73 Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids and Adults

1. Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, make-ahead, ready in <30 minutes, no cook

Just like its cousins chicken and tuna, this lightning-fast salad is riffable, protein-packed and will keep in the fridge for a few days. But unlike the competition, it’s meatless Monday friendly.

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Katherine Gillen

2. Make-Ahead Spicy Chicken and Rice Salad

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: make ahead, gluten free, less than 500 calories, dairy free

It’s not just that you can make this one in advance; it’s that you should. An overnight rest in the fridge will allow the flavors to meld before you dig in. (Don’t like the way the purple cabbage stains? Swap it for green.)

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Robert Bredvad/The Secret Ingredient Cookbook

3. Caesar Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, kid-friendly, make ahead

If you can’t possibly choose between a crisp lettuce salad and a creamy pasta salad, don’t. This franken-meal has the best of both: a salty-savory dressing, crunchy croutons, toothsome pasta and plenty of Parm.

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Aran Goyoaga/Cannelle et Vanille

4. Aran Goyoaga’s Niçoise Salad

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, make ahead, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian

Pack everything in separate containers to keep it from turning to mush before lunchtime, then assemble it when you’re ready to eat. Easy, right?

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NASSIMA ROTHACKER/CALIFORNIA: LIVING + EATING

5. Salmon Noodle Bowls with Chili-Yuzu Relish and Pickled Radishes

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, high protein, dairy free

This dish is just as delicious served cold as it is served warm (if not more). Even better, it’s customizable: Whatever veggies are in your fridge are fair game.

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Allison Day/Modern Lunch

6. Lemon-Roasted Potatoes, Chicken and Spinach with Tzatziki

Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, high protein

It’s not just the adorable bento box that makes this lunch look irresistible. It’s the fact that everything tastes amazing straight from the refrigerator (and will keep for up to five days). Make a double batch for you and your kids.

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Eleisa Johnson/The Peach Truck Cookbook

7. Pearl Couscous with Chickpeas, Eggplant and Peaches

Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, make ahead, dairy free

If peaches aren’t in season, you can easily swap them for another fruit, and the whole thing can be made ahead. (Need more convincing?)

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Allison Day/Modern Lunch

8. Citrus, Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Feta

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, make ahead, <10 ingredients

A cold quinoa salad is right up our alley, but the mixed citrus and shrimp take it over the edge. (And FYI, it only takes 20 minutes to make.)

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Simon Pask/The Happy Balance

9. Colorful Peanut Noodle Jar

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, gluten free, vegan, make ahead

On days when you’re sick of eating the same sad kale salad for lunch, look to this convenient and quick noodle mason jar salad for something exciting and new. (It’s also a cute and easy way to get your kids to eat some veggies, just saying.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

10. Avocado Chicken Salad

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, make ahead, kid-friendly

Chicken salad recipes are a dime a dozen, but skip the outdated grapes, cranberries and nuts and add avocado to the cold lunch classic instead. It’s creamy with less mayo and packed with healthy fats—a win-win.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

11. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, no cook

Or, skip the mayo entirely and swap it with Greek yogurt. Bonus: These stuffed bell peppers are super easy on the eyes (and kid-friendly).

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Sarah Copeland

12. Yellow Tomato Gazpacho

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, make ahead, less than 500 calories

Cold soup for lunch? Yep, it’s a thing, and it’s delicious. Everyone at work will think you’re some kind of chef.

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Eden Grinshpan

13. Kamut and Sour Cherry Meze

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, low sugar, less than 500 calories

Meze just means appetizer, but we’re packing this cold grain salad up and serving it for a filling, healthy lunch.

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Laura Edwards/The Yoga Kitchen Plan

14. Zoodles with Avocado and Mango Sauce

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <30 minutes, vegan

It’s creamy, a little bit spicy and requires zero cooking. What’s not to love? (Hint: nothing.)

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Nassima Rothacker/California: Living + Eating

15. Avocado, Radish and Walnuts with Carrot-Miso Dressing

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, ready in <30 minutes, less than 500 calories

An avocado salad might not seem like much on paper, but it’s quickly becoming one of our go-tos. Good thing it takes just 20 minutes to whip up.

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Eden Grinshpan

16. Sumac and Fennel Fattoush

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, less than 500 calories, vegetarian

This is basically a salad made of pita chips, and we’re not complaining at all. The zingy honey-sumac vinaigrette pulls it all together beautifully.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

17. 15-Minute Gazpacho with Cucumber, Red Pepper and Basil

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <30 minutes, dairy free, gluten free, <10 ingredients

You had us at 15 minutes (and again at no-cook). Cold soup sounds like just the thing for your next alfresco dinner party.

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100 Days of Real Food

18. Meal-Prep Creamy Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Raisins

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, kid-friendly, ready in <30 minutes

If you’re going to pack lunch, you’ve got to upgrade from PB&Js and carrot sticks. This budget- and kid-friendly pasta salad will do the trick. (It’s just $1.50 per serving!)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

19. The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion–worthy

All those in favor of topping every sandwich possible with crispy frizzled onions say, “aye.”

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

20. Salami, Artichoke and Ricotta Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, make ahead

Pasta salad is a cold lunch no-brainer, but this one feels extra-special, thanks to creamy ricotta and salami. Feel free to go the extra mile by using fresh artichokes instead of canned.

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Do What Feels Good

21. Green Bowl with Chicken, Citrus and Herbs

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, high protein, less than 500 calories

This nourishing bowl is a great way to use up lingering chicken and herb leftovers. We won’t tell if you use a store-bought dressing, either.

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Antonio Nascimento/Radiant: The Cookbook

22. Indian Salad Bowl with Crunchy Chickpeas

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, vegetarian

Fresh, vibrant and full of crunchy, spiced and roasted chickpeas? This will do quite nicely.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

23. BLT Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly

What’s more fun than both a sandwich and a salad? A pasta dish that combines both, is what. (The bacon doesn’t hurt, either.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

24. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, low sugar, ready in <30 minutes

It’s almost like pasta, avocado and our lunch were meant to be together. The beans will keep you full through the three-o'clock slump to boot.

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Just Married

25. Shrimp Fajita Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, high protein

Want to make it dairy free? Use olive oil instead of yogurt. Craving a wrap? Toss it in a tortilla (or better yet, make lettuce wraps). You’re the artist and the lunch is your palette.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

26. Roasted Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser

Packing a lunch for kids? This broccoli-bacon combo will be an instant hit. (Extra breadcrumbs on top couldn't hurt, either.)

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Aran Goyoaga/Cannelle et Vanille

27. Roasted Squash Salad with White Beans, Bread Crumbs and Preserved Lemon

Time Commitment: 1 hour (+ soaking time)
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, make ahead

This room-temperature salad hits all the right notes: briny from the lemon, crispy from the breadcrumbs and creamy from the squash and beans. Yum.

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100 Days of Real Food

28. Meal-Prep Creamy Kale Caesar Salad

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <30 minutes

Even self-professed kale haters will eat this salad up. That’s thanks to the creamy Caesar dressing, which takes less than 15 minutes to make.

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Let's Stay In

29. Roasted Delicata Squash Salad

Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients

We love delicata squash for its sweet nutty flavor and low-effort prep (you don’t even have to peel it), but you could use any winter squash here, or even sweet potatoes if that’s what suits you. Not into eating it cold? Pull it from the fridge 20 minutes before lunch to let it come to room temp.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

30. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead

With pine nuts, cinnamon and apple cider vinegar, this bowl has all the flavors of fall…but we’ll be making and eating it all year long, thank you very much.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

31. 15-Minute Mediterranean Couscous with Tuna and Pepperoncini

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, high protein, <10 ingredients, dairy free

Tuna salad but make it fancy—except that this whole dish only takes a mere 15 minutes to put together.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

32. Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Blue Cheese and Celery

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 minutes, ready in <30 minutes

Served hot or cold, buffalo chicken is always a good idea. This version uses a rotisserie chicken and store-bought buffalo sauce for the easiest lunch ever. (Feeding kids? They’ll love it too: Just dial down the spice with a milder sauce, or even swap it for barbecue sauce.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

33. Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in<30 minutes, no cook, kid-friendly

Deli meat and squishy bread? Pass. These adorable pinwheel slices take almost no effort and are a step up from your usual cold-cut sammie.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

34. Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: low sugar, high protein, beginner-friendly

Forget the gloopy, overly mayo-ed egg salads you’re used to. This avocado version is creamy and tangy, but not over the top.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

35. Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken and Avocado Salad

Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Why We Love It: low sugar, high protein

Oh hello, salad to end all others. We recommend grilled chicken slices for their appealing smokiness, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Caroline Lange

36. Salmon and Smashed Cucumber Grain Bowls

Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: dairy free, high protein, low sugar

More satisfying than a bowl of leafy greens but not too heavy, this might be the grain bowl of our dreams. It also solves the whole reheating-fish-at-work conundrum: Just don’t.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

37. Slow Cooker Meal-Prep Burrito Bowls

Time Commitment: 7 hours, 15 minutes
Why We Love It: slow cooker meal, make ahead, low carb

Toss everything in your slow cooker, then assemble your bowls and go. Psst: These low-carb beauties will keep for four days in the fridge and are even better served cold than warm.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

38. Salmon Bowl with Farro, Black Beans and Tahini Dressing

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, high protein, low sugar

This salmon bowl is the tastiest way to get your omega-3s. We also love that eating it cold means no stinking up the microwave with fish…but that’s another story.

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Chloe Flavor

39. Vegan Fiesta Taco Bowl

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, high protein

We never thought we could have a crush on a packed lunch, but here we are. (It might have something to do with the homemade vegan sour cream.)

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Aubrie Pick/Great Tastes

40. Lemon-Tahini Salad with Lentils, Beets and Carrots

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, make ahead, high protein

Want to make this meal even easier? Look for pre-cooked lentils and vacuum-packed beets at the grocery store. It can be our little secret.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

41. Make-Ahead Farro and Brussels Sprout Salad

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, vegetarian, dairy free

Consider this the hip, cool cousin of the quinoa salad. The farro has a satisfying chew, and paired with Brussels sprouts, it feels special without being fussy—a guaranteed hit at work or home.

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The Minimalist Kitchen

42. Chicken Pesto Focaccia Sandwiches

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: high protein, less than 500 calories, low sugar

Homemade pesto and crisp chicken make for an extraordinarily tasty cold sandwich. Use freshly baked bread if you can get your hands on it.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

43. Lunch Kebabs with Mortadella, Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, no cook, kid-friendly

Sandwich, meet kebab. Choose your favorite fixings for a customized meal for you or your kid.

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Power Plates

44. Quick Guacamole Quinoa Salad

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, low sugar, less than 500 calories

This is basically like eating guacamole for lunch. Hellooooo, healthy fats.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

45. Rainbow Collard Wraps with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, make ahead, vegetarian

Lettuce wraps are great, but they can get wilty. Hearty collard greens will pack well and hold until lunchtime rolls around, and they taste great cold.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

46. Veggie Niçoise Salad with Red Curry Green Beans

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: low sugar, gluten free, dairy free

Not a tuna person? No problem. This Niçoise salad has plenty going on, so no one will miss the fish.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

47. Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodles

Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <15 minutes, vegan

Zoodles on their own aren’t a complete meal, so we added marinated tofu for extra protein in this ten-minute dish.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

48. Soba Noodles with Peanut Sauce

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, gluten free, vegetarian

They’re just like your favorite takeout noodles and come together in three easy steps. And FYI, the peanut sauce is kid-friendly to boot.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

49. The Ultimate Quinoa-Avocado Bowl

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: dairy free, gluten free, high protein

Introducing the homemade version of that $16 bowl you bought at work last week. It’s cheaper and tastier, in our opinion.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

50. Grilled Peach, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Sandwich

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

We bet they don’t serve this lunch in the cafeteria. Grill the peaches in advance for some smoky nuance or skip the grilling entirely.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

51. Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, vegetarian, dairy free

Have we mentioned we really like avocado? Because we’ll put it on almost anything.

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Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jodi Moreno

52. Kelp and Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, no cook, make ahead

Kelp noodles, common in Korean cuisine, are soaked instead of boiled, which means they’re great for a cold lunch. Plus, they’re gluten free, Paleo and packed with nutrients like iron, vitamin K, calcium and fiber.

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100 Days of Real Food

53. Meal-Prep Mayo-Less Potato Salad

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, less than 500 calories

The classic cold salad got a makeover: With a little bit of sour cream and red wine vinegar, you get a creamy dressing without all the calories. Sorry, mayonnaise.

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga

54. Radicchio, Lentil and Apple Salad with Vegan Cashew Dressing

Time Commitment: 35 minutes (+ soaking time)
Why We Love It: make ahead, dairy free, gluten free, vegan

Even non-vegans will swoon over this creamy cashew dressing. (We double-checked: There’s not a drop of dairy in there.) Pack it for work and you’re guaranteed to inspire some lunch envy.

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Nicole Franzen/Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?

55. Delicata Buckwheat Bowls

Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, vegan, dairy free

This make-ahead beauty is delicious served warm, but we love it just as much eaten cold, straight from the fridge.

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Nicole Franzen/Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?

56. Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad

Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, <10 ingredients, make ahead

When you’re tired of kale but still want something light, this bright, sweet, nutritious and meal-prep-friendly salad will hit the spot.

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Leslie Grow/Keto in an Instant

57. Keto Instant Pot Greek Cauliflower Rice

Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, Instant Pot recipe, ready in <15 minutes, keto

We can’t decide what we’re most excited about: that this lunch takes 10 minutes from start to finish, or that it’s diet-friendly and delicious. (It serves eight as a side, but makes a heartier main for four.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

58. 20-Minute Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, ready in <30 minutes, <10 ingredients

Whip this up on a Sunday night and you’ll have four days’ worth of gourmet lunch ready for work. (It’s good warm or cold.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

59. Apple, Grape and Pecan Pasta Salad

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, ready in <30 minutes

Who knew pasta and fruit made such a delightful combination? We can’t get over the balance of textures. (And your kids are going to love this one.)

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Dana Carpender/The Keto for One Cookbook

60. Keto Steak and Blue Cheese Salad for One

Time Commitment: 5 minutes
Why We Love It: keto, ready in <15 minutes, no cook

You’ve already got cold leftover steak in the fridge. Why not put it to good use and make a fancy little lunch? It takes five minutes, promise.

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Jacqui Melville/Apple

61. Cauliflower, Pomegranate and Apple Salad

Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free

The cauliflower won’t be quite as crispy the next day, but with that tahini-honey dressing, we don’t mind one bit.

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HENRY HARGREAVES/AVOCADERIA

62. Vegan Avocado Caesar Salad

Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, low sugar, less than 500 calories

At work, you’d normally grab a $15 Caesar salad from the chain place down the street. We implore you to try this homemade version instead. You’re worth it.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

63. Vegetarian Sushi Cups

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly, gluten free, dairy free

They’re almost too cute to eat, but we have a feeling you (and your kids) will find it easy to overlook that fact—this fish-free take on sushi is just too darn tasty. Don’t forget to pack some chopsticks.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

64. Summer Rolls

Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, gluten free, dairy free

Crisp veggies. Chewy rice noodles. Juicy shrimp. All the fresh herbs. Yup, these Vietnamese-inspired handhelds are sure to satisfy (and make your coworkers jealous). Pass the sweet chili sauce.

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Photo/Styling: Taryn Pire

65. Ritz Crackers with Whipped Honey Ricotta and Bacon

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, less than 500 calories

Cheese and crackers is hands-down our favorite in-a-pinch meal. This take only requires 15 minutes of your time—even less if you make the bacon ahead.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

66. Mini Chicken Shawarma

Time Commitment: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, low sugar

Hear us out: These tiny sammies are even more delicious the second time around, and don’t need to be served warm. Just pack the leftover ingredients separately, so you can assemble it the morning you pack your lunch or at your desk. That way, nothing gets soggy.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

67. Orecchiette with Spring Greens

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, vegetarian

This 15-minute gem tastes just as good cold as it does hot, promise. It’s also loaded with nutritious spinach and peas, plus a handful of protein-rich almonds.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

68. 15-Minute Mezze Plate with Toasted Za’atar Pita Bread

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, vegetarian, <10 ingredients

It may look like a plate of snacks (OK, it is a plate of snacks), but that doesn’t mean it won't fill you up. Between the hummus, salami, Greek yogurt and whole-wheat pita, we have a feeling you’ll stay satisfied until dinnertime.

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LISA ROMEREIN/LOVE IS SERVED

69. Crispy Quinoa Cashew Granola

Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, make ahead, less than 500 calories

Having a batch of homemade granola on hand is always a good idea. Nosh on it with yogurt, top it off with milk, sprinkle it over a smoothie bowl—the possibilities are endless.

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Kylie Mazon-Chambers/Share + Savor

70. Heirloom Pan con Tomate

Time Commitment: 15 minutes (+ chilling time)
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, dairy free

Take a siesta in the middle of the day, then kick back with the Spanish equivalent to Italian bruschetta. The tomato mixture is as simple as grating the tomatoes, chopping their skins, seasoning them and spreading it on sliced ciabatta.

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EVA KOLENKO/BREAD TOAST CRUMBS

71. Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, high protein, low sugar

Chicken salad may have a blah reputation, but this iteration is far from boring. Think tarragon Dijonnaise, quick-pickled onions and peppery arugula.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

72. Cold Lemon Zoodles

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, no cook, gluten free, vegan

Buy pre-spiralized zucchini noodles and most of the work is already done. Take it from us: Once you taste it, you'll want to make this refreshing dish for every picnic or barbecue you ever host.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

73. Fruicuterie Board

Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, ready in <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser

When in doubt, you truly can't go wrong with an assortment of your favorite cheese and produce. Spruce it up with cured meats for even more fun.

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73 Cold Lunch Ideas That Go Beyond PB&J

1. Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

2. Make-Ahead Spicy Chicken and Rice Salad

3. Caesar Pasta Salad

4. Aran Goyoaga’s Niçoise Salad

5. Salmon Noodle Bowls with Chili-Yuzu Relish and Pickled Radishes

6. Lemon-Roasted Potatoes, Chicken and Spinach with Tzatziki

7. Pearl Couscous with Chickpeas, Eggplant and Peaches

8. Citrus, Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Feta

9. Colorful Peanut Noodle Jar

10. Avocado Chicken Salad

11. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

12. Yellow Tomato Gazpacho

13. Kamut and Sour Cherry Meze

14. Zoodles with Avocado and Mango Sauce

15. Avocado, Radish and Walnuts with Carrot-Miso Dressing

16. Sumac and Fennel Fattoush

17. 15-Minute Gazpacho with Cucumber, Red Pepper and Basil

18. Meal-Prep Creamy Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Raisins

19. The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich

20. Salami, Artichoke and Ricotta Pasta Salad

21. Green Bowl with Chicken, Citrus and Herbs

22. Indian Salad Bowl with Crunchy Chickpeas

23. BLT Pasta Salad

24. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad

25. Shrimp Fajita Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing

26. Roasted Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Salad

27. Roasted Squash Salad with White Beans, Bread Crumbs and Preserved Lemon

28. Meal-Prep Creamy Kale Caesar Salad

29. Roasted Delicata Squash Salad

30. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

31. 15-Minute Mediterranean Couscous with Tuna and Pepperoncini

32. Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Blue Cheese and Celery

33. Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches

34. Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich

35. Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken and Avocado Salad

36. Salmon and Smashed Cucumber Grain Bowls

37. Slow Cooker Meal-Prep Burrito Bowls

38. Salmon Bowl with Farro, Black Beans and Tahini Dressing

39. Vegan Fiesta Taco Bowl

40. Lemon-Tahini Salad with Lentils, Beets and Carrots

41. Make-Ahead Farro and Brussels Sprout Salad

42. Chicken Pesto Focaccia Sandwiches

43. Lunch Kebabs with Mortadella, Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

44. Quick Guacamole Quinoa Salad

45. Rainbow Collard Wraps with Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce

46. Veggie Niçoise Salad with Red Curry Green Beans

47. Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodles

48. Soba Noodles with Peanut Sauce

49. The Ultimate Quinoa-Avocado Bowl

50. Grilled Peach, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Sandwich

51. Shredded Thai Salad with Avocado

52. Kelp and Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai

53. Meal-Prep Mayo-Less Potato Salad

54. Radicchio, Lentil and Apple Salad with Vegan Cashew Dressing

55. Delicata Buckwheat Bowls

56. Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad

57. Keto Instant Pot Greek Cauliflower Rice

58. 20-Minute Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

59. Apple, Grape and Pecan Pasta Salad

60. Keto Steak and Blue Cheese Salad for One

61. Cauliflower, Pomegranate and Apple Salad

62. Vegan Avocado Caesar Salad

63. Vegetarian Sushi Cups

64. Summer Rolls

65. Ritz Crackers with Whipped Honey Ricotta and Bacon

66. Mini Chicken Shawarma

67. Orecchiette with Spring Greens

68. 15-Minute Mezze Plate with Toasted Za’atar Pita Bread

69. Crispy Quinoa Cashew Granola

70. Heirloom Pan con Tomate

71. Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwiches

72. Cold Lemon Zoodles

73. Fruicuterie Board

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