Hummus and Veggie Lunch Box
A nutritious, customizable lunch option that combines protein-rich hummus with fresh vegetables, olives, and whole grain crackers for a balanced meal that breaks the lunch monotony while delivering sustained energy throughout the day.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Lunch
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 1 lunch box
Calories 425 kcal
For the base
- 1/2 cup hummus store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup mixed fresh vegetables carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olives kalamata or green
- 8-10 whole grain crackers or pita triangles
Optional add-ins for variety
- 1/4 cup feta cheese or dairy-free alternative
- 2 tablespoons roasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch
- fresh herbs small handful of parsley, dill, or mint
- 2 tablespoons dried fruits apricots or cranberries
- 1 hard-boiled egg halved
Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. Slice cucumbers into rounds or sticks, bell peppers into strips, and carrots into matchsticks or rounds. Keep cherry tomatoes whole or halved depending on size. Aim for bite-sized pieces that are easy to dip and eat.
Choose a lunch container with compartments or use silicone cupcake liners to separate ingredients. This prevents flavors from mixing and keeps crackers crispy.
Spoon hummus into a small container or compartment. Create a small well in the center and drizzle with a touch of olive oil for extra flavor and presentation.
Place vegetable sticks and pieces in the largest compartment, arranging by color for visual appeal. Position crackers or pita in another section, ensuring they remain separate from any moisture-containing ingredients.
Incorporate additional items like olives, cheese cubes, nuts, or dried fruits in smaller compartments. These add textural contrast and flavor complexity.
Add a small container of extra virgin olive oil with a pinch of za'atar or sumac for drizzling if desired. Pack a small ice pack if your lunch won't be refrigerated. Ensure all containers are securely closed to prevent leakage during transport.
For maximum freshness, pat vegetables completely dry after washing. Components can be prepped up to 3 days in advance and assembled the night before or morning of. Keep crackers separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess. For a more visually appealing presentation, arrange vegetables in a rainbow pattern.
This lunch box is highly customizable - feel free to swap hummus for baba ganoush or tzatziki, use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, or adapt to dietary needs by choosing gluten-free crackers or dairy-free options.
Calories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 14gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 650mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 4500IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3.2mg
Keyword Hummus, Veggie Lunch, Meal Prep, Healthy Lunch, No-Cook Meal