Like every other working mom on the planet, I attempt to bring my lunch to work rather than go out… it’s healthier and cheaper. Mastering bring-lunch-to-work would save so much, time, money and added pounds. One small thing that’s helped tremendously: perfect sized meal prep containers. This may seem like a small, insignificant thing, but it really made a difference while prepping. I love the idea of a bento box, but all of the bento boxes are tiny and I like a lunch for lunch, not a snack. The two smaller spaces are one-cup each, and the larger portion is two cups. Plus, it’s a great size for a lunch box so I only have one bag to tote.
GoodCook Meal Prep Containers + Lids
A 10-pack of these meal prep containers is around $10.
These cheap containers have made bringing my lunch to work a million times easier. If I’m really organized, I’ll prep on Sunday. Otherwise, I usually throw some leftovers from dinner for the next day. Having the different compartments makes it fun and interesting.
Now the next hurtle: making lunches you’ll actually look forward to eating. Here’s one menu you can prep a few days ahead of time and store in the containers for lunches: kale Caesar salad, chickpea salad, and an artichoke + tomato + edamame spread sandwich. These will last in the fridge 3 – 4 days.
Here are some more make-ahead lunch ideas!
Lunch Meal Prep Ideas
The Kitchn’s 5-ingredient kale Caesar is easy to make and will keep in the fridge for 3 days. I actually tossed the kale along with the dressing ingredients into the Vitamix to blend so it would be super chopped. I should have used the mini chopper because the kale was hard to get out of the bottom of the blender.
The Tomato, basil, & artichoke picnic sandwich from Love & Lemons is DELICIOUS. According to the Internet, baguettes keep best when wrapped in tin foil. Make your sandwich, wrap it in tin foil, and put them in the container. Or, wrap the baguette separately and put in the fridge if you don’t want the bread to absorb the spread.
If you want something really simple, you can also try this: Chickpeas, olives, cucumbers tossed in a vinaigrette (I used olive oil, Dijon, and lemon since that was already out for the kale caesar.)
YUM! These are so easy to make and perfect to pack for lunch.
Such an easy side dish for a work lunch!
This salad is full of flavor and ridiculously easy to throw together with the help of a seasoning blend and Chosen Foods salad dressing! (Pack the dressing separately)
so many excellent options for a work lunch in this Recpie roundup!
You can use these meal prep containers for little snack plates, sandwiches, and salads – even leftovers!
- Check out 30 fancy picnic recipes – easy to make ahead
- 4 outstanding salads that will make a desk lunch more exciting
- When in doubt, make an easy mezze plate
