When you’re ordering a midday meal for employees, a boxed lunch is a convenient alternative to traditional catering.
Everything comes in one container and cleanup is a breeze. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the menu—with the right meal ideas, boxed lunches can be an exciting treat.
1. Charcuterie snack box
Bring the charcuterie board trend to the office by serving individually boxed snacks to employees.
Opt for a variety of cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, and Iberico ham. Make sure to include cheeses, fruits, and nuts; they create a flavor explosion that makes any lunch meeting more fun. Ask the restaurant to add crostini, crackers, or pretzels for an extra-filling finishing touch.
2. Soup and sandwich box
Sandwiches are a classic lunch option, and for good reason—they’re a complete meal in one easy-to-eat package. A cup of soup rounds out the meal and keeps workers warm. Experiment with delicious combinations, including:
- Grilled cheese and tomato soup
- Caprese panini and minestrone soup
- Fajita vegetable sandwich and black bean soup
- Turkey club and butternut squash soup
- BLT with vegetable soup
- French dip and onion soup
Do your employees have food allergies or intolerances? Sandwiches and soups are easy to modify for a range of dietary preferences.
3. Gourmet salad box
A big salad makes a healthy yet filling meal any time of the year. In the winter, go for hearty ingredients and rich dressings; summer is well-suited to seasonal vegetables and bright, tangy vinaigrette. To keep your employees satisfied, choose options such as:
- Kale with roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and red onion
- Spinach with apples, goat cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries
- Caesar salad with grilled chicken or salmon
- Arugula with mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds, grapes, and pecans
- Romaine with roasted chickpeas, cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese
Employees can eat their salads alone or order them with meat and a small baguette. They’ll leave feeling full but not weighed down—the perfect combination for a busy day of work.
4. Mexican burrito box
Jump on the meal-in-a-bowl bandwagon with Mexican burrito boxes. Most start with a base of rice and beans; from there, employees can add meat, tomatoes, guacamole, cheese, and other classic taco toppings.
Whether you work with carnivores or vegans, it’s easy to customize the bowl to suit employees’ dietary preferences. The best part? With their bold flavors and hearty ingredients, burrito bowls make a satisfying lunch at any time of year.
5. Pasta box
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing quite like a pasta meal to make you feel warm and comforted.
Encourage your team to get creative with their selections—you’ll find fantastic pasta options at Asian, Italian, and American restaurants. Need ideas? Try these boxed lunches:
- Pad Thai
- Macaroni and cheese
- Beef stroganoff
- Pasta primavera
- Pesto pasta
- Baked rigatoni
- Lo mein noodles
- Ramen
6. Sushi box
When you’re planning an afternoon strategy session, sushi boxes make an ideal meal. The mix of carbs, fats, and proteins keeps employees going—but since the food is light, they won’t feel tired or sluggish after lunch.
Most sushi restaurants offer an endless array of rolls, cones, sashimi, and nigiri; you can even opt for flavorful vegetarian versions. Invite employees to add a side of edamame, gyoza, or seaweed salad to round out the meal.
7. Classic roast
If your team needs to fill up before a demanding physical job, a classic roast fits the bill. With its hearty ingredients and generous portions, this boxed lunch satisfies even the biggest appetite. Try familiar favorites like:
- Beef, roasted potatoes, and steamed broccoli
- Chicken, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables
- Turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes
- Stuffed portabella mushrooms, peas, and rice
Boxed lunches are a great way to treat your team to a tasty meal no matter the occasion. With Grubhub Corporate Accounts, you can provide your employees with tons of options—simply set a meal budget for your team to order on Grubhub or place an individually packaged catering order while streamlining invoicing, all in one easy to use platform.
Ready to host your next team lunch? Learn more about Grubhub Corporate Accounts today.
