Do you remember what every kid wanted to eat for lunch back then? Yes, you’re right — Lunchables! They’re those packed lunches filled with different meal combinations you can DIY. But who said Lunchables are just for kids? There are also lunchables for adults and just like back in the good ol’ days, you can DIY them too!
What are Adult Lunchables?
You don’t have to spend a fortune buying pre-packed lunches at the grocery store. Adult lunchables are a healthier way to enjoy your lunch. Whether you’re working at a desk in the office or eating from a kitchen table, you can easily make these cold lunch ideas at a lower price.
Since most of the ingredients you can use stay fresh in the fridge, you can make your own lunchables for the whole week. With little time and prep, you can switch up your meals every day so you don’t eat the same meals for days in a row.
15 Best Healthy Lunchables for Adults
The Classic (Meat, Cheese, and Crackers)
Remember those Ham & Cheddar Cracker Stackers? Well, you can still have them as an adult. This recipe requires— you guessed it: meat, cheese, and crackers!
You can pick the classic ham and cheddar or other kinds of meat and cheese. Instead of crackers, you can also go for veggie sticks for a healthier option. Dips aren’t really necessary for this meal but you can have fruits like berries for dessert.
Lunchable or Brunchable?
Who says you can’t have brunches as a lunchable? You can have breakfast sandwiches on a stick! Sausage patties and cheese can be sandwiched between two pancakes and skewered. Add yogurt and fruit to complete your brunch.
Chick ‘N’ Hummus
This packed meal features sliced cucumber and bell peppers, cheese, and of course– grilled or baked chicken, and hummus. For your carbohydrates, you can include pita wedges. You may also opt for substitutes like celery and rice crackers. The options are limitless!
Rollin’ Turkey
Deli turkey is the main ingredient for this meal but you can choose to pack other deli meat. Sliced cheese like havarti cheese and dips like hummus will make your roll-ups tastier. Pretzel crackers will give you the carbs you need and sliced vegetables like bell peppers will complete your lunch.
Bagel Bento Box
Why buy a bagel when you can DIY and save money? You can even customize your own sandwich to how you like it! You will also need a bagel (of course), vegetables like cherry tomatoes, and cream cheese for your spread. For your protein, you can add an egg to your sandwich.
Turkey Protein Dupe
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/598134394276671726/
Like those turkey protein Lunchables from Starbucks, mini turkey flatbread sandwiches and apple slices will give you enough energy for the day. Use wheat flatbread, turkey slices, Swiss cheese, pickled sweet cherry peppers, and lettuce for your sandwich. You can also include a cream cheese spread!
Keto-able Lunchable
Lunchables can also be keto-friendly! This meal will give you a variety of food, colors, and flavors you can enjoy. A bento compartment can have slices of pepperoni or salami and cheese, and another can have broccoli, bell peppers slices, and ranch dressing. Olives and a keto brownie can complete this inclusive meal!
Falafel Fiesta
This meal is rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. The falafel lunchable can be paired with pita slices, cucumber, radish slices, and other fresh veggies. You can also have a creamy tahini maple dressing for your salad. The meal will leave you feeling healthy and satisfied, making it one of the most perfect lunchables for adults!
Taco in a Bento
This veggie lunchable can save you more money than buying your usual taco salad takeout. You can fully customize your salad but for a great recommendation, you can have romaine, black beans, corn, and pico de gallo. Don’t forget your tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and creamy avocado dressing to complete this recipe.
Bentocuterie
Much like a charcuterie board, this lunchable is an explosion of flavors! It is savory, sweet, spicy, and salty. It contains meat, cheese, nuts, and fruits. Salami with pepper jack cheese, almonds or pistachios, berries, and sliced apples create the perfect fancy lunchable for adults.
Protein in a Box
This protein-filled lunchable is packed with that satisfied feeling you should get every lunch! Meat and eggs are your main sources of protein in this meal. You should also add your fruits and veggies like apple slices and tomatoes for the balanced meal that everyone needs.
Perfect Pesto Pasta
The quick-and-easy pesto pasta can be made with only three ingredients: cooked pasta, pesto, and chopped tomato. You can easily whip this up in the kitchen in the mornings or in batches if you’re making prepped meals. Add your chicken for protein, and include a mini trail mix of chocolate chips, almonds, and blueberries for dessert.
TexMex Box
Lunchables are all about efficiency and if you’re craving Mexican food, this recipe will save you. Your burrito with meat, cheese, and refried beans will only take you 5 minutes to prepare. Adding salsa, fruits, and crackers will also take your meal to the next level! To complete your protein-packed lunchable, you can top it all off with Mexican seasoning or hot sauce for that extra flavor.
Snackin’ on Seafood
This chipotle lime shrimp lunchable combo is full of flavor! Throw brown rice, black beans, tomatoes, and avocados into a bowl and you get your amazing lunch that will get you through the day. The right level of adobo spice and honey can sweeten up this quick and easy meal.
‘Roni Pizza
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/13862711337634424/
We’re ending the list with another classic Lunchable: the Pizza Lunchables. To make this meal a lunchable for adults, you can use melba toast for the dough, pizza sauce or regular tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperonis for the toppings! Just be sure to pack some fruits and veggies to have a perfectly-balanced meal.
How to Make and Prep Lunchables for Adults
There are no exact rules in prepping adult lunchables but the key to creating lunchables is using bento boxes or lunch boxes with compartments. This ensures that the wet and dry ingredients of your lunchables are separated and will last longer in the fridge.
Being able to DIY your meals means that you have total control of the ingredients you use. This means that lunchables for adults can be healthy. For a balanced diet, you can include protein, carbs, fruits and vegetables, and even dips! But hey, it’s your meal and it’s totally up to you.
