5 Yummy Brown Bag Lunch Ideas

Great Lunch Ideas to Pack Every Day

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/25/22
Caprese sandwich

Photo from Grilled Cheese Social

It's easy to look forward to lunchtime when you pack a brown bag lunch with one of these delicious, easy recipes. From soups and salads to sandwiches and veggie bowls, we've collected our favorite brown bag lunch ideas that you can take to work or send to school with the kids, to keep your energy going all through the day.

  • 01 of 05

    Creamy Semi-Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

    Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

    The Spruce

    Here's a quick and easy creamy semi-homemade chicken noodle soup recipe that's hearty enough to fill up your tummy at lunchtime and keep you going all afternoon when you bring it to work for a brown bag lunch. Condensed soups and some real cream added to the mix, make this soup rich and velvety in texture while adding fabulous flavor. There are also freshly chopped vegetables, frozen veggies, and some lovely fresh herbs to add flavor and color. Makes a great lunch bag soup for kids to bring to school, too!

  • 02 of 05

    Caprese Sandwich

    Italian caprese sandwich

    The Spruce

    The Caprese sandwich is a classic Italian vegetarian sub that is packed full of awesome flavors, while also being super easy to make. Made with thick slices of fresh, creamy tasting mozzarella cheese, sweet and hearty Italian tomatoes, rich extra virgin olive oil, tangy balsamic glaze, and herbaceous, fresh green basil, it's sure to become a lunch bag favorite in your family. No wonder this sandwich has gone from being an Italian classic to an American favorite!

  • 03 of 05

    Quinoa, Tuna and Chickpea Salad

    Quinoa, tuna and chickpea salad

    Bill Boch / Photographers Choice RF / Getty Images

    Quinoa is the seed of an edible grain and it's become one of the world's most popular health foods, as it's a versatile gluten-free source of protein. This tasty quinoa, tuna, and chickpea salad recipe is a lunchtime favorite. Fluffy quinoa is tossed with protein-rich canned tuna and chickpeas, tender baby spinach leaves, fresh cilantro, wake-you-up mint, crunchy celery, mild spring onions, and sweet baby tomatoes, all tossed in a light and tasty dressing. Makes a satisfying meal at lunch that will keep adults and kids alike going strong all afternoon.

  • 04 of 05

    Chicken Waldorf Salad Sandwich

    Chicken salad sandwich

    TheCrimsonMonkey / Getty Images

    Raisin bread adds something extra special, and a little bit of surprising sweetness, to this classic chicken Waldorf salad sandwich recipe. It's the perfect sandwich for your next brown bag lunch, or to send to school with the kids, to keep tummies full until it's time to come home for the day. Waldorf salad sandwich filling is made with chopped sweet apples, crunchy celery, and walnuts, in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. To avoid a soggy situation, pack the salad and sandwich bread separately and assemble right before eating at lunchtime. Yum!

    Continue to 5 of 5 below
  • 05 of 05

    BLT Wrap Sandwich

    BLT wrap sandwich

    Lauri Patterson / Getty Images

    Wrap sandwiches are a brown bag lunch favorite, and this delicious BLT wrap sandwich is perfect for taking to school or work in your lunch bag. It's a great way to sneak the irresistible taste of bacon into your day at lunch. Keep all of the ingredients for this sandwich wrap on hand and you can make it in just a few minutes. Not much effort, considering how well this crunchy sandwich delivers on taste!