Skip to content

Top Navigation

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Course
  • Baking
  • Global
  • Healthy
  • Favorite Ingredients
  • Holidays and Occasions
  • Quick and Easy
  • Convenience Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling
  • How To
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore MyRecipes

MyRecipes MyRecipes
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      155+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

      Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Read More
    • The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      2The Brilliant Secret to Making Better Mashed Potatoes

      Trust me, it’s so worth it. Read More
    • 65 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      365 Super Easy Finger Foods to Make for Any Party

      From chips and dip to one-bite apps, finger foods are the perfect way to kick off a party. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time.  Read More
  • Course

    Course

    See All Course
    • Best Appetizer Recipes...Ever
    • Best Drink Recipes for Any Occasion
    • Salad Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Sensational Sides
    • Soup and Stew Recipes
    • Easy Entertaining for Everyone
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Main Dishes and Entrées
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Baking

    Baking

    See All Baking
    • Bread Recipes
    • Our Most-Loved Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Global

    Global

    See All Global
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Vietnamese Recipes
    • Middle Eastern Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Malaysian Recipes
    • Korean Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • French Recipes
    • Chinese Recipes
    • African Recipes
    • American Recipes
    • Cajun and Creole Recipes
    • Caribbean Recipes
    • South American Recipes
    • Southern Recipes
    • German Recipes
  • Healthy

    Healthy

    See All Healthy
    • Easy, Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfasts
    • Healthy Dinners
    • Healthy Desserts
    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Diet and Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Low Carbohydrate Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Favorite Ingredients

    Favorite Ingredients

    See All Favorite Ingredients
    • The Ultimate Guide to Chicken
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Holidays and Occasions

    Holidays and Occasions

    See All Holidays and Occasions
    • A Foodie's Guide to Halloween Recipes
    • The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
    • Hanukkah Recipes
    • Your Ultimate Christmas Recipe Guide
    • Our Most Festive New Year's Recipes
    • Best-Ever Super Bowl Sunday Recipes
    • Best Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • The Ultimate Guide to Easter Recipes
    • Labor Day Recipes
    • The Ultimate Fourth of July Guide
    • Memorial Day Recipes
    • Touchdown-Worthy Tailgate Recipes
    • Wedding and Shower Recipes
  • Quick and Easy

    Quick and Easy

    See All Quick and Easy
    • 15-Minute Recipes for Busy Home Cooks
    • 45-Minute Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients or Less
    • Dinner Tonight
    • No-Cook Recipes
  • Convenience Recipes

    Convenience Recipes

    See All Convenience Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Kid Approved
    • Our Top Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
  • BBQ and Grilling

    BBQ and Grilling

    See All BBQ and Grilling
    • Grilled Beef Recipes
    • Grilled Chicken Recipes
    • Grilled Fish Recipes
    • Grilled Pork Recipes
    • Grilled Shrimp Recipes
    • Grilled Vegetable Recipes
  • How To

    How To

    See All How To
    • 7 Ways With...
    • Cooking Questions
    • Ingredients and Tools
    • Kitchen Cleaning
    • Videos
  • Extra Crispy
  • Well Done

    Well Done

    See All Well Done
    • Homemade vs. The Internet
    • How-to and Explainers
    • Mom vs.
    • Recipe Videos
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Register
  • Recipe Box this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. HomeChevron Right
  2. ConvenienceChevron Right
  3. Our Top Make-Ahead RecipesChevron Right
  4. 27 Must-Try Lunchbox Updates

27 Must-Try Lunchbox Updates

Updated March 17, 2014
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Oatmeal-Pecan Snack Cookies
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Enjoy 26 of our favorite make-ahead bag lunches, great for packing in kids' lunches or getting you through the workday. Don't forget your superhero lunchbox!

Start Slideshow

1 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Turkey and Swiss Pinwheels

Turkey and Swiss Pinwheels
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Kira Corbin

Turkey and Swiss Pinwheels Recipe

Spice up the typical turkey and swiss combination with a homemade dilly Dijon spread.

1 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Veggie Salad in a Jar

Veggie Salad in a Jar
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Veggie Salad in a Jar Recipe

Make these salads up to a day ahead; pack them tightly with the dressing on the bottom, followed by denser ingredients that won't get soggy while they marinate. The recipe easily doubles if you need lunch for 4 people.

2 of 27

3 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Peanut Butter, Banana and Granola Wraps

Peanut Butter, Banana and Granola Wraps
Credit: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Elizabeth Blake

Peanut Butter, Banana and Granola Wraps Recipe

You may be used to packing a daily lunch for your kids, but did you know that these portable provisions can benefit your health and work performance, too? Studies have found that workers who skip the midday meal are more stressed and less productive than those who take a lunch break. Plus, people who skip lunch are more likely to consume excess calories when snacking in the afternoon. Here are 26 of our favorite make-ahead bag lunches, great for packing in kids' lunches and getting you through the workday.

3 of 27

Advertisement

4 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Chicken, Potato, and Green Bean Dippers with Honey Mustard

Chicken, Potato, and Green Bean Dippers with Honey Mustard
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Kira Corbin

Chicken, Potato, and Green Bean Dippers with Honey Mustard Recipe

Prepare chicken strips, potatoes, green beens, and honey-mustard for a great make-ahead lunch. 

4 of 27

5 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Creamy Chicken Salad with Pita Chips

Creamy Chicken Salad with Pita Chips
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Kira Corbin

Creamy Chicken Salad with Pita Chips Recipe

Prepare these homemade pita chips and creamy chicken salad for an easy lunch or after-school snack.

5 of 27

6 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Turkey and Swiss Wrap with Carrot Salad

Turkey and Swiss Wrap with Carrot Salad
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Kira Corbin

Turkey and Swiss Wrap with Carrot Salad Recipe

Serve these turkey and swiss wraps with a carrot salad for a healthy and kid-friendly lunch. 

6 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Credit: Ryan Benyi

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe

You can keep this Mediterranean-style tuna salad in the fridge for up to a week making it the perfect make-ahead lunch. 

7 of 27

8 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Provençal Beef Sandwich

Provencal Beef Sandwich
Credit: Ryan Benyi

Provençal Beef Sandwich Recipe

Try this 5-ingredient beef sandwich for a tasty and substantial lunch. 

8 of 27

9 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

PB Sandwich

PB Sandwich
Credit: Ryan Benyi

PB Sandwich Recipe

Add a layer of sliced bananas to update the classic PB&J sandwich. 

9 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Tuna-Salad Pita

Tuna-Salad Pita
Credit: Ryan Benyi

Tuna-Salad Pita Recipe

This tuna salad keeps in the fridge for up to one week. When you're ready to enjoy it for lunch, spread the tuna salad in pita pockets and add lettuce and tomato.  

10 of 27

11 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Roast Beef Wrap

Roast Beef Wrap
Credit: Ryan Benyi

Roast Beef Wrap Recipe

A mixture of mayo, wasabi, and soy sauce adds flavor to this beef wrap stuffed with arugula, scallions, and cucumber. 

11 of 27

12 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Curried Chicken Salad

ay-Curried Chicken Salad
Credit: Ryan Benyi

Curried Chicken Salad Recipe

This twist on chicken salad gets its unique flavor from curry powder and mango chutney. Serve over greens for for a tasty make-ahead lunch.

12 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Herby Potato, Green Bean, and Tuna Salad

Herby Potato, Green Bean, and Tuna Salad
Credit: Grant Cornett; Styling: Angharad Bailey

Herby Potato, Green Bean, and Tuna Salad Recipe

Herby Potato, Green Bean, and Tuna Salad is chock full of lunchtime goodness. You can also add a hard-boiled egg on top for an extra protein boost.

13 of 27

14 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe

This hearty sandwich is a filling lunch recipe. Prepare the chicken salad at home the night before, and then assemble the sandwich at work the next day.

14 of 27

15 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Farro Salad with Creamy Feta

Farro Salad with Creamy Feta
Credit: Johnny Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Farro Salad with Creamy Feta Recipe

Good news, whole-grain shoppers! Precooked farro is popping up in both the grain aisle and the frozen-foods section of many supermarkets, meaning this Mediterranean dish requires just 30 minutes of prep time.

15 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin-Peanut Sauce

Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin-Peanut Sauce
Credit: Johnny Autry

Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin-Peanut Sauce Recipe

You'll love these meatless, Asian-inspired lettuce wraps with their tangy hoisin-peanut sauce. Just pack the lettuce leaves, filling, and sauce in separate containers and assemble the wraps at work.

16 of 27

17 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Strawberry Chicken Salad

Strawberry Chicken Salad
Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck and Caroline Cunningham

Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe

This healthy salad requires few ingredients and just 20 minutes of hands-on prep time. Crunchy, sweet and satisfying, it's the perfect springtime lunch staple.

17 of 27

18 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Edamame and Almond Hummus

Edamame and Almond Hummus
Credit: Alex Farnum; Styling: Kevin Crafts

Edamame and Almond Hummus Recipe

This protein-packed dip in its gorgous green hue is a great lunchbox snack. Bring along some water crackers and sliced vegetables for dipping.

18 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad
Credit: Kate Sears

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Go Greek with your pasta salad by stirring in cucumber, tomato, olives, spinach, and feta, and tossing in a tangy vinaigrette.

19 of 27

20 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Avocado and Sprout Sandwiches

Avocado and Sprout Sandwiches
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Avocado and Sprout Sandwiches Recipe

These veggie-friendly sandwiches feature healthy toppings like avocado, bean sprouts and toasted pumpkin seeds. Give them your own personal touch with whatever condiments, cheeses or vegetables you have on hand.

20 of 27

21 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Tabbouleh with Chicken and Red Pepper

Tabbouleh with Chicken and Red Pepper
Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Tabbouleh with Chicken and Red Pepper Recipe

This flavorful, Middle Eastern-themed dish comes together easily when you use rotisserie or leftover chicken. Pita chips and hummus are welcome accompaniments.

21 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Smoked Salmon Bagel

Smoked Salmon Bagel
Credit: Victor Protasio

Smoked Salmon Bagel Recipe

Starting with smoked salmon, this bagel sandwich is layered with tasty ingredients—flavored cream cheese, capers, and purple onion. It's a quick fix for a brown-bag lunch.

22 of 27

23 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Caramel-Yogurt Dip

Caramel-Yogurt Dip
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Caramel-Yogurt Dip Recipe

Just a few ingredients and fresh-cut fruit are all you need to make this sweet dip. Pack some for yourself and some for the kids, then smile as you dip into caramel-swirled delight.

23 of 27

24 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Soba Noodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Soba Noodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Credit: Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke

Soba Noodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe

Enjoy this flavorful salad chilled for lunch just as easily as you would warm for dinner. Look for soba noodles, often labeled buckwheat noodles, in the Asian section of supermarkets.

24 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Mediterranean Chicken Salad Pitas

Mediterranean Chicken Salad Pitas
Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

Mediterranean Chicken Salad Pitas Recipe

Who doesn't love a good chicken salad recipe? Take yours to the Mediterranean wtih the addition of Greek yogurt, green olives, and chickpeas, and serve in pita bread halves.

25 of 27

26 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

Cherry and Sunflower Seed Kale Salad

Cherry and Sunflower Seed Kale Salad
Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Cherry and Sunflower Seed Kale Salad Recipe

Tender baby kale, sweet-tart dried cherries and crunchy sunflower seeds are a delightful combination in this healthy salad. Add leftover chicken or turkey for a protein boost, or leave off the meat altogether. Be sure to pack the dressing separately and toss just before consumption to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

26 of 27

27 of 27

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email

BONUS: Oatmeal-Pecan Snack Cookies

Oatmeal-Pecan Snack Cookies
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

BONUS: Oatmeal-Pecan Snack Cookies Recipe

Use up any leftover dried cherries from the previous slide's kale salad by making these portable afternoon pick-me-ups. Want more? Add chocolate chips or grated carrots for a flavorful spin on the recipe.

27 of 27

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 27 Turkey and Swiss Pinwheels
    2 of 27 Veggie Salad in a Jar
    3 of 27 Peanut Butter, Banana and Granola Wraps
    4 of 27 Chicken, Potato, and Green Bean Dippers with Honey Mustard
    5 of 27 Creamy Chicken Salad with Pita Chips
    6 of 27 Turkey and Swiss Wrap with Carrot Salad
    7 of 27 Mediterranean Tuna Salad
    8 of 27 Provençal Beef Sandwich
    9 of 27 PB Sandwich
    10 of 27 Tuna-Salad Pita
    11 of 27 Roast Beef Wrap
    12 of 27 Curried Chicken Salad
    13 of 27 Herby Potato, Green Bean, and Tuna Salad
    14 of 27 Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwiches
    15 of 27 Farro Salad with Creamy Feta
    16 of 27 Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin-Peanut Sauce
    17 of 27 Strawberry Chicken Salad
    18 of 27 Edamame and Almond Hummus
    19 of 27 Greek Pasta Salad
    20 of 27 Avocado and Sprout Sandwiches
    21 of 27 Tabbouleh with Chicken and Red Pepper
    22 of 27 Smoked Salmon Bagel
    23 of 27 Caramel-Yogurt Dip
    24 of 27 Soba Noodle Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
    25 of 27 Mediterranean Chicken Salad Pitas
    26 of 27 Cherry and Sunflower Seed Kale Salad
    27 of 27 BONUS: Oatmeal-Pecan Snack Cookies

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email

    Login

    MyRecipes

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Advertising this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithMyRecipes.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. MyRecipes is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.myrecipes.com

    View image

    27 Must-Try Lunchbox Updates
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.