What is a Box Lunch? Different Box Lunch Types + Guide

Box lunches have always been around, but they have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ability to customize. These pre-packed lunches served in on-the-go lunch boxes can be incredibly tasty and creative. Whether you need to cater a large conference, feed employees at a work event, or create your own box lunches for an intimate birthday party at home, this guide provides a few delicious box lunch ideas to have in your repertoire.

What is a box lunch?

A box lunch is a style of pre-made lunchtime meal that is typically stored and served in a box-like container, such as a lunch box, bento box, or meal prep container. Box lunches can be made individually or mass prepared for a larger group of people. Typical food that can be found in box lunches includes things like sandwiches and wraps, rice, vegetables, fruit, snacks, and desserts.

How to make a box lunch

Making a box lunch is relatively simple. Just like the food pyramid, your box lunch should incorporate different food groups. To do that, get creative with your main entrée, sides, and dessert. By adding various ingredients, you can liven up the health benefits, textures, and overall taste of your box lunch. All you need to get started is a box and some culinary creativity. Step by step instructions for making box lunches may include:

• First, find a lunch box or other similar container.
• Prepare healthy food options that include protein, grains, fruit and vegetables, as well as any snacks and desserts you may want.
• Portion this food out into the lunch box, or boxes if you are meal prepping for more than one meal.
• Store the box lunch in a food-safe place until it is time to eat, such as a refrigerator.

What goes in a box lunch?

Need any ideas for what to put in your box lunch? Here’s a few to get you started:

Main entrée: sandwiches

The most popular main entrée item to pack in a box lunch is the notorious sandwich. It’s simple, easy, and you can customize it and make hundreds of variations by changing up the ingredients. Need sandwich ideas? Take a peek at some of these mouthwatering favorites:

1. Tuna melt sandwich

Take your traditional tuna sandwich and step it up a notch by turning it into a velvety tuna melt sandwich. Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and add red pepper flakes for some heat in a bowl. Add the mixture to high-quality canned tuna. Mix in chopped celery, dill pickles, red onion, and parsley—season with salt and pepper. Assemble your ingredients on buttered bread and add cheddar cheese slices. Cook in the oven or a pan until the cheese is thoroughly melted.

2. Roast beef sandwich

For something savory and decadent, try a roast beef sandwich with caramelized onions. On French bread slices, build your layers by adding thinly sliced roast beef, caramelized onions that have been cooked in butter and brown sugar, and slices of provolone cheese. Because all these ingredients can be quite rich, don’t forget to spread Dijon mustard on your bread for a subtle boost of acidity and brightness.

Main entrée: wraps

If you’re looking for something a little lighter than a sandwich, try creating a wrap. You can use a tortilla for a lighter, lower-carb sandwich alternative or opt for fluffy wrap alternatives like naan or pita:

3. Turkey club wrap

Similar to a turkey club sandwich, use the same ingredients to create a wrap. Using a tortilla instead of bread will make the meal lighter and have fewer carbs. Use a tortilla of your choice. Classic options like whole wheat tortillas or flour tortillas will always be timeless options. For something more unique, try tortillas made with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Place your turkey on your tortilla (smoked turkey or black pepper turkey are great options) and assemble your other ingredients like butter lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and bacon. Roll up your tortilla and skewer with a toothpick, so your ingredients stay in place.

4. Chicken shawarma

Known for being delicious street food, chicken shawarma is a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine. The dish incorporates juicy, flavorful chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber. It is typically drizzled with a bright and creamy yogurt sauce made from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Once you have prepared all your ingredients, place them in fluffy pita bread. Make sure to warm your pita bread, so it stays fluffy and soft in texture.

Main entrée: vegetarian options

If you’re preparing box lunches for an event of any size, you should always prepare vegetarian box lunch options. While you can’t always accommodate every single food allergy, preference, or palate, it’s important to have non-meat options available to make sure every person gets fed. Keep in mind that vegetarian options don’t mean you have to serve a pile of veggies. There are plenty of ways to modify classic staples like the entrees listed above to adapt to vegetarian preferences:

5. Barbecue jackfruit sandwich

Instead of doing a barbecue pork sandwich, try substituting the pork with jackfruit. The texture of shredded jackfruit smothered in vegetarian-approved barbecue sauce, and spices mimic the texture and flavor of barbecue pork. Top your smoky jackfruit with a crisp slaw for some added crunch and acidity.

6. Italian vegetable sub

Forget the salami! No meat is required in this Italian vegetable sub. Chop up some artichoke hearts, tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, and pepperoncini. Toss the ingredients in some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and oregano to get that classic Italian sub-seasoning. Assemble your ingredients on a baguette and add a slice or two of provolone cheese for an added depth of flavor.

Box lunch sides

With your main entrée out of the way, ensure your box lunch is equipped with sides. Box lunches shouldn’t be heavy, so include sides that will brighten up (not weigh down) your main entrée.

• Chips: Opt for your classic salted chips or try something with a little heat like crunchy jalapeno chips.
• Veggies: Add some garden-fresh vegetables as a simple side. Carrot sticks, celery, or broccoli are great vegetable options that can be served raw. Add a side of ranch for extra dipping.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit is a great side to lighten and brighten up your box lunch meal. Try grapes, apples, fresh berries, or juicy cantaloupe.
• Salad: To add a healthy touch to your box lunch, add a side salad. A small Caesar salad, a house salad with vinaigrette, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad will keep your box lunch light so people can eat and won’t feel weighed down by the food.

Box lunch desserts

• Cookies: Add a decadent touch to finish off your box lunch with a traditional chocolate chip cookie.
• Chocolate-covered fruit: This is a great way to blend freshness and sweetness. Use a chocolate dip to create chocolate-covered strawberries or other chocolate-covered fruit.
• Dark chocolate: For something sweet and has certain health benefits, add a small bar of dark chocolate or a handful of dark chocolate-covered almonds.

Ready to create your own box lunch?

Box lunches are fun and convenient. All you need is a little creativity! If you’re ready to create your box lunches and are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can shop online for grocery items via Instacart and pick them up curbside or have them conveniently delivered to your home.

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