55 Packed Lunch Ideas for Easy Meals on the Go

While buying lunch out is convenient, packing your lunch has plenty of advantages. You can choose healthy (and still delicious!) foods and save money at the same time. But sometimes it can be hard to come up with easy packed lunch ideas. Browse our list of 55 ideas to inspire your lunches for weeks to come. 

Table of contents

• Chicken
• Beef
• Pork
• Deli meat
• Seafood
• Vegetarian
• Customizable

1. Chicken fried rice

Category: Chicken

This fluffy chicken fried rice is flavorful and filling. It even makes a great freezer meal — prep a big batch, freeze individual portions and pop it in the microwave whenever you need a quick and easy lunch. 

2. Chicken and rice

Category: Chicken

Make this easy chicken and rice recipe for dinner and save the leftovers for lunches throughout the week! It makes a perfect flavorful lunch.

3. Chicken burrito bowl in a jar

Category: Chicken

Mason jars can make any meal more fun. Layer ingredients from this burrito bowl recipe into jars for a convenient lunch on the go. 

4. Chicken tetrazzini

Category: Chicken

Sometimes you need comfort food for lunch, and packing leftover microwave-friendly chicken tetrazzini is the perfect solution. Save this recipe for a cold week to bring you some extra warmth.

5. Buffalo chicken wraps

Category: Chicken

Pre-cooked chicken tenders taste great when wrapped up with ranch or blue cheese dressing in a tortilla or lettuce leaves. Add buffalo sauce for something a bit spicier! 

6. Thai chicken green curry

Category: Chicken

Try a Thai-inspired green curry by mixing chicken, vegetables and spices in a creamy coconut milk curry sauce. Eat it like soup or serve it over rice. 

7. Chicken salad sandwich

Category: Chicken

Combine juicy chicken with celery, grapes and mayo to make a creamy chicken salad sandwich. Or just make the chicken salad and eat it with crackers.

8. Chicken tortilla soup

Category: Chicken

Mouthwatering chicken tortilla soup is just one of many low-calorie soup ideas. Store your soup in a thermos so it stays warm until lunchtime. 

9. Hawaiian pineapple chicken

Category: Chicken

Say goodbye to boring lunches and hello to this sweet and tangy Hawaiian chicken with pineapple sauce. Transport yourself to a tropical island with this flavorful packed lunch idea.

10. Chicken burritos

Category: Chicken

Build a chicken burrito for lunch on the go with shredded chicken or ground beef, cheese, black beans and plenty of spices. Skip the chicken and double the beans or add cooked tofu for a vegetarian version.

11. Cobb salad

Category: Chicken, pork

Sometimes a hearty salad just hits the spot. This Cobb salad recipe is loaded with chicken, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado and creamy blue cheese.

12. Japanese curry

Category: Chicken

Meat and vegetables come together in a wonderfully flavorful sauce to form this Japanese curry. Plus, it heats up easily in the microwave the next day.  

13. Pesto chicken

Category: Chicken

You can pair this easy and delicious pesto chicken with pasta or rice, add it to a salad or enjoy it on its own. It’s that good! 

14. Cheesesteak wrap or sandwich

Category: Beef

Combine flank steak, sliced provolone cheese and grilled peppers and onions in your favorite wrap bread. Or pile it on a roll for a classic Philly cheesesteak lunch.

15. Beef stir fry

Category: Beef

Whip up some flavorful beef stir fry and serve with rice or quinoa for a microwaveable lunch. This dish will keep you full until dinnertime.

16. Slow cooker chili

Category: Beef

Make a big batch of chili in your slow cooker for a beautiful meal that will feed you all week long. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro or sliced jalapeños.

17. Korean japchae noodles

Category: Beef

Mix up your normal lunch routine with these flavorful Korean japchae noodles. With sweet potato glass noodles, beef sirloin, stir-fried vegetables and a flavorful sauce, this dish will keep your taste buds happy!

18. Banh mi

Category: Pork

This Vietnamese sandwich has marinated pork, pickled veggies and fresh herbs for a delightfully sweet and spicy lunch. Swap the pork for tofu for a vegetarian option.

19. BLT wrap

Category: Pork

For a fun twist on the classic sandwich, try a BLT wrap. Combine cooked bacon, lettuce, tomato and a mayo ranch dressing in a large tortilla, then roll it all up!

20. Ham salad

Category: Pork

Give this unique ham salad recipe a try. A few simple ingredients come together in a pinch for a delicious lunch on the go. 

21. Cabbage and sausage skillet

Category: Pork

Repurpose your Sunday dinner for lunches throughout the week. This one-pan cabbage and sausage skillet takes just 40 minutes to make and warms up beautifully in the microwave the next day. 

22. Ham and cheese puff pastry

Category: Deli meat

This flaky, crispy ham and cheese puff pastry is the perfect party appetizer and makes a great lunch on the go. Layer deli ham, Parmesan cheese and creamy spinach artichoke dip onto puff pastry, then bake until golden brown.

23. Turkey pesto pinwheels

Category: Deli meat

Tired of sandwiches? Turn your boring desk lunch into fun turkey pesto pinwheels. Get creative and add whatever mix-ins you have on hand — the possibilities are endless!

24. Tuna salad wrap

Category: Seafood

Whether you like a traditional tuna salad or something fresh and fun with fruit and nuts, tuna salad makes a nutritious lunch. Eat with crackers or wrap it in a tortilla.

25. Ginger salmon bowl

Category: Seafood

This salmon bowl with ginger dressing is refreshing and nutritious. Pile a bed of quinoa or fluffy rice with flaky salmon and colorful veggies, then top with a zesty ginger dressing to tie it all together.

26. Salmon cakes

Category: Seafood

These salmon cakes with lemon and dill are filling and delicious. Pair with rice, potatoes or salad greens for a heartier meal, or enjoy them on their own for a light packed lunch idea.

27. Chickpea salad

Category: Vegetarian

Try this loaded Mediterranean chickpea salad recipe with cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta cheese and a bright lemon dressing. Make it an extra fun packed lunch idea by combining your ingredients in a mason jar for easy traveling! 

28. Instant ramen and miso soup

Category: Vegetarian

Fill a jar or another glass container with uncooked ramen noodles, broccoli, carrots, tofu, green onion, chopped ginger and miso paste. Just add boiling water when you’re ready to eat for a hot and savory soup. Or level up your ramen game with this soul-soothing chicken ramen recipe. 

29. Bean salad

Category: Vegetarian

Make a delicious bean salad with kidney beans, black beans and garbanzo beans, or choose your favorite beans for a healthy meal. Pinto beans or black beans are great when combined with diced bell pepper and onion with a vinaigrette dressing.

30. Egg salad sandwich

Category: Vegetarian

Even a simple sandwich can make an enjoyable packed lunch, like this quick egg salad sandwich recipe. Add an apple, chips or veggie sticks to round out your lunch, or toss in a cookie or pudding cup for a sweet treat.

31. Macaroni and cheese

Category: Vegetarian

Mac and cheese isn’t just for kids! Make some comforting baked mac and cheese and enjoy it for lunch all week long.

32. Spinach and cheese pinwheels

Category: Vegetarian

Pinwheels aren’t just for parties. Roll up a blend of cheeses and spinach in puff pastry or a large tortilla and cut it into slices for a lunch worth celebrating.

33. Caprese salad

Category: Vegetarian

Level up a classic caprese salad by adding cooked farfalle pasta and organizing the ingredients on skewers. Pack a side of balsamic vinegar for dipping. 

34. Greek veggie pita pockets

Category: Vegetarian

Nothing beats homemade pita bread — except stuffing it with sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion and a thick smear of hummus for a Greek-inspired lunch! Or you can always buy pita pockets to make things simple.  

35. Mediterranean tabbouleh

Category: Vegetarian

For another light and fresh packed lunch idea, try Mediterranean tabbouleh. Toss bulgar wheat, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and lots of parsley and mint with a zesty lemon dressing for a unique weekday lunch.

36. Couscous salad

Category: Vegetarian

Mediterranean couscous salad is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and portion it out for tasty lunches all week long.   

37. Greek yogurt with granola

Category: Vegetarian

Want something light and refreshing but still packed with protein and flavor? Top some Greek yogurt with granola, berries, sliced banana, nuts or even chocolate chips — whatever suits your fancy!  

38. Orzo salad

Category: Vegetarian

Take your lunch to the next level with orzo salad. It’s packed with fresh veggies and finished with a zingy red wine vinaigrette. 

39. Cucumber cream cheese sandwich

Category: Vegetarian

Feeling fancy? Make this classic tea sandwich recipe with crunchy cucumbers and cream cheese for an elevated packed lunch idea.

40. Broccoli cheddar casserole

Category: Vegetarian

Make this cheesy broccoli casserole for dinner, then divide the leftovers into individual portions for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. It’s the perfect comforting lunch!

41. Pasta salad

Category: Vegetarian

Pasta salad is a great packed lunch idea because it’s easily customizable. Substitute gluten-free pasta noodles and use whatever veggies you have in the fridge.

42. Carrot ginger soup

Category: Vegetarian

Pack this smooth and creamy carrot ginger soup for a comforting lunch on the go. Dunk some crackers in it for a heartier meal.  

43. Cheese and crackers

Category: Vegetarian

You can’t go wrong with this classic combo. Pair your favorite crackers with sliced or cubed cheese for a light, tasty lunch. 

44. Smoothie

Category: Vegetarian

For a super convenient lunch on the go, blend up some frozen fruit, yogurt and milk or juice to make a cool and refreshing smoothie. Add a scoop of protein powder or nut butter to make it more filling. 

45. Cottage cheese bowl

Category: Vegetarian

Looking for unique lunch ideas for work? Try using cottage cheese as a base and add toppings of your choice. Go Greek with olives, cucumbers and tomatoes, or make a cottage cheese burrito bowl with beans, onion, cilantro and taco seasoning. 

46. Quinoa parsley salad

Category: Vegetarian

The variety of flavors and textures in this quinoa parsley salad will keep you satisfied until dinnertime. It’s nutritious and delicious!

47. Palak paneer

Category: Vegetarian

Palak paneer is a flavorful Indian dish made with creamy paneer cheese, spinach and lots of spices. Serve with rice or dip with naan. 

48. Overnight oats

Category: Vegetarian

Overnight oats are one of the most versatile packed lunch ideas. Mix rolled oats, yogurt and your milk of choice in a mason jar, then let it sit in the fridge overnight. Add chia seeds and fresh fruit for extra fiber. 

49. Black bean soup

Category: Vegetarian

This satisfying black bean soup will keep your taste buds dancing and your tummy full until dinnertime. Customize with toppings of your choice, like avocado chunks, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro and even crushed tortilla chips. 

50. Compartmentalized meals

Category: Customizable

Compartmentalized meals and other combination lunch packs are inexpensive and super easy for on-the-go lunches, but you can make your own at home. Fill your lunch compartments with crackers, meat, cheese, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, dips, cut veggies and fresh or dried fruit.

51. Greek gyro

Category: Customizable

Tender meat, fresh veggies and tangy tzatziki sauce come together in a pita wrap to make this delicious Greek gyro. Swap the lamb for chicken or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian option.

52. Rice balls

Category: Customizable

Use up leftover rice from an easy weeknight dinner by making rice balls. Add crab, tuna or teriyaki chicken, and complete your lunch with something sweet like fruit.

53. Caesar salad or wrap

Category: Customizable

Pile a tortilla with romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes and Caesar dressing, then roll it all up for a yummy Caesar salad lunch wrap! Or skip the wrap and enjoy the salad for something a bit lighter. Add grilled chicken for a boost of protein. 

54. Un-pizza

Category: Customizable

Pack crackers or pita triangles, sliced pepperoni, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and cheese cubes for a deconstructed pizza alternative. It’s like pizza for grown-ups!

55. Peanut noodle salad

Category: Customizable

Make a vibrant peanut noodle salad by tossing crunchy veggies (like bell peppers, sugar snap peas and carrots) and fresh herbs (cilantro and mint) with a creamy peanut butter sauce — perfect for those days when you’re tired of your usual packed lunch ideas. Add chicken for some extra protein.

Packed lunch ideas are easy with Instacart

If you start with these suggestions, you’ll open up a world of packed lunch ideas. To make things even easier as you prepare for a busy week ahead, order all the ingredients you need through Instacart. Have your groceries delivered right to your door so you can focus on the fun part: packing your lunch.