Crafting a memorable meal within the confines of a boxed lunch opens a world of culinary creativity. From tantalizing flavors to inventive presentations, exploring these inspiring options promises to elevate your dining experience. Let’s delve into a realm of innovative ideas perfect for boxed lunches that marry convenience with exceptional taste.
What to Include in a Box Lunch?
Regarding corporate catering, boxed lunches are a popular choice among businesses. They offer convenience and variety and are easily customizable to meet employees’ dietary preferences and restrictions. However, creating fresh and exciting ideas for boxed lunches can sometimes be challenging. In this blog post, we will explore different meal options that can be included in a box lunch to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Ideas for Boxed Lunches
Boxed lunches offer culinary possibilities, blending convenience with delightful flavors. Let’s explore many creative ideas perfect for crafting enticing and convenient meals catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
1. Classic Deli Selection
A classic deli selection regarding boxed lunches is always a hit. You can include a variety of sandwiches such as turkey, ham, roast beef, or vegetarian options like avocado and hummus, filled with vegetable options and a dressing of choice. Cut them in hand-serving sizes for presentation and add a side of chips or a small salad to complete the meal. Don’t forget to offer condiments like mayo, mustard, and pickles on the side.
2. Mediterranean Mezze Box
For those seeking a healthier and more exotic option, a Mediterranean mezze box is a fantastic choice because it can awaken curiosity and present new flavors to your guests. Include a sampling of foods like falafel, tabbouleh salad, baba ganoush, hummus, pita bread, and olives, perhaps adding dried apricots or dates to complement the meal with a thematic dessert. This option is delicious and caters to vegetarian and vegan preferences due to its wide array of ingredients and recipes.
3. Build-Your-Own Salad
A build-your-own salad box is a customizable option that allows employees to create their perfect salad. Include a variety of greens, vegetables, proteins like grilled chicken or tofu, and toppings such as nuts, cheese, dried fruit, and salad dressing. This option is perfect for health-conscious individuals who prefer lighter meals, offering a serving that satisfies and doesn’t weigh workers down with a few hours left in a busy day.
4. Wrap and Soup Combo
A wrap and soup combo is an excellent idea for those colder months or individuals who prefer a heartier lunch. Include a tasty chicken Caesar or veggie wrap, also filled according to their linking, and pair it with a comforting, warming soup like tomato basil or chicken noodles. This combination will satisfy even the hungriest employee and bring comfort to everyone, no matter how low temperatures might be.
5. Sushi Rolls
Sushi rolls are an excellent choice for those looking to add an element of sophistication to their boxed lunch. Include a variety of rolls like California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, or vegetarian options, both in hosomaki and uramaki form for a little excitement and texture variation. Consider offering sashimi, nigiri, and hot rolls if your service provider can do so. Add some pickled ginger, quality soy sauce, and wasabi on the side for a complete sushi experience; don’t forget to offer chopsticks – complete with training aids for those who might need them.
6. Poke Bowls
Almost a crossover between sushi and salad choices, this Hawaiian dish brings much of the taste and freshness that can jolt your guests for the rest of the day. Present them with their customized poke bowls after offering them a choice of fish (salmon, tuna, ceviche, marlin, or even shrimp) or non-animal protein (avocado and a variety of mushrooms can be great options), garnishes such as rice or udon noodles and other additions like cucumber, mango, pineapple, nori leaves, croutons, tomatoes, edamame beans and finishing with a soy sauce and similar dressings. The scents and flavors will surely make the staff feel they’re in O’ahu.
7. Bites of Mexico
Foreign cuisine is not off the table when considering a boxed meal, so there’s no reason not to bring some inspiration from across the border. Present your colleagues with bite-sized Mexican dishes such as burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and small chilli portions in standard and vegetarian/veggie variations. Add a small nacho portion with dipping options on the side like guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Maybe try to fit in some churro bites for dessert and a more complete experience. Just be aware and consider that not everyone has the same tolerance for spiciness thus each box might need to be managed accordingly.
8. Hot Entrees
If you can provide hot meals within your facilities, consider offering a box lunch with a warm entrée. Include options like grilled salmon, chicken teriyaki, rice, scrambled eggs or pasta dishes. Add a side of steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes to enhance the meal. Hot entrees are perfect for those days when employees need extra comfort and warmth, taking their minds away from the office space and making them feel like they’re in that restaurant just around the block.
9. Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Options
It’s crucial to consider the dietary needs of your employees when providing boxed lunches. Offering gluten-free and allergy-friendly options is a way to ensure that everyone can enjoy their meal without any worries. Include gluten-free wraps or bread, dairy-free cheese, and allergen-free snacks. Remember: more important than a food extravaganza, boxed lunches are a means to make your employees feel included and cared for.
In conclusion, boxed lunches are a fantastic catering choice for businesses. By providing a variety of options like classic deli selections, Mediterranean mezze boxes, build-your-own salads, wrap and soup combos, sushi rolls, poke bowls, a packed Mexican course, hot entrees, and gluten-free and allergy-friendly choices, you can ensure that there is something for everyone. By catering to different tastes and dietary preferences, your employees will appreciate the effort put into providing a satisfying and memorable lunch experience.
Remember, a happy and well-fed workforce increases productivity and employee satisfaction. So, get creative with your boxed lunch ideas and keep your employees excited about their lunch break!
