7 Easy Teacher Lunch Ideas

If there’s one subject teachers couldn’t teach, it’d be the art of a leisurely lunch. That all-too-brief break in the day must often include recess duty, a trip to the copier and an inbox check, leaving little time to actually eat. Oh, and you’d better hope there’s not a line for the microwave.

So teachers, we’ll assign you some homework: Do your lunch planning the night prior. These 7 easy recipes will hit the spot during even the busiest school days.

Tips and Tricks for Teacher Lunches

You’ll thank yourself at lunchtime by packing the night before. Here are some easy meal ideas that are sure to satisfy:

Bento Boxes

Combining function and style, bento boxes carry an entire meal in a single container. Whatever your main dish, you’ve got side compartments to fill with fruit, cheese, crackers or sweets. (Charcuterie, anyone?) Read up on bento box ideas and get inspired.

All Types of Salads

Adding chicken to bagged lettuce gives you fuel for the afternoon, and you can keep a bottle of dressing in the teachers’ lounge fridge if you make salads often. For more protein options, pack a Cobb salad (perhaps subbing chicken for bacon) or a spring green salad with hard-boiled eggs. Ground beef with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese makes an easy taco salad; you can use Italian dressing if you’d prefer to skip the spiciness.

Sandwiches, Wraps and More

PB&J and BLT are just the start here. In addition to a multitude of lunchmeat varieties, consider tuna, chicken and egg salads as sandwich starters. Change things up by putting your sandwich ingredients on a croissant or in a wrap. Egg salad atop leaves of iceberg lettuce makes for creamy and crunchy lettuce wraps. You can even prepare sushi the night before.

Breakfast for Lunch

Overnight oats or muffins with some fruit makes an easy lunch. Packing a parfait is as simple as adding berries and granola to Greek yogurt. A bagel with cream cheese gets yummier with slices of avocado and tomato. And quiches or frittatas can be eaten cold or at room temperature.

Using Leftovers

Think about how you can give your leftovers a fresh twist. For example, leftover grilled chicken can be sliced and used in a salad or wrap. Quesadillas and tacos can be made with leftover chicken, ground beef and pulled or slow-cooked meats. Pasta salad is a great way to use leftover pasta and get a lot of veggies into your lunch.

Meal Planning Guide

Check out additional easy lunch ideas, then get more inspiration on our blog and meal planning page. And use our interactive guide to search lunch recipes by preparation methods.