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Fuel your day with these Protein Boxes, a powerhouse of nutrients with 3 delicious variations featuring eggs, cheese, tofu, and chicken. If you are a Starbucks Bistro Box fan, these DIY Adult Lunchables are a cost-effective meal prep game-changer that are easy, customizable, and delicious.

Protein Boxes: Fuel Your Day with Nutrient-Packed Meal Prep

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding convenient and nutritious meal options can be a challenge. These Protein Boxes are a versatile and satisfying meal prep solution that ensures you get the nutrients you need, without sacrificing taste. If you’re a fan of the protein boxes at Starbucks, these DIY Adult Lunchables are a cost-effective way to satisfy your craving and save you a trip.

Plus, making your own snack boxes at home means you can customize them to your liking. These protein-packed meal prep boxes are perfect whether you’re a busy professional, a fitness enthusiast, or a parent on the go and are your ticket to a delicious and nutritious day.

Whether you’re a fan of eggs and cheese, tofu delights, the classic chicken/turkey combo, or need a gluten-free or dairy-free option, these protein-packed recipes have got you covered and will revolutionize your meal prep game.

Ingredients for Success: What You’ll Need

Eggs and Cheese Box:

Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs bring a protein-packed punch.
Cheese: Adds healthy fats and added protein. For a dairy-free option, gof ro high-quality vegan cheese brands such as Violife, Treeline, Chao or Miyokos.
Fruits: Apple slices and grapes add a sweet and refreshing touch.
Nut Butter: Creamy sunflower seed butter, almond butter, cashew butter, peanut butter or pecan butter for a delightful spread.
Bread: Choose your preferred gluten-free bagel or slice of sourdough/seed bread.

Plant-Based Tofu Box:

Tofu Magic: Crispy tofu or marinated tofu cubes take center stage. You can swap out the tofu for tempeh, seitan or another plant-based protein option that you prefer.
Berries: Fresh blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a burst of antioxidants.
Veggies: Sliced cucumbers and carrot sticks for some greens and fiber.
Nuts: Almonds or cashews for a satisfying crunch.
Chips: Siete Dip Chips or Tortilla Chips for that extra flair.

Chicken/Turkey Box:

Protein Power: Cooked chicken and / or turkey, a protein-packed duo. You can also use any vegan protein of your choice, if you prefer.
Cheese: Choose cheddar-style or your favorite cheese. For dairy-free, opt for higher quality vegan cheeses.
Dip Delights: Ranch, whipped cottage cheese, cream cheese, hummus, or your preferred dip.
Veggies and Fruits: Tomatoes, celery sticks, sugar snap peas, and sliced apples or grapes.
Crunchy Crackers: Simple Mills Almond Flour or Seed crackers for a crispy grain-free finish.

Instructions: How to make Protein Boxes

Assembling Your Protein Boxes:
- Place the selected ingredients into a 3-compartment resealable container.
- Use small round condiment containers to keep nut butters, hummus, sauces, or dips separate.
- Optionally, employ silicone or paper muffin liners to divide veggies, cheese, or meats.
Serve or Store:
- Enjoy your Protein Boxes immediately or store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Tips for Success: Making Your Protein Boxes Shine

Customization is Key: Tailor the ingredients to your taste and dietary preferences.
Freshness Matters: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for optimal flavor and nutrition.
Condiment Containers: Invest in small round condiment containers to keep sauces and spreads separate until you’re ready to dive in.
Muffin Liners Trick: Use silicone or paper muffin liners to divide ingredients neatly, especially if you have preferences for certain veggies, cheeses, or meats.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own

Feel free to get creative and switch things up:

Vegetarian Twist: Skip the meat in the Chicken/Turkey Box for a hearty vegetarian option.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Opt for gluten-free bread or crackers in any of the boxes.
Dairy-Free Delight: Choose dairy-free cheese, cream cheese, or nut-based spreads for a lactose-free option.
Protein Pairing: Combine different protein sources for a well-rounded nutritional profile. Experiment with plant-based proteins like quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas.
Colorful Creations: Aim for a vibrant mix of colors to ensure a diverse range of nutrients. Add colorful veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots.
Mediterranean Flare: Incorporate olives, feta cheese, and tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired box.
Asian Fusion: Swap tofu for edamame, add soy sauce, and include pickled ginger for an Asian twist.
Tex-Mex Delight: Integrate black beans, corn, and salsa for a Tex-Mex flavor explosion.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy Your Protein-Packed Creations

Whether you’re at the office, school, or home, these protein boxes are versatile and easy to enjoy:

On-the-Go Delight: Perfect for packed lunches or quick snacks.
Office Fuel: Keep one in the office fridge for a satisfying and healthy work lunch.
Post-Workout Boost: Ideal for refueling after a workout session.

Storage and Freezer Instructions: Prep Once, Enjoy All Week

Refrigeration: Seal your protein boxes in a 3-compartment resealable container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: While these boxes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze components like cooked chicken or tofu separately and assemble later for a quick meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Everything You Need to Know About Protein Boxes

Q: Can I customize the ingredients based on my dietary preferences?
- A: Absolutely! Protein Boxes are incredibly versatile. Feel free to tailor the ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or any allergies.
Q: How long do Protein Bistro Boxes stay fresh in the fridge?
- A: Seal your Protein Boxes in a 3-compartment container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them perfect for weekly meal prep.
Q: Can I freeze Starbucks Protein Boxes for later use?
- A: While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual components like cooked chicken or tofu separately. Assemble later for a quick and convenient meal.
Q: Are there vegetarian options for the Chicken/Turkey Box?
- A: Absolutely! Skip the meat for a hearty vegetarian option. Consider adding extra veggies or plant-based proteins for a delicious twist.
Q: Can I prepare Protein Boxes the night before?
- A: Yes, indeed! For a time-saving morning, prep the ingredients the night before and assemble your Protein Boxes when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Q: Are there gluten-free and dairy-free options?
- A: Certainly! Opt for gluten-free bread or crackers, and choose dairy-free alternatives for cheese, cream cheese, or nut-based spreads.
Q: Can I mix and match ingredients between the different box variations?
- A: Absolutely! Get creative and mix and match ingredients to create your own personalized Protein Box. The possibilities are endless!

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Protein Boxes

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

3 or 4 Compartment Lunch Boxes / Meal Prep Boxes of choice (glass, plastic, steel etc.)

Eggs and Cheese

1-2 hard boiled eggs cut into halves
4-5 cheddar cheese triangle slices or cubes , about 1-ounce (dairy-free or regular). Opt for high quality brands such as Violife, Chao, Miyokos or Treeline for plant-based.
4-5 apple slices , Royal Gala or HoneyCrisp
4-5 red or green seedless grapes
2 tbsp creamy sunflower seed butter , almond butter, cashew butter, peanut butter or pecan butter, placed in a small round condiments container
half a bagel of choice , sliced into two - gluten-free or regular or 1 half slice of sourdough / seed bread of choice (gluten-free or regular)

Tofu Box

¼ - ⅓ cup crispy tofu or marinated tofu cubes. , You can also use tempeh, seitan or another vegan protein of your choice.
1 cup fresh blueberries . blackberries or strawberries (a mix or all one)
2 tbsp hummus . placed in a small round condiments container
A few sliced cucumbers
A few carrot sticks
1 tbsp almonds or cashews
4-6 Chips of choice. , We like Siete Dip Chips or Siete Tortilla Chips for a gluten-free / grain-free option.

Chicken / Turkey Box

2 tbsp cheddar-style cheese cubes 4-6 cubes - dairy-free or regular. Opt for high quality brands such as Violife, Chao, Miyokos or Treeline for plant-based.
2 tbsp ranch , whipped cottage cheese, whipped cream cheese (dairy-free or regular), hummus or preferred dip, placed in a small round condiments container
3-4 cherry or grape tomatoes
3-4 celery sticks
2-3 sugar snap peas
1-2 carrot sticks
1-2 sliced apples grapes or fruit of choice
4-6 Simple Mills Almond Flour or Seed crackers
2 ounces sliced / shredded cooked chicken, grilled, rotisserie etc. or sliced deli-turkey or sliced deli-chicken of choice. , we like Trader Joe’s or Applegate. Feel free to use a plant-based protein option if you prefer.

Instructions

Place the chosen box ingredients into a 3 compartment resealable container of choice (glass or plastic). Use more or less ingredients as needed to fit the box. Use small round condiment containers to separate nut butters / hummus / sauces / dips. Use 1-2 silicone or paper muffin liners (only as needed or preferred) to divide preferred veggies / cheese / meats etc.
Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Protein Boxes

Protein Boxes: Fuel Your Day with Nutrient-Packed Meal Prep