Save My teenage daughter showed me these protein snack boxes on TikTok and I will honestly admit I was skeptical. Then I made them for a long road trip and found myself snacking happily from my own container while driving through the mountains. Sometimes the internet gets it right.
Last summer my neighbor was recovering from surgery and I dropped off a stack of these boxes for her family. Her husband texted me two days later asking for the recipe because the kids had demanded them for school lunches. Apparently grownups and teenagers both love feeling like they are eating fancy snacks.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken from the store works perfectly here or bake some breasts ahead of time and slice them thin
- Hard-boiled eggs: Make extra on Sunday and keep them peeled in the fridge for easy assembly throughout the week
- Sliced turkey or ham: Fold the slices instead of rolling them to make them easier to grab and snack on
- Cheddar cheese cubes: Cut them into bite sized pieces about half an inch so they are easy to eat with crackers
- Cherry tomatoes: Leave them whole unless they are very large then give them a quick halving
- Cucumber slices: English cucumbers work best because the skin is thinner and they are less watery
- Baby carrots: No prep needed which is exactly the kind of low effort vegetable situation I appreciate
- Apple slices: Toss them with lemon juice immediately after cutting to keep them fresh and pretty
- Hummus: Individual cups are convenient but buying a tub and portioning it yourself saves money
- Whole grain crackers: Keep these away from the hummus and vegetables until you are ready to eat
- Mixed nuts: Almonds cashews and walnuts make a nice trio but any nuts you enjoy work here
Instructions
- Set up your station:
- Line up four containers on the counter and open every package of ingredients so you can work efficiently
- Add the proteins:
- Divide the chicken turkey eggs and cheese evenly between all four containers so each one has the same variety
- Fill in the vegetables and fruit:
- Add handfuls of tomatoes cucumbers carrots and apples to each box tucking them into any empty spaces
- Package the dips:
- Scoop hummus into four small lidded containers and place one in each snack box
- Add the crunchy elements:
- Count out four crackers for each container and add a tablespoon of mixed nuts keeping everything separate
- Seal and store:
- Put the lids on tight and refrigerate everything until you are ready to grab one and go
Save Now I keep a few containers in the fridge constantly for those moments when hunger hits but I do not want to cook something. My husband started taking two to work every day and actually stopped buying takeout lunch which I consider a major victory.
Mix and Match Your Proteins
Grilled shrimp works beautifully in place of the chicken especially if you marinate them first in a little olive oil and garlic. For a plant based version try marinated tofu cubes or plant based deli slices which have gotten surprisingly good in recent years.
Vegetable Variations
Snap peas and bell pepper strips add incredible crunch and hold up beautifully for several days in the fridge. Radishes add a nice peppery bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy hummus and mild cheese.
Dipping Sauces Beyond Hummus
Ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic options but try pesto for something herby and bright. Guacamole or a tapenade made from olives and capers can completely change the flavor profile of the whole box.
- Everything stays fresh longer if you pack a small ice pack when taking these to work or school
- Buy small condiment cups with lids online if your containers do not have built in dip sections
- Double the recipe on Sunday and you will have lunch sorted for almost the entire work week
Save There is something deeply satisfying about opening the fridge and seeing a stack of ready to go meals that you actually want to eat. Happy snacking friends.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I keep the crackers from getting soggy?
Store crackers separately and add them just before eating to maintain their crunchiness.
- → What protein options work well in these boxes?
Cooked chicken, turkey, ham, grilled shrimp, tofu, or plant-based deli slices can all be used for variety.
- → Are these boxes suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by selecting gluten-free crackers, you can keep the snack boxes gluten-free.
- → How long do these snack boxes stay fresh?
Keep refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for the best freshness and flavor.
- → Can I add more vegetables to the boxes?
Absolutely, snap peas, bell pepper strips, radishes, olives, or marinated artichoke hearts are great additions.