Looking for 22 cold lunch ideas that are quick, refreshing, and perfect for busy days? Whether you’re packing lunch for work, school, picnics, or summer days when you don’t want to turn on the stove, cold lunches are the perfect solution.
In this article, you’ll find 22 complete cold lunch recipes that are nutritious, flavorful, and easy to prepare ahead of time. From protein-packed salads to wraps, bowls, and sandwiches, these cold lunch ideas will keep you full and energized without reheating.
1. Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (cold)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bread slices
Instructions
Mix chicken, mayo, mustard, celery, salt, and pepper. Spread on bread and serve chilled.
2. Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (cold)
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon juice, salt, pepper
Instructions
Combine all ingredients, toss well, and refrigerate before serving.
3. Veggie Hummus Wrap
Ingredients
- Tortilla wrap
- 3 tbsp hummus
- Sliced cucumber, bell pepper, carrot
- Lettuce
Instructions
Spread hummus, add veggies, roll tightly, and enjoy cold.
4. Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked noodles (cold)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- Shredded carrots
Instructions
Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey. Toss with noodles and carrots.
5. Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas
- Cream cheese
- Turkey slices
- Cheese slices
Instructions
Spread cream cheese, layer turkey and cheese, roll, slice, and chill.
6. Greek Chickpea Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned chickpeas
- Cucumber, tomato, onion
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil and lemon juice
Instructions
Mix everything and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Cold Rice & Veggie Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (cold)
- Corn, peas, bell pepper
- Soy sauce or sesame dressing
Instructions
Mix all ingredients and serve chilled.
8. Egg Salad Lettuce Cups
Ingredients
- 3 boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
Mix eggs with mayo and seasoning. Spoon into lettuce cups.
9. Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- Cooked pasta (cold)
- Mozzarella balls
- Cherry tomatoes
- Basil
- Olive oil
Instructions
Toss everything together and chill.
10. Cold Lentil Salad
Ingredients
- Cooked lentils
- Red onion
- Parsley
- Lemon juice and olive oil
Instructions
Combine and refrigerate before serving.
11. Smoked Salmon Bagel Box
Ingredients
- Bagel slices
- Smoked salmon
- Cream cheese
- Cucumber slices
Instructions
Assemble just before eating or pack separately.
12. Avocado Chickpea Mash Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup chickpeas
- Lemon juice
- Bread
Instructions
Mash ingredients and spread on bread.
13. Cold Soba Noodle Salad
Ingredients
- Cooked soba noodles
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Green onions
Instructions
Mix and serve cold.
14. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Ingredients
- Cooked couscous (cold)
- Cucumber
- Olives
- Feta cheese
Instructions
Mix with olive oil and lemon juice.
15. Chicken Caesar Wrap (Cold)
Ingredients
- Tortilla
- Cold grilled chicken
- Romaine lettuce
- Caesar dressing
Instructions
Wrap ingredients tightly and chill.
16. Cold Quinoa Veggie Salad
Ingredients
- Cooked quinoa
- Bell peppers
- Cucumber
- Lemon vinaigrette
Instructions
Mix and refrigerate.
17. Cold Shrimp Salad
Ingredients
- Cooked shrimp (cold)
- Lettuce
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
Instructions
Toss and serve chilled.
18. Cheese & Fruit Lunch Box
Ingredients
- Cheese cubes
- Grapes or apples
- Crackers
Instructions
Pack everything separately for freshness.
19. Cold Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients
- Cooked ramen noodles (cold)
- Cabbage
- Sesame dressing
Instructions
Mix and chill before serving.
20. Pesto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- Cold cooked pasta
- Pesto sauce
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Toss well and refrigerate.
21. Cold Bean Salad
Ingredients
- Mixed canned beans
- Onion
- Vinegar and olive oil
Instructions
Mix and chill for 1 hour.
22. Yogurt & Granola Lunch Bowl
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt
- Granola
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
Layer ingredients and keep chilled.
Final Thoughts on 22 Cold Lunch Ideas
These 22 cold lunch ideas are perfect for meal prep, busy workdays, school lunches, and summer meals. They require no reheating, are easy to customize, and balance taste with nutrition. By preparing these recipes ahead of time, you’ll save time, money, and effort while enjoying fresh, satisfying lunches every day.
