Lunch box recipes that are anything but boring (2024)

The Middle Eastern 'Falafel' is a great light but flavoursome lunch box recipe to make. Just stuff in a pitta bread with cucumber, fresh harissa for a spicy twist and lashings of earthy humous. We're not sure lunch boxes have ever looked this good...

Try Shelina Permalloo's recipe

Who says making quiche has to be complicated? This French inspired version is perfect for easy lunches but doesn't dissapoint. There’s no need to fiddle about with pastry and it’s delicious hot or cold.

Try this provencale quiche

A pancake in a lunchbox? Not as weird as it sounds. When this savoury mixture of tender broccoli and creamy parmesan cheese is encased in a buttery pancake, it's heaven and perfect finger food hot or cold.

Try this cheese and brocolli pancake recipe

These gorgeous golden samosas are packed to the brim with tasty beetroot, a sprinkling of Indian tasting coconut, raisins, black poppy seeds and crumbly and oh so creamy, ricotta. This is a lunch box game changer.

Try this beetroot samosa recipe

Flapjack's are amazing sweet treats, great for energy and a little bit of a sugar kick. This bar is made from sweet blueberries, mixed seeds (whatever takes your fancy, almonds, pumpkin seeds, even hazelnuts) and humble porrdige oats. A recipe that's great for personalising and switching up.

Try this blueberry and muesli bar recipe

This dish will be the envy of your colleagues. Tuck in to tasty salmon – gravlax and smoked salmon both work well – in a creamy pasta sauce packed full of fragrant herbs for a lunch you’ll be looking forward to all morning.

Try this salmon pasta salad recipe

This bulgur wheat salad is a riot of fresh, zingy flavours. A classic Middle Eastern dish, it’s perfect served with crisp lettuce leaves and mopped up with fresh crusty bread.

Try this taboulleh salad recipe

This tart recipe will bring a touch of the rustic to any lunch. The mix of artichoke and basil is delicious but even better when mixed with gooey mozzarella. Tasty on its own or with a fresh salad. A side of relish will make this lunch box a winner.

Try this artichoke tart recipe

These pastries are ideal picnic lunch fare. The really tasty filling is encased in a crisp golden filo parcel that is the perfect hand-held size. Accompanied by a Spanish piquillo pepper dip, this is the kind of dish that picnics are planned for.

Try this spinach and ricotta pastries recipe

Vary your familiar lunch box sandwich with these really tasty apple and sausage rolls. Children will love tucking into them while they also make a great, fuss-free option for lunch on the go.

Try this apple and sausage filo rolls recipe

Packed lunches are made so much better by the addition of a Scotch egg. This tasty and healthy version makes a great snack too. Accompany a golden egg with a crisp salad for a nutritious and balanced meal.

Try this Scotch egg recipe

Liven up children’s lunch boxes with these puff pastry fingers. Topped off with broccoli, ricotta and cherry tomatoes, they’re a great way to keep the little ones healthy. The recipe is simple to adapt, just add whatever toppings you have to hand for an easy lunch time bite.

Try this delicious broccoli, ricotta and cherry tomato fingers recipe

Part pasty, part pizza - a calzone is a brilliant way to turn last night’s leftovers into something delicious. The goat’s cheese and prosciutto in this recipe makes for a flavoursome, hand-held lunch.

Try this goat’s cheese and prosciutto calzone recipe

Forget boring lunches, a round of this chicken schnitzel and fennel slaw sandwich will ensure you’re looking forward to lunchtime. Make up a batch of schnitzel over the weekend then pop between two slices of your favourite bread for a filling and really tasty weekday lunch.

Try this chicken schnitzel sandwiches and fennel slaw recipe

This chicken and pasta salad is filled with bursts of flavour from the raisins and crunchy nuts and is great for an easy weekday lunch.

Try Martha Stewart’s pasta salad with chicken recipe

Spelt is ideal to use in salads where you would usually use rice, couscous or pasta. It works beautifully with Mediterranean flavours like tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar. This recipe is a filling mix of summer vegetables and herbs that is just what’s needed to keep you going through the afternoon

Try this spelt salad recipe

Anything recipe which has the word 'superfood' in the title, has a thumbs up from us. Made from nutty tasting quinoa, fresh mint, parsley and colourful vegetables and best of all, slices of halloumi. Seriously yum, this recipe can be prepared the night before for added ease.

Try this greek 'superfood' salad recipe

The honey in this recipe by Lorraine Pascale compliments the goat’s cheese perfectly. Take a few slices to work for an easy and tasty alternative to sandwiches. Children will love these too and filling is easily adapted to suit all tastes

Try Lorraine Pascale’s goat’s cheese and hazelnut quesadillas recipe