A week of healthy packed lunch ideas

Prep a batch of this warming, fragrant dal on a Sunday and freeze in portions, ready to bring for lunch for the next few weeks. Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sweetness – the perfect foil for creamy, spiced lentils.

Prep the filling for these fiery, flavour-packed lettuce cups the night before, then bring the lettuce cups and garnishes (crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs and dipping sauce) with you to assemble al desko. Cue some serious lunch envy.

A batch of spicy tuna, as in this recipe by Emily English (@emthenutritionist) is a brilliant thing to have in your fridge for whipping up quick packed lunches. Here, we’ve loaded it onto toasted bagels, but you could also use to top a jacket potato or as a sandwich filling.

Filling, healthy, high in protein and packed with veggies, these easy egg muffins tick all the busy midweek boxes. We’ve used spring onions, peas, cherry tomatoes and cheddar in the filling, but you could switch this up depending on what you have to hand – try a handful of spinach, cooked ham or broccoli.

Keep some shortcut ingredients – like hot smoked salmon, pre-cooked lentils and dips – on hand, and you’re never far away from a great homemade packed lunch. Here, hot smoked salmon is served with lemony rocket, lentils and our creamy Collection labneh yogurt dip, which comes with a herby dressing for added flavour.

Pasta can be a tricky one for packed lunches as it doesn’t keep well, but orzo is the exception to the rule – it tastes great the next day. Make this simple veggie stew on Thursday night and keep some aside to pack for lunch on Friday.