6 Easy Grab and Go Lunches

If you’re anything like me, then thinking of lunches for the upcoming week can be challenging combined with everything else we have to juggle as students. Whether you need to bring lunch to school, work, or even if you just want something quick at home, we can all benefit from having ready to go lunches in the fridge. I’ve come up with a list of some of my favorite easy grab and go lunches. I try my best to make my lunches as balanced as possible with protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Feel free to mix and match or substitute anything as needed. These ideas are all super customizable!

Pasta Salad

In my opinion, pasta salads are super easy to throw together when you have all the ingredients on hand. Just pick your favorite pasta, add some veggies, cheese and a protein source like grilled chicken. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or tofu are a great protein source! Two of my favorite dressings are the Balsamic Vinaigrette and Cilantro Lime Dressing from Primal Kitchen. Both are made with avocado oil which is full of healthy fats. 

Greek Cucumber Salad

You can never go wrong with a cucumber salad, right? Especially in the summer, cucumber salads are so refreshing for lunch. By adding grilled chicken or chickpeas you can easily pack this with protein. For a snack on the side you can bring your favorite protein bar. I love the NuGo Dark Protein Bars, specifically the Mint Chocolate Chip flavor!

Turkey and Cheese

If you’re a fan of deli meats, then this one's for you! Roll up a couple of slices of turkey and add to a container with cheese, whole grain crackers, grapes, and some almonds or cashews for extra healthy fats and protein! You could even make this into a sandwich if you prefer. So satisfying. 

Almond Butter and Banana Sandwich

This is a combo that I’ve seen all over Instagram. I have yet to try it for myself which honestly shocks me because almond butter is my favorite nut butter! Pair this with some veggies and yogurt-based ranch on the side for an easy lunch.  

Build Your Own Rice Cakes

I know rice cakes are not always the most satisfying, but with the right toppings they can be! My absolute favorite rice cake combo consists of a layer of hummus, cucumber slices, and the Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning. I can’t decide what my favorite hummus is - they are all just so good! My top 3 are HOPE Original Hummus, Trader Joe's Edamame Hummus, and Sabra Organic Simply Roasted Pine Nut Hummus. You can never go wrong with those! I would pack these ingredients separately and once it’s time for lunch you can build your rice cakes. Bring some almonds and an apple on the side and you’ve got yourself a satisfying lunch!

Overnight Oats

Personally, I am not a fan of overnight oats. I wish I was because all the recipes I see on Instagram and Pinterest look so good. If you do enjoy overnight oats, then this is a great grab and go lunch! There are so many different recipes out there that use minimal ingredients, and they are so easy to throw together. You can make a jar the night before and just grab it when you’re ready to leave the next day.

Written by Caitlin Berenson: Caitlin Berenson is a junior at Ramapo High School in New Jersey, and an aspiring Registered Dietitian. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting in the kitchen, and playing with her cats. To see more of Caitlin’s work, follow her Instagram account @eatswithcait.