19 Easy Packed Lunches

There's no reason to settle for a subpar paper bag lunch, haphazardly thrown together between drinking your coffee and rushing out the door. These travel-friendly recipes can all be made the day (or night) before, allowing you to sleep in a little later and to start out your day a little less stressed. Click through the slideshow to see them all, or jump to your meal of choice below!

Sandwiches

Avocado, Arugula, and Walnut Sandwiches. [Photograph: Marvin Gapultos]

• Mediterranean Tuna Salad on Focaccia
• The Dagwood Sandwich
• Avocado, Arugula, and Walnut Sandwiches
• Crunchy Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Bacon
• Make-Ahead Bulgur Pita Pockets with Spiced Chickpeas, Carrots, and Tahini
• Chutney Sandwiches
• Classic Muffaletta Sandwich
• Make-Ahead Overstuffed Burrito with Mushrooms, Cheddar and Tomato Rice

Salads

Marinated Cucumber Salad with Radishes, Dill, and Shrimp. [Photograph: Suzanne Lehrer]

• Make-Ahead Zucchini and Roasted Potato Puttanesca
• Make-Ahead Marinated Cucumber Salad with Radishes, Dill, and Shrimp
• German Potato Salad
• Make-Ahead Radish Fattoush Salad

Mains

Peanut Soba Noodles with Tofu and Pickled Bean Sprouts. [Photograph: Suzanne Lehrer]

• Make-Ahead Curried Coconut Quinoa with Shrimp and Basil
• Make-Ahead Toasted Whole-Wheat Israeli Couscous with Fennel, Lemon, and Feta
• Make-Ahead Peanut Soba Noodles with Tofu and Pickled Bean Sprouts
• Make-Ahead Sweet and Sour Stir-Fried Eggplant with Snap Peas and Basil
• Make-Ahead Curry Pork Skewers with Vermicelli
• Make-Ahead Mustardy Quinoa with Sausage, Potato, and Tarragon
• Make-Ahead Coconut-Poached Chicken with Spring Vegetables and Cashews