Vegetable Strudel - January 26, 2010

Enjoy this colorful menu for dinner and then pack the leftovers for lunch. This isn't exactly a low-calorie meal, but it does feature a range of brightly colored fresh vegetables. (Be sure to cut back on the amount of butter and sugar in the recipes you choose!)

Chickpea Burgers - January 19, 2010

Pack these flavorful chckpea burgers with some juicy cantaloupe, tender spaghetti squash and an applesauce muffin--and you've got a light and delicious meal.

Butternut Squash Soup and Salads - January 11, 2010

Soup and salad make a delicious lunch any day of the year, but butternut squash soup in January is hard to beat! Prepare the soup and salads for dinner and pack the leftovers for lunch. They're delicious, nutritious, and gluten free!

Baked Tofu with Sliced Fruit - January 04, 2010

Create this mouth-watering meal for a delicious New Year's treat. The glistening colors and crisp textures make this a more-than-satisfying mid-day (or anytime!) meal.

Potato Pancakes and Applesauce - December 21, 2009

Few things go together as well as potato pancakes and applesauce. Combine that with a bit of spinach, salad dressing and some sausages, and you've got an awfully good lunch.

Bulk Bin Bailout - December 14, 2009

Consider keeping bulk dry goods on hand for those days when the fridge is bare. While nutritionally speaking this lunch is less than ideal, it certainly stacks up better than most fast food and processed pre-packaged options.

Fix-it-Fast Bento - December 02, 2009

This simple menu makes a savory and sweet winter treat. Steam the vegetables until they're cooked through but not mushy. When lunchtime rolls around, enjoy them dipped in the tangy-but-sweet lime cilantro dressing. The homemade pumpkin spice bread, baked in advance, provides a sweet, sweet finish.

Toddler Finger-Food Lunch - November 24, 2009

If you're on the lookout for a quick and delicious lunch for your toddlers, give this one a try. They'll love the colors, textures, and flavors, and it's nutritious too! In addition to the ingredients, you'll need just a peeler, a vegetable steamer, and a knife.

Grab and Go Bento - November 17, 2009

If you're like us, you're looking for ways to simplify your routine as we head into the busy holiday season. Packing simple "grab and go" lunches can save time and reduce stress. This is one of our favorites.

Gluten-Free Goodness - November 10, 2009

Looking for gluten-free lunch ideas? Here's one delicious lunch that's very easy to throw together from leftovers.

Falafel and Pita - November 02, 2009

It's so great to see fuyu persimmons back at the farmers' market again. This delicious and unique fruit is not only beautiful to look at, but good for you too. We purchased the sun-dried tomato hummus from a local restaurant vendor at the farmers' market as well, and picked up the falafel on our walk home. The tomato was plucked from our very sleepy-looking backyard garden, and the salad was left over from the day before.

Potato Bean Soup - October 26, 2009

It's still quite warm here in California, but for those in colder climates, soup may be on the lunch menu this week.Try this delicious potato bean soup along with some whole grain crackers and some fruit. We were lucky enough to find the last of the fresh peaches at the farmers' market this past weekend.

Garden Pancakes - October 19, 2009

The backyard garden is looking a bit sparse but, thankfully, the farmers' markets still have much to offer. The tomatoes are looking good, apples are abundant, and the wide variety of roots and greens are breathtakingly beautiful and delicious. Here's one way to incorporate them into your lunch.

Arugula Salad and Walnuts - October 13, 2009

The end of the tomato season is always a bit hard to stomach, but it does mean that apples are ready for picking, providing a good excuse to pack apples and apple treats--like apple strudel. For a less caloric strudel, add extra apples and reduce the amount of fillo dough and butter. And be sure to pack a healthy portion of greens for your main course.

Spaghetti Squash with Pesto - October 05, 2009

Substituting spaghetti squash for plain old pasta adds a depth of flavor and wholesome nutritients to any pasta sauce. The recipe for this dish was sent to us by Mariel Hemingway, whose new book, Mariel's Kitchen, is sure to be a winner in your home as well.

Toddler Rainbow Lunch - September 28, 2009

Toddlers require far less food at one sitting than we do, so pack accordingly--and be sure to pack the colors of the rainbow as well. Include lots of bite-sized finger foods, and steam vegetables for easy chewing.

Sweet Potato Medley - September 22, 2009

Yes, it's still summer here in California, and we're still very much enjoying the delicacies found at our local farmers' markets. This lunch is truly delightful as it represents many flavors of the palate. The words sweet, salty, sour, bitter, aromatic, and pungent come to mind. What a lovely combination!

Pasta and Salad - September 15, 2009

This fettuccine dish is simple to make, tastes great, and keeps well overnight. Prepare it for dinner in the evening, and then pack it for lunch the following day. Add a nice, crispy green salad and two side dishes, and you've got a delicious mid-day meal.

Zucchini Saute - September 08, 2009

This garden delight is one of our summer favorites. It's best prepared when fresh zucchini, garlic, basil, and tomatoes are still in summer abundance. Be sure to try it before fall arrives in earnest.

Salad! Salad! - August 31, 2009

Salad and summer clearly go hand in hand, so why not put together a salad-only lunch to celebrate the last few weeks of this bountiful season? Any four salads will do, but here are a few to get you started.

Bread and Cheese Picnic - August 24, 2009

This decadent picnic lunch is ideal for special occasions when you want something light and satisfying. It's especially deliciious during the summer months when local blueberries are in season. Substitute melon for the papaya if you prefer.

Grab 'n Go Bento - August 17, 2009

This simple grab 'n go lunch takes five minutes to prepare. Having a busy week? Give it a try!

Japanese Soba Bento - August 10, 2009

Chilled Japanese soba is a wonderful summer treat. Top with chopped scallions and serve a dipping sauce on the side. Add some local fruits and vegetables for nutrition and color and you've got a deliciously simple lunch.

Pasta and Patties - August 04, 2009

Lunch-making can be especially satisfying this time of year with so many fresh vegetables and fruits in season. This pasta dish, for example, is incredibly flavorful and takes just a few moments to prepare. If you belong to a CSA and find yourself wondering what to do with "extra" vegetables at the end of the week, these patties could be just what you're looking for.

Grilled Baby Cabbage with Steamed Rice - July 27, 2009

We put this lunch together after returning from a trip to the farmers' market. We were lucky enough to find these tender baby cabbages, which we seared to perfection. We then added a number of complementary items to "round out" the lunch.

Grab 'n Go Cherry Lunch - July 20, 2009

This lunch is perfect for an early or mid-summer morning when you're in a rush and don't have much in the kitchen. It takes less than 5 minutes to add a handful of each of these items as you're running for the door.

Fruit Salad, Yogurt, and Granola - July 13, 2009

The Bento Buddies extra large container is perfect for a nice, big summer fruit salad. We've used strawberries, blueberries and an heirloom melon from the farmers' market here, but any combo of fresh seasonal fruit will do. We like to add a bit of fresh orange juice for additional juice and flavor. Enjoy separately or mix the three items together at mealtime.

Breakfast for Lunch 2.0 - July 06, 2009

Our new Bento System 2.0, when used with our new Bento Buddies, allows for a wider variety of container configurations that accommodate a broader range of food items. A few weeks ago we featured a Breakfast for Lunch menu using the original Laptop Lunches bento set. Here's another breakfast photographed in our new Bento Set 2.0, using the extra large container from the Bento Buddies set.

Refried Roll-ups - June 29, 2009

Loved by both adults and children, this nutrient-rich lunch is fresh and delicious. Blueberries are in abundance this time of year, and they add balance to the orange, white, red, and green of the surrounding colors. Notice the variety of textures as well: crunchy jicama, juicy blueberries, crisp spinach, and creamy yams. It's got the word satisfying written all over it!

Breakfast for Lunch - June 22, 2009

It's fun to change it up a bit at lunchtime by packing breakfast for lunch. Kids, in particular, seem to get a real kick out of this surprising change in their routine. Whole wheat biscuits are quick and easy to prepare, especially when making them with a friend or family member.

Lunch From the Farm - June 15, 2009

Expecting some heat this summer? Toting this fresh, colorful lunch will surely cool you down during the hot summer months. Soft goat cheese makes a delicious dip for bread sticks, carrots, and green beans, and juicy watermelon is a delicious finish to any fresh meal. Need we say more?

Panini Lunch - June 08, 2009

Grilled paninis seem to be all the rage these days. Pack them full of vegetables, and grill them in a very small amount of olive oil. Don't be discouraged if you don't happen to own a panini grill. Use a waffle iron or grill them in a large skillet with a heavy, smaller skillet on top. (Place a full tea kettle in the top skillet for extra weight.)

Grab 'n Go Bento - June 01, 2009

How's this for quick and easy? Ideal for those rushed mornings when you've overslept or something unexpected has happened. Be sure to keep a couple of hard-boiled eggs on hand--just in case.

Spring Delight - May 18, 2009

May is the perfect time to enjoy asparagus and artichokes, which are both plentiful this time of year. Include a tangy tabouleh salad and finish it off with some raspberry fig bars purchased from the bulk section of your natural foods store. This pasta recipe is one of our spring favorites!

Avocado and Mango - May 11, 2009

This cool lunch is perfect for hot summer days. It can be prepared quickly, which not only saves time, but allows you to get in and out of that hot kitchen in record time. Refreshing and delicious!

Almond Butter Sandwich - May 04, 2009

Mark the transition from winter into spring with this lunch of many textures, flavors, and colors. Be sure to experiment with different varieties of almond butter: raw, dry-roasted, creamy, and crunchy.

Fresh Vegetable Roll-ups - April 27, 2009

This lunch is light and delicious, and comes together quickly. Be sure to make the roll-ups in the morning so they're not soggy by lunchtime.

Japanese Somen Noodles - April 20, 2009

This refreshing lunch will cool you down on those warm spring and summer days. Choose your own toppings, or try those pictured here. Be sure to pair it with a nice crispy apple or Asian pear.

Pasta with Pesto Sauce - April 13, 2009

This lunch takes only a few minutes to prepare, especially if you cook the pasta the night before. The colors are lovely, and the fresh flavors can't be beat!

Spring Roll-ups and Asparagus - April 06, 2009

This colorful lunch is light, flavorful, and delicious--perfect for spring, when asparagus is in season. Follow the recipe here or create your own roll-up by including your favorite ingredients.

Pizza with Pizzazz - March 30, 2009

Prepare the soup for dinner and save the leftovers for lunch. Create the pizza with an English muffin, pasta sauce, mozzarella and romano cheeses, and fresh herbs or vegetables.

Cashew Crunch - March 23, 2009

Shake up your lunch routine with this "sandwich," a wonderfully crunchy alternative to your average PB & J.

Japanese Yaki Soba - March 16, 2009

Yaki soba is an easy-to-prepare one-dish meal. Make it for dinner and set aside enough to pack for lunch the next day. If you can't find genuine yaki soba noodles in your area, consider substituting the Rainbow Rice recipe on page 64 of The Laptop Lunch Users Guide. Either way, you'll love the combination of delicious, colorful vegetables and savory noodles (or rice).

Neat Loaf Sandwich - March 09, 2009

This vegetarian "neat loaf" is amazingly flavorful and rich. It takes time to prepare but will keep well for several days in the refrigerator. Pack it as a stand-alone item one day of the week and with sandwich fixings another. (English muffin, mustard, and fresh cilantro are pictured in the photo here, but sprouts, sliced tomato, cheese, ketchup, sliced red onion, lettuce, and spinach are among the many other possibilities.)

Yogurt and Mango - March 02, 2009

Love these flavorful spring rolls! Be sure to include plenty of fresh garlic and ginger. Pan fry in a small amount of extra virgin olive oil instead of deep frying. Include a tangy dipping sauce as well.

Spring Rolls and Fried Rice - February 23, 2009

Love these flavorful spring rolls! Be sure to include plenty of fresh garlic and ginger. Pan fry in a small amount of extra virgin olive oil instead of deep frying. Include a tangy dipping sauce as well.

Savory Coconut Curry - February 16, 2009

Enjoy this curry mild or spicy according to your preference. Balance the meal with some tart apples and sweet peanut butter and dark chocolate--a lovely meal for a cold, wintery day!

Frittata for Lunch - February 09, 2009

Frittatas are delicious, and they're great for using up whatever vegetables you happen to have on hand. Be sure to include lots of fresh herbs as well. Don't be intimidated by the Caesar salad. Instead check out this simple recipe.

Vegetable Soup - February 02, 2009

Prepare a large pot of vegetable soup on the weekend to enjoy throughout the week. Be sure to include lots of onions, celery, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, and parsnips. Add some short grain brown rice, barley, or quinoa for additional bulk. Bake your potato, add pretzels and an orange, and you've got lunch. Finally...be sure to celebrate Valentine's Day with lunch packed in your pink or red bento box.

Cabbage Pasta - January 26, 2009

Leftover pasta dishes are an obvious choice for lunch, but be sure to look beyond the oh-so-ordinary spaghetti with tomato sauce. Pasta is versatile and easy to make, and pasta leftovers retain their flavor well. Tangerines are colorful and deliciously sweet at this time of year--and perfect in size. The broccoli provides color contrast, nutrition, and a bit of crunch as well. And the whole grain crackers are wonderfully nutty, salty, and sweet!

Spinach Casserole - January 19, 2009

Casseroles make terrific lunchbox leftovers and are great for adding nutrient-rich, fresh vegetables, like spinach, to your mid-day meal. Spinach casseroles, which come in many forms, can be prepared on the weekend and packed for lunch throughout the week. Try a spinach lasagne (pictured here) or a casserole made with brown rice, whole grain pasta, amaranth, barley, bulgur, or whole-wheat couscous.

Homemade Mac and Cheese - January 12, 2009

Macaroni and cheese may not be the most nutritious choice, but preparing it from scratch provides an opportunity to have fun and add value to an otherwise starchy meal. Select whole wheat pasta, use lowfat milk and cheese, and add some fresh chopped herbs or vegetables like parsley, broccoli, peas, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. If you're cooking for kids, getting them involved in the kitchen will foster excitement for this great lunch.

Vegetarian Chili - January 05, 2009

Stretch this meal by preparing the chili on the weekend to eat for lunch throughout the week. Pack the lunch pictured here on Monday and substitute various fruits (apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit), whole grains (rice, bulghar, bread, cous cous), and raw vegetables (red peppers, carrots, cucumbers, green beans) for variety on the other days.

Falafel and Dates - December 29, 2008

This flavorful lunch can be assembled into mini-sandwiches or enjoyed separately. It's light and delicious!

Beans and Rice - December 22, 2008

Prepare a large pot of beans on the weekend to have on hand throughout the week. Pack them for lunch with a whole wheat grain (rice, cous cous, bulghar), a fruit, and some greens for a delicious winter treat.

Mushroom Strudel - December 15, 2008

This mushroom strudel has a wonderfully rich flavor, and it travels surprisingly well. Drop the other items into the box, and off you go. Reheat the strudel or enjoy it cold.

Egg Salad English Muffin - December 08, 2008

This lunch is fun to make and fun to eat--and it and serves as a great excuse to make popcorn! The steamed carrot coins are a flavorful winter alternative to raw carrot sticks, and the apple-cinnamon combination is a classic combo.

Fall Favorites - December 02, 2008

The range of textures and flavors of this meal reflect the many faces of fall. The combination of the sweet yet savory yam pancakes and tangy salsa is a perfect match for any mid-day meal. Put that together with a crunchy, tart apple, and it's hard to beat!