14 Hearty Lunch Ideas for Adults That Are Way Better Than Takeout

Turkey-Quinoa Salad

Granny Smith apple, Gouda cheese, and dried apricots and cranberries give this yummy grain salad its complex flavor. To tote, place this easy lunch recipe in a container with a tight-fitting lid, and put your favorite salad dressing in a separate small container.

Meal-Prep Vegetarian Beans and Grains

You only need 15 minutes of prep time to get this adult lunch box recipe ready for the next few days (or months, if you go the freezer route). Utilize the protein-packed beans and grains to create a nutritious bowl for lunch. Or try our veggie burger variation.

Instant Noodle Bowls

Instant noodles in a jar take the stress out of having a satisfying, portable lunch for adults. Simply build the noodle bowls the night before and make sure the jar is tightly sealed. Add hot water at lunchtime, and you've got a meal.

Crunchy PB&A Wraps

Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet component of lunch, these protein- and vitamin-packed wraps are sure to satisfy. Pack them in a bento box with carrots and a banana and cheese stick on the side.

Burrito Bowls

Don't go out to get your burrito bowl fix. Make these customizable bowls at home using cauliflower rice, pork or chicken, beans, corn, and more. After heating up at lunchtime, top with cheese, greens, pico de gallo, and cilantro. This is a hearty lunch idea for adults who are craving more than a salad.

Sweet and Tangy Chicken Wrap

Lettuce and vegetable strips add crunch to these healthy chicken breast wraps. Use rotisserie chicken to make easy prep work of your adult lunch box meals. Pack two wraps in a sealed container with a side of fresh veggies for a satisfying lunch.

Picnic Taco Jars

Here's a fun lunch idea for adults to take to work. Pack a wide canning jar with layers of seasoned taco meat, lettuce, and veggies for an all-in-one portable meal to tote with you to work, picnics, or anytime you need a quick meal.

Edamame Quinoa Salad

Chilled protein- and superfood-packed salads make incredible desk lunches you won't be able to stop thinking about all morning. Pack in a tightly-sealed Mason jar or plastic container with a reliable lid.

Buy It: Ball Mason Jars ($12, Walmart)

Paleo Waldorf Salad Lettuce Wraps

Upgrade traditional Waldorf salad by adding in nutritious cauliflower and swapping the usual mayo for our DIY Paleo-friendly mayonnaise. If you're not following a Paleo diet, feel free to swap out the lettuce wrap with a cheese wrap or regular tortilla wrap for a super tasty lunch idea for adults.

Succotash Salad With Buttermilk-Avocado Dressing

Due to their incredibly short growing season, lima beans are much more widely available in the frozen section—at a very high quality. Pack this hearty traditional Southern potluck salad in your favorite glass jar or plastic container, but pour the creamy buttermilk-avocado dressing into a separate container to add just before eating.

Tofu Spring Rolls

Pack these colorful spring rolls for an adult lunch box meal you'll crave. Bring soy sauce for dipping in a separate container (or, pack a few of those packets you never seem to use up in another compartment of your lunch box).

Tuscan Tuna Salad

Skip that mayo-based tuna salad and opt for this delicious box lunch idea for adults. This hearty, flavorful (yet light) canned tuna recipe needs only a side of crusty multigrain bread to make it complete.

Buy It: Igloo Nostalgia Lunch Sack ($25, Target)

Orzo Chicken Salad with Avocado-Lime Dressing

Turn leftover chicken from dinner into a delicious lunch box idea for work tomorrow. The protein-packed meal features a tangy homemade dressing made with lime juice, avocado, and garlic that's so good, you'll want to put it on everything.

Italian Focaccia Sandwich

No need to worry about this sammie going soggy before noon—this adult lunch box recipe actually requires a long chill time. Wrap up the Italian meat-stuffed sandwiches up to 24 hours in advance to let the flavors meld. Serve with some homemade root veggie chips on the side.