20 Delicious Adult Lunchable Ideas That Will Excite You About Going to Work

      Eating the same lunch every day can become tedious and dull. While preparing meals in advance saves time throughout the week, it can lose its appeal if you get tired of leftovers by the third day and end up discarding the rest. If you're having trouble finding lunches that you enjoy consistently, revisiting a childhood favorite may be the solution. For me, Lunchables were a staple growing up, and creating an adult version seems like a fantastic way to bring some fun back into lunchtime.

      These meal prep lunches include several small servings of various foods, effectively turning snacking into a complete meal. Not only does this idea tap into nostalgia and reconnect you with your inner child, but adult Lunchables also offer a tasty and simple approach to meal prepping with minimal effort. Additionally, you can tailor your Bento box to include your preferred foods and incorporate healthier options than what’s typically found in a regular Lunchable. Read on for our top tips for creating the ideal adult Lunchables and 20 recipes you can use for your next easy, make-ahead lunch.

      What Should You Include in an Adult Lunchable?

      The beauty of adult Lunchables lies in their complete customization, though most adhere to a basic structure. Generally, this consists of a protein, some carbohydrates, and a serving of fruits or vegetables. This variety allows you to change the sides daily so you don’t have the same exact meal five days straight. For example, you might have celery and ranch on one day and an apple with peanut butter the next, while keeping the main protein consistent.

      If the idea of your food touching makes you uneasy, consider investing in a divided Bento box. Otherwise, you can just place everything in your preferred meal prep container. To keep everything as fresh as possible, it’s wise to store each ingredient separately. Assemble your adult Lunchable the night before or the morning you plan to eat it, ensuring that ingredients don’t become soggy or mushy before you’re ready to enjoy them.

      20 Adult Lunchable Ideas

      Ready to try your hand at adult Lunchables? These 20 Bento box recipes are ideal for meals on the go.

      1. Orzo Salad Meal Prep Lunch Boxes

      Source: Budget Bytes

      I enjoy a good pasta salad, but it’s usually not a filling lunch on its own. This adult Lunchable idea combines Italian orzo salad with a hard-boiled egg and fresh mozzarella slices for added protein. You can prepare the salad in advance and quickly pack your lunch box before heading out.

      2. Southwest Chicken Salad Bento Box

      Source: Fit Foodie Finds

      This recipe gives a southwestern flair to traditional chicken salad and wraps it in a tortilla for an easy lunch option. Just remember to store the chicken salad separately and roll it up in the morning to ensure the tortilla remains dry. Pair it with tortilla chips and salsa for a hearty meal.

      3. Hummus Lunch Boxes

      Source: Budget Bytes

      For a super simple lunch that requires no cooking, this adult Lunchable recipe is a must-try. Aside from slicing some cucumber and cutting a pita into triangles, all you need to do is arrange everything in your chosen container. It’s perfect for hectic mornings when you need to throw something together quickly.

      4. DIY Pizza Lunchable

      Source: Feel Good Foodie

      As a kid, pizza Lunchables were my favorite, and I was always thrilled to have one. Now, as an adult, I'm excited about this recipe that reimagines a beloved childhood snack with healthier ingredients.

      5. Taco Salad Bento Lunch Box

      Source: Sweet Peas and Saffron

      There’s nothing worse than a soggy tortilla ruining a taco, which can make prepacking them challenging. This recipe swaps the tortilla for tortilla chips and keeps ingredients separate to avoid sogginess. While it skips the typical taco meat for convenience, you can easily add seasoned ground beef or turkey for extra protein.

      6. Leftover Chicken Lunchbox

      Source: Momables

      Leftovers can be both a blessing and a hassle. While they save you from cooking another meal, you often have to eat the same dish again. This leftover chicken Lunchable offers a fun way to repurpose last night’s dinner.

      7. Greek Salad and Hard-Boiled Eggs Bento Box

      Source: Downshiftology

      This Greek salad provides a wonderfully fresh and light lunch. It’s packed with plenty of veggies, and the addition of hummus and a hard-boiled egg offers the protein needed to power through your afternoon.

      8. Cheese Board Lunch Box

      Source: Budget Bytes

      If you love a charcuterie board, why not have one for lunch? Personalize it with any meats, cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits you like, and you’ll discover a new favorite lunch.

      9. Peanut Butter and Banana Snack Box

      Source: Chungah Rhee | Damn Delicious

      Peanut butter and banana are a classic pairing often enjoyed for breakfast or snacks, but this recipe encourages you to include it in your lunch