35+ Cold Lunch Ideas (For Kids And Adults!)
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From school lunch, to work, to picnics, cold lunches are staples in many families. While we enjoy cold lunches year round with busy weekdays, in the summer we sometimes are packing more!
It can be really easy to get stuck in a rut with what to pack for a cold lunch. It’s ok though, I’ve got you!
Cold Lunch Ideas You’ll Love
Here are some really great (and easy) cold lunch ideas, and some of my go to ideas. I know you’re going to love and be inspired to try these recipes. All of these idea can be eaten cold, are great for work or school in a lunch box with an ice pack. These recipes are both delicious and filling. Pair them with some fruit, chips, pretzels, raw veggies, or even some of these easy air fryer apple chips for a crunchy snack.
These aren’t just a regular peanut butter and jelly sandwich! Though I also have some great ideas for the ultimate peanut butter and jelly if that’s more your style. Or try these ideas for what to dip in hummus to round out your lunch.
Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/cranberry-pecan-chicken-salad/
Cranberry pecan chicken salad is an easy recipe with only a few simple ingredients. This delicious recipe gives the perfect balance of sweet cranberries, crunchy celery and tender chicken for the ultimate quick lunch or snack.
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/pesto-pasta-salad/
Pesto pasta salad is delicious, refreshing, and easy to make. It only requires five ingredients and can be eaten hot or cold.
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/egg-salad-sandwiches/
This tasty simple egg salad sandwich is made with ingredients like hard boiled eggs, mayo, and Dijon mustard for a tasty sandwich you'll love. This recipe is both budget friendly, tasty and flexible, and is perfect for prepping ahead lunches or a quick dinner.
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/italian-pinwheels/
Italian pinwheels are layered with a flavorful Italian cream cheese spread, crisp lettuce, buttery provolone cheese and all of the favorite Italian meats- ham, salami and pepperoni. These easy to assemble pinwheels are perfect as a party appetizer, easy lunch, or snack.
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These colorful veggie pinwheels have a delicious, cream cheese filling with crunchy veggies. Easy to make ahead of time – just slide it into a lunch box with an ice pack.
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/cold-veggie-pizza/
Everyone loves pizza! Cold veggie pizza is a refreshing take on traditional pizza. Choose your family’s favorite cheese and veggie toppings and this will become a new lunchtime favorite.
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Recipe from: funmoneymom.com/ham-and-turkey-pinwheels/
These Ham and Turkey Pinwheels are loaded with the perfect combination of deli meat, tangy cream cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies for a fun twist on the classic club sandwich.
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/apple-walnut-chicken-salad/
Creamy and flavorful apple walnut chicken salad has juicy apples, walnuts celery, and tender chicken that is delicious! This recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, baby showers and is easy to meal prep for the week. It makes a delicious lunch or dinner.
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-pinwheels/
Creamy and savory, these chicken bacon ranch pinwheels will be a hit at your next party as an appetizer, and make a great lunch too!
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Recipe from: tornadoughalli.com/chicken-caesar-wraps/
Chicken caesar wraps have all the crunch and creaminess of a caesar salad wrapped up in a tortilla. A great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, they’re perfect for packing lunch on busy mornings. Via tornadoughalli.com
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Recipe from: healthyfamilyproject.com/recipes/homemade-lunchables
These homemade lunchables pack 16g of protein with hard-boiled eggs and deli meat to keep kids fueled throughout the day. They’re easy to assemble the night before school and fun for kids to eat. Pair with fresh fruit like grapes and a fun side like guacamole and pretzels for a complete lunchbox. Via healthyfamilyproject.com
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/pepperoni-rolls/
These pepperoni rolls are so easy to make. Filled with savory pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, they’re delicious both hot and cold making them an easy choice for lunch.
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Roll-ups are fun alternatives to sandwiches. This version uses turkey and cheddar cheese but you can use your favorite deli meat and cheese. They’re sure to go fast! Via kathrynskitchenblog.com
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Nutritious Cheese & Vegetable Lunchbox Muffins are a delicious alternative to a sandwich in the lunch bag. Freezer-friendly and totally kid approved. Via goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/raspberry-jam/
15.
Raspberry Jam
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a lunchtime classic. Take yours up a notch with this delicious homemade raspberry jam that’s bursting with sweet fruity flavor.
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Speaking of peanut butter and jelly, learn how to make easy-to-pack homemade uncrustables. Hint – use your homemade raspberry jam to make them even more special. Via yummytoddlerfood.com
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/easy-classic-italian-pasta-salad/
This colorful pasta salad is bursting with flavor from fresh herbs and delicious crunchy vegetables. The leftovers are even better the next day, making it a perfect lunchtime item.
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/broccoli-apple-salad-pasta/
Broccoli apple salad is sweet, crunchy, and refreshing. The dressing is made with yogurt, keeping it light and healthy.
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/greek-orzo-salad/
19.
Greek Orzo Salad
Lemon juice gives this salad a bright flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crisp veggies, tangy feta cheese, and tender orzo. It’s just what you need for a midday meal pick-me-up.
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Wrap chicken nuggets up with fresh toppings and you have a fun new way to pack nuggets in a lunch bag. You could also make pita pockets instead of burritos. Via thisfarmgirlcooks.com
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/loaded-baked-potato-salad/
The flavors of potato salad get a serious upgrade when combined with a loaded baked potato salad! Stuffed full of bacon, cheese, herbs, and green onion the flavor is just unbeatable in this twist on classic potato salad.
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Recipe from: recipesfromapantry.com/air-fryer-pizza-rolls-recipe/
These easy kid-friendly air fryer pizza rolls are perfect as a snack or put a couple together with a salad as a full meal. Via recipesfromapantry.com
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Recipe from: www.tosimplyinspire.com/avocado-tuna-salad.html
Try a new take on classic tuna salad. This version uses red onion for a pop of color and avocado for a delicious creamy texture. Via tosimplyinspire.com
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Recipe from: www.tosimplyinspire.com/cobb-salad.html
With hard-boiled eggs, bright tomatoes, crispy bacon, chicken breast, and creamy avocado this cobb salad is as pretty to look at as it is delicious. Assemble it in individual lunch containers for an appetizing presentation. Via tosimplyinspire.com
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Recipe from: keytomylime.com/taco-salad-in-jar/
Taco salad is pretty and portable when you layer it in mason jars. Hearty black beans will keep you satisfied until dinner while the special quesadilla sauce brings this to the next level. Via keytomylime.com
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/bacon-ranch-pasta-salad/
Creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is packed full of delicious dressing, tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, cheese and crispy vegetables. The perfect side for a BBQ, potluck or dinner!
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Recipe from: bakemesomesugar.com/chicken-club-wrap/
Creamy mexi-ranch sauce gives this chicken club wrap a pop of flavor. Via bakemesomesugar.com
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Recipe from: www.savoringthegood.com/hawaiian-pasta-salad-recipe/
Sweet caramelized pineapple and yummy ham give this pasta salad the flavors of hawaiian pizza. Via savoringthegood.com
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Recipe from: www.kyleecooks.com/turkey-ranch-club-wrap/
Filled with crunchy bacon and creamy ranch dressing, these turkey club wraps are easy to assemble and easy to eat. Perfect for little (and big) hands. Via kyleecooks.com
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Recipe from: recipesfromapantry.com/rainbow-wrap/
This easy Rainbow Hummus Veggie Wrap is packed with colorful veggies and perfect for lunches. Via recipesfromapantry.com
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Spread some waffles with creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly and you can have breakfast for lunch. Via strengthandsunshine.com
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Recipe from: www.everydayfamilycooking.com/buffalo-chicken-wrap/
This buffalo chicken wrap recipe is an easy lunch idea. It’s made in just 5 minutes and uses only 5 ingredients. The best part is it’s delicious hot or cold! Via everydayfamilycooking.com
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/cucumber-tomato-salad/
Cucumbers and onions are quick pickled to make this bright, refreshing salad. It’s a great side for any cold lunch. Via thegayglobetrotter.com
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Recipe from: littlesunnykitchen.com/hummus-veggie-wrap/
This healthy hummus veggie wrap makes a perfect fresh lunch! It’s so economical, healthy, refreshing, and delicious. Via littlesunnykitchen.com
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Recipe from: funmoneymom.com/broccoli-salad-recipe-with-craisins/
Add flavorful dried cranberries to this crunchy broccoli salad for a pop of sweetness. Via funmoneymom.com
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Recipe from: therecipewell.com/mediterranean-bean-salad/
Fresh vegetables and bright herbs make this bean salad bright and flavorful. Via therecipewell.com
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Combine pre-cooked chicken with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and bright herby dressing to create these tasty wraps. Via snappygourmet.com
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Recipe from: www.persnicketyplates.com/buffalo-chicken-pinwheels/
These pinwheels are filled with the tangy flavor of buffalo wings and the creaminess of blue cheese dressing. These are a perfect idea for using up leftover chicken. Via persnicketyplates.com
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Recipe from: onmykidsplate.com/tortilla-pizza-rollups/
These rollups are easy to customize. Add everyone’s favorite sauces, veggies, and cheese and you have a great alternative to the traditional sandwich.
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Did you make one of these cold lunch recipes? Do you have any easy cold lunch ideas that aren’t on this list? Let us know in the comments!
