next day.
13. Pesto chicken
Category: Chicken
You can pair this easy and delicious pesto chicken with pasta or rice, add it to a salad or enjoy it on its own. It’s that good!
14. Cheesesteak wrap or sandwich
Category: Beef
Combine flank steak, sliced provolone cheese and grilled peppers and onions in your favorite wrap bread for one of the easiest packed lunch ideas for family outings. Or pile it on a roll for a classic Philly cheesesteak lunch.
15. Beef stir-fry
Category: Beef
Whip up some flavorful beef stir-fry and serve it with rice or quinoa for a microwaveable lunch. This dish will keep you full until dinnertime.
16. Slow cooker chili
Category: Beef
Make a big batch of chili in your slow cooker for a beautiful meal that will feed you all week long. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro or sliced jalapeños.
17. Korean japchae noodles
Category: Beef
Mix up your normal lunch routine with these flavorful Korean japchae noodles. With sweet potato glass noodles, beef sirloin, stir-fried vegetables and a flavorful sauce, this dish will keep your taste buds happy!
18. Banh mi
Category: Pork
This Vietnamese sandwich has marinated pork, pickled veggies and fresh herbs for a delightfully sweet and spicy lunch. Swap the pork for tofu for a vegetarian option.
19. Ham salad
Category: Pork
Give this unique ham salad recipe a try. A few simple ingredients come together in a pinch for a delicious lunch on the go.
20. Cabbage and sausage skillet
Category: Pork
Repurpose your Sunday dinner for lunches throughout the week. This one-pan cabbage and sausage skillet takes just 40 minutes to make and warms up beautifully in the microwave the next day.
21. BLT wrap
Category: Pork
For a fun twist on the classic sandwich, try a BLT wrap. Layer turkey slices with cooked bacon, lettuce, tomato and a mayo ranch dressing in a large tortilla, then roll it all up!
22. Ham and cheese sliders
Category: Deli meat
These ham and cheese sliders are one of the most satisfying packed lunch ideas for adults. They feature sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with deli ham, Swiss cheese and a savory poppyseed sauce you can customize with your favorite add-ins.
23. Turkey pesto pinwheels
Category: Deli meat
Tired of sandwiches? Turn your boring desk lunch into fun turkey pesto pinwheels. Get creative and add whatever mix-ins you have on hand — the possibilities are endless!
24. Turkey and cheese tortilla roll-ups
Category: Deli meat
These tortilla roll-ups are one of the most delicious and simple lunch ideas for work. Rolled with turkey slices, sharp cheddar and a creamy ranch sauce, they’re quick to make on busy mornings.
25. Turkey and cranberry panini
Category: Deli meat
This flavor-packed panini is great for turning leftover turkey into a gourmet meal. Filled with turkey slices, melted Swiss cheese and tangy cranberry jam, it’s perfect for enjoying any time of year you crave festive flavors.
26. Tuna salad wrap
Category: Seafood
Whether you like a traditional tuna salad or something fresh and fun with fruit and nuts, tuna salad makes a nutritious lunch. Eat it with crackers, stuff it in a pita pocket or wrap it in a tortilla.
27. Shrimp quesadilla with veggies
Category: Seafood
If you love seafood, then these shrimp quesadillas are for you! Loaded with cheesy goodness and colorful veggies, they’re one of the easiest packed lunches for adults you can’t get enough of.
28. Ginger salmon bowl
Category: Seafood
This salmon bowl with ginger dressing is refreshing and nutritious. Pile a bed of quinoa or fluffy rice with flaky salmon and colorful veggies, then top with a zesty ginger dressing to tie it all together.
29. Salmon cakes
Category: Seafood
These cracker-crusted salmon cakes are filling and delicious. Pair with rice, potatoes or salad greens for a heartier meal, or enjoy them on their own for a light packed lunch idea.
30. Grilled fish tacos
Category: Seafood
These grilled fish tacos are one of the freshest, most nutritious packed lunch ideas for adults. Made with tender fish, crisp slaw and tangy dressing, they bring a burst of flavor with minimal prep.
To simplify packing, keep the cooked fish, slaw and tortillas in separate containers and assemble the tacos when you're ready to eat for a mess-free lunch.
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31. Chickpea salad
Category: Vegetarian
Try this loaded Mediterranean chickpea salad recipe with cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta cheese and a bright lemon dressing. Make it an extra fun, packed lunch idea by combining your ingredients in a mason jar for easy traveling!
32. Instant ramen and miso soup
Category: Vegetarian
Simmer ramen noodles in a delicious miso paste mixed with broth and an assortment of colorful vegetables for a hot and savory soup. Garnish with extra green onions for a burst of herbal freshness.
33. Bean salad
Category: Vegetarian
Make a delicious bean salad with kidney beans, black beans and garbanzo beans, or choose your favorite beans for a healthy meal. Pinto beans or black beans are great when combined with diced bell pepper and onion with a vinaigrette dressing.
34. Egg salad sandwich
Category: Vegetarian
Even a simple sandwich can make an enjoyable packed lunch, like this quick egg salad sandwich recipe. Add an apple, chips or veggie sticks to round out your lunch, or toss in a cookie or pudding cup for a sweet treat.
35. Macaroni and cheese
Category: Vegetarian
Mac and cheese isn’t just for kids! Make some comforting baked mac and cheese and enjoy it for lunch all week long.
36. Spinach and cheese pinwheels
Category: Vegetarian
Pinwheels aren’t just for parties. They can be an appetizing and easy packed lunch idea for work. Roll up a blend of cheeses and spinach in puff pastry or a large tortilla and cut it into slices for a lunch worth celebrating.
37. Caprese salad
Category: Vegetarian
Level up a classic caprese salad by adding cooked farfalle pasta and organizing the ingredients on skewers. Pack a side of balsamic vinegar for dipping.
38. Greek veggie pita pockets
Category: Vegetarian
Nothing beats homemade pita bread — except stuffing it with sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion and a thick smear of hummus for a Greek-inspired lunch! Or you can always buy pita pockets to make things simple.
39. Mediterranean tabbouleh
Category: Vegetarian
For another light and fresh packed lunch idea, try Mediterranean tabbouleh. Toss bulgar wheat, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and lots of parsley and mint with a zesty lemon dressing for a unique weekday lunch.
40. Couscous salad
Category: Vegetarian
Mediterranean couscous salad is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and portion it out for tasty lunches all week long.
41. Greek yogurt with granola
Category: Vegetarian
Want something light and refreshing but still packed with protein and flavor? Top some Greek yogurt with granola, berries, sliced banana, nuts or even chocolate chips — whatever suits your fancy!
42. Orzo salad
Category: Vegetarian
Take your lunch to the next level with this orzo salad, best served chilled. It’s packed with fresh veggies and finished with a lemon-based dressing to add a refreshing zing.
43. Cucumber cream cheese sandwich
Category: Vegetarian
Feeling fancy? Try one of the most refreshing and easy cold lunch ideas for adults. Make this classic tea sandwich recipe with crunchy cucumbers and cream cheese for an elevated packed lunch idea.
44. Broccoli cheddar casserole
Category: Vegetarian
Make this cheesy broccoli casserole for dinner, then divide the leftovers into individual portions for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. It’s the perfect comforting lunch!
45. Pasta salad
Category: Vegetarian
Pasta salad is a great packed lunch idea because it’s easily customizable. Substitute gluten-free pasta noodles and use whatever veggies you have in the fridge.
46. Carrot ginger soup
Category: Vegetarian
Pack this smooth and creamy carrot ginger soup for a lunch on the go. This easy recipe is one of the most comforting packed lunch ideas for toddlers and adults alike. Dunk some crackers or crusty bread in it for a heartier meal.
47. Cheese and crackers
Category: Vegetarian
You can’t go wrong with this classic combo. Pair your favorite crackers with sliced or cubed cheese for a light, tasty lunch.
48. Smoothie
Category: Vegetarian
For a super convenient lunch on the go, blend up some frozen fruit, yogurt and milk or juice to make a cool and refreshing smoothie. Add a scoop of protein powder or nut butter to make it more filling.
49. Cottage cheese bowl
Category: Vegetarian
Looking for unique lunch ideas for work? Try using cottage cheese as a base and add toppings of your choice. Go Greek with olives, cucumbers and tomatoes, or make a cottage cheese burrito bowl with beans, onion, cilantro and taco seasoning.
50. Quinoa parsley salad
Category: Vegetarian
The variety of flavors and textures in this quinoa parsley salad will keep you satisfied until dinnertime. It’s nutritious and delicious!
51. Palak paneer
Category: Vegetarian
Palak paneer is a flavorful Indian dish made with creamy paneer cheese, spinach and lots of spices. Serve with rice or dip with naan.
52. Overnight oats
Category: Vegetarian
Overnight oats are one of the most versatile and easy packed lunch ideas for kids. Mix rolled oats, yogurt and your milk of choice in a mason jar, then let it sit in the fridge overnight. Add chia seeds and fresh fruit for extra fiber.
53. Black bean soup
Category: Vegetarian
This satisfying black bean soup will keep your taste buds dancing and your tummy full until dinnertime. Customize with toppings of your choice, like avocado chunks, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro and even crushed tortilla chips.
54. Avocado toast
Category: Vegetarian
Avocado toast is one of the simplest lunch box ideas for adults for work. Top it with a hard-boiled egg and some everything bagel seasoning, and you’ve got a nutritious meal that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Store the toasted bread, mashed avocado and toppings separately, then put everything together at lunchtime for a delicious, fresh bite.
55. Compartmentalized meals
Category: Customizable
Compartmentalized meals and other combination lunch packs are inexpensive and super easy for on-the-go lunches, but you can make your own at home. Fill your lunch compartments with crackers, meat, cheese, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, dips, cut veggies and fresh or dried fruit.
56. Greek gyro
Category: Customizable
Tender meat, fresh veggies and tangy tzatziki sauce come together in a pita wrap to make this delicious Greek gyro. Swap the lamb for chicken or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian option.
57. Rice balls
Category: Customizable
Use up leftover rice from an easy weeknight dinner by making rice balls. Add crab, tuna or teriyaki chicken, and complete your lunch with something sweet like fruit.
58. Caesar salad or wrap
Category: Customizable
Pile a tortilla with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes and Caesar dressing, then roll it all up for a yummy Caesar salad lunch wrap! Or skip the wrap and enjoy the salad for something a bit lighter. Add grilled chicken for a boost of protein.
59. Un-pizza
Category: Customizable
Pack crackers or pita triangles, sliced pepperoni, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives and cheese cubes for a deconstructed pizza alternative. It’s like pizza for grown-ups!
60. Peanut noodle salad
Category: Customizable
Make a vibrant peanut noodle salad by tossing crunchy veggies (like bell peppers, sugar snap peas and carrots) and fresh herbs (cilantro and mint) with a creamy peanut butter sauce — perfect for those days when you’re tired of your usual packed lunch ideas. Add chicken or tofu for some extra protein.
61. Chipotle burrito bowl
Category: Customizable
This burrito bowl is a customizable meal perfect for quick lunches. Packed with seasoned rice, beans, grilled veggies and your choice of protein, you can assemble it in advance and keep it refrigerated until it’s time to eat.
Easy packed lunches FAQ
With these recipe ideas, you’ll be more excited than ever to take your daily lunch break. Here are some answers to common questions about packing and preparing lunches that taste great on the go.
What are some easy packed lunch ideas that travel well?
Cold options like chicken salad sandwiches, turkey roll-ups and BLT wraps are the most travel-friendly lunches. Other easy packed lunch ideas for adults on the go include a chicken burrito bowl in a jar, couscous salad or a simple but delicious smoothie.
How should I store and transport packed lunches to keep them fresh?
Pack your food in airtight containers to prevent spills. If you’re packing cold foods, use insulated lunch bags or ice packs to keep perishable items fresh. If your food is hot, store it in a thermos to maintain the temperature.
What are the best prep methods for easy packed lunches?
For easy assembly, cook grains and proteins the night before and prep the other ingredients, such as veggies, in advance. Use divided bento-style containers to keep each item separate and fresh. Wrap sandwiches and wraps tightly with plastic or foil to prevent drying out.
Which foods are best for packed lunches if refrigeration isn’t available?
Opt for shelf-stable items like bread, nuts, nut butters, whole fruits and raw vegetables. Avoid mayonnaise-based salads, dairy or meats that require refrigeration to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety.
What are some easy vegetarian or vegan packed lunch options?
Hummus with veggie sticks, veggie pita pockets or mason jar salads with beans and grains are nutritious packed lunch ideas for adults who follow a vegetarian diet. These options require minimal prep and stay fresh without refrigeration for a few hours.
Packed lunch ideas are easy with Instacart
If you start with these suggestions, you’ll open up a world of easy packed lunch ideas. To make things even easier as you prepare for a busy week ahead, order all the ingredients you need through Instacart. Have your groceries delivered right to your door so you can focus on the fun part: packing your lunch!
Want to get more organized with your meal prep? Check out this step-by-step guide on meal planning to avoid last-minute stress.
Course:
Recipes
Cuisine:
American
Difficulty:
Easy
61 Easy Packed Lunch Ideas for Meals on the Go
Try these packed lunch ideas for easy meals on the go.
Ingredients
Directions
Mel Hull
Author
Mel is a seasoned content strategist and food writer with over a decade of experience helping brands tell compelling stories. Inspired by her hometown of Houston, TX, she brings her love of bold flavors and Southern hospitality to the table. In the kitchen, she loves baking (especially banana bread!) and experimenting with Tex-Mex dishes.
Heather Matley
Editor
Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.
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