Are you tired of leaving work on your lunch break to spend the whole time looking for something to eat? Are you bored of the same lunches every day? Whatever the reason, you’ve stopped in the right place! Here you will find 20 Easy Cold Lunch Ideas for both kids and adults! Whether it’s healthy or hearty you’re searching for – you’ll find it here! 

What Can I Make for Lunch without a Microwave?

If you’d like to skip the microwave or even pack the lunch for kids without a thermos, you can try some great ideas like steak sandwiches, BLT pasta, spinach wrap, or even a classic like a peanut butter and jelly! We’ve rounded up the best options for you with the recipes below! Just select one and enjoy! 

What Can I Eat for Lunch Other Than Sandwiches?

To switch things up a bit, you’ll want to swap out the sandwiches for something new! If you’re looking for a cold lunch, put together a salad – caesar salad, pasta salad, or a chickpea spinach salad. However, if meal prep is your thing, you can quickly put together taco salad bowls or chicken burrito bowls. 

Healthy Cold Lunch Ideas

Seaweed Salad

Don’t let the name throw you off – this seaweed salad is incredibly delicious! Full of nutrients and easy to make – you’ll love just how refreshing it tastes! Plus, you’ll even learn to make homemade Japanese salad dressing too! 

Steak Sandwich

If it’s a hearty lunch you’re looking for, then stop here! This steak sandwich is loaded with thinly sliced steak, onions, veggies, and mustard! Serve it on toasted bread or enjoy it cold! 

Best Tuna Salad

Is there anything more classic than a Tuna salad? With this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy and filling meal. So go ahead, grab the tuna, mayo, onion, and celery! Serve it on bread, in a bowl, or even wrap it in lettuce!  

Easy Keto Egg Salad

With just 5 minutes of prep, you can indulge guilt-free salad for lunch. This recipe walks you through step by step, but you’ll quickly realize just how simple this is!   

Healthy Spinach Wrap

This is the one to keep around if you like wraps! You can use the spinach wrap for those Mexican dishes – from tacos to burritos and quesadillas. They’re homemade, healthier, and better-tasting than the store-bought version!

Easy Cold Lunch Ideas for Work

Crock Pot Pork Shoulder

An easy dump-and-go meal, this slow cooker pork shoulder is full of flavor and falls right apart! Cooked on low with barbeque sauce and spices, it’s perfect to serve on sandwiches or tacos for an easy lunch. 

Cuban Sandwiches

Yes, these sandwiches originated in Cuba! They are loaded with all kinds of meat from roast pork, salami, and ham! Be sure to add in the pickles and cheese to keep it authentic. 

Ultimate Chicken Salad

Full of flavor, color and taste, this chicken salad is a must-try! A dish loaded with chicken, green onion, celery, grapes, all tossed in creamy goodness!

Chick-Fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat Recipe

It’s a copycat recipe to try, especially if you’re a fan of Chick-Fil-A. This crisy chicken sandwich is tasty, filling, and easy to make. The trick? Marinate the chicken in pickle juice!

Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids

Dragon Roll Sushi

Have you heard of a dragon roll? It is one of the most popular sushi dishes at a Japanese restaurant. Filled with tempura shrimp and cucumber, and wrapped in nori seaweed and rice, this sushi roll is then topped with an avocado layer. You’ll get all the tips here so that you can make them easily in the comfort of your home!

Chicken Avocado Roll-Ups

Are you looking for a lunch that is cold, creamy, and delicious? Well, this is it! Chicken avocado salad roll-ups are made with leftover chicken, veggies, avocado, and cheese! All it takes is 20 minutes to make and a few minutes to eat!

Peanut Butter and Jam Sandwiches

Who doesn’t love an excellent old fashioned peanut butter and jam sandwich?! It quickly takes you back to your childhood with every bite! It’s a simple sandwich that’s perfect for kids and adults alike!

Lunch Box Grilled Cheese

Hurry, grab the bread, cheese, butter, and a frying pan! You’ll easily get your cheese cravings satisfied with this recipe! Plus, you’ll even get a few tips on perfecting your sandwich! 

Easy No Heat Meal Prep Lunch Recipes

Chicken Caesar Wraps

All it takes is 10 minutes of your time to prep to make this chicken caesar wrap! With a pre-made rotisserie chicken, all you have to do is to shred it, add some dressing, salad, croutons, and wrap it in a tortilla shell! If you want to add in a bit more protein, put some bacon bits in too!

BLT Pasta Salad

Fresh, colorful, and flavorful! What more could you ask for? With this recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy your classic BLT sandwich in pasta form! It’s creamy, easy to make, and oh so tasty1!

Meal Prep Taco Salad Lunch Bowls

Make-ahead meals are always a fantastic idea! These taco salad lunch bowls are easy and quick to make! Fill them with beef, lettuce, cheese, and salsa! If you want it hearty, add in some black beans and corn too! 

Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

Set aside just 1 hour, and you will be able to put together a week’s worth of lunches! This chicken burrito bowl recipe saves you time and money while providing you with a healthy lunch! So go on, do a little meal prep – it’s worth it! 

Vegetarian Cold Lunch Recipes

Chickpea Spinach Salad

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult, and with this recipe, it won’t be! The hardest part here is trying not to eat this before lunch! Filled with chickpeas, spinach, bell peppers, and spices – this salad is easy to enjoy on its own or wrapped in a warm pita.

Sweet Potato Sushi Rolls

Who knew you could enjoy sushi without the seafood? Well, here you will get a recipe to put together some sweet potato sushi rolls. They are filled with sweet potatoes and creamy avocado! It’s vegan and kid-friendly too! Plus, you’ll get step-by-step photos to help you along the way!  

Easy Vegetarian Bean Burritos

Skip those fast food lines and enjoy some healthy food at home! These Easy Vegetarian Burritos are fresh and full of intense flavors. Ready in just under 30 minutes and perfect for those days you’re on the go!