By Laura Fuentes on Updated
5 from 18 votes
Recipe
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Adult Lunchables are a thing! Grab one of these ideas featuring fresh ingredients turned into a protein-packed lunch that's perfect for the office or on the go.
In this post, I share my favoritequick lunch ideasto packfor workto enjoyhealthy Adult Lunchables thatfeellike you’re eating right out of a charcuterie board!
There are lots of meal prep recipes to pack for lunch on this site, but now and then, it’s nice to switch from cooked recipes and lunch salads to something that’s easy to assemble and just as delicious. Enter the adult lunchable.
What Are Adult Lunchables
An adult lunchable is a bigger version of the kid-favorite school Lunchable. It’s packed in a bento box with your choice of protein, veggies, crackers, dips, and fruit. The portions are larger and much healthier than the traditional store-bought ones kids beg for.
But let’s get back to YOUR lunch.These are perfect for eating at your desk or in the car if you have a job that requires a lot of driving and can stay fresh for hours in one of these adult lunchboxes and lunch bags.
Watch this video to see a few of my favorites, and then keep reading to get 20+ more Adult Lunchable ideas:
Adult Lunchable Ideas
The best part of these adult lunchable ideas is that they don’t require you to cook, and they’re assembled quickly by mixing some of your favorite ingredients, leftovers, and pantry staples!
Scroll down, browse through the ideas, and click on any of them to pin it or print!
Charcuterie Lunchables
Everything you love from a charcuterie board packed to-go! Added veggies, protein, and humms to dip!
Protein Lunchable
Pack leftover grilled chicken, hard boiled egg, and some veggies ot build a protin-rich lunch for grown ups!
Taco Lunchables
Put those taco night leftovers to use and skip going out to lunch with this easy idea.
Tzatziki Dipping Bento
Grab that Tztaziki sauce from the fridge and pair it with fresh veggies and loads of protein!
Guacamole & Protein Office Lunchable
The classic ham + cheese + crackers upgraded with more protein, fruit, veggies, and a guacamole single!
Hummus & Veggies Lunchable
Pair this with a sandwich, wrap, or pack it as a snack to get more veggies into your day.
Healthy Nacho Lunchable
Load up some bell pepper slices with the classic nacho ingredients. Full of protein, can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Pears & Salami Bento Box for Adults
Another charcuterie-inspired adult lunchable that's delicious and packed in one easy container!
Caprese Appetizer Lunchbox
Everyone's favorite appetizer when eating out is ready to eat for lunch!
Copycat Starbucks Bistro Box
Save money, stay full longer, and skip the line with this DIY version!
Chicken Salad Bento
Pack your favorite chicken salad on top of a bed of greens along with veggies and more for lunch!
Chicken & Hummus Bistro Box
Another classic combination you can make yourself for a healthy and affordable lunch option!
BLT Salad Box
This BLT salad gets packed quickly and the simple ingredients make it a favorite!
Make This Recipe
Zucchini Pizza Bites Work Lunchable
A low-carb lunch from dinner leftovers you can heat up in the office microwave and ready to eat in 30 seconds.
Classic DIY Nacho Lunchables
A nostalgic lunchable that gets an upgrade with healthy grilled chicken, veggies, and fruit. Click on the post to learn how to keep the cheese sauce warm if you don't have a microwave.
Santa Fe Chicken Salad
If salads are your go-to thing to order out, make this delicious and filling salad at home and bring your own!
Food on a Stick Lunchable
Kids aren't the only ones who love food on a stick! I love these because I don't get my fingers dirty while I work!
Are They Healthy?
My adult homemade Lunchables are much healthier than anything I can buy pre-packaged at the store because they’re made with simple and fresh ingredients. These ideas will keep you full longer because they’re a balanced lunch containing protein, healthy fats, and carbs in one container. Unlike premade options, you have total control over what you eat for lunch!
What To Put In Adult Lunchables
There are so many ways to create your own Lunchable, and they can be as simple or sophisticated as you like.
Keep in mind to pack according to your needs, whether that’s high protein, low carb, or grain-free, and with the countless options listed below, that should be easy to do:
Protein
Don’t skip the protein! It’s one macronutrient that’s slow to digest and keeps you feeling full, longer.
- Deli turkey
- Deli ham
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Grilled or baked chicken
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cheese- hard or soft options
- Baked falafel
Veggies & Fruit
This is where you add nutrients, color, and lots of fiber. I aim to pack at least 2 veggies and 1 fruit.
- Baby carrots
- Sugar snap peas
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sliced cucumbers
- Celery
- Grape tomatoes
- Olives
- Sliced apples
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Cubed pineapple
- Cubed melon
Carbohydrates
Carbs give us the much-needed energy for our day. Try opting for whole-grain options which offer more fiber. You can also swap the ingredients below for your favorite grain-free versions.
- Whole-grain crackers
- Pita wedges
- Pretzels
- Pita chips
- Tortilla chips
- Sliced baguette
- Rice crackers
Dips
What else are you going to eat with the veggies and crackers? Personally, the dip is the MAIN ingredient, and here are some delicious choices.
- Hummus
- Peanut or almond butter
- Baba ganoush
- Guacamole
- Pesto
Healthy Adult Lunchable Combinations
Don’t know where to start? Here are some delicious Lunchable combinations using the ingredients above. Remember to swap items for ones you prefer and whatever you do, making it something you’ll want to eat.
- Cali Bento:deli turkey + sliced cucumber + grape tomatoes + pita chips + red pepper hummus
- Caprese:sliced baguette + grape tomatoes + cubed Mozzarella + pesto
- TexMex:tortilla chips + black olives + grape tomatoes + bell pepper + Pepper Jack cheese + guacamole
- Club Bento:deli turkey + sliced cucumber & carrots + grape tomatoes + cheese puffs
- Italian:salami + grape tomatoes + sliced pear + pita chips + cheese puffs
- grilled chicken + sliced cucumber + grape tomatoes + pita wedges + hummus + feta cheese
How to Meal Prep Lunchables for the Office
Lunchables and bento boxes are easy to prep ahead and will last longer in the fridge than most prepared food. Start with a compartmentalized container so you can keep dry and wet ingredients separate. From there:
- Divide the ingredients between the compartments, making sure to pack crackers, chips, etc. on their own.
- Pack your dip into alidded sauce containerand send it with the Lunchable!
Having a lunch container with compartments is important and my two favorite options are theEasyLunchBoxesand theseglass containers. Both are perfect for the office and large enough to pack a substantial amount for adults.
Related: 60+ Meal Prep Lunch Ideas
Adult Lunchables
Servings: 1 lunchable
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins
Adult Lunchables are a thing! Grab one of these ideas featuring fresh ingredients turned into a protein-packed lunch that's perfect for the office or on the go.
5 from 18 votes
Print Pin
Ingredients
- 4- ounces grilled or baked chicken, sliced
- 1 pita round, sliced into wedges
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup grape tomatoes
- 1 ounce feta cheese
- ¼ cup hummus, or a 2 ounce cup
Instructions
Evenly divide the chicken, pita wedges, cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese into a lunch container with compartments. Pack the hummus into a lidded sauce container and send with the lunchable.
Nutrition
Serving: 1box | Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 22.3g | Fat: 9.2g | Saturated Fat: 3.1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 305.4mg | Fiber: 2.9g | Sugar: 2.3g
