5 Fresh Lunch Ideas for Back to Work and School
From soups and salads to wraps and meatballs, these quick and easy lunches are ready to roll.
Some people say that September feels like a new year, so for everyone getting back into the routine of work and school, why not think of it as a fresh start for healthy lunches? Of course, you’re welcome to swing by the Bi-Rite deli for a sandwich any day of the week, and achiote chicken on local focaccia has been known to save even the most grueling of Mondays. But if you’re trying to get organized with your weekly meal planning and grocery shop, we’ve also got lots of quick and easy options, whether you’re prepping for a busy day of zoom meetings from home, or packing lunch boxes and racing out the door.  Â
Take a spin through our prepared foods and you’ll find a colorful array of nourishing soups, grilled chicken ready to roll up into a wrap, or turkey meatballs for dunking in dips. Seasonal produce keeps it fresh with crisp apples, juicy grapes, lunchbox peppers, and cherry tomatoes. They’re just the right size for tucking into stainless steel sets and bento boxes with lots of little compartments, or square glass containers designed to snap and stack. But let’s not overcomplicate lunch, because you can totally keep it simple, and reach for repurposed jam jars, baking cups, even brown bags from Bi-Rite. Here are five fresh and fast lunch ideas for the season, that can be tossed together in less than 10 minutes flat. together in less than 10 minutes flat. Â
Becky Duffett
Cozy Curried Soup Â
Long days at work or school call for a little extra comfort, and we’ve got cozy soups stocked in the cold case. It doesn’t take much to warm them up and round them out into a satisfying lunch. Pour Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup into a single serving jar or deli container. Add small containers with handfuls of jalapeno jack bites and caramelized pecans. Then tuck in a pretzel bun and one or two cute apples. Â
Becky Duffett
’Cini Chickpea Salad Â
Lettuce-free salads are trending these days, thanks to bean queen Violet Witchel, and this one’s inspired by the flavors of your favorite Italian sub. Rinse and drain a can of chickpeas. Chop a bell pepper and cucumber. Cut salami slices into quarters, andcrumble a couple ounces of feta. Combine them in a large bowl, and add a handful of pepperoncini, along with a splash of the pickling liquid. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and turn to coat. Transfer to airtight containers and marinate for up to 3 to 5 days. Add a crusty baguette to make it incredibly satisfying! (Makes 2 salad servings) Â
Becky Duffett
Chicken Caesar Wraps  Â
Can’t decide between salad or sandwich? Caesar wraps are the classic solution, and they’re so easy when you grab grilled chicken. Slice a lemon-garlic chicken breast into bite-size pieces (or simply grab the pulled chicken for ease), and slice one or two little gems. Combine them in a bowl and add a handful of shredded Parmesan. Drizzle with Caesar dressing, season with salt and pepper, and turn to coat. Lay down a large flour tortilla, pile on the filling, fold in the ends, and wrap tightly. Repeat to make a couple of wraps. Transfer to storage containers and nestle cups of blackberries on the side. (Makes 2 servings) Â
Becky Duffett
Elevated Lunchables   Â
Whether you have to feed a kid or are simply a kid at heart, everyone gets excited about stackable snack packs filled with ham, cheese, and crackers. Try making your own with quality ingredients and seasonal produce, in mini sizes to avoid having to chop anything. Pack a lunch box with sliced maple ham, folding it into triangles, and add handfuls of vintage Cheddar bites and rosemary crackers. Fill in the remaining compartments with lunchbox peppers and red grapes. Â
Becky Duffett
Mediterranean Meatballs Â
Have you seen those chubby meatballs in our deli case? Sure, they’re delicious twirled with spaghetti for dinner, but equally delightful rolled into packed lunches, and just the right size to plop into a bento compartment. Cut a couple of cucumbers into spears. Pack a lunch box with a large turkey meatball, the cucumber, and a handful of cherry tomatoes. Add a dollop of labne, along with a few kalamata olives, if you like. Fill in any remaining compartments with pita chips for dunking. Â
Becky Duffett is a food writer living and eating in San Francisco. Follow her on Instagram at @beckyduffett.Â
