The Best Meal Prep Lunch Boxes for Fresh, Nutritious Meals
When it comes to meal prep lunch box, the possibilities are endless. One of the best parts of preparing meals ahead of time is the variety of options you can pack. Whether you’re planning a festive Thanksgiving meal or simply looking for a delicious, nutritious lunch, a food prep lunch box can help streamline your week. You can easily fit in your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing. Not to mention, crowd-pleasing potatoes and dinner rolls can be great additions to your holiday menu or just a regular day’s lunch. Mixing veggie sides with green food and naturally green fruits makes for a colorful and healthy meal that’s both easy and enjoyable.
If you’re craving something light and fresh, a cold lunch is perfect, especially during those warmer days when hot meals just don’t hit the spot. You can switch up your usual meal prep routine with something like a chicken hummus plate or a veggie-packed lunch that includes green food like avocados and veggies. For a fun twist, why not start with a starting place idea like a veggie side paired with naturally green fruits? It’s a simple yet tasty alternative to the traditional stuffing or mashed potatoes. With a little variation, your lunch box can go from being just another meal to something that excites you every day.
Where does the idea for this Green Food Lunch Box come from originally?
The idea for the Green Food Lunch Box really stemmed from the desire to create something easy, nutritious, and visually appealing. As a food blogger, I’m always on the lookout for trending concepts, and around St. Patrick’s Day, green food is everywhere on social media. I wanted to create a meal prep idea that was simple yet colorful, so I thought back to a classic recipe I shared in 2018: the chicken hummus plate.
It was a cold lunch that became quite photogenic in its colorful glass containers, making it popular on my blog for a long time. Inspired by the vibrant green dishes of the season, I decided to try a twist on the usual meals and make it all about naturally green food. This led to an easy prep, simple meal prep combination using green produce and my favorite green dip.
I wanted to keep things simple and fun, turning basic ingredients into something trendy. So, I experimented with green mac & cheese, a green food snack tray, and even a few more elaborate dishes, but none felt quite right for a lunch box. That’s when I realized that the solution was all about keeping it easy, and I ended up creating a meal that’s perfect for busy people looking for quick, healthy, and flavorful meal prep ideas. It’s an idea that fits right into the current trending themes on social media, offering a fresh take on a timeless concept, but with a colorful twist.
What are the ingredients in this Green Food Lunch Box Meal Prep?
When it comes to creating the perfect Green Food Lunch Box, you’ll want to pack in a variety of green produce that is both tasty and easy to prep. Start with sugar snap peas—they require little to no prep and are perfect for tossing right into your container. Add Persian cucumbers for a sweet, crisp crunch; they’re smaller than the classic variety and add a refreshing touch.
I also love to include green bell pepper, which is excellent for dipping into some Green Goddess Dip—this herby dip is an avocado-based, savory dip that perfectly complements the veggies. Don’t forget to throw in some green grapes and kiwi fruits, both of which bring a sweet contrast and are great in a green food meal prep.
For protein, I added peppered turkey breast, though feel free to swap it with your favorite choice of protein. I also included dill Havarti cheese, which has natural green tones and adds a creamy, delicious twist to the meal. This combo of ingredients makes for a satisfying and balanced meal that’s easy to prep, wash, and pack into your lunch box. Whether you’re a kiwi lover or just want to enjoy a simple and healthy lunch, this meal prep is a perfect choice for those looking for a fresh take on green food.
How do you assemble the Green Food Lunch Box Meal Prep?
When it comes to meal prep lunch box, the assembly process is straightforward and can save you time during the week. First, start by organizing your produce and non-produce items separately. I find it helps to fill up more of the container with fruits and veggies first, leaving space for items like cheese later. It’s a simple trick that makes packing your meal prep easier. After chopping your ingredients, lay them out in piles on your cutting board to estimate your portions.
This helps you ensure that each prep container has a similar amount of food, and if you want to be extra precise, you can use a kitchen scale.When adding non-produce items like chips or crackers, store them separately to avoid them getting soggy. This step makes sure your snacks stay crisp, and it also frees up more room for your veggies.
For the dip, about 2 ounces per container is the ideal serving size. This keeps everything balanced, and I always end up with the right amount of dipping without any leftover dip. Following these easy steps makes meal prep a breeze and ensures each meal is perfectly portioned and packed.
What is the Green Goddess Dip? Can it be made at home?
The Green Goddess Dip is a thick and creamy creation made from avocado and herb-based ingredients. I first discovered it at Trader Joe’s, where it became a staple for my meal prep lunch box. This dip is perfect for dipping veggies, adding to sandwiches, or even topping off chicken. It’s very different from the Green Goddess Dressing, which is a more liquid version and typically used as a salad dressing.
If you can’t find this dip at your local store, there are plenty of copycat recipes available, such as Avocado Green Goddess Dressing from My Quiet Kitchen and Green Goddess Dressing from Sweet Simple Vegan. These recipes replicate the same creamy texture and herb-filled flavor, making them great alternatives for those who want to enjoy this dip at home.
How do you peel a kiwi fruit?
Peeling a kiwi fruit is simple with just a sharp knife and a metal spoon. Start by using the knife to remove ends of the kiwi, making sure to get rid of the thicker stem at one end. Then, take the metal spoon and carefully insert it between the green kiwi flesh and the hairy skin.
Hold the kiwi with your thumb and fingers to control the spoon, gently working your way around the fruit, removing the flesh as you go. If the kiwi is large, you can cut in half to make it easier to remove all the flesh at once.
More naturally green food ideas
If you want to add more naturally green options to your meal prep lunch box, there are plenty of healthy choices. Start with spinach leaves or other salad greens—they’re great for filling up your container with a refreshing base.
You can also toss in some green peas for added sweetness and even try a ham and pea salad for a unique twist. For a little crunch, celery sticks work perfectly, or you can add edamame for a protein-packed snack.
Cabbage or green slaw is another great option that can add a bit of tang and texture. Don’t forget about the crisp freshness of a green apple, which pairs wonderfully with other produce and is perfect for a balanced meal. These simple, green food breakfast ideas will make your lunch prep even more nutritious and delicious.
Where do you get those containers?
For my meal prep lunch box, I use 3 Compartment Glass Meal Prep Containers from Prep Naturals, which I found on Amazon. I’ve owned these containers for a few years, and I still love them because they make organizing meals so easy. The containers come with plastic lids, but I recommend hand washing the lids to ensure they last longer.
These containers are perfect for keeping everything separate and fresh, and if you’re interested, you can grab them through the affiliate link I’ve shared.
FAQs About Meal Prep Lunch Boxes
What’s the difference between meal prep containers and lunch boxes?
Meal prep containers are designed for storing multiple meals with separate compartments, while lunch boxes are generally for carrying a single meal.
How do I pack hot and cold meals together?
Use insulated containers for hot food and separate compartments or cool packs to keep cold food fresh.
Can I store meal prep in the freezer?
Yes, meal prep can be stored in the freezer as long as you use freezer-safe containers and properly label them.
What’s the best size meal prep lunch box for one person?
A 3-compartment meal prep lunch box is the best for one person, offering space for different food types like protein for wight loss recipes, veggies, and carbs.
Are there any meal prep lunch boxes that are dishwasher safe?
Yes, many meal prep lunch boxes are dishwasher safe, especially those made from durable, BPA-free plastic or glass.
Conclusion
Choosing the right meal prep lunch box can make a big difference in how easy and enjoyable your meal prep journey becomes. With so many containers and options available, it’s important to find one that suits your needs and keeps your meals fresh and organized.
Whether you’re looking for something to hold green food like spinach leaves, avocado, or green peas, or prefer a more traditional meal prep setup, there’s a perfect lunch box for everyone. Start by reviewing the top lunch box picks and see what fits your routine.