Print

Fresh Bento Box Recipe with Caprese Skewers Easy Healthy Lunch Idea

fresh bento box recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh, simple, and visually inviting bento box lunch featuring Caprese skewers, creamy hummus, and crunchy veggie sticks. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying midday meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (preferably vine-ripened)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
  • 16 small fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup prepared hummus (store-bought or homemade)
  • Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)
  • Paprika or sumac for garnish (optional)
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into sticks
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into sticks
  • ½ medium cucumber, peeled or unpeeled, cut into sticks
  • ½ red bell pepper, cut into sticks

Instructions

  1. Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently under cold water. Pat dry.
  2. Drain mozzarella balls and pat lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  4. Arrange skewers on a plate and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. Set aside while you prep the rest.
  5. Wash and peel carrots if needed, then cut into sticks roughly 3 inches long and about ¼ inch thick.
  6. Trim celery stalks and cut into similar-sized sticks.
  7. Slice cucumber and red bell pepper into sticks matching the size of the carrots and celery for uniformity.
  8. Place all veggie sticks in a bowl or arrange neatly in one compartment of your bento box.
  9. If using store-bought hummus, scoop about ½ cup into a small container or compartment.
  10. If making homemade hummus, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and a bit of water until smooth (around 5 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.
  11. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle paprika or sumac for extra color and flavor.
  12. Place the Caprese skewers in one section or container.
  13. Add the hummus container next to the veggie sticks for easy dipping.
  14. Make sure everything fits snugly to avoid shifting during transport.

Notes

Keep ingredients dry to avoid sogginess. Pat mozzarella and veggies dry before assembling. Fold large basil leaves gently to avoid tearing. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for best flavor. Store veggie sticks in cold water to maintain crispness. Assemble skewers a few hours ahead and store in airtight container with balsamic glaze added just before serving. For dairy-free, replace mozzarella with firm tofu or vegan cheese and use vegan hummus. Hummus can be swapped with tzatziki or baba ganoush for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: bento box, Caprese skewers, healthy lunch, hummus, veggie sticks, easy lunch, fresh lunch, portable meal

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/fresh-bento-box-recipe-with-caprese-skewers-easy-healthy-lunch-idea/