Recipe

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This California Bistro Box is the perfect solution for a fast, healthy, and satisfying school lunch!

Below, you’ll learn how to pack this bistro box lunch for school so it stays fresh for hours until it’s time to enjoy!

healthy cali lunch box: pita wedges, bacon, ham, cucumber slices, tomatoes and dip

Cali Bistro Box for School

Looking for a school lunch that’s both nutritious and delicious? This Cali bistro box checks all the boxes: it’s healthy, easy to pack, and full of textures and flavors that even my picky son enjoys. Best of all, it comes together in minutes!

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

I believe keeping it simple is the key to lunchtime success! Options like my lunchbox tacos and sandwich wraps save you time (who doesn’t love that?) and ensure that lunchboxes come home empty!

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Cali Bistro Box is chosen to create a balanced (and tasty!) lunch. Here’s what you’ll need to build a bistro box:

Turkey: this protein powerhouse keeps kids full and energized; you can also swap it for chicken.
Hummus: creamy, full of flavor, and nutritious; use store-bought or you can make hummus.
Pita chips: adds crunch and pairs perfectly with the hummus; gluten-free chips or rice crackers can be substituted if needed.
Cucumber: perfect for a refreshing bite; peel before slicing if your kid dislikes the skin.
Bacon bits (optional): adds a savory, crunchy touch; store-bought or homemade bacon bits work.
Grape tomatoes: add a pop of color and flavor! Cherry tomatoes work just as well.

How to Pack a Bistro Box for Lunch

This cali bistro box is simple to prep ahead of time making it perfect for busy mornings!

Prep
Slice the cucumber into rounds and roll up the turkey slices, cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble
Place each item in separate compartments of the container; this is key to ensuring all the flavors and textures stay fresh.
Pack hummus separately
A lidded container for the hummus is the best way to prevent a mess.
Pack for school
If making ahead, keep bistro box, hummus and any lunch sides refrigerated until ready for school.

How to Pack Hummus for School Lunches

Hummus should be packed in a small leak-proof container with a lid to prevent spills and keep it from drying out. You can also opt for single-serving hummus cups usually found in the snack or deli section to make packing even easier.

Keeping This Bistro Box Fresh

When packing lunches, it’s crucial to think about how the food will taste hours later. This California Bistro Box holds up well with a few simple tricks:

Use the right container
A bento box will keep wet and dry ingredients apart so the textures and flavors don’t mix.

Keep it cool
Use an ice pack to keep everything chilled until lunch. This will regulate the temperature inside the lunch bag and ensure ingredients stay fresh.

Mix up the flavors
Switch things up with different types of hummus. Original, sweet potato and edamame hummus are some of my family’s favorites, and they each have a slightly different texture to enjoy.

Keep dry ingredients separate
Keep pita chips in their own section or container so they maintain their crunch. If possible, wait to add them until just before leaving for school.

More Bistro Box School Lunches

Bistro and bento boxes are easy to adapt for all ages and appetites! My youngest enjoys the ham & cheese roll-up bento and colorful rainbow box, while my older teens go for the more filling options like this protein bistro box and charcuterie lunchable.