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With this list of my favorite healthy easy packed lunches for adults (that kids can equally enjoy!), you can look forward to lunchtime no matter where you are. So don’t settle for soggy sandwiches anymore (but be sure you check out my mouthwatering sandwiches and wraps here). From no-cook easy packed lunches for adults like light salads and hearty salads to power bowls, and hot lunches, this collection has you covered for every craving and schedule. Say goodbye to that mid-afternoon slump and hello to a work lunch that’s worth counting down to.

Tips for Making Packed Lunches for Adults

1. Make a plan. The old adage (which is actually a quote from Benjamin Franklin) holds true here: “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”. Just like meal prepping for dinners is important, it’s a good idea to plan out your packed lunches for work ahead of time so you don’t fail…at eating wholesome foods and avoiding take-out. This allows you to rotate through your favorite lunches easily and prevents decision fatigue.
2. Be ready with containers. Different meals require different types of containers. Some meal prep containers have dividers that keep ingredients separate (which is super helpful when you have different components with different textures). Other meals may benefit from something like a hot soup thermos.
3. Use mason jars for salads. These don’t just make excellent drinking glasses or pickling jars. Wide-mouth mason jars are excellent vessels for salads because they are sturdy, compact, and convenient. Add salad dressing to the bottom of the jar, followed by heartier ingredients, and top with greens. When ready to eat lunch, just invert all the ingredients into a large salad bowl and enjoy. Or just shake the jar and dig in.
4. Know your ingredients. This may seem like such a simple thing, but it makes a huge difference because if you’re anything like me, you don’t love wilted spinach or browned avocadoes. Keep ingredients that need to remain vibrant and fresh intact as long as possible.
5. Avoid smelly foods. Be considerate of others sharing your work space and save meals with strong odors such as fish, garlic, or heavily spiced dishes for another time. I know, it’s hard to say no to classic tuna salad but your co-workers will appreciate it. And hopefully, they will be just as considerate to you.

How to Plan Healthy Packed Lunches for Adults

• Narrow down your options. Consider your personal preferences and nutritional needs. Do you have any dietary restrictions? Will you have access to a microwave to reheat foods or are you exclusively looking for cold lunch ideas for adults at work?
• Start with a healthy base. Build your work lunches around whole grains, such as brown rice or pasta, to provide lasting energy and fiber. For variety, switch up the different pasta dishes. Baked feta pasta is always a favorite but taco pasta is a close second. Some of these meals already have protein in them, so it makes healthy easy packed lunches for adults super easy.
• Add protein. Next, include protein, like Instant Pot shredded chicken, beef, or cold seafood (cold shrimp won’t stink up the office like hot seafood would). Some excellent plant-based protein sources include lentils, quinoa, and chickpeas.
• Pile on the veggies. Bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, oh my! There is never a shortage of delicious, vibrant, colorful vegetables to adorn your protein/grain work lunches. Veggies add crunch and freshness and are packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Include fruits as treats. Seasonal fruits are some of the best treats after a meal. Include fresh fruits like melons, pineapple, various berries, and watermelon. They are super hydrating and are just so sweet and delicious.
• Don’t forget leftover meals. Dinner leftovers make some of the best work lunches. Am I right? Depending on the meal, you may want to intentionally double the recipe for a fuss-free lunch the next day.

Best Packed Lunches for Adults for Work

Check out my top picks for healthy, easy packed lunches that adults will love (and kids too)! From crisp salads and hearty bowls to warm, comforting meals, this list will make lunchtime something you actually look forward to. Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to delicious, satisfying options!

How To Store Packed Lunches at Work

• Keep foods chilled: Keep your lunch refrigerated if you have access to a fridge. If not, use ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep the food cold until lunch break.
• Use insulated lunch bags/boxes: Invest in insulated lunch bags or containers to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Vacuum-insulated food jars are excellent for keeping hot foods like soups, stews, and pasta warm for a short time.
• Pack ingredients separately: Make sure to use separate containers for wet ingredients like dressings and sauces to prevent sogginess. Similarly, keep dry and crispy ingredients, such as croutons or tortilla chips, in sealed ziplock bags until ready to eat.
• Avoid prolonged storage: Try to consume your packed lunch within a few hours of preparation to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. If you have access to a fridge and microwave, that is always the ideal way to store and reheat work lunches versus thermos.
• Use clean containers: Make sure all lunch containers, utensils, and surfaces are clean and free from any food residues before packing up your lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t complicate healthy easy packed lunches for adults. These excellent options are just as delicious as they are satisfying and easy to make. From light salads to hearty ones and everything in between, I make sure you are covered with plenty of no-cook easy packed lunches for adults so you’re never left hungry while you’re waiting for the clock to hit 5 o’clock.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Packable Lunch Ideas, Easy Ideas for Everyday Breakfast, Easy and Healthy Muffin Recipes, and Healthy Dinner Recipes.

If you found this recipe roundup for Easy Packed Lunches for Adults helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!