60 Best cold lunch box ideas on the go, for work and school
Lunch on the go is always a struggle in this household, especially as we all tend to eat cold lunches as it is more convenient. It seems as though we get sucked back into the rinse and repeat of sandwiches, usually ham or beef with some fruit and yoghurt.
Now there is nothing wrong with those options, however, after a while, it does start to feel a little like groundhog day.
If you are unable to take hot lunches to work and tend to stick to things that are either at room temperature or cold foods, here are some quick suggestions for easy lunch ideas:
- Pasta salads
- Sandwiches
- Bagels
- Pita pockets
- Cold noodles
- Grain bowls
With limited options for heating up food at work, I always stick with the cold options just for ease. So, if you are like me and struggling with the options for lunch, here are 60 far more created best cold lunch recipes for ideas on the go!
60 Best cold lunch box ideas on the go for work and school
Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps (Low Carb)
If you are looking for a wrap packed full of flavour, check out these delicious-looking Thai peanut chicken wraps. The peanut butter in the sauce is a great way to give a hit of flavour.
Buffalo Tahini Quinoa & Rice Wraps (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
For wraps that take next to no time to prepare, these gluten-free and vegan wraps are perfect for those who are short on time in the morning and yet still delicious.
Easy Homemade Falafel Wrap Recipe with Yogurt Sauce
For those of you who are fans of wraps for lunch, this falafel wrap is packed full of flavours, sure to elevate your humble wrap recipe!
Pasta Fredda - Italian cold pasta salad
This lunch screams sunshine and summer to me, so simple yet packed full of freshness and tasty ingredients.
Shrimp Pasta Salad
If you are looking for a salad with a difference, how about this tasty shrimp pasta salad, made and ready to go in less than 30 minutes!
Orzo salad with feta
I love feta in a salad and this orzo salad with feta sounds amazing. Perfect for those lazy lunches or even as a side dish at a BBQ.
Chickpea Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
For something a little different in your salad, how about this yummy chickpea salad sounds amazing and has a creamy dressing too, This is the perfect cold lunch with the creamy avocado dressing.
Fruity Moroccan Couscous Salad
We are big fans of couscous in this household and the combination of fruit and spices is a winner in this recipe.
Chicken Salad without Mayo - Through The Fibro Fog
Chicken salad is always a big hit and this one without mayo brings a little different flavour to the plate. It is all about the seasoning and dressing for this dish.
Penne Pasta Salad
This salad contains all those flavours that will take you back to your favourite Greek island. Perfect for making in advance for work and school. This Greek salad is a great option for any hot summer day.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe
You can not beat a rotisserie chicken (check out our post on air fryers with rotisserie to cook your own at home!). This delicious salad is ready in under 10 minutes and is lighter than the classic chicken salad, using up leftover rotisserie chicken at lunch time is a great way to save money and this recipe will be a huge hit with the family.
Peanut Crunch Salad in a Jar
If you want to be prepared for the week, this peanut crunch salad in a jar is the perfect receipt for you. Get your meal prep on track and have lunch ready to go Mason jar salads are a great way to have your lunch, just make sure you give your mason jars a good clean after each used.
Pasta Salad with Red Pepper Pesto
I am a huge fan of peppers and cheese, combined with pasta, this is a winning dish! Read on to find out how to make this delicious red pepper pesto pasta.
Quinoa Tuna Salad
Tuna is a delicious addition to a salad, teamed up with quinoa, it is a great lunch dish that will ensure you are filled up for the rest of your day. Pop this tuna salad in your lunch bag for the perfect meal on the go.
Greek Lentil Salad
Lentils are a great source of protein and also super cheap. This is a great dish to make in bulk for the whole week.
Bruschetta Pasta Salad
Tomatoes, cheese and basil, what is there not to like about those 3 flavours? Teamed up with pasta and few other ingredients, they are the winning combination for lunch on the go.
Colorful Cobb Salad Recipe (Paleo & Dairy Free)
Bacon, chicken and avocado are the base of what is an amazing salad! This cobb salad recipe is not only easy but delicious.
Hot Girl Summer Salad (Viral TikTok Recipe)
The best dishes are those that tend to go viral on social media and this is no different. Packed full of flavour but healthy and effortless to make.
Glass Noodle Salad (Vegan & Gluten-Free!)
If you’re in the market for a colorful, cold, make-ahead meal, this delectable Glass Noodle Salad is what you’ve been looking for. Made with naturally gluten-free Asian vermicelli, a bevy of crunchy veggies, extra-firm tofu, and a deliciously creamy-salty-nutty-sweet dressing, this cold noodle salad is my current dinnertime obsession.
Soba Noodle Salad
This Soba Noodle Salad is perfect when you're craving a light meal that's cooling and refreshing. It's loaded with fresh veggies and chewy noodles that are coated in a delicious umami-filled dressing. Plus, it's done in just 20 minutes!
Authentic Tortilla Espanoal recipe (Spanish tortilla)
Tortillas are a great dish for using up veg in the fridge plus make amazing lunch options, read on for how to make an authentic tortilla!
Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Rolls with Peanut Sauce
This is something a little different from the normal things you would see in your lunch box. Jam-packed with Vietnamese flavours, bring a bit of zing to your lunch!
Shrimp Spring Rolls with Spicy Garlic Sauce
With these spring rolls, it is not just about the rolls but also the spicy garlic sauce too! Check out the post for how to make these delicious rolls.
How To Make Vegetable Rice Paper Rolls
For those planning to get more veggies in their diets, then this is the disc for you. They look and sound amazing too, I can't wait to try them.
Beef and horseradish CRIMPiT
This is my go-to recipe and I love it! If you are looking to get a CRIMPiT, I would highly recommend checking out this post.
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls (with Lavash Bread)
This dish is such a fun one to make with kids for their lunch and I think the filling options will be endless once you take some time to think about it. Cream cheese and cheddar cheese are perfect for school lunches too and are easy cold lunch ideas for the kids.
Scotch Eggs ~ Deep-Fried, Sausage-Covered Hard Boiled Eggs
You can not beat a Scotch egg, they are a staple in the British picnic. I have never thought to have them for lunch at work but they would be perfect with some salad.
Thai Pasta Salad - Cinnamon & Sage Co.
Full of summer flavours, this salad can be made in advance and served on the day needed. Perfect for those warm summer days.
Mediterranean Chicken Pesto Wrap
Wraps do not need to be boring, this chicken and pesto wrap is full of flavour and brings a little zing to any lunch!
Easy Ham and Pea Salad with Cheddar Cheese
Ham and pea are a perfect combo, then add in some cheddar cheese are you are on to a winner, just like this dish.
Easy Keto Tuna Salad
If you are on a Keto diet and looking for something fresh and inviting for lunch, check out this easy Keto Tuna salad for more inspiration.
Easy Southwestern Quinoa Salad Recipe | Gluten-Free & Vegan
Quinoa is becoming more and more popular and this easy southwestern salad brings the flavour do your lunch and packs a punch.
Vegetable fritters
I love the idea of fritters for lunch, perfect with a dip such as tzatziki or sour cream. It is also a great way to use up those leftover veggies.
Easy Pita Pizzas 3 Ways
Pizza is a winner for me no matter what time of the day it is! This is a great way to mix it up for lunch and pizza can always be eaten on the go.
Gobo Sushi
Sushi is becoming more popular here in the UK with many places now selling it in their lunch section. Why not try making your own at home with this simple recipe?
Protein Snack Pack
If you are looking to increase your protein intake and cut the carbs, this little protein snack pack is perfect for lunch on the go and can be adjusted to taste.
Party Pinwheels (2 Ways: Buffalo Chicken and Veggie Pinwheels)
Grab-and-go food like these pinwheels are always popular with the kids and can make a great change to sandwiches and rolls.
Couscous Tabbouleh
This moroccan-inspired couscous dish is packed full of spices and flavour. Not to mention your veggies intake either!
Homemade Pizza Rolls in Air Fryer
Without a doubt, these are on our kid's list for when they return in the summer. Perfect to make in advance and store in the fridge for lunch or post-school snack.
Sheet-Pan Omelette Roll-Ups Recipe | Girl Vs Dough
I have never tried to make a sheet-pan omelette but this recipe has changed that, they look so easy but bring a twist on the usual wrap.
5-Ingredient Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
Smoked salmon is a great treat for lunch and this pinwheels recipe is a great pick and go for those busy days at work. Served with a side salad, you will get lots of goodness in one meal.
Best Vegan BLT Sandwich
Ok I know we are looking to get away from sandwiches but this dish is going to go down a storm with those who enjoy vegan food!
Healthy Paneer Wrap
We are huge fans of Indian food in this household but I have never come across a paneer wrap before, this looks amazing and a great alternative to the normal wraps/bread you can get.
Low FODMAP Pasta Salad Recipe
If you suffer from IBS or IBD, some days the food you eat is limited due to flare-ups. This low FODMAP salad is perfect to make sure you get a delicious lunch whilst not irritating the issues.
Tofu Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce (Vegan)
This colourful bowl is full of flavour as well as colour. It is also a great way for you to be on your way to ensure you get your 5-a-day!
Grinder Sandwich Recipe
Ok, I know we were looking for alternatives to that boring sandwich however this sandwich is far from boring. Packed full of meats, salad and cheese, it is a flavour bomb waiting to be tasted!
Viral TikTok Baked Sushi Cups Recipe
For those who are a fan of sushi, this dish is one you need to try! It has been going viral all over TikTok and everyone is raving about it.
Vegetable Savoury Muffins
Muffins do not need to be sweet only, you can make savoury muffins to create the perfect lunch alternative. Not only filling but tasty too.
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
I love teriyaki and this rice bowl is the perfect lunch for those days when you just want a hug in a bowl. The flavours combined are perfect for any weather!
Spicy tomato mackerel and couscous salad with Princes
I have said it before, couscous is a huge favourite in this house and combining it with mackerel is great for your health. This dish is tasty and it is colourful like a rainbow too!
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This Vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe is a winner! Featuring pasta, a colourful mix of healthy veggies, briny Kalamata olives, and a flavorful homemade Greek dressing, this vegan Mediterranean bowl is perfect for a light lunch, speedy dinner, or side salad for your next cookout. Made with just a handful of fresh ingredients in only a few minute's time, it's perfect for meal prep or whenever you need a quick and tasty meal on the go.
Keto Salami Roll Ups with Cream Cheese & Peppers
If you want some bitesize flavour combinations that are going to keep you on track with a Keto diet, check out these roll-ups. Cheese, salami and peppers are just a winner.
Easy Adult Lunchables
Why should kids have all the fun, make yourself your own Lunchables with your favourite picky food? This is great to use up leftovers too such as chicken or beef from a roast. Hard-boiled eggs and fresh veggies are a great lunch idea. If you can, a lunchbox like this with separate containers is the best way to keep your lunch.
Mediterranean Bean Salad Recipe
Butter beans are so underrated but are delicious in any dish, especially salads. Brining the flavours of the med to the plate, this salad gives you a whole different flavour combination with the beans added.
Char Siu Fried Rice
I had never heard of Char Siu Fried Rice before coming across this dish. It looks and sounds amazing with all of my favourite ingredients in there!
Smoked Salmon Pate
Pate, perfect on toast, with breadsticks or just on a slice of fresh bread. Why keep it as an appetiser though, you can have it at lunch as a delicious change to what you may usually have.
Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Turkey and pesto is a winning combination that you very rarely see in the delis or sandwich shops. Why not try this alternative the next time you have a sandwich?
Vegan Lettuce Wraps - Korean inspired!
If you want to ditch the carbs for lunch, this recipe is perfect for you. With it's Korean-inspired dressing, it packs a flavour without the carbs!
Folded Kimbap Sandwich (Attorney Woo)
You can get creative with this dish and your protein and veggie filling choices. This delicious Korean street snack is sure to make everyone envious of your lunch choice!