10 No-Cook Lunches for Work and School
Buying lunch every day adds up fast. These pack in about five minutes with no stove or microwave, and most can be prepped for three days at once.
Wraps and sandwiches
- Hummus veggie wrap. Spread hummus on a tortilla, add shredded carrot, cucumber, spinach, and feta, then roll tightly and cut in half.
- Chickpea "tuna" salad sandwich. Mash a can of chickpeas with mayo or yogurt, mustard, lemon, and diced celery. It keeps 3 days and won't get soggy if you pack the bread separately.
- Turkey and apple roll-ups. Layer deli turkey, cheese, and thin apple slices on a tortilla with a little mustard, then roll up.
Jars and bowls
- Mason jar salad. Dressing on the bottom, then hard vegetables, beans or chicken, cheese, and greens on top so nothing wilts. Shake into a bowl at lunch.
- Overnight oats. Mix half a cup of oats with half a cup of milk, a spoon of yogurt, and fruit. Refrigerate overnight and eat cold.
- White bean and tomato salad. Toss a drained can of white beans with cherry tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, vinegar, and basil. It gets better by day two.
- Cold peanut noodle jar. Pack leftover noodles with peanut sauce, shredded cabbage, and edamame. It tastes great cold.
Snack-style boxes
- DIY bento box. Cheese cubes, crackers, hard-boiled egg, grapes, baby carrots, and a few nuts. Cheap and kid-approved.
- Greek yogurt parfait. Pack yogurt and granola separately so it stays crunchy, plus berries and a drizzle of honey.
- Pita and dip plate. Pita triangles, hummus, cucumber, olives, and cherry tomatoes. Like takeout, minus the price.
Keep it safe until noon
Perishable food shouldn't sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it's over 90°F), per the USDA. Pack lunches with an ice pack in an insulated bag, or freeze a water bottle overnight and use it as the ice pack.
Quick answer
Easy no-cook lunches include hummus veggie wraps, chickpea salad sandwiches, mason jar salads, overnight oats, and DIY bento boxes. Pack them with an ice pack and most keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.