Healthy Cold Lunch Ideas - Eat Better & Feel Better

Try to avoid the temptation of the drive-thru at lunch time with these healthy cold lunch ideas! You can also pack them for the kids when they head back to school. To satisfy, even with better-for-you options, we like to include protein, veggies and something crunchy fruit in our lunches.

Wrap It Up

We like wraps for healthy and easy lunch at work because they are a great alternative to sandwiches and you can still add your favorite condiments and toppings. You can find wraps with low or no carbs, added protein, and in a variety of flavors. Here are some ideas to try:

• Veggie Wrap: Start with a spinach wrap and add fresh avocado, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and carrots. Drizzle on some ranch dressing to bring it all together. 
• Club Wrap: Use a wheat or white wrap for this classic. Then add mayo and mustard and layer on turkey, ham, cheese, a few strips of bacon and some shredded lettuce. You won't miss the extra bread in this easy cold lunch idea, we promise! 
• PB&J Wrap: Healthy cold lunch ideas for kids don't have to be difficult. Reinvent your kids' fave sandwich with a protein-packed wrap and then your usual peanut butter and jelly combination. If you want to make it fancy, try adding sliced bananas or apples to the wrap.

Bento Boxes

Cold healthy lunch ideas can be prepped ahead of time with the help of bento boxes. Invest in a few to use for school or office lunches and save time in the morning by packing them at night or over the weekend. You can find our top bento box lunch ideas here.

Super Salads 

Obvious healthy cold lunch ideas are salads. But, they don't have to be boring! You can add fun toppings like dried fruit, nuts and even pretzel croutons! Shop our Salad Topper Collection. 

Here are some of our favorite salad ideas:

• Chopped Italian Salad: This salad has tons of crunch from the veggies and the protons, as well as being filling thanks to the chickpeas that provide lots of healthy protein. 
• Roasted Veggie Panzanella: When it gets cold out, roast your veggies and make this hearty salad that features Garlic OMG! Pretzels in place of crusty bread. You'll appreciate the short cut in this cold healthy lunch idea.
• Wedge Salad: This classic is a great healthy cold lunch idea. You can pack the dressing on the side to keep the lettuce crunchy for when it's time to eat. From iceberg to romaine or even butter lettuce, it's a versatile salad option.

FAQs

What are some healthy cold lunches?

Healthy cold lunch ideas don't have to be boring. You can make a variety of sandwiches, wraps and salads with different flavor combinations and sides to keep things fresh and fun to eat. Try Asian flavors like ginger, sesame and soy. Embrace days when you need comfort food with ham and cheese or peanut butter and jelly.

What are 10 good lunch foods?

There are lots of good lunch foods. Our top 10 healthy meal prep include mason jar salads, bento box lunches, vegetarian wraps, personal charcuterie boards, a bowl of soup, grilled chicken sandwiches, poke bowls, leftovers from the night before, grain bowls, and english muffin pizzas.

What to eat for lunch instead of sandwiches?

Wraps are great cold healthy lunch ideas instead of sandwiches. You can use the same ingredients as in your favorite sandwich but with fewer calories. Also, many store-bought wraps include additional protein or other better-for-you ingredients like flax seeds.