Easy Lunchbox Recipes

Lunchbox Recipes or Lunch Box Ideas for Kids and Work: Preparing a lunchbox for kids to school or adults for work is challenging. Are you always confused about what to make for a lunchbox? To make things easier for all the moms, I have created a list of only those recipes my boys love to take to school and bring back clean lunch boxes, which motivates me to cook every day. These lunch box recipes are fast, quick, and easy to make, ready in less than 30 minutes.

Lunch box Ideas

Every kid and individual is different. Some like to eat stuffed flatbreads like paratha, rolls, or wraps. A North Indian would like roti and chapati with some sabzi or curry, while a South Indian always prefers rice.

And now, if you are in the United States or any Western country, then back-to-school lunch recipes would include wraps, sandwiches, salads, muffins, pita pockets, pasta or noodles with some fruits, trail mix, energy balls, etc.

Some prefer vegetarian recipes for lunchbox while others like to add protein in the form of meat or egg. I have included a combination of all these so you can easily make it in the morning without fuss.

Pasta and noodles for lunch box

Pasta and noodles can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and packed for the lunchbox. For the pasta or noodles to retain their shape, always cook al dente. Also, pack it in a thermo or insulated box so that it stays warm. With pasta, add some boiled veggies or cut fruits to complete the tiffin box. You can also add some no-bake energy balls or energy bars if possible. (Homemade preferred)

Rice recipes for lunchbox

My kids love to eat pulao (pilaf) almost daily with some raita (yogurt salad). It's a comfort food for Indians, and rice recipes are easy for lunchboxes. Plus, they taste great, even at room temperature. Here are some simple ice recipes for your work or school tiffin box.

Sandwich, paratha, roti, rolls, and wraps for lunchbox

Stuffed parathas with veggies like potato or paneer (cottage cheese) stay soft and taste delicious. Plus, they are filling, too. You can cut it into triangles and pack it. This stuffed paratha or flatbread tastes great on its own.

Similarly, sandwiches like grilled cheese sandwiches, kathi rolls, or chicken wraps can also be made for lunch boxes. A spicy mint chutney goes well with all of these breads and wraps recipes.

Curry and gravy ideas for lunch box

Suppose you made some preparations the previous days, like cutting vegetables or cooking dal(lentils); you can easily make this Indian curry or gravy. Pack it with roti, chapati, or simply steamed rice, jeera rice, onion rice, ghee rice, etc.

Salads as a light meal for office lunchbox

Breakfast for lunch box

Some breakfast recipes can be packed for kids' lunch boxes, and any leftovers can be extended for dinner.

Tips

• While packing, always ensure you have a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Instead of junk food like chips or biscuits, add fresh fruits and boiled or steamed vegetables to the school snack box.
• To make it interesting, add herbs or seasoning to change the flavor or color of the dish every day.
• Never experiment with new recipes for your kids' lunchbox. Only if kids have tried it and liked it at home you can pack it for lunch. Otherwise, you will be the one who is going to be disappointed.
• Pasta, rice, or bite-sized soft rotis are easy to eat and preferred by most kids.
• Avoid giving fried foods to your kids for a lunchbox or snack box.
• I highly prefer giving kids or family freshly prepared food for lunchbox. Leftovers can be enjoyed at home for dinner but not in a tiffin box.
• Pack separately while packing gravy and rice or gravy and roti or chapati. Use a lunchbox with different compartments.

Check out some of the best and classic Indian breakfast recipes, easy snack recipe ideas, and vegetarian dinner recipes.

What is the best food for a lunch box?

For my kids, simple flavored rice and curry, Indian-seasoned rice, or pasta are their favorites, and they remain fresh for a long time.

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