Sorted for lunch too

In our last blog I shared some healthy and easy dinner ideas and I promised that I would follow up with lunch.

All of these ideas work without a microwave – perfect for the office, on-the-go, or simply avoiding too much faff at home.

Firstly and importantly, lunch doesn’t always need to be a ‘proper meal’. When you're short on time or appetite, a graze box can be perfect. I love using a lunchbox with compartments – like a Yumbox – which helps you pack a little of everything.

Here are some ideas to mix and match:

* Boiled eggs

* Olives

* Mixed nuts and seeds

* Raw veg sticks – carrot, cucumber, peppers

* Radishes

* Cherry or plum tomatoes

* Grapes

* Berries

* Hummus

* Guacamole

* Falafels

* Cold homemade pizza slices

* Roasted chickpeas

* Wholegrain crackers, oatcakes or pittas

* Apple slices with nut butter (add lemon juice to stop browning)

* Pickles or gherkins

* Homemade savoury muffins or frittatas

* Small amounts of leftover salad, pasta or grains

If you prefer something more ‘meal-like’, here are some easy, packable options that don’t need reheating:

1. Couscous or Quinoa Salad Bowls

Couscous is super quick – just pour boiling water over it and cover for 5 mins. Add chopped roasted veg, chickpeas, a handful of spinach, and a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice.

2. Bean Pots

Mix tinned mixed beans or lentils with chopped tomatoes, diced red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, a little garlic and herbs. Store in a jar or tub and eat with oatcakes or pitta.

3. Pasta Salads

Use leftover pasta and add chopped peppers, sweetcorn, olives, and a spoonful of pesto or vinaigrette. Add cooked chicken, tuna, or eggs if you want more protein.

4. Pitta or Wrap Pockets

Stuff wholemeal pittas or wraps with hummus, grated carrot, cucumber ribbons, and cold falafel or leftover roast chicken. Wrap tightly in foil or a beeswax wrap.

5. Jar Salads

Layer your salad in a jar starting with the dressing at the bottom, then protein or grains (like beans, couscous or pasta), followed by chopped veg, and leafy greens on top. Shake when ready to eat.

6. Cold Roast Veg & Grain Bowl

Roast a batch of sweet potato, courgette, and red onion at the start of the week. Pair with quinoa or brown rice and add a spoon of hummus or tahini on top.

7. Savoury Muffins or Frittatas

Make a batch of veggie egg muffins or frittatas in a muffin tray – they’re delicious cold and easy to eat with one hand if needed!

Do any of these ideas catch your eye? I’d love to hear what you’re trying – or if you have a favourite packed lunch, hit reply and share it with me!