Bento is the Japanese word that translates to ‘for lunch’. It is essentially a container designed specifically for carrying food. Unlike your everyday regular lunch boxes, Bento has multiple compartments and individual spaces for different kinds of food.
If you’re thinking lunch boxes and bento boxes are the same, you couldn’t be far from the truth. Both are lunch boxes but the Bento is more detailed, neat, and organized keeping your food intact. The concept of Bento came into existence in the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333). Originally, they were invented to make carrying food to work easier for merchants and farmers. Throughout the centuries the, designs and shapes of bentos have evolved and now they have become a worldwide trend owing to their functionality and cuteness quotient. Here are 6 easy bento box ideas that we think might catch your fancy.
No Cook Greek Pita Bento Box
No need to turn on the flames to put together this bento box. You just need to stock up some pita bread, or make them the night before. Pack in the veggies, deli chicken and tzatziki (its darn easy), and your healthy, and easy bento is ready. Add a handful of olives, chop up some cucumbers and bell peppers to finish and you’re done.
Recipe
- 12 slices Deli chicken
- 1/2 Bell pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups Cucumber
- 1/4 cup onion
- 1 Olives
- Tzatziki (home-made or store bought)
Find the detailed recipe here: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/711639178636207403/
Protein Bento Box
This protein packed Bento is a fitness lover’s dream. It is also a great on the go option if you are pressed for time. It comes together super easy too – just add boiled eggs, almonds, grape tomatoes and edamame. Don’t forget to add some cheese in the box to level up the taste profile. Perfect for both lunch and as a snack option, this one’s a total go getter.
Recipe
- 4 to 6 eggs, hard boiled
- 1 cup almonds (raw or toasted)
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese
- 3 cups cooked edamame in shells
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
Find the detailed recipe here: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/86412886591428792/
Stuffed Tomatoes & Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This may require a bit more effort than the last two, since stuffed tomatoes and roasted sweet potatoes need prep and cooking time. Fret not, it’s still comparatively easy. Scoop out the tomato seeds, and stuff them with a healthy blend of feta, cucumbers, balsamic, and basil. For the sweet potatoes, just season them with herbs and roast them to your liking. You can go ahead and add some boiled eggs or chicken nuggs if you please.
Recipe
- Feta
- Cucumbers
- Balsamic
- Basil
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tomato
- Seasonings
- Chicken Nuggets or Boiled Eggs
Find the detailed recipe here: https://www.frugalnutrition.com/real-food-bento-box-round-up/
Alternatively, here’s another stuffed tomato recipe if you enjoy meal preps.
Canned Salmon & Avocado Bento
No need for a stove, another no-cook, easy super fulfilling bento. You need is a can of Salmon, a mashed avocado whipped with some seasonings. If you want to take it a step further, slice up some apples, kiwis, carrots, and banana bread. Want to add a little protein to the mix? Go ahead and make space for bacon and boiled eggs and you’re set.
Recipe
- Canned salmon
- Avocado
- Apples
- Kiwis
- Carrots
- Banana bread
- Boiled egg
- Bacon
Tuna Salad Bento Boxes
Honestly, who doesn’t love a tuna salad? This one’s a heathier take on the same with a side of lettuce and non fat Greek yoghurt. Add some fruits and eggs for extra protein. A bunch of almonds are a good addition on the side. While the tuna salad comes together in 5 minutes, arrange everything else and head out. When eating it, make a little lettuce burger and there you have it – your very own low carb tuna salad.
Recipe
- 25-ounce cans of Tuna
- ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, optional
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 4 Bibb lettuce leaves
- ½ cup raw almonds
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups
You’ll need flour tortillas for this bento box – you can either buy them or prep them the night before. Smear the tortilla with hummus for a dollop of flavour and then pack on the veggies to your heart’s content. Roll it up and cut them out. Take a handful of strawberries and cut them out for a quick post lunch snack. Finish with a side of crackers.
Recipe
- 1 large flour tortilla
- 3-4 TBSP hummus
- 1-2 carrots
- 2-4 broccoli florets
- 1/8-1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Strawberry
- Crackers
Find the detailed recipe here: https://peasandcrayons.com/healthy-veggie-tortilla-rollups/
Images: Pinterest
