When you’re running from the copier to recess duty and back again, it’s easy to fall back on fast-food teacher lunches and granola bars wolfed down in the car. We get it. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for better ideas that are inexpensive, easy to pack, and nutritious too. These folks showed us how it’s done!
1. Taco Salad
@stephs.dlux.kitchen/Taco Salad via Instagram
Top it with salsa, dressing, sour cream, or even Greek yogurt.
Learn more: @stephs.dlux.kitchen
2. Yogurt Bowl
@mdcamey/Yogurt Bowl via Instagram
For those with a sweet tooth.
Learn more: @mdcamey
3. Falafel Salad
@foodforthoughtlauren/Falafel Salad via Instagram
Crumbled falafel on a ready-made salad is fast and easy.
Learn more: @foodforthoughtlauren
4. Salmon Sushi Bowl
@caitylous_kitchen/Salmon Sushi Bowl via Instagram
Just as good as sushi, but less expensive when you make it at home.
Learn more: @caitylous_kitchen
5. Peanut Rice Noodles
@sarahlocilentolifestyle/Peanut Rice Noodles via Instagram
If your school is peanut-free, try a sesame dressing on this one instead.
Learn more: @sarahlocilentolifestyle
6. Samosa Wrap
@smart.eats.with.nikki/Samosa Wrap via Instagram
Samosa flavors, without the need to fry.
Learn more: @smart.eats.with.nikki
7. Avocado Cream Cheese Bagel
@eat_birmingham/Avocado Bagel via Instagram
Avocado just makes everything better, doesn’t it?
Learn more: @eat_birmingham
8. Chili Con Carne
@healthykerenza/Chili Con Carne via Instagram
Lots of veggies make this recipe nutritious.
Learn more: @healthykerenza
9. Coconut Chicken Stew
@jessica.r.dietitian/Coconut Chicken Stew via Instagram
Coconut milk, mango chutney, fresh ginger—we’re drooling already.
Learn more: @jessica.r.dietitian
10. Summer Rolls
@thedeats__/Summer Rolls via Instagram
It’s surprisingly easy to make your own.
Learn more: @thedeats__
11. Mexican Pasta Salad
@smart.eats.with.nikki/Mexican Pasta Salad via Instagram
You can eat this one cold, or warm it up on a chilly day.
Learn more: @smart.eats.with.nikki
12. Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
@lowacideats/Cottage Cheese Egg Salad via Instagram
The cottage cheese adds some extra protein, plus calcium.
Learn more: @lowacideats
13. Cheddar Veggie Muffins
@kerrygoldsouthafrica/Cheddar Veggie Muffins via Instagram
Just add a side salad or some fresh fruit, and call it a day.
Learn more: @kerrygoldsouthafrica
14. Zucchini Taco Boat
@larasalamone/Zucchini Taco Boat via Instagram
Tacos, but make them low-carb.
Learn more: @larasalamone
15. Chilled Cucumber Soup
@amanda_finkl_coaching/Cucumber Soup via Instagram
No need to stand in line for the microwave!
Learn more: @amanda_finkl_coaching
16. Strawberry Turkey Salad
@stefie_sjs/Strawberry Turkey Salad via Instagram
Whoever first decided to put strawberries in a salad was a genius.
Learn more: @stefie_sjs
17. Caprese Salad
@cameefaulk/Caprese Salad via Instagram
So beautiful to look at, so yummy to eat!
Learn more: @cameefaulk
18. Avocado Egg Salad
@amyleighharmon/Avocado Egg Salad via Instagram
The avocado really kicks it up a notch.
Learn more: @amyleighharmon
19. Veggie Frittata
@polly_bee_bright/Veggie Frittata via Instagram
Bake up a batch over the weekend, and you’re set for healthy teacher lunches all week long.
Learn more: @polly_bee_bright
20. Pesto Tortellini
@ashn702/Pesto Tortellini via Instagram
Easy and super delicious.
Learn more: @ashn702
21. BLT Salad
@ambenn_foodie/BLT Salad via Instagram
It all starts with a simple salad kit.
Learn more: @ambenn_foodie
22. Greek Yogurt Personal Pizza
@teachertastes/Greek Yogurt Pizza via Instagram
Because pizza is always a good idea.
Learn more: @teachertastes
23. Snack Lunch
@thepinspiredteacher/Snack Lunch via Instagram
Who says you have to pack a sandwich or leftovers? Snacks FTW.
Learn more: @thepinspiredteacher
24. Mac + Cheese
@taylorcaitlyn/Mac and Cheese via Instagram
It’s not just for kids! Mix in some peas or broccoli and pack some raw veggies or fruit on the side for a healthy twist.
Learn more: @taylorcaitlyn
25. Mason Jar Salad
@ericabohrer/Salad Jars via Instagram
We love all the clever variations on these portable, prep-ahead salads.
Learn more: @ericabohrer
26. Chickpea Salad
@getbusyteaching/Chickpea Salad via Instagram
For when you’re tired of both chicken and tuna salad. Pack some crackers to go with it for an extra-special lunchtime treat.
Learn more: @getbusyteaching
27. Sheet Pan Meals
@teachertastes/Sheet Pan Meals via Instagram
Bake in advance, reheat at work, and you’re good to go!
Learn more: @teachertastes
28. Hearty Veggie Soup
@katienorris27/Vegetable Soup via Instagram
This is great for quick and healthy lunches throughout the week.
Learn more: @katienorris27
29. Fresh and Light
@teacherandtoddlermeals/Fresh and Light Lunch via Instagram
Simple doesn’t have to mean boring! Sometimes the best lunches are those that rely on easy, wholesome ingredients.
Learn more: @teacherandtoddlermeals
30. Chicken Tikka Masala
@themindfuleducator/Chicken Tikka Masala via Instagram
BRB, drooling.
Learn more: @themindfuleducator
31. Couscous and Veggies
@let.a.girl.eat/Couscous Salad via Instagram
Served cold or warm, this combination makes for a great salad that will fill you up.
Learn more: @let.a.girl.eat
32. Breakfast for Lunch
@kate_in_the_kitchen/Breakfast for Lunch via Instagram
This is inspired (and the overnight oats make it so easy!).
Learn more: @kate_in_the_kitchen
33. Individual Quiches
@teachingtable/Individual Quiches via Instagram
Imagine opening your lunch box and seeing this beauty waiting for you.
Learn more: @teachingtable
34. Pasta-To-Go
@millennialmusicteacher/Pasta Salad via Instagram
Standing on your feet all day does require carb loading.
Learn more: @millennialmusicteacher
35. Greek Tuna Salad
@captivatescience/Greek Tuna Salad via Instagram
Feta and lemon jazz up tuna salad. Stuff it in a pita or eat it out of the bowl!
Learn more: @captivatescience
36. Protein and Veggie Bowl
@comprehensibleclassroom/Protein and Veggies via Instagram
These prep-ahead teacher lunches are packed with the protein you need to sustain your energy all day long.
Learn more: @comprehensibleclassroom
37. Roasted Cauliflower Taco Bowls
@budgetbytes/Cauliflower Taco Bowl via Instagram
All the yummy flavor, with lots of healthy veggies too.
Learn more: @budgetbytes
38. Spinach Wrap
@teacherandtoddlermeals/Spinach Wrap via Instagram
Switch up your sandwich.
Learn more: @teacherandtoddlermeals
39. Mini Cheese Board
@easylunchboxes/Mini Charcuterie via Instagram
It’s like your own personal charcuterie platter.
Learn more: @easylunchboxes
40. Burger Bowls
@teachertastes/Burger Bowls via Instagram
This is way better than cafeteria burgers.
Learn more: @teachertastes
41. Chipotle Chicken Bowl
@teachertastes/Chipotle Chicken Bowls via Instagram
Pretty confident I would eat all five of these meal-prep bowls on a Monday.
Learn more: @teachertastes
42. Chicken Gyro
@carollovescupcakes/Chicken Gyro via Instagram
I want to be this teacher’s friend.
Learn more: @carollovescupcakes
43. Stir Fry
@archers_all_stars/Stir Fry via Instagram
Beats whatever they’re serving in the cafeteria.
Learn more: @archers_all_stars
44. Ravioli Sandwiches
@schoollunchbox/Ravioli Sandwiches via Instagram
Plus lots of other yummy things … but the world’s cutest mini sandwiches.
Learn more: @schoollunchbox
45. Ramen Noodle Asian Salad
@average_everyday_teacher_mom/Asian Salad via Instagram
The crushed ramen noodles add terrific texture.
Learn more: @average_everyday_teacher_mom
