Carla Hale - Great Introduction to The Bento Box Fever: Preparing Meals in A Box, Using Your Imagination and Fresh Ingredients

In this Mexican Bento, you can add many different toppings and make it a different meal every day. I enjoy adding some colorful sides such as corn salads, salsa or guacamole. Make sure you select your favorite tortillas, either the soft ones and the hard ones.

Servings:

Preparation time: 15-30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 taco shells (soft or hard). I think soft is better, the hard ones tend to break easily

cup shredded cooked chicken

cup shredded lettuce

2 Tbsp. salsa

2 tbsp. sour cream

3 Tbsp. shredded Cheddar cheese

Method:

1. For the sour cream and salsa, I often accumulate some packets when I go out to eat to Mexican restaurants, if you dont have them handy, then use small containers.
2. Use a little bag to hold the cheese.
3. You can lay the lettuce on the very bottom of the box or container.
4. On one side, place the grilled or cooked chicken you have already prepared.
5. On the other side, place the taco shells.
6. It will be ready to assemble when you open the box!
7. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Whenever I make pasta salad, I tend to make extra, so I can pack some Bento boxes for everyone in the family. It does not matter too much what pasta salad is your favorite, but in this case, we suggest a meat free, so go vegetarian for a light lunch. Add some fruits or perhaps cheese and nuts on the side and you have a very filling lunch for sure.

Servings:

Preparation time: 15-30 minutes

Ingredients:

Pasta salad

1 box uncooked favorite shape of pasta (penne, shells or other)

cup sliced Kalamata olives

2 cups grape tomatoes

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

cup Greek salad dressing

Sliced seedless cucumbers

Fresh strawberries

Method:

1. You will prepare the pasta salad ahead.
2. Boil the water and cook the pasta as you normally do or as instructed on the packaging.
3. Drain well and place in a mixing bowl.
4. Add the grape tomatoes, sliced olives and cheese and mix well.
5. Do not add the dressing until you are ready to eat the salad if you want.
6. I usually pack a side dressing for my salad in my Bento box.
7. Pack a few cups of the salad for lunch in your box.
8. Also add some sliced cucumbers and whole fresh strawberries in their respective spots.
9. Store in refrigerator for later consumption.

Now you will feel like you just ordered your lunch straight form a Chinese restaurant, but it is going to much better because it will be homemade. For that proper authentic taste, this stir fry honey chicken should be served with sticky white rice and steamed broccoli. You can look for the sushi rice and make it according to the directions on the package, then you are certain it will be delicious.

Servings:

Preparation time: 15-30 minutes

Ingredients:

pound chicken cut in small pieces (you can use whatever part of the chicken you prefer)

1 tbsp. minced garlic

1 small chopped yellow onion

3 Tbsp. soya sauce

3 Tbsp. honey

4 Tbsp. olive oil

Salt, pepper

Pinch cayenne pepper

Cooked white rice

Steamed broccoli

Method:

1. Clean and arrange the chicken and cut in in small pieces or cubes
2. Heat oil in a large frying pan, add the garlic and the onion, and cook for 7-8 minutes.