How to Build a Bistro Box

Whether you want a stress-free meal prep or need a few new ideas for both kid and adult lunches and snacks, a healthy bistro box like this Cali lunch is always a great idea. This post will show you how to build a bistro box fast with healthy and fresh ingredients.

healthy cali lunch boxes

What are Bistro Boxes?

Bistro boxes are a great lunch option that requires minimal effort in putting together and incorporates a healthy variety of nutrients into the lunch.

This Cali Lunch Box has sliced turkey, hummus, pita chips, crumbled bacon, and veggies. Aside from being fresh and delicious, you probably have the ingredients you need already! Now that’s #Winning!

Simple and fresh lunch ideas like this one are included in our Family Meal Plans. Both dinner and lunch include 5 recipes, a completed shopping list, and a done-for-you meal prep guide! Boom, all planning done in minutes.

I love to incorporate simple lunches like this, packed along with a few other items for bigger appetites, into our meal plans because they come together super fast and I know you probably love to save time too! Plus, there’s no kiddie food, just real food in all of my recipes and plans, which is great for both kids and adults.

Healthy bistro box ideas are great because they feel like a treat since they remind kids of Lunchables and us adults of those fancy little packages found in one of our favorite coffee shops. Yup, those!

healthy cali lunch boxes

Want to pack your own? It’s SO easy and will save you time in the kitchen as well as money at the store!

Here are a few tips for packing great healthy bistro boxes:

1. Choose the right snack box or lunch container

I highly recommend lunch containers that have compartments like these Easy Lunchboxes for the lunch size or their snack boxes for the snack size.

Both are durable, inexpensive, and a great option for both kids and adults. Still shopping for lunch boxes? Check out this video:

2. Use Fresh Ingredients

A bistro box offers a variety and balance of protein, whole grains, fresh fruit, and veggies.

Here is a list of ingredients for a healthy bistro box:

Protein:

Deli meats
Hard-boiled eggs
Cheese sticks
Sliced grilled chicken
Hummus
Chicken or tuna salad
Beans

Whole Grains:

Whole grain crackers
Pita wedges
Finger sandwiches made with whole wheat bread
Oatmeal Energy Bites

Fresh Fruit & Veggies:

Sliced apples
Grapes
Strawberries
Blueberries
Baby carrots
Cherry tomatoes
Celery sticks
Sliced cucumber
Bell pepper strips

Healthy Fats:

Avocado or guacamole
Nuts and seeds
Coconut pieces
Cheese (also a protein)
Olives
Salmon (also a protein)

Of course, these are suggestions to help you get started! Get creative and build out a bigger lunch by including a wrap or a sandwich, yogurt cups, or even a couple energy bites for an extra treat!

3. Pack ahead

Want to make these ahead of time? Go for it! It’s one of the reasons I make and enjoy these healthy bistro boxes all the time. Depending on which ingredients you pack, you can prep these and store them in the fridge for 3 to 5 days!

Items like chicken salad, tuna salad, sandwiches, pinwheels will probably need to be prepared and eaten within 2 to 3 days. Other than that, fruits, veggies, and deli cuts can be packed into lunch container and refrigerated until ready to place in the lunch bag in the later 3 to 5 day window.