Lunchables were an iconic childhood school lunch. Convenient for parents and coveted by kids, whoever came up with the idea was really onto something. Looking back, lunchables probably weren’t the healthiest thing to have as your main source of energy throughout the school day, but you can take the idea of the lunchable, and turn it into an easy to pack, healthy, delicious lunch that will bring back all of the nostalgia from childhood.
If you want to recreate this iconic lunch in a way that doesn’t make you cringe as a grown adult, there is an easy formula to follow. You want to have a protein source, dairy, carbohydrates, fruit, veggies, and something fun to dip.
Your choice of protein can set the theme for the meal. If you remember, childhood lunchables always had a theme. Whether you liked the classic deli meat lunchable, the build your own taco or pizza meals, or even the chicken dunkers, protein was key. In an adult lunchable, you can try chicken (a crockpot recipe prepared ahead of time could be great here!), deli meats, tuna, nuts or nut butter, hard boiled eggs, or even smoked salmon.
Dairy is another key element. Depending on your theme, snacking cheeses, yogurt, or cottage cheese are perfect. Crackers, pita chips or pita wedges, tortillas, or rice cakes are convenient for carbohydrates.
Fruit and veggies set the adult lunchable apart. Choose quick and easy to eat items such as grapes, berries, or apple slices. Baby carrots, celery sticks, cucumber or pepper slices, or cherry tomatoes are nice veggie options.
Perhaps the most fun part of the adult lunchable is something to dip. Hummus and guacamole are healthy and filling choices. The possibilities are endless, but if you want to stick to a theme, check out these fun options:
Taco Tuesday: Chicken breast strips, pepper jack cheese cubes, whole grain tortilla chips, cherry tomatoes, guacamole for dipping
Mediterranean: Grilled chicken strips, pita wedges, feta cheese, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and hummus
The Classic Crackers and Cheese: Deli ham or turkey, whole grain crackers, cheddar cheese cubes, grapes, carrot sticks, and ranch dressing
Bistro Box: Hard boiled eggs, whole grain crackers, snacking cheese, sliced apples, grapes, and peanut butter
Who says lunchables are only for kids? Enjoy these fresh, convenient options for your next healthy lunch.