Nutritious Egg Salad Lunch Box
This Nutritious Egg Salad Lunch Box offers a balanced combination of proteins, fibers, and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome midday meal. The creamy egg salad features a delightful mix of fresh dill and pickles, tucked inside a whole-wheat pita for a nourishing main. Complemented by protein-rich Greek yogurt topped with crunchy chia seeds, and a side of fresh strawberries, this lunch will keep you fueled and satisfied. It's perfect for meal prep and can be easily packed for work or school.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggs
8 (hard-boiled)
light mayonnaise or canola mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
minced shallot
1/4 cup (minced)
fresh dill
2 tablespoons (chopped)
small pickle
1 (diced)
salt
to taste (none)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
whole wheat pita bread
2 (cut in half)
romaine lettuce leaves
4 (washed and dried)
plain 2-percent Greek yogurt
2 cups (divided)
chia seeds or sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon (none)
medium strawberries
16 (none)
Instructions
1
1. Prepare the Eggs: Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 10 minutes.
2
2. Cool and Peel: Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Let them sit for 5 minutes before peeling the shells.
3
3. Make the Egg Salad: Dice the hard-boiled eggs and combine them with mayonnaise, minced shallot, chopped dill, and diced pickle in a mixing bowl. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
4
4. Assemble the Pita: Cut each whole wheat pita in half and line each half with a romaine lettuce leaf. Fill each pita half with the prepared egg salad mixture, handling the pitas gently to avoid breaking.
5
5. Prepare the Yogurt: Evenly distribute the Greek yogurt into four separate containers. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or sunflower seeds over each yogurt portion for added texture and nutrition.
6
6. Final Assembly: In each lunch container, place one egg salad pita half, one portion of yogurt, and four strawberries. Seal the containers to keep your lunch fresh.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nutritious Egg Salad Lunch Box?
It is a balanced midday meal featuring creamy egg salad in whole-wheat pitas, Greek yogurt with seeds, and fresh strawberries.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 individual servings.
How do I prepare the eggs for the salad?
Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a rolling boil, then turn off the heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
What is the best way to peel the hard-boiled eggs?
Transfer the hot eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes before peeling to halt the cooking process and make them easier to shell.
What ingredients are in the egg salad mixture?
The salad consists of diced hard-boiled eggs, light mayonnaise, minced shallot, chopped fresh dill, and diced pickles.
What type of bread is recommended for the lunch box?
The recipe uses whole wheat pita bread cut into halves.
How do I keep the pita from getting soggy?
Line each pita half with a romaine lettuce leaf before adding the egg salad to create a moisture barrier.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
The recipe calls for plain 2-percent Greek yogurt for its high protein content and creamy texture.
Can I use different seeds for the yogurt topping?
Yes, you can use either chia seeds or sunflower seeds for added texture and nutrition.
How many strawberries go in each lunch box?
Each lunch container should include four medium-sized fresh strawberries.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is specifically designed for meal prep and can be easily packed for work or school.
What type of mayonnaise is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using light mayonnaise or canola mayonnaise to keep the meal nutritious.
How do I season the egg salad?
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Can I substitute the shallot if I don't have any?
Yes, you can use finely minced red onion or green onions as a substitute for shallots.
Is the dill used fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill for the best flavor.
What size should the eggs be?
This recipe uses 8 large eggs.
How do I assemble the final lunch container?
Place one egg salad pita half, one portion of yogurt, and four strawberries in each container and seal tightly.
How should the yogurt be divided?
Divide the 2 cups of Greek yogurt evenly into four separate containers (1/2 cup each).
What is the nutritional focus of this meal?
It offers a balanced combination of proteins, fibers, and healthy fats.
Can I use white pita instead of whole wheat?
You can, but whole wheat pita provides more fiber and nutrients which aligns with the recipe's nutritious focus.
Do I need to cook the chia seeds?
No, the chia seeds are sprinkled raw over the Greek yogurt for a crunchy texture.
How long can I store these lunch boxes?
When sealed properly and refrigerated, these should remain fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Can I add other vegetables to the egg salad?
Yes, adding diced celery or bell peppers can provide extra crunch and nutrition.
What should I do if the pitas are breaking?
Handle them very gently and ensure you are using fresh pitas, which are usually more pliable.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and ensure your mayonnaise choice is dairy-free.
Is this lunch box suitable for children?
Yes, it is a well-rounded and portable meal that is generally kid-friendly.
How do I wash the lettuce?
Wash the romaine leaves thoroughly and ensure they are completely dried before placing them in the pita.
Can I substitute the strawberries with another fruit?
Yes, blueberries, raspberries, or grapes would make excellent substitutes.
Does the recipe require a specific type of pickle?
The recipe calls for a small pickle; you can use dill pickles for a savory taste or bread and butter pickles for sweetness.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a medium saucepan, a mixing bowl, four lunch containers, and a knife for dicing.