3 Easy Bento Lunch Box Recipes For Meal Prepping

Clean healthy eating has never been easier with a bento box. A bento box makes healthy meal prepping a breeze and keeps your food fresh until you are ready to eat. Don’t let a busy schedule stand in your way of living well and eating fresh.

A bento box is a compartmentalized lunch box that is based on ancient Japanese traditions. Bento box meals are great for make-ahead meal prepping because they have wonderfully designed compartments that keep your food fresh and ready to go.

Best Bento Lunch Box Recipes for Meal Prepping

Make the best bento box meals by following a few guidelines for a balanced and healthy meal on the run.

1. Protein: The main dish of your bento box lunch should consist of a protein-packed item, whether meat, vegan meat substitute, or charcuterie! A protein-based main dish will help you stay energized and satisfied for the rest of your day.

2. Fruits & Vegetables: Include your favorite raw or cooked fruits and vegetables. For maximum freshness, use what’s in season.

3. Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are important to a balanced diet. They keep you feeling full and help you avoid those mid-day cravings. Healthy fats include avocados, olive oil-based dressings, and nuts (almonds, cashews) and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin).

4. Fiber: Fibrous foods will aid digestion like nothing else. Pack one of your bento box compartments with fiber-rich foods like quinoa, salads, or beans. Other fibrous foods include nuts and veggies.

5. Crunchy: Indulge in something crunchy. Try a few crunchy tortillas chips or gluten free crackers! Set aside one of the compartments for your favorite dip.

If you’re looking for something a little more special for your bento box lunch this week, try one of the following meal prep recipes for your bento box. Each one is low-carb, high-protein, and convenient. You can make them once and use them all week long. Let them become a staple in your weekly meal prep routine.

Pesto Chicken Salad

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. cooked, shredded chicken breast

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mozzarella balls, halved

1/4 cup pine nuts

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/2 cup YQ by Yoplait Plain yogurt

3 tablespoons pesto (your favorite store brand or your own homemade pesto)

1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

salt and pepper, to taste

1. Place shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, pine nuts, and fresh basil into a large bowl. Mix and set aside.

2. Make the sauce by mixing together YQ by Yoplait, pesto, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Add sauce to the shredded chicken mixture and mix until combined.

Eat as a salad or pack some tortillas in your bento box and make a healthy wrap.

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Rice

For a well-rounded healthy meal prep, try this cilantro lime chicken served next to a delicious cauliflower rice.

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CHICKEN

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup lime juice (1–2 limes depending on how juicy they are)

1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon honey

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add chicken breasts and cook over medium heat until done, about 5-8 minutes on each side.

3. Let cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Slice chicken and set aside.

4. Add the rest of the chicken ingredients to a large bowl. Mix well.

5. Place sliced chicken in the bowl and toss with dressing. Refrigerate until ready to use.

FOR THE CAULIFLOWER RICE

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups cauliflower rice

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 sea salt

1/2 cup black beans

1/4 cup red onion, raw

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add riced cauliflower and spices. Cook for 5 minutes.

3. Add black beans and sauté for another 2 minutes.

4. Remove from heat. Add red onion and mix well. Refrigerate or serve hot.

FOR THE BOWLS

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, chopped

Place cooked chicken slices, cauliflower rice, 1/4 cup tomatoes, 1/4 of an avocado in different sections of your bento box.

Protein Packed Box Lunch

4 large boiled eggs

2 large organic carrots, cut into sticks

4 celery stalks, cut into sticks

2 medium red bell peppers, cut into sticks

4 ounces high quality cheddar cheese, cubed

2 cups crisp organic grapes

1 large apple, cut into wedges, soaked in pineapple or lemon juice for 30 seconds to prevent browning

Peanut Butter Hummus:

2 Tbsp peanut butter

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

3 Tbsp water

1 tsp smoked paprika

sea salt and pepper to taste

To make the hummus, place all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse for about a minute or so, until smooth.

Contact Kangovou for More Information

Kangovou has a wonderful assortment of bento boxes in all sizes and configurations. Each one is an excellent way to store and transport your food while keeping it fresh and free from harmful plastic contaminants. Kangovou bento boxes take bento box lunches to the next level.