There’s no doubt that sending your kids to school – and yourself to work, for that matter – with a packed lunch is the most budget-friendly way to handle lunchtime when you’re not at home. Coming up with ideas to make each day’s lunchbox more exciting than a sandwich, a packet of crisps and a piece of fruit, though… that’s a challenge! Here are our favourite ways to keep the contents of your packed lunch fresh day in, day out, so you’ll always be asking yourself “What’s in the box today?”
1. Love your leftovers
What easier way is there to add a bit of variety to your lunchbox than having leftovers from last night? Dishes like pasta bake are excellent – hot or cold- the next day. Simply serve them up with a generous helping of salad and finish off with a yoghurt and some fruit for dessert. Leftovers from a roast dinner also work well as the filling for a special sandwich or as part of a salad. The options are endless!
2. Wrap it up
When traditional sarnies get a bit stale, pardon the pun, why not try different ways to spice up a bread and filling combo? You can, arguably, fit more into a tortilla wrap without risking spillage. Our favourite is a chicken fajita combo. Spread the wrap with a dollop of tomato salsa, then fill it up with chicken, cheese, avocado and peppers. Muy bueno!
3. Style a salad
Or, why not forego the bread part of your sandwich altogether, and style the filling into a salad? A spinach base will pack your salad full of essential nutrients, and you can give your packed lunch more of a flavour punch by throwing in some fresh herbs. Basil, parsley, coriander and chives are all excellent choices for a salad. If you really want to push the boat out, you could even make your own dressings, from a simple olive oil and balsamic combo to more complicated yoghurt based sauces that make a simple salad truly sensational.
4. Do it DIY
Do you remember when DIY assembly snacks first came out? And not being allowed to eat them because they weren’t even remotely nutritious? Yep, us too. The idea of building your own lunch is still pretty appealing, though, so why not make your own version to assemble come lunchtime? All you need is some crackers, cheese, and a cold meat of your choice. Serve it up with some carrot sticks and a bit of hummus and you’ve got yourself one delicious DIY dish!
5. A feast in a flask
As we get closer and closer to winter, the prospect of a cold lunch gets less and less appealing. So, swap the lunchbox of sarnies for a feast in a flask. A wide necked thermos will become your new lunchtime best friend. You’re not limited to soups either – far from it, in fact – although they’re a great choice and an excellent way to pack in some extra veggies! You could also fill a thermos with a delicious warming curry, or even meatballs in a tasty tomato sauce. Yum!
6. Fun with fruit
Fitting in your five a day is hard enough as an adult at times, never mind when you’re a child with a taste for less vitamin-rich snacks! If you or your little ones have had enough of plain fruit in your packed lunch, then mix it up a bit! Dip your favourite fruits – or the ones you’re trying to eat more of – in melted chocolate. Orange segments dipped in dark chocolate are one of our favourites. Or, how about white chocolate covered summer berries? You’ll forget it’s even good for you!
7. Pop in some popcorn
Instead of a packet of crisps with your packed lunch, why not swap it for some popcorn? You can pick up a bag of popping corn in most big supermarkets for less than a pound, and get at least 10 servings per bag! All you need to do is measure out a portion into a microwave-safe bowl, and pop it in on full power for 4-6 minutes. If the noise isn’t exciting enough, planning what you’re going to top it with should get you going!
8. Fill up on a frittata
We all know eggs are an excellent source of protein, so why not use them as the base of your packed lunch? You can put more or less anything you like in a frittata, from throwing together something like a full English to a cheeky Spanish style omelette packed with potatoes and flavourful chorizo. And, they’re so easy to make! Simply mix your ingredients and cook in an oven-proof frying pan, then finish off under the grill to make sure the eggs are cooked all the way through.
9. Leave a note
If you’re making lunch for people other than yourself, a great way to keep a packed lunch exciting day to day is by leaving a note for the eater to discover. Simply grab a pad of paper and a pen, and the world is your oyster. Your notes could be jokes, or doodles, or simply a line that lets the eater know you’re thinking of them. Whatever you think will bring a smile to their face.
10. Make sure your packed lunch is balanced
The most important thing with a packed lunch, whatever you’re serving up, is to make sure it counts as a balanced meal. Your daily lunchbox should always include a source of protein, carbohydrates, something dairy like cheese or a yoghurt, and plenty of fruit and/or veggies. After all, how do you expect to get through an afternoon of work or learning if you aren’t properly fuelled?
