School Lunch Ideas: 40 Healthy Kid Lunches to Keep You Inspired

Here are some healthy school lunch ideas to keep you inspired! See school lunch idea photos and get tips for making school lunches easier.

  • Written by Genevieve Howland
  • Updated on August 08, 2020

School Lunch Ideas: 40 Healthy Kid Lunches to Keep You Inspired

Nothing says “back to school” like packing endless (and often dreaded) school lunches. If you’re anything like me, you start out with good intentions and then run out of ideas two weeks into the school year. While you can certainly use some of these kitchen hacks to make things easier, it doesn’t help if you have a case of “lunch packer block” (that is, you can’t stop packing the same things lunch after lunch after lunch.) That’s why I wanted to create this healthy school lunch ideas post: to keep you inspired when the going gets rough.

On this page…

Finding joy in packing school lunches, tips for making school lunches easier, getting the right lunch gear, my favorite lunch box system, my favorite water bottles, my favorite snack bags, school lunch ideas video.

School lunch idea photos…

Other pro tips for school lunch ideas

Truth be told, packing school lunches can be bothersome, boring and relentless. If your kids go away to school each day, it can be even more dissatisfying since you don’t get to actually see them oohing and ahhing over your amazing culinary skills. But, what if we flipped the whole thing on its head?

What if coming up with school lunch ideas became not only tolerable but JOYFUL?

After all, we have the opportunity to fill our kids’ bellies with nourishing, delicious and even inspiring food day after day after day. We also get to “love” on our kids in this very simple and yet important way. That’s how I’m choosing to approach school lunches this year. (We’ll see how long that lasts ?.)

Since we have to make at least 200 lunches for our kids (and this includes homeschoolers too!), we might as well make it easier on ourselves… amiright?

Here are some simple things you can try:

  • Involve your kids. Depending on your child’s age, have them cut up veggies, grab an apple out of the fridge, pack crackers, you get the idea. By having your kid help, you are teaching them to navigate the kitchen as well as boosting confidence and knowledge. You can also take the opportunity to teach them about healthy foods and macronutrient balance with each lunch! (If your kids don’t know how to prep food, consider enrolling in the Kids Cook Real Food course .) Also, let your kids come up with school lunch ideas, too!
  • Cook in bulk.  Consider making extra for dinner each night and pack leftovers for lunch. Or, make big batches of healthy gummy men , muffins , waffles, pasta , and rice & beans and store in freezer. Take out what you want to pack the night before to defrost and throw it into your kid’s lunch the next day.
  • Use “convenience” foods.  I’m not talking processed or fast foods but rather easy and very “packable” real foods like cherry/grape tomatoes, pitted olives, defrosted frozen peas/lima beans/corn, organic berries, clementines, organic grapes, string cheese, hard boiled eggs, organic jerky sticks , drinkable yogurt, healthy snacks like olive oil popcorn , seed crackers , or sprouted nuts & seeds
  • Freeze a few “emergency” meals.  For those occasions when you have a late night and have to scramble for a lunch the next day, consider freezing a few lunches that you can grab and go. Some school lunch ideas include: bean burritos, almond & honey sandwich, turkey roll ups, etc. Add a piece of fruit and a drink, and you’ve got yourself a balanced meal for your child.

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While there are literally dozens of portable food gear products out there, you want to find lunch supplies that are:

  • made with non-toxic materials like stainless steel
  • dishwasher safe (ain’t nobody got time for hand-washing!)
  • leak-proof (or mostly leak-proof)
  • easy to pack
  • durable and not breakable
  • keep foods heat/cold as appropriate

After much research, I decided to go with PlanetBox . Here is the gear I own:

  • Their ROVER PlanetBox, lunch bag, and big/small container set ( where to buy )
  • Non-toxic ice packs ( where to buy)
  • Non-leaking water bottle ( where to buy )
  • Reusable, cloth napkin ( where to buy )

While the price tag of their products was steeper than I wanted, I do have to say that I’m very pleased with their products. I used exclusively last year and continue to use this year as well. (You can see their products below.)

For water bottles, I really like  these from Thermos ( where to buy ). I also use these Thermos containers for when I’m packing warm/hot foods, which is much less common. ( where to buy )

Because my kids also need a daily snack packed for school, I like to use LunchSkins bags . They work just like ziplocks but are reusable! Their reusable snack bags are lead-free, BPA-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, and moisture-resistant to keep your food fresher longer.

You can see all my lunch ideas in the video above, or scroll down to see all the photos.

School lunch idea photos…

Special thanks to my friend Savanna, who shared (and snapped) some of her favorite school lunch ideas for this post! ❤ Mama Natural kids school lunch ideas 01

Veggies with hummus, grapes, nuts and banana muffin with a pat of butter. Mama Natural kids school lunch ideas 02

Cheese stick, chick peas and wild rice, peppers, nuts, and dip. Mama Natural kids school lunch ideas 09

Hot lunch! Leftover pasta with meat sauce, a salad and apple. Mama Natural kids school lunch ideas 06

Sharp cheddar, black rice crackers, pistachios, tomatoes, and berry medley.

Turkey wrap with pomegranate salad.

Veggie patties, grilled zucchini, fruit with coconut.

Chicken nuggets, chocolate strawberries with veggies.

Quinoa salad, hard-boiled bacon eggs, fruit gummy.

Grain-free sandwich, jicama & peppers, peas & pistachios.

Rice salad, plantain chips, fruit & veggies.

Roasted turkey, coleslaw, strawberries & coconut.

Black rice noodles, ants on a log, veggies & fruit.

Edamame strawberry salad, seeds, sauerkraut, & hummus dip.

Egg muffins, pesto dip & nut butter. Mama Natural kids school lunch ideas 05

Hot lunch! Leftover pasta, berries, and cucumber slices.

Yogurt with honey, peas, black rice with olive oil, cheese, grapes, & nuts.

Chicken salad with lettuce wraps, rosemary potatoes, plantain chips, etc.

Pumpkin muffin, olives, nut rolled date, berries, cheese and zinc drop.

Chicken & beans, fresh mango and grape tomatoes.

Sprouted wheat pretzels, Bubbies pickle, seeds, berries, cheese & chocolate.

Apple, bacon & lettuce “sandwich”, various crackers, cheese, & goji berries.

Veggie pasta, cucumber salad, avocado, crackers, seeds and beans.

Blue potato chips, berries, cucumbers, cheese and nut/date bar.

Organic turkey on oat bread, tomatoes, Lara bar, berries and almonds.

Quinoa & beans, cheese, purple grapes, tomatoes, and date treat.

Veggie pasta salad, beef jerky, melon, avocado, and fruit/nut treat.

Yogurt with granola, almond butter sandwich, carrots, and strawberries.

Sprouted corn tortilla, trail mix, black beans, tomatoes, cheese, zinc drop.

Turkey sandwich, olive oil potato chips, berries, tomatoes & zinc drop.

Sprouted pretzels, tomatoes, grapes, cheese, walnuts, and ginger chew.

Beef jerky, berries, tomatoes, seed crackers with butter, & zinc drop.

Hot pretzel with mustard dip, salami/cheese, broccoli & dried fruit.

Rice & beans, tomatoes, cheese, walnuts & coconut-rolled date.

Homemade “goldfish” crackers , berries, tomatoes, & cheese.

BBQ chicken, coleslaw, carrots with dip, seeds & plantain chips.

Cheese crackers, peas, berries, cheese, seeds & elderberry drop.

Almond butter & jelly, slaw, bananas & strawberries, & carrot sticks.

Tortilla with butter, pineapple, red peppers, cheese & chocolate treat.

GF chicken nuggets w/ dip, sweet potato chips, veg/fruit & gummy star.

Rice pasta, hummus/veggies, pistachios, cheese, and chocolate.

Other pro tips for school lunch ideas:

Pack your lunches the night before..

While Papa Natural is getting the kids ready for bed, I’m in the kitchen making their lunches for the next day. (I eventually want to partner with Griffin to make lunches but for now, this is working for us.) I’m rather rushed in the mornings so prefer being free of this task. If you take a morning quiet time or do an a.m. workout, packing at night might also appeal to you so it doesn’t interfere with your spiritual or physical fitness ??

Buddy up with a friend or neighbor.

My dear friend and fellow foodie, Savanna, has the most amazing school lunch ideas (as you’ve seen above!). We snap pictures of our lunches each day and text to each other for moral support. We inspire each other and also commiserate on Fridays when we’re so done with packing lunches ?

Find a friend who is also committed to packing healthy lunches and share school lunch ideas regularly. Or better yet, buddy up with a neighbor and swap bulk food items to take some of the burden off of each of you. For example, you could make a big batch of healthy muffins and she could make extra rice & beans; you then swap portions to each other to help round out your lunches.

Taste the rainbow.

To ensure that your kids are getting a wide-spectrum of nutrients, try to bring lots of color into their lunches. Not only is it visually appealing but it provides a rich diversity of phytonutrients and other vitamins and minerals. Here is a list of food by color to get you inspired:

Purple Plums Red grapes ? Kidney beans Beets

Blue Blueberries Blue potatoes Blue corn (high in selenium!)

Green Broccoli Green Peppers Pear ? Kiwi Snap peas Avocado Seaweed (like these snacks )

Red Pomegranate Red meat Most apples

Pink Watermelon Grapefruit Rhubarb Raspberries

Orange Apricots Sweet potatoes ( these are delicious!) Cantaloupe Oranges/tangerines/clementines ? Papaya

Yellow Pineapple ? Summer squash Mango Honey Egg yolks Butter

White/tan/brown Mushrooms Coconut Chicken/turkey ? Lentils Dates

Black Black beans Blackberries Black olives Black rice (like these crackers )

Make your kids “snack” on any lunch leftovers.

After all of the effort that goes into making kid lunches, nothing feels worse that opening up a lunch box filled with half-eaten foods. When this happens in our household, I make the kids finish their leftovers before they can have other foods to eat, including dinner. This teaches them the value of not being wasteful and honors the work of others. ?

Find resources to help.

We all get into food ruts and need to break out of our old standbys. Consider joining a meal planning service to help you try new recipes that can be used as lunches. I like Real Plans because they create shopping lists (that you can use on your phone) and include lunch menus too. You can also follow awesome food bloggers like Deliciously Organic , Naturally Ella or Tasty Yummies . I also find inspiration in magazines and cookbooks like Nourishing Traditions.

Keep it simple.

While homemade sushi rolls and holiday-themed treats are fun to do on occasion, you want to also include regular, simple staples if you’re gonna stay in the game for the long haul. Simple foods are often best for younger, more delicate digestive systems, too. When coming up with new school lunch ideas, it can be as easy as just trying different  foods, such as:

  • Less popular fruits like kiwi, grapefruit, and golden berries
  • Veggies like radishes, jicama, and plantains
  • Well-cooked grains like millet, amaranth, and savory steel cut oats
  • And healthy proteins like salmon jerky, Brazil nuts, and dried garbanzo beans

Infuse with L❤VE.

Researcher Kai Qin Chan showed that strong emotions like love or jealousy can impact the way food tastes (Love-infused food tastes better, btw 🙂 ). So there is actually some scientific proof to the importance of food “made with love.” You can write a little love note or buy these cute cards to stick in lunches. I also like to throw in a little “treat” most days like these Zand throat drops (with added zinc for immunity!), these elderberry gummies , dark chocolate or ginger chews .

How about YOU?

I’d love to hear from YOU, mama! What do you regularly make for your little ones? Share any tips or tricks you might have on school lunch ideas!

good things to make for school lunch

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  • See 28 Comments

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About the author.

Genevieve Howland is a childbirth educator and breastfeeding advocate. She is the bestselling author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth and creator of the Mama Natural Birth Course . A mother of three, graduate of the University of Colorado, and YouTuber with over 130,000,000 views, she helps mothers and moms-to-be lead healthier and more natural lives.

28 Comments

Jonnids dec 5 at 2:49 am.

I remember my school cafeteria, how many memories there are, good and bad. You can imagine how many hours I spent there writing homework before my parents found out about the AssignmentShark homework writing service. I would really like to go back to school again, but alas, this is not possible 🙁

alanstat Nov 21 at 3:09 pm

Oh, how I didn’t like the student canteen with its food. Basically, I didn’t like student life for many reasons, especially because after studying I still had to write homework. It’s good that I came across article https://startup.info/make-room-for-your-dreams-with-the-best-write-my-essay-for-me-services/ , which talks about essay writing services. Its author often helped me with writing essays, so my student years were not always terrible!

alanstat Nov 21 at 3:07 pm

Oh, how I didn’t like the student canteen with its food. Basically, I didn’t like student life for many reasons, especially because after studying I still had to write homework. It’s good that I came across article https://startup.info/make-room-for-your-dreams-with-the-best-write-my-essay-for-me-services/ , which talks about essay writing services. Its author often helped me with writing essays, so my student years were not always terrible!

Baby Grafitty Dec 16 at 4:17 am

Your ideas to pack lunch are completely happy to explore and prepare for children to go with your tips by my children as I love to take these ideas for my children Thanks! for your beautiful blog Baby Grafitty ( https://babygrafitty.com/ )

V Aug 17 at 5:00 pm

These most practical I’ve found online. Thank you for this.

Peggy Butler Feb 18 at 2:38 pm

This was great! I’m going back to look where you found those stainless steel containers! I’ve been diagnosed with Hemochromatosis (Metals in blood) and stainless steel containers are not harmful for me….. thank you so much! I never thought about finding them for Storage and Lunches! ?

Pencils Jul 17 at 2:02 pm

An excellent post, thank you!

Vernon Tree May 7 at 3:52 am

I love the ideas and am definitely going to try a few, but most of the ideas involve nuts, or nut products and our school is zero nut policy…. so nuts listed in lunches is not good advertised as school lunches.

Melissa Aug 14 at 1:15 pm

Same for us :-/ and my kid is allergic to dairy so no yogurt/cheese. And I can’t use almond milk yogurt because no nuts!

Belinda Dec 8 at 12:44 am

When my son started preschool at 3, he was carrying a small backpack and the bento boxes with 3-4 compartments had to be put sideways which they tended to leak between compartments. I found that small 4-8 oz Mason jars were the perfect size for sides that could be stacked up. The 8oz jars could hold his beverage (he was partial to coconut water) and were always watertight. For warm food, a small Thermos worked perfectly and it was all stainless steel. Glass can be heavy but he didn’t mind since he was use to carrying the same for family hikes.

Rebekah C Nov 22 at 7:40 am

What is the brand of non toxic ice packs you use? The amazon link is broken.

Adriana lagatta Feb 7 at 2:48 pm

Hi mama great ideas! Lunch prepaing block is very real for me, i feel like when I innovate too much my son doesnt eat it at all so i end up doing same old stuff all the time, recently i decided to put at least one new thing everytime a veggie, or fruit that i know is not on his faves list sometime he takes a bite and i get super happy about it. Planet boxes are such a great product but we have a ant problem and i feel that it does not close that well so we chose Jacebox which is also leakproof and stainless steel with a snap on lock lid, that way i feel my sons food keeps fresh longer, good deal on Amazon now, i just got some for my hubbie who i also pack lunch for! We also use thermos for rice beans and pastas one of my sons favorites! For water bottle we live in hawaii and use hydroflask which i absolutely love it, because it keep our water cold even in hot weather.

Lina Jan 10 at 6:02 pm

How do you feel about Dave’s Killer bread? My kids love the kind that has the seeds in it and is sweetened with fruit juice instead of sugar. It also doesn’t contain any soy. But I start to feel guilty they are having that much wheat…..they eat it about once a day, either one piece with eggs in the morning, or two pieces for a sandwich for lunch. What’s a good alternative? I feel they don’t get full enough without a carb, and a sandwich is just easiest sometimes!

Team Mama Natural Jan 12 at 10:20 am

You’ve got to do what’s right for you and your family. Its a healthier option than most breads out there and if your kids love it and eat it, that’s a win!

Quirina Jan 10 at 1:49 am

How do you keep the hot foods hot? I see you have some green beans, peas, pasta, chicken nuggets, bbq chicken, etc..mixed with some other cold foods on the lunch tray. Do your kids eat them cold?

Genevieve Howland Aug 29 at 11:33 am

Yep, our kids eat them cold, and I pack the lunches with an ice pack so they stay cold until lunchtime.

Ron Dec 11 at 11:03 am

My wife and I both working parents. My wife is a teacher and I’m in Retail. We adopted two children through foster care. They have been with us for 3 years. The youngest is 9 years old and very picky. While the 11 year old eats very little. Before they came to us fruits and vegetables were not part of their diet. It was fast food or gas station meals. I’ve tried apples, grapes, carrots , but the 9 year old always brings back food. He says I’m hungry after school. He just wants Peanut Butter sandwich and nothing else. No fruits or Veggies.

Marie Aug 8 at 8:35 am

While it is disappointing that the 9 year old doesn’t want fruit or veggies, the peanut butter sandwich is not a bad choice. It has plenty of protein, peanuts are technically legumes and are full of vitamins & minerals, and it’s filling. It sounds like both of your kids went through some tough times early in their childhood. Those situations can often lead to strong emotional/psychological connections with food that take time to improve. It sounds like you are doing everything you need to do and more. As they grow, hopefully their palate to try new things will grow too. Kudos to you and your wife for being awesome parents!

Vanessa Z. Sep 7 at 2:19 am

That’s really amazing school lunch ideas! I would like to advice this article to my friend. She has school age daughter so I believe that this ideas will be very helpful for her. I think that If you’re hungry at school, your productivity is on “zero”. So I’m really grateful to you for sharing such amazing, interesting ideas for parents and their kids. I hope that you will continue sharing this type of content!

Dove Aug 19 at 8:50 pm

Love these ideas. Thank you. I have used the planet box also, the larger size, for 2 years now. 3rd grade and my daughter is going to make her own lunches this year. We just looked through all the pictures together for inspiration. Do you have a recipe for the gummies in the pictures?

Joshua Roth Mar 9 at 10:49 pm

Thank you for sharing these very helpful views. The lunch ideas that you served are so interesting and vibrant as well. These ideas are really great as it helps kids to take a proper nutritious food.

betsy Sep 19 at 9:18 pm

This is going to be a life saver! This post could not have come at a better time! I had thought of buying a PlanetBox but wasn’t sure about the price- 1 month in to school with a million small containers with missing tops and I am ready to take the plunge!

BUT! the Thermos water bottles? We have them and they leak every day! I was just about to research another type. I was so keen on the Thermos bc they are stainless, but literally they soak the backpack anytime they aren’t upright! I guess you havent had that experience… but how?

lori Aug 9 at 3:56 pm

I like bkr and swell brands. Although pricey, they never leak and are great quality. bkr is glass and swell is metal.

Stephanie Sep 8 at 11:35 am

These are some awesome ideas! We’re going through a lunch rut right now, especially since our once adventurous toddler is going through a pick phase. So nice to have some inspiration.

Kelly (Kitchen Kop) Sep 7 at 3:53 pm

Apple, lettuce, and bacon sandwich!!!! That’s one I’ve never thought of, YUM!

Question: do you just rub some lime juice on the avocado to keep it from browning until lunchtime? Same question for the apples?

(We homeschool but our son takes lunches for his homeschool group classes.)

Thanks! Kelly

Genevieve Mama Natural Sep 8 at 9:38 am

Flip the avocado face down and it doesn’t brown 🙂 Lemon juice on the apples 🙂

Tamara Sep 7 at 1:55 pm

Thank you for all the ideas. Our go to lunch is organic string cheese, carrot sticks, pickles, hard salami, fruit and a Laura bar or organic cliff bar…we drink spring water or homemade laborade for increased electrolytes prior to heavy duty football ? workouts. I’m sure a piece of roasted turkey or chicken would be better than the salami but just posting his favorite.

Sounds good to me!

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1. pizza burgers .

Start cooking these melted, delicious pizza burgers and every kid in the neighborhood will come running.

The combination of gooey cheese, soft bun, and meaty pepperoni is basically child kryptonite.

Your kids will go crazy for these lunchtime treats, so it’s a good thing they’re so easy to make!

2. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich

Creamy and light, these sophisticated snacks are bursting with unique flavors and textures.

Smooth and crunchy, they’re made with thick cream cheese, crisp cucumbers, and fresh dill.

The magic of this meal lies in the ingredients. Buy good quality bread, fresh herbs, and ripe cucumbers. 

3. Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich 

You can’t beat the classics, and there’s nothing cozier than a homemade grilled ham and cheese.

Crunchy toasted bread, salty ham, gooey cheddar cheese – what’s not to love?!

You can use almost any combination of ham and cheese here.

Try peppered ham for a little kick, mix it up with a spicy pepper jack cheese or a smooth Swiss.

Homemade Sloppy Joes

4. Homemade Sloppy Joe

Just because sloppy joes can get messy, doesn’t mean they’re not suitable for lunchboxes.

With a bit of smart packing, you can get all the joy of this hamburger-laden sandwich at school.

Just slice up a burger bun and pack it up separately from the meaty filling.

When your child opens their lunch, they can assemble the two together and dive in! 

Of course, make sure you pack extra napkins, too. They are kids, after all.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

5. Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A good grilled cheese is perfection on a plate, and they’re one of those meals that’s easy to make ahead and store in a lunchbox. 

Simply toast your bread, grill until the cheese goes gooey and delicious, then set it aside for lunch.

6. Egg Sandwich

Eggs are a delicious way to get more protein into active kids.

This chunky egg sandwich is quick, easy, and very tasty. Made from chopped eggs, mayo, and mustard, the dense filling is irresistibly creamy. 

7. Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

If you spent your childhood eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, you’re not alone.

This time-honored treat is irresistible to kids. And it’s easy to see why!

Salty, crunchy peanut butter and fruity jam are a match made in heaven, especially when spread onto thick slices of fresh bread and grilled until golden.

8. Cheese Quesadillas

These Mexican-style wraps are a great way to freshen up the lunchbox routine.

Melty cheese is sandwiched between tortillas for a soft, chewy, and savory snack.

Surprise your kids by sneaking in some salsa or sour cream to take this lunch to the next level.

9. Chicken Nuggets

Forget fast food nuggets and try this fun DIY recipe instead.

They’re made with a simple flour and breadcrumb batter then fried or baked to crispy perfection.

Pro tip – let these cool completely before storing them in an air-tight container as it will prevent them from going soggy.

10. Turkey and Cheddar Lunch Roll-Ups

These fun nibbles are really easy to whip up and are perfect for lunch boxes.

They’re pretty pinwheels, loaded with turkey, cheese, lettuce, and cream cheese, all wrapped in a soft, floury tortilla.

If you think you can get away with it, add some more veggies for extra nutrition. Tomatoes, avocado, or spinach leaves would work well.

11. Chicken Ranch Wraps

Healthy and hearty, these wraps are full of fresh ingredients and loads of mouth-watering tastes.

Grilled chicken, crunchy lettuce, and a creamy ranch dressing – it’s the ultimate lunchtime feast.

12. Classic Pasta Salad

I love pasta salads. They’re easy, store well, and you can sneak in a lot of healthy ingredients.

This recipe contains loads of colorful veggies, full of antioxidants. It’s a great cold lunch option for warm days.

13. Egg Salad

There’s a knack for egg salad. The secret is in perfecting the creamy dressing.

This recipe nails it with a tangy yet creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with crunchy celery and sharp green onions.

14. Tuna Salad Sandwich

Fish is great for developing brains, so feed your kids this tuna salad sandwich, and they might just ace all their exams.

But it’s not just good for brains, this recipe will keep their belly happy too.

Serve it as part of a tuna melt, or pile it into a fuss-free sandwich. It’s delicious either way!

Chicken Waldorf Salad

15. Chicken Waldorf Salad

This hearty salad is a mouth-watering medley of fruits, shredded chicken, walnuts, and celery. 

The great thing about this versatile recipe is how easy it is to adapt. If your child hates chicken, swap in ham or turkey.

If they won’t eat walnuts, throw in some cashews or pecans instead! 

16. Homemade Hummus

Whip up a big batch of this hummus and lunch is sorted for the week.

For the ultimate easy lunch, just pack it up with chips or vegetables for a tasty, meze-style meal.

17. Homemade Lunchables

Kids love Lunchables. That’s just a fact.

But parents aren’t always as enthusiastic. Be sure your kid is getting all the goodness, but none of the additives with this healthy, homemade alternative.

18. Bagel With Homemade Cream Cheese

There are three different flavors with this gorgeous recipe, so your kid has plenty of choices.

Select from strawberry, chocolate, or garlic & herb. Or try all three and enjoy bagels all week long!

19. Turkey Sandwich

If you have leftover turkey lurking in the fridge after the holidays, turn it into easy sandwiches for your family.

Laced with cranberry sauce, these sweet and savory sandwiches are the perfect antidote to turkey fatigue.

20. Roast Beef Sandwiches

Filling and flavorful, these thick sandwiches are like a homemade version of a Philly steak sub.

They’re made with deli roast beef, sautéed peppers, and onions, all topped with melted pepper jack cheese and piled onto a toasted hoagie bun.

21. Veggie Wrap

This is the wrap that’ll get your kids to eat their greens.

It’s a delicious combo of spinach, avocado, carrot, and cucumbers, layered between bread along with a scoop of healthy hummus. 

22. Grilled Cheese Roll Ups

If your mini-me loves mini-food, this is the recipe for them.

It takes all the things they love about grilled cheese but serves it up in adorable rolls!

23. Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

An instant kid-pleaser, these crispy pizza rolls are crazy good.

They’re packed with mozzarella and pepperoni and served with a dipping sauce for extra yumminess.

24. Cheese Board Lunch Box

Some kids play by the rules, and some like to do their own thing.

If you have one of the latter at home, they’ll love this DIY cheeseboard.

Play with different types of cheeses, dips, and sides to assemble their own unique lunch. You’re never too young to learn that food can be fun!

25. Homemade Soft Pretzels

Even new bakers can make these easy and delicious homemade pretzels.

And you can get the kids involved too, so they can see exactly what’s going into their lunch boxes.

The dough is made with just 6 ingredients and doesn’t take long to rise.

The fun part is shaping your bread. Make them into knots, or go big and braid them. You can’t go wrong!

26. Mac and Cheese Bites

Ok, they’re not exactly healthy fare, but these homemade mac n’ cheese bites are much better than the store-bought equivalent.

They’re also a great way to use up any leftover macaroni. Add a sprinkling of flour, some seasonings, then roll into balls and fry until crispy. 

27. Peanut Butter Toast

There’s more to peanut butter toast than spreading nut butter on bread.

This recipe turns it into an art, with suggestions on toppings, technique, and extra touches to make things even tastier.

28. BLT Sandwich

A good BLT hits all the food groups, making it a great grab n’ go meal for kids.

There’s protein-packed bacon, healthy greens, and nutritious tomatoes, and don’t forget the energy-boosting bread. 

This chunky sandwich is just what your kid needs to get from lunch to dinner.

29. Veggie Sandwich

Kids aren’t generally big fans of vegetables, but this sandwich might just change their minds.

It’s full of colors, flavors, and textures so kids can get really creative.

Try crunchy cucumber , sweet carrots, tangy tomatoes, earthy spinach, or whatever you have in the fridge. 

30. English Muffin Pizzas

You might need to hide these amazing muffins from the adult members of the household.

Otherwise, they’ll be devoured before they make it into the kids’ lunch boxes!

They’re classic kid comfort food, made from soft muffin bases topped with tangy tomato sauce, pepperoni, and two different types of cheese.

30 Easy School Lunches The Kids Will Love

30 Easy School Lunches The Kids Will Love

These simple school lunch recipes will delight any kid! From pizza burgers to grilled cheese to chicken nuggets, you can’t go wrong with these meals.

Ingredients

Pizza Burgers

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Homemade Sloppy Joe

Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Egg Sandwich

Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Cheese Quesadillas

Chicken Nuggets

Turkey and Cheddar Lunch Roll-Ups

Chicken Ranch Wraps

Classic Pasta Salad

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Chicken Waldorf Salad

Homemade Hummus

Homemade Lunchables

Bagel With Homemade Cream Cheese

Turkey Sandwich

Roast Beef Sandwiches

Veggie Wrap

Grilled Cheese Roll Ups

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Cheese Board Lunch Box

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Mac and Cheese Bites

Peanut Butter Toast

BLT Sandwich

Veggie Sandwich

English Muffin Pizzas

Instructions

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  • Prep a school lunch recipe in 30 minutes or less!

School Lunch Recipes

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17 simple and healthy school lunch ideas to make mornings easier

So many kids love PB&Js, but sometimes the sugar content of the jam and the need for an alternative to peanut butter call for a different kind of sandwich.

There may be a lot of balls to juggle when it's time for the kids to return to school, but don't make lunch one of them.

Having a few go-to ideas for lunch recipes will make school days easier, whether they're at spent at home or in the classroom.

Healthy lunchbox recipes may feel challenging, but there are so many unique tricks and swaps to ensure kids have fun with their food and, more importantly, eat all of it. From classic lunch time staples like PB&J or deli sandwiches to nutritious sides and make-ahead mains, here are some TODAY Food's favorite kid-friendly lunches.

Fun spins on sandwiches

Pb&j sushi sandwiches.

PB&J Sushi Sandwiches

Get The Recipe

Serve the kids a lunchtime staple with an inventive twist. By rolling the bread flat, this PB&J sandwich transforms into sushi rolls that are fun to eat with a fork and knife or chopsticks.

Mini Monster Sandwiches

Mini Monster Sandwiches

Halloween will be here before you know it so why not give a ham and cheese sandwich a spooky makeover with olive eyes? It only takes a few minutes to cut out shapes in the cheese and bread for a totally silly creation kids will enjoy gobbling up.

I Heart Panini

I Heart Panini

The contents of this grilled panini can be swapped with whatever kind of cheese or deli meat you have on hand. The sweetest part? This dish is shaped like a heart.

Message in a Bottle Sandwich

Message in a Bottle Sandwich

Grab some cookie cutter letters and carve out love notes to little (or big) kids. Whether you write, "Good luck on the exam," or "I love you to the moon and back," it's easy to feel appreciated when mom or dad sends a personal note. When looking for ways to avoid allergens like peanuts , swap the nut butter for cafeteria-friendly sunflower seed butter.

Sunflower Butter & Grape Sandwich

Sunflower Butter & Grape Sandwich

So many kids love PB&Js, but sometimes the sugar content of the jam and the need for an alternative to peanut butter (many districts don't allow peanut products these days) call for a different kind of sandwich. Nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth swaps high-fructose jelly for freshly sliced grapes and uses sunflower butter.

Minion Bento Sandwich

Minion Bento Sandwich

These Minion characters look like a pastry chef's work of art, but all parents really need to master this sandwich design are orange and yellow cheese, some nori wrappers and kitchen shears. Decorating the Minions with different facial expressions is also a fun activity for kids to do if they're at home and can help make lunch themselves.

Easy entrées for kids

Easy oven-baked chicken tenders.

Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

Rather than heating up frozen nuggets or deep frying fingers, simulate the crunch of classic chicken fingers with this oven-baked recipe. Make it ahead of time and serve cold or give them a quick reheat in the oven or microwave.

Healthy English Muffin Pizza

Healthy English Muffin Pizza

We gave this kid classic a makeover that still hits all the flavor marks and is super easy for parents (or older kids) to make. Instead of using pepperoni made with beef and pork, use turkey pepperoni, which has fewer calories and less fat. Feel free to top the mini pizzas with whatever colorful veggies your kids will enjoy.

Kid-Friendly Rainbow Pasta Salad

Kid-Friendly Rainbow Pasta Salad

Boost the nutrition value of pasta salad by using one made with chickpeas and then speckle it with colorful veggies. For an extra boost of protein, try adding canned tuna or diced leftover chicken.

Mini-Corn and Ham Frittatas

 Mini-Corn and Ham Frittatas

Frittatas are an all-in-one, fuss-free meal to enjoy anytime of day. This recipe is packed with veggies and gets plenty of protein from the eggs and ham. You can make it ahead of time and freeze a big batch to defrost later in the week.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Empanadas

Peanut Butter and Jelly Empanadas

Empanadas typically contain a mixture of meats and potatoes, but this version has a sweeter side. Bake the PB&J empanadas in advance to pack in lunch bags throughout the week, or serve them warm out of the oven as an after school snack. You may want to double the recipe because this one is a hit with both kids and grown-ups.

Simple sides for a healthy lunchbox

Heart-shaped baked pita chips.

Heart-Shaped Baked Pita Chips

Pita chips are a great vessel for numerous nutritious dips. This is a great recipe because little kids will love using cookie cutters to make fun shapes — and they'll enjoy eating them, too!

Veggie-Loaded Hummus

Veggie-Loaded Hummus

This veggie-loaded hummus dip is an amazing recipe that grows with your child. You can serve it as a puree for a young baby or use it as a dip for a toddler and older kids. Made with carrots, sweet potatoes and chickpeas, this recipe is so good that you'll want to eat it as well.

Broccomole Dip

Broccomole Dip

Holy broccomole! This is one delicious dip that's packed with vitamins and minerals. If your little ones like avocado, then they will flip for this joyful rendition from Joy Bauer that's made with one sneaky ingredient: broccoli. There are simple tricks to keeping guacamole fresh and green until lunch time, so try them out with this recipe.

Gridiron Green Goddess Dip

Gridiron Green Goddess Dip

Accompany sandwiches or any main proteins for school lunch with some colorful veggies. Kids may be more inclined to devour some carrots, snap peas or radishes if there's a tasty dip. This take on Green Goddess dressing seasons protein-packed Greek yogurt and cottage cheeses to get a pop of flavor tots of all ages will enjoy.

Siri's Cacao Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Siri Daly's Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Siri Daly's Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites

Pop some dessert into the lunchbox that will provide an energy boost rather than a sugar high. These quick, no-bake bites are sweetened with dates, maple syrup and cocoa for a rich flavor that will make it easy devour to satiating protein and healthy seeds.

Joy Bauer's Broccoli Tots

Broccoli Cheddar Tots

Broccoli Cheddar Tots

Say goodbye to bags of freezer-burned tater tots. This homemade version is easy and delicious. By replacing the potato with broccoli, Joy Bauer cuts back on carbs and calories without sacrificing texture and flavor. Five large tots contain only 100 calories and make for a crispy, flavorful side dish.

good things to make for school lunch

Erica Chayes Wida is an award-winning journalist, food writer and recipe editor who helmed a local newspaper before joining TODAY's freelance team. A mother of two, she loves singing, collecting old vinyl and, of course, cooking. Erica is forever on a worldwide quest to find the best ham and cheese croissant and brainstorms best over a sauce pot of bubbling pasta sauce. Her work has been featured on BBC Travel, Saveur, Martha Stewart Living and PopSugar. Follow along on  Instagram .

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Our Top Healthy Lunches for Kids to Take to School

Leah Goggins is a digital fellow for EatingWell. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, she is a devotee of old movies, farmers' markets and Ina Garten's tomato sandwich with basil mayo recipe. Leah has a degree in news media and English from The University of Alabama.

good things to make for school lunch

These healthy lunches for kids aim to please even the pickiest palates. No lunch trades here! Pack a healthier lunchbox for school with these healthy lunch and snack ideas kids will actually want to eat.

DIY Taco Lunchbox

Who doesn't love a taco? While the tortillas most likely won't be warm when you eat it, warming them first keeps them pliable for filling. If you're missing the crunch of a hard taco, sub tortilla chips for the soft tortillas.

Pizza Roll-Up Bento Lunch

This easy pizza-inspired roll-up is a kid-pleaser. Make crunchy vegetables more appealing by selecting colorful varieties like orange and purple cauliflower--and don't forget the dip! Keep 'em smiling with watermelon cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters.

Turkey Meatball & Feta Lunchbox

This easy lunchbox lunch is inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, including feta, hummus and cucumber. Turkey meatballs are dipped in a homemade creamy yogurt-dill sauce, but ranch dressing would also work well in its place.

Taco Salad Bento Lunch for Kids

No more half-eaten lunches--this taco-inspired bento box lunch is a healthy and portable meal your kid will love.

Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette Lunchbox

Pasta salad is a great take-along lunch with tons of opportunity to make it your own. Want to make it vegetarian? Pack olives in place of salami. Don't love peppers? Try tomatoes instead! Be sure that you pack at least one container big enough to hold everything together once it's mixed (about 1 1/2 cups).

Cucumber Sandwich

This creamy, crunchy cucumber sandwich recipe strikes a lovely balance between decadent and light. The cream cheese-yogurt spread complements the crisp refreshing cucumber while the hearty flavor and texture of the whole-wheat bread holds everything together. Removing the crusts makes it more delicate than your average sandwich.

Turkey Meatball Wrap Lunchbox

Wraps are quick to make in the morning, especially if you have leftover meatballs on hand! A layer of whipped cream cheese creates a barrier that prevents the wrap from getting soggy—even if you make it the night before.

Egg Salad Lunchbox

Enjoy hard-boiled eggs on their own or chopped up and mixed with creamy dressing and some veggies thrown in for good measure. Dip a whole-wheat cracker into the mix or assemble an egg salad sandwich when you're ready to eat (last-minute assembly keeps the bread from getting soggy). If you're making lunch the night before, sprinkling the apple slices with a little cinnamon will add flavor and help mask any unsightly browning.

Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels Bento Lunch

Bite-size pinwheels of turkey, cheese and lettuce make an appealing centerpiece of this bento box. Crisp celery sticks and juicy blueberries are tasty accompaniment, while popcorn, mixed with chocolate chips, makes a satisfying snack or dessert. Plus, this healthy lunch is so easy to pack and can even be made the night before.

Rainbow Veggie Wraps

There's definitely a sushi vibe to these kid-friendly wraps, which are stuffed with vegetables, cheese and hummus and then rolled and sliced. Serve them with store-bought green goddess, a creamy herb-filled dressing, to take it up a notch with ease. They look impressive but they're easy enough for kids to assemble themselves for an easy lunch or dinner.

Buffalo-Style Bistro Lunch Box

These tailgate-inspired lunch bowls can be assembled in about 15 minutes using just a handful of ingredients from your local specialty grocery store, like pregrilled chicken and spicy Buffalo-flavored hummus.

S'mores Energy Balls

These two-bite, protein-packed snacks have all the flavors of a campfire favorite rolled right in. Mini chocolate chips and graham cracker pieces are blended into the base mixture, while a mini marshmallow is tucked into the center. Even better, they're no-bake and you can make a big batch in about 30 minutes.

Breakfast-for-Lunch Bento for Kids

This bento box idea is full of your kid's breakfast favorites, even waffles. This lunch is packed with healthy foods you will feel good about serving and kids will actually be excited to eat--no more half-eaten lunches!

Strawberry & Cream Cheese Sandwich

Sliced strawberries and reduced-fat cream cheese come together in a sandwich for this quick and healthy lunchbox treat.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Toss leftover cooked chicken with barbecue sauce and crunchy carrots for a quick and healthy lunch.

Coconut-Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Make a batch of these granola bars ahead of time and you'll have a tasty, lunchbox-ready snack on hand. These nut-free granola bars are packed with chocolate chips and shredded coconut for a sweet treat. Whether you like a chewy granola bar or a crunchy one, the bake time is easily adjusted to suit your preferences.

Rainbow Bento Lunch for Kids

This bento box idea makes lunch fun. With its colorful carrots and swirled yogurt, this packable lunch is a healthy meal kids will actually want to eat--no more half-eaten lunches.

Ham Pinwheels

Ready in just 5 minutes, this cute ham-and-cheese appetizer or snack is as much fun to make as it is to eat. Top with your favorite fresh herb, such as dill or basil, for a pretty presentation.

Try this easy egg salad on your favorite multigrain bread or on top of lightly dressed salad greens.

Deconstructed Cobb Salad Bento Lunch for Kids

This kid-friendly twist on classic Cobb salad gives children the choice to eat all the healthy ingredients--veggies, turkey, eggs, bacon and avocado--together or separately. Packing it all in a bento box makes it easy to tote to school and keeps all the ingredients from touching, a plus for picky eaters.

Kid-Friendly Salad

Make salad something your kids will actually want to eat with this kid-friendly crudité. Pack up the dressing in a leak-proof container.

Garlic Hummus

This classic hummus recipe couldn't be easier--just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) makes this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

No-Nut Butter

If you have a nut allergy or need to pack nut-free lunches, try this easy recipe for homemade no-nut butter. For the best flavor, don't skip toasting the seeds.

Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowl

This chipotle-flavored burrito bowl recipe is even better than takeout and just as fast. Loading it with vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthy dinner.

Muffin-Tin Quiches with Smoked Cheddar & Potato

Potatoes, cheese and greens make this mini quiche recipe delicious and satisfying. Bake up a batch over the weekend and you'll have breakfast available in a hurry for the rest of the week.

Sweet Potato Chips

Make perfectly crunchy veggie chips at home with this healthy recipe. Use a mandoline to slice the sweet potatoes extra-thin for the optimum crunch!

Strawberry & Yogurt Parfait

This healthy yogurt parfait recipe combines fresh fruit, Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for an easy breakfast. Pack the parfait in a mason jar for a healthy breakfast on the go.

Guacamole with Bell Pepper Dippers

Skip tortilla chips and get a healthy dose of vitamin C when you use bell pepper as a dipper for guacamole in this quick snack recipe.

Sesame Carrots

Toasted sesame seeds add taste and eye appeal to a cheery plate of crunchy carrots.

Clean-Eating Bento Box Lunch

Who says bento boxes are just for kids? This healthy bento-style lunch--loaded with clean, satisfying foods--is perfect to pack for work.

Rainbow Fruit Kebabs

Eating clean doesn't have to be boring! This fruit-salad-on-a-stick is the natural way to get in on the rainbow trend for a fun healthy snack or no-added-sugar dessert.

Quick Strawberry "Cheesecake"

Get cheesecake flavor without having to bake with this healthy dessert recipe. To make it gluten-free, look for gluten-free graham crackers.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Sweet Relish

This sweet twist on a classic tuna-salad sandwich is a healthy high-protein lunch that even your kids will love.

Peanut Butter-Banana Roll-Ups

These healthy roll-ups with peanut butter and bananas make eating lunch fun! Kids will love the bite-sized version of this sandwich. Try sunflower seed butter as an allergy-friendly alternative.

Cream Cheese & Veggie Roll-Up

With sliced vegetables, a whole-wheat tortilla and baby spinach, these roll-ups make the perfect healthy lunch for your kids to take to school.

Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich

It only takes 5 minutes to make this healthy sandwich with whole-wheat bread and the classic combination of Cheddar cheese and apples that your kids will love.

Smoked Salmon Brown Rice Onigiri

These Japanese rice triangles can be made simply with seasoned rice or filled with vegetables or protein. Cooking a bit of starchier short-grain white rice with the brown ensures they hold together—but still gives you a filling dose of fiber.

Turkey, Cheese & Veggie Plate

This colorful picnic dinner idea features tasty munchies you don't need utensils for and mild flavors that kids prefer, like deli meat, cheese and crunchy raw veggies. It's easy to assemble this complete menu, and adults will enjoy it as much as the kids. The menu calls for store-bought hummus and cookies, but you can easily make them yourself (see Tips, below).

PB&J Bistro Lunch Box

Inspired by Starbucks' bistro boxes, this peanut butter and jelly lunch will be loved by kids and adults alike. Accompanied by sandwich sides including a yogurt parfait, fruit, veggies and popcorn, this healthy packable lunch will keep you full until dinner. Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter to make this lunch nut-free.

A Week of Healthy School Lunch Ideas

Making lunches for school in the morning is tough, especially if you're short on time and trying to appease eating habits that seem to change on a dime. But a little prep (and a lot of choices!) can go a long way. With just one hour of prep time on Sunday, you can have lunches ready to go (or almost ready to go) for the weekdays.

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25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

By Bon Appétit

Image may contain Food Bread Breakfast Pancake and Egg

Sometimes, parents write small notes of appreciation to put in their kids' lunchboxes . And that's sweet. But you know what they say: Actions speak louder than words. Make one of these 25 back-to-school lunches to let your little girl or guy know you really care.

--recipes by Teri Tsang-Barrett

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Combine finely chopped hard-boiled eggs and pickles with mustard and mayonnaise, then spread on a slice of multigrain bread. Combine drained canned tuna, finely chopped celery and onion, mayonnaise and lemon juice, then spread on another slice of bread. Sprinkle with torn basil leaves and assemble.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Mash an avocado with lemon juice, then spread on a whole wheat wrap. Top with crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced romaine lettuce. Roll up and wrap in parchment or wax paper to secure.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Combine diced smoked turkey, toasted almonds, halved seedless red grapes, thinly sliced celery and mayonnaise. Transfer to an airtight container; pack with a whole wheat hot dog bun for your talented kid to assemble. Or not.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Prepare a batch of whole wheat pancake batter, using about 1/2 the liquid. Stir in a cup thawed frozen corn, one small grated zucchini and a handful of Parmesan, and a sliced scallion. The zucchini will add moisture; add more liquid if the batter is too stiff. Cook until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Pack with Greek yogurt for dipping.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Spread peanut butter on a toasted whole-wheat wrap, then sprinkle with crumbled bacon and drizzle with honey. Place a whole banana at the edge of the wrap, then roll, pressing gently to break the banana and form a cylinder shape. Or, slice the banana, scatter, and roll.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Spread a creamy cheese, such as Boursin, inside a whole wheat pita, then fill with roast turkey slices, baby spinach leaves and cucumber slices.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Brush a toasted nori sheet with sesame oil and season with salt. Press cold sushi rice on top in a thin layer. Tightly roll avocado slices, shredded carrots and cucumber sticks. Slice crosswise and pack with a packet of soy sauce.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Top a large whole wheat tortilla with slices of Gruyere cheese and season with black pepper. Arrange a layer of asparagus (roasted or steamed the night before, or shave raw into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler) on one half, drizzle with lemon juice, and fold to enclose. Cook using a panini press or on a hot skillet until the tortilla is golden and the cheese melts.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Toss chopped tomatoes and shredded rotisserie chicken and carrots with barbecue sauce and heat through. Toss the mixture with chopped cilantro or parsley and transfer to an airtight container. Pack with a whole wheat hamburger bun for assembly at lunch.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Combine chopped fresh tomatoes, lime juice, finely chopped white onion and chopped fresh cilantro. Pack flaxseed tortilla chips with small containers of the salsa, avocados mashed with lemon juice, and Greek yogurt.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Spread the bottom of a split, toasted mini-bagel with cream cheese, Canadian bacon or pancetta, a scrambled egg and a tomato slice. Spread more cream cheese on the bagel's top slice before setting into place.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Combine chopped cooked shrimp, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped celery and fresh tarragon and black pepper. Transfer to an airtight container and pack with a whole wheat hot dog bun.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Whisk 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts olive oil; season with black pepper. Add finely chopped shallot, let sit for a few minutes, then toss with canned, rinsed cannellini beans (white kidney beans), feta or goat cheese crumbles, thinly sliced cucumber half-moons, and chopped fresh dill or parsley. Pack with multigrain pita chips or pockets.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Warm frozen meatballs in jarred tomato sauce and transfer to a wide-mouth thermos. Place a slice of provolone cheese in a whole wheat hamburger bun for assembly at lunch.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Toss day-old or toasted bread cubes, chopped beefsteak tomatoes, crumbled feta, pitted olives (such as Kalamata), sliced cucumbers and salami with olive oil, lemon juice and dried oregano.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Pack a container with avocados mashed with lemon juice; top with a layer of shredded Monterey Jack before sealing. Fill 2 small whole wheat tortillas with shredded rotisserie chicken and sliced romaine lettuce and store in resealable plastic bags. Assemble at lunch.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Combine chopped hard-boiled eggs, raisins, sliced celery, mayonnaise and curry powder. Trim the crust from a slice of bread and press to flatten. Spread with a layer of egg salad, then roll and secure with a toothpick.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Thinly slice a tube of store-bought prepared polenta lengthwise, then cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Brush with olive oil and sauté or bake until golden and warmed through; sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Pack in resealable plastic bags with a separate container of bocconcini, grape tomatoes, and chopped cucumbers tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and torn fresh basil.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Combine shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped apples and celery, walnuts, raisins, and mayonnaise. Spread the cut side of a split whole wheat hamburger bun with mayonnaise and assemble the sandwich using the chicken salad and butter lettuce leaves.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Thread skewers with grape tomatoes, cucumber chunks, cooked shrimp and toasted whole wheat bread cubes. Pack with pesto sauce for dipping.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Toss thinly sliced iceberg lettuce with a mixture of yellow mustard and mayonnaise. Assemble a sandwich on a split hoagie roll using sliced provolone, salami, turkey, tomatoes, and the iceberg lettuce mixture.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Spread the inside of a toasted pita pocket with mayonnaise, then fill with thinly sliced roast beef, Swiss cheese and store-bought cole slaw.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Spread mustard on a whole wheat tortilla, then top with slices of Jarlsberg cheese and ham. Add a layer of baby spinach leaves, then fold to enclose and cook on a Panini press or in a hot skillet until the tortilla is golden and the cheese melts. Let cool slightly, then cut into wedges before packing.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Saute thinly sliced scallions (whites only) in vegetable oil, then add frozen carrots, peas, corn, and a splash of water and soy sauce. Cook until heated through, then stir in leftover brown rice and another splash of water and soy sauce until the rice is softened and heated through. Stir in thinly sliced scallions (green parts), toasted sesame seeds, and chopped peanuts.

25 Quick and Easy School Lunches to Pack for Your Kids

Toss diced roast chicken breast with pesto, diced mozzarella and sliced sugar snap peas. Transfer to an airtight container and pack with a whole wheat hot dog bun.

  • Cooking for Kids
  • Healthy Lunches

47 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids

Creative Options for the Pickiest of Eaters to the More Adventurous

good things to make for school lunch

The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

Kids have their own ideas about what makes a great lunch, which can be a challenge for parents who want them to eat healthy. If you're looking for nutritious ideas that children will actually enjoy and finish, try these recipes that are sure to win approval from the short set. From pizza pockets and veggie fried rice to macaroni muffins and hummus wraps, these dishes go way beyond the typical ham and cheese sandwich. Not only will the tasty options please even the pickiest of young eaters, but many are also suitable for kids eating vegan , gluten free, egg free, or dairy free.

Many of these recipes are also quick to put together and make a great packed or on-the-go lunch for adults, too.

Vegan Hummus Avocado Wrap

The Spruce Eats / Eric Kleinberg

Use ripe avocado or even leftover guacamole , and protein-rich hummus to make these vegan hummus avocado wraps . Add some sprouts or salad greens for crunch, but if sending to school, leave out the tomato to avoid sogginess. Plain hummus is delicious here, but a flavored variety, like roasted red pepper, will also work nicely.

Get the Recipe

Vegan Asian Rice Salad

The Spruce Eats

A healthy vegan Asian rice salad with plenty of vegetables is a fabulous way to give vegan kids a boost of energy at lunchtime. Brown rice is full of protein and fiber, and kids love the crunchy texture and sweet and sour flavors of the dressing. Carrots, snow peas, celery, bell pepper, and green onion make this rice salad bright and colorful, but feel free to swap any out for your kids' favorites.

Kid-Friendly Energy Bites

The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni

Skip the store-bought, highly-processed, sugar-loaded confections and make your own kid-friendly energy bites at home instead! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients (and a bit of chocolate), these energy bites can be mixed up in a matter of minutes. The peanut butter provides a boost of protein while the oatmeal offers some fiber, meaning these energy bites will leave your little one feeling full and satisfied through the rest of the day.

Cheesy Meatball Bombs

The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

These cheesy meatball bombs that start with packaged biscuit dough explode with flavor. Filled with the Italian favorites of meatballs, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese, your kids will think they've won the lottery. When using leftover meatballs or pre-made frozen, this recipe comes together quickly. Serve these meatball bombs with some marinara on the side for dipping.

The Ultimate Avocado Toast

Kids love creamy avocado, and this easy toast recipe is a hit. The ultimate avocado toast can be served simply as is or layered with slices of crispy bacon to make a great open-faced lunch sandwich. If packing up for school, you may want to add another piece of toasted bread on top to avoid messy travel and eating.

Easy Meatloaf Muffins

Give kids a comforting, home-style lunch with this recipe for cute easy meatloaf muffins that are made from a classic meatloaf mixture baked in muffin tins . The ketchup topping is sure to be a draw for the little ones, and the fact that they can eat their lunch with their hands makes it fun.

Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

A thermos full of chicken noodle soup is the next best thing to a hug from mom. Make this tasty soup on the weekend and freeze it in individual portions for heating and packing into a thermos for school lunches any day of the week. This recipe is the real deal, starting with chicken pieces, but also includes some chicken broth (along with water) for an extra boost of rich flavor.

Pasta Salad With Chicken and Spinach

Send yours to school with this packed pasta salad full of chicken, spinach, tomatoes, and other crunchy veggies. Use cooked leftover chicken, canned chicken, or rotisserie chicken for this tasty salad recipe. The recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to change some of the ingredients to suit your child's taste.

Pepperoni Pizza Sliders

The Spruce Eats / Anita Schecter

Your kids will cheer when they sit down to these pepperoni pizza sliders , which layer ingredients from a pepperoni pie onto slider buns to create mini-pizza sandwiches. They can easily be made ahead and then baked and pulled apart for lunchtime. The combination of cheese, sauce, and pepperoni, with a garlic butter brushed on the roll, also makes for the perfect after-school snack.

Salmon and Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

Cream cheese and smoked salmon have traditionally been a favorite topping for bagels, but this combination can also make a wonderful filling for finger sandwiches. This recipe is a quick and easy addition to a light lunch for your more adventurous eater. Place the tea sandwiches in a cold bag with an ice pack to keep them chilled until it's time to eat.

Vegetable Beef Soup

Cook up a big pot of this warming vegetable beef soup on the weekend for thermos lunches. The recipe is packed with potatoes, green beans, carrots, celery, and onion, but you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as corn or zucchini. The recipe freezes well so divide the soup into portions, freeze, thaw, and heat for quick lunch prep.

Honeyed Fruit Salad

Kajakiki / Getty Images

For those hot days when kids often crave a lighter lunch, this sweetened  honeyed fruit salad with honey, lemon, and just a little sugar does the trick (eliminate the white wine). Use whatever fruit is in season being sure to include your kids' favorites. Pack it into a plastic or glass container and add some cheese cubes and crackers to their lunch bags as a delicious snack.

BBQ Chicken Salad

The Spruce Eats / Diana Rattray

This BBQ chicken salad is so satisfying even the adults will be fighting over it. This recipe calls for poaching chicken breasts in a flavorful broth and then shredding and tossing the meat with bottled barbecue sauce; you can use a store-bought  rotisserie chicken , as well as bottled dressing (instead of the homemade ranch) if you're short on time. Chock full of vegetables, beans, and crunchy corn chips, this salad offers a variety of textures and colors. Pack the dressing separately, and let the kids shake it all together when ready to eat.

Pizza Wraps

Paul Poplis / Getty Images

These easy pizza wraps are basically cheese quesadillas with spaghetti sauce added inside. Go ahead and stuff them with your little ones' other favorite pizza toppings , such as diced green bell peppers, pepperoni slices, and mushrooms. They are baked in the oven open-faced, like a pizza, and then folded in half when bubbling and melted. Wrap in aluminum foil to keep warm.

Chicken Waldorf Sandwiches

The short set will enjoy the sweet, crunchy ingredients in these unusual chicken Waldorf sandwiches . The chicken-and-mayo filling gets extra zip from honey mustard as well as great texture and color from the chopped green apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries . When spooned between slices of cinnamon raisin bread, kids won't be able to resist.

Vegan Banana Muffins

Vegan banana muffins are a great way to get healthy fruit into kids. Make them with or without walnuts, and feel free to toss some vegan chocolate chips into the batter if offered as dessert. Simple to make, these muffins are a great use for bananas a little past their prime and will satisfy even the non-vegans in the household.

Creamy Potato Soup With Ham

The Spruce Eats / Katarina Zunic

This creamy potato soup with ham is like eating a stuffed baked potato in a bowl. Fill kids' thermoses with this rich soup, which—along with some crackers—makes an excellent school lunch on colder days. Chock full of vegetables and studded with chopped ham, the soup is a complete meal. You can cook either on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.

Vegetable Fried Rice With Spinach

Lisovskaya Natalia / Getty Images

This vegetable fried rice with spinach makes a healthy, meat-free thermos lunch idea for kids. In addition to or in place of the spinach, tomato, and green beans, you could use other vegetables you usually toss into a stir-fry, or some diced marinated tofu . When you have some leftover cooked rice this dish comes together very quickly, perfect for prepping before school.

Easy Pizza Pockets

Whip up a simple tomato sauce , crack open a tube of refrigerated biscuit mix, gather some favorite pizza toppings, and you've got everything needed to make these kid-favorite easy pizza pockets . For an even speedier preparation, use your favorite jarred pizza sauce. You may want to sneak in a few finely chopped vegetables to boost the pocket's nutritional value.

Greek Salad

Patricia Fenn Gallery / Getty Images

A Greek salad has plenty of bright, crunchy veggies, plus salty black olives and creamy feta cheese, all dressed simply in a drizzle of olive oil and oregano. A perfect lunch for your salad-loving kid and a nice change from the basic mixed greens. Pack the olive oil separately for drizzling on at lunchtime.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Katie Workman / themom100.com

Tender chocolate chip banana bread is a lunchbox snack kids will love and a great way to use very ripe bananas. Pack slices as a sweet treat along with a sandwich and an orange or apple to keep the meal balanced. You could make this bread into muffins, too.

Crescent Roll Pigs in a Blanket

Little ones will gobble up these crescent roll pigs in a blanket . They will even have fun helping you make them, as they simply require rolling crescent dough around a hot dog and a slice of cheese. Be sure to add extra for sharing and pack them along with little containers of mustard and ketchup for dipping.

Ham and Turkey Wrap

Deli-style turkey breast and honeyed ham slices are layered onto a whole-wheat tortilla wrap with a Dijon mustard-mayo spread and some greens, then rolled up for an easy ham and turkey wrap . Slice it into pinwheels if you like, for a fun presentation. This recipe calls for low-fat deli meat, but feel free to use your family's favorites.

Mini Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

The Spruce Eats / Loren Runion

Kids love this mini cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches recipe, which can be cut into long "finger" shapes (or any fun shapes using cookie cutters) for their lunchboxes. Slices of white bread are spread with cream cheese and topped with cucumber slices; you can keep it simple, or add more flavor with a sprinkling of fresh herbs.

Beefy Macaroni and Cheese

burwellphotography / Getty Images

Take some time over the weekend to make this beefy macaroni and cheese for thermos lunches. It comes together quickly with inexpensive grocery store ingredients, including lean ground beef, canned tomatoes, shredded cheese, and elbow noodles. It is comforting and will keep the kids full and satisfied for the rest of the day.

Vegetarian Crock Pot Taco Soup

 The Spruce Eats

The seasoning mix in this set-it-and-forget-it recipe contributes the familiar taste of the kids' favorite Mexican food , while three kinds of beans provide this Tex-Mex vegetarian crock pot taco soup with plenty of protein. Pack up some tortilla chips for scooping; you can skip the cheese and sour cream toppings to keep it vegan.

Perfect Tomato Soup

This smooth and creamy perfect tomato soup makes a great lunch for kids on colder school days. It's made with canned and fresh tomatoes, canned broth, onion, carrot, and simple seasonings. Float some goldfish crackers on top for a whimsical surprise.

Caprese Salad

 The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

When tomatoes are in season, nothing is better than enjoying them in a Caprese salad . Juicy sliced tomatoes are layered with fresh mozzarella —or in kid-speak, "squishy cheese"—and fresh basil leaves, and then simply dressed with olive oil and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. Add a hunk of crusty bread with lunch so the kids can eat as an open-faced sandwich if they like.

Simple Chicken Salad

The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

Juicy red or green seedless grapes (cut in half for safety) add a burst of sweetness to this simple chicken salad . You can use the recipe to make sandwiches or add some chopped iceberg lettuce to make it a container salad. If your kids don't like the taste of curry, feel free to omit it.

Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese

Greg Elms / Getty Images

Gluten-free kids will be the envy of their friends at lunchtime when you send them to school with this rich and creamy gluten-free macaroni and cheese . Amaranth flour is the secret to the thickened sauce, which is made with four kinds of cheese, including cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère, and fontina. Full of flavor, this may become a recipe that is requested often in your house.

Vegetarian Oven-Baked Cheese Quesadillas

The Spruce Eats / Emily Hawkes

Vegetarian oven-baked cheese quesadillas —with tons of melted cheese and a trio of crunchy, diced bell peppers—make a winning school lunch. You can sauté the peppers ahead of time, and then assemble and bake them quickly in the morning. Add little containers of sour cream and salsa for dipping.

Corn Waffles

What kid wouldn't want waffles for lunch? These sneakily healthy corn waffles have canned whole kernel corn inside for extra nutrition. Make a batch on the weekend and freeze—you can even heat up in a wide-mouth toaster or toaster oven before school. Wrap in foil to keep warm and add a small container of maple syrup so kids can add a drizzle on top before digging in.

Cold Soba Noodle Salad

The Spruce Eats / Andrew Bui

Cold soba noodle salad is flavorful and fun for kids to eat, thanks to its chewy, nutty-tasting buckwheat noodles . Tossed with fresh carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, radishes, and green onions, along with a sesame-honey dressing, this noodle salad makes a refreshing lunch on warm days. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your kids' favorites.

Chicken Tenders

The Spruce Eats / Ali Redmond

If your kids go nuts for chicken nuggets , they'll love these home-baked chicken tenders  with a crunchy panko coating. Make your own honey mustard for dipping or use your favorite store-bought variety. Pack the tenders in an insulated lunch bag for school, along with the dip separately, and toss in some raw veggie sticks or whole fruit to round out the meal.

Mini Sausage Frittatas

Kids who like breakfast sandwiches will enjoy these mini sausage frittatas that you bake in muffin tins. Eggs , breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese combine with milk and a few simple seasonings to make the tasty, handheld lunch bites. Place in between a toasted English muffin or roll for a neater eating experience.

Peanut Butter Hummus

Peanut butter hummus is a great way to sneak some legumes into your kids' lunches; naturally high in protein, this recipe is great for picky eaters who don't eat a lot of meats. The creamy combination of chickpeas, peanut butter, lemon juice, and garlic is perfect spread onto crackers or pita bread , or packed into a cup along with veggie sticks for dipping.

Pasta With Vegan Spinach Cashew Pesto

The Spruce Eats / Stephanie Goldfinger

This vegan spinach cashew pesto has plenty of protein and vitamins to keep vegan kids going, and when tossed with cooked pasta, packs easily into their school thermos for a warm lunch. Make a batch of the pesto and freeze the extra for quick, flavorful sandwich or pizza toppings.

Hummus Sandwich

Sam Stowell / Getty Images

This hummus sandwich is so easy to make and a great way to sneak extra protein into vegan and vegetarian eaters at lunchtime. All you need is pita bread, store-bought hummus, and your kids' favorite crunchy vegetables. It's the perfect meal when you're pressed for time or out of your typical lunch food ingredients.

Crock Pot Hamburger Soup

Kids will get plenty of energy from this meaty crock pot hamburger soup . Including ground beef, frozen and fresh vegetables, onion soup mix, canned tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, a little soy sauce, and Italian seasonings , this hearty soup is full of flavor and sure to keep the kiddos feeling full the rest of the school day. Make in the crock pot the day before—it will taste even better the next day.

Chicken Kabobs for Kids

Putting food on a stick somehow transforms the ingredients from ho-hum to fun. These chicken kabobs with vegetables get a nice sweet and tangy flavor from the marinade made of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and honey. Keep the kabob theme going and have the kids thread grapes, pineapple cubes, melon, and/or berries onto sticks to add to their lunchbox.

Vegetarian Tofu "Egg" Salad

sbossert / Getty Images

Vegan and vegetarian kids can enjoy the texture and taste of "egg" salad with this sneakily healthy  vegetarian tofu egg salad . Vegan mayo and sweet pickle relish give the fluffy, protein-packed sandwich a great tangy taste and creamy texture. Serve in a cup with crackers or toast on the side, or pile onto a roll or bread for a hand-held treat.

Salmon Croissant Sandwiches

4kodiak / Getty Images

This salmon croissant sandwiches recipe is a fun idea for your little one's lunchbox, especially if they are a fan of bagels with cream cheese salmon spread. Smoked salmon is blended into cream cheese, butter, and mayo and then spooned onto buttery toasted croissants along with fresh basil. Feel free to slide in some cucumber slices for added crunch.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

 kirin_photo / Getty Images

If your kids enjoy broccoli with cheese sauce, they're sure to like this warming broccoli cheddar soup recipe. The creamy, comforting mixture includes sautéed onion, half and half, vegetable broth, broccoli, carrots, and cheddar cheese, making for a healthy lunch the kids are sure to enjoy.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Italian Rice and Beans

The Spruce Eats / Anastasiia Tretiak

This gluten-free and vegan Italian rice and beans is made with just four pantry ingredients, including instant rice, meaning this recipe comes together quickly. Everything goes into a pan and is cooked in under five minutes, perfect as a last-minute lunch idea on colder days. The Italian-seasoned canned tomatoes gives the dish a familiar "spaghetti dinner" flavor that almost any kid will love.

If your kids love tacos, this loaded taco salad will put smiles on their faces at lunchtime. Like a deconstructed taco, this salad has ground beef, refried beans, cheddar cheese, taco seasonings , and chunky tomato salsa, along with a creamy dressing. Add some tortilla chips in a baggie for scooping or crumbling on top.

Ham Salad Sandwiches

David Loftus / Getty Images

Use leftover cooked ham and your kids' favorite bread to make these easy ham salad sandwiches . Celery and onion add a nice crunch to the filling, which gets some extra tang from a little yellow or Dijon mustard mixed into the mayonnaise. This ham salad would also be delicious on a toasted croissant or a fluffy biscuit.

Bierocks (Runzas)

Bierocks —pronounced  bee-rock —are a German/Eastern European meat-filled pastry that made its way to the American Midwest. The pillowy soft, golden-brown crust is stuffed with a ground beef, cabbage, and onion mixture. The recipe includes a homemade dough, but feel free to use store-bought pizza dough or even canned biscuits.

Brown Rice . Fooddata central, United States Department of Agriculture

good things to make for school lunch

Home › Blog › 100+ School Lunch Ideas For Kids They Will Love

100+ School Lunch Ideas For Kids They Will Love

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By Tania Griffis

Published Feb 18, 2024

Are you stuck in a rut when it comes to school lunches? You won’t be after checking out these 100 school lunch ideas for kids that they LOVE to eat.

school lunch ideas kids will beg you to make (text) 3 images of cool school lunch box ideas like muffins, skewers and crustless sandwiches

With 100 different lunch ideas, there is plenty of variety here to keep everyone happy and interested in lunch for a very long time!

Bonus: even if your child has food restrictions, you’re sure to find several lunch ideas here that they will love!

1. Create a Bento Box Lunch

If your child likes something different every day, they’ll absolutely love bento box lunches ! These are a great way to get a healthy balanced meal, and also a perfect way to use up any leftovers you might have.

bento box lunch ideas for kids

2. Taco Pop-Tarts

Here’s a savory twist on a favorite childhood treat: Taco Pop-Tarts . Let’s be honest. Anything tastes amazing in Pop Tart form, and they’re perfect for the lunchbox!

Here is another Taco Pop-Tarts recipe to try ! 

3. Nutella Sushi

 Looking for a somewhat wholesome way to satisfy a sweet tooth? Create Nutella and banana sushi by layering a tortilla with Nutella, adding a banana, and rolling it together. Slice it up and add it to your child’s lunch box – it will disappear quickly.

On your next meal prep day, make a big batch of chicken parmesan meatballs . Not only will the kids love them for lunch, but they make great lunches for moms and dads, too!

lunch ideas for kids: taco pop tarts, nutella sushi, chicken meatballs

5. Apple and Cheddar Quesadillas

Here’s one of my favorite lunch ideas for kids! Pair cheddar with crunchy apples to make apple and cheddar quesadillas. Kids love them cold or warm! Round it out and serve alongside fresh veggies and guacamole.

6. Waffle Taco Bar

A waffle taco bar is something you definitely don’t see every day! Use waffles as the taco shell, then include a mix of ground turkey (or beef, beans, etc), cheese, tomatoes, and any other favorite taco toppings. Yum!

waffle taco bar bento lunch idea

7. Dinosaur Lunch

Making food look fun goes a long way towards getting your children to actually eat their food (veggies too!). Jurassic Park fans will love this roaring fun dinosaur bento lunch .

8. Turkey and Cheese Roll

Rolls are perfect for making sandwiches easier for little hands to hold. This turkey and cheese roll served with goldfish crackers, green pepper slices, and fruit is a winner.

9. Polka Dot Pizza Dippers | The Good Stuff

Pizza for lunch? Why not! How much will your kids love these pizza dippers ? Press pepperoni into premade biscuit dough and cut into circles and bake. Then, serve them with some marinara sauce on the side.

10. Upgraded PB&J Lunch

If your little one is a fan of the classic PB&J, they’ll absolutely love this peanut butter and jelly bento box ! This is a great option to meal prep for the week.

variety of lunch ideas for kids

Free Lunch Checklist

Never wonder what you are going to feed your kids ever again! This lunch ideas checklist is perfect!

BONUS : it has NO sandwiches on it!!

lunch checklist

11. Hummus Platter

Fuel your child with some vegetarian protein! Hummus can be served with pita bread squares, and/or veggies like carrots, cucumber, grape tomatoes, and peppers. 

12. Crescent Roll Hot Dogs

Kids will go gaga for crescent roll hot dogs – especially if you pack a tiny serving of ketchup! Round this one out with a side of his or her favorite vegetables, or a small salad. 

13. Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups

Nothing is more comforting than a hot lunch on a chilly day. Kids will love these grilled cheese roll-ups with a thermos full of tomato soup. These are incredibly easy to make too – slice off the crusts, then use a rolling pin to flatten the bread. Sprinkle with cheese, roll them up and fry. Yum!

14. Homemade Spaghettios

Hate the thought of sending canned food to school? No problem! Your kids will love these homemade Spaghettios homemade Spaghettios . 

kid lunch ideas - hot dogs, grilled cheese sticks, and spaghettios

15. Mini Burritos

Cut your standard flour tortilla into fourths and make mini burritos! These are perfect for little hands and filled with high-protein meat, beans, and cheese.

mini burritos on a plate

16. Pasta Salad

Looking for an easy cold lunch that has a decent amount of veggies? Look no further than this pasta salad recipe ! Use a combination of fresh and frozen veggies, along with cubes of chicken or ham.

17. Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen noodle salad is a fresh take on your standard cup of noodles. Mixed with edamame and veggies, this will quickly become a school lunch favorite!

18. Zucchini Mac and Cheese

Does your child hate veggies? Sneak them into something he loves, like this mac and cheese recipe with hidden vegetables. Believe it or not, this recipe is filled with zucchini! 

noodle lunch ideas for kids

19. Pizza Rolls

Pizza rolls (or pizza pinwheels ) pair well with just about any fruits or veggies you want to add to the lunchbox. Make (or buy) a basic pizza dough, roll it flat, and layer with pizza toppings. Then roll it up, slice it into rounds, and bake. 

20. Chicken Noodle Soup

Winter days definitely call for  simple chicken noodle soup to warm up.

21. Baked Ravioli 

Make baked ravioli for dinner, and then put some in your kiddo’s lunchbox the next day. Two meals, just one prep!

22. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

On your next meal prep day, make a batch of ham and cheese pinwheels . They’re yummy for lunch or a snack.

pizza rolls, chicken soup, baked ravioli and pinwheels

23. Ham and Cheese Sandwich 

There’s nothing wrong with a classic ham and cheese sandwich for lunch! Toss it in a lunchbox with a clementine and a bag of chips and you’re done!

24. Cottage Cheese

If you can get your little one to eat it, cottage cheese is a healthy lunch option. Pair it with peanut butter crackers, baby carrots, and some fruit.

25. Chicken Sliders

Make a filling chicken slider , and pair it with a salad with ranch dressing, trail mix and a banana for a balanced, filling lunch. Yum!

chicken sliders with milk, salad and banana

26. Mini Taco Hand Pies

Looking for a taco Tuesday idea? How about some mini taco hand pies to put a smile on your kids’ faces at lunchtime?

27. DIY Taco Bar

Or perhaps a build your own taco bar would be more fun! Put all your child’s favorite taco toppings into individual containers and let them create their perfect lunch. 

taco lunch ideas for kids

28. Cheese Quesadillas

It’s hard to go wrong with a simple cheese quesadilla. You can easily microwave cheese in a tortilla, then serve it with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

29. Mac and Cheese Cups

Made in mini muffin tins, these mac and cheese cups are the perfect lunch for any kid!

30. Apple Cheese Wraps

Make yummy bread-free wraps out of deli ham (or turkey), cheese, and apple slices. Delicious combination!

apple cheese wraps

By the way, here’s how to keep your apples from turning brown by lunchtime!

34. Meatloaf Muffins

Make meatloaf fun again by baking it into meatloaf cupcakes . A mashed potato “icing” completes the look!

35. Lasagna Cups

These adorable lasagna cups will be the talk of the school! 

36. Pizza Muffins

Want a break from standard pizza? Bake these portable pizza muffins !

savory muffins for lunch

37. Corn Dog Muffins

Make corn dog muffins by following the instructions on the Jiffy Cornbread mix. Then, right before baking, press 1/3 of a hot dog on top and bake as usual.

38. Stir Fry

This is a great make-ahead lunch! This stir fry is filled with fiber and vegetables – just make a big batch and divide it out into individual containers!

39. Lo Mein

This is a simple recipe to make and customize to your child’s tastes. Make the noodles and add their favorite protein and veggies for a lo mein they’ll love!

savory stir fry and lo mein

40. Spaghetti Pie Muffins

Spaghetti pie muffins: You don’t need a specific recipe… just bake whatever leftover spaghetti you make into muffin tins and add some cheese on top. Yum!

41. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Ham and cheese pinwheels are delicious and EASY. Great for school lunches and party appetizers, too.

42. Turkey and Cheddar Roll-Ups

Not a fan of ham? No problem! Turkey and cheddar roll-ups are another great option!

two pinwheel options for kids

43. Mini Pizzas

Make freezer-ready mini pizzas  to throw in your kids’ lunchboxes anytime you’re in a rush. They’re so easy!

44. Avocado Chicken Pita

Avocado chicken salad  in a pita pocket is a filling, tasty choice.

45. Ceasar Pita

Or how about a  skinny chicken Caesar pita  instead?

46. Easy Snackbox

Is your kid a grazer? Try this  snack lunchbox  style meal.

47. Elevated Bento

This  grown-up Bento  is a great choice for teenagers.

School Lunches Moms Can Be Proud Of

48. Leftovers

It seems like a simple idea…because it is! Pack up leftovers from last night’s dinner for your child’s lunch. 

Yup, nachos sure can be a school food! Pack your student chips in a baggie along with a container of toppings. When they get to school all they need to do is put it together and microwave it!

50. PB&J Sushi

PB&J Sushi will make for a fun lunchtime! Turn a classic into something more visually appealing.

Five Fun Ways to Make a PBJ | Cooking Classy

51. Make Lunchables

Here’s another easy school lunch idea. Put together some crackers with slices of cheese and meat. Don’t forget the Capri Sun (or beverage of your choice!)

52. Sweet Fruit Wraps

Sweet fruit wraps can be the main course or a tasty little dessert. They’re healthy and yummy!

sweet fruit wraps with cream cheese

53. Savory Waffle Sticks

Ham, cheese, and spinach muffins are a lunch you can feel good about. Serve with pretzels or trail mix and fresh fruit.

55. Chicken Quesadillas

You can’t go wrong with Chicken Quesadillas, of course.

pizza muffins in a muffin tin for school lunches

55. Pizza Grilled Cheese

How have I never thought of this combo before? Two classics combined into yummy goodness that’s impossible to resist.

56. Pizza Crackers

An interesting twist on pizza , and it doesn’t get any easier than this!

57. Baked Corn Tortilla Cheese Dogs

Baked corn tortilla cheese dogs are so quick to make, and they’re a hit with kids of all ages.

58. Quinoa Pizza Bites

Get lots of pizza flavor in tiny little bites with quinoa pizza bites . Yummy and good for you, too.

lunch ideas for kids - pizza bites, and hot dog rolls

Salad Lunch Ideas for Kids

You may think your child would never eat a salad, but that may be because you haven’t found the right one yet. These salads are both veggie-packed and kid-approved. 

59. Broccoli Slaw Salad

Rather than a typical lettuce-based salad, this broccoli slaw salad has extra crunch! You can experiment with toppings too – try bacon bits, raisins, shredded cabbage, and carrots.

60. Strawberry Spinach Salad

This delicious spinach salad has so much flavor thanks to juicy strawberries, tangy feta, and sweet candied pecans.

61. Cobb Salad

This protein-packed salad is a lunchtime staple in our home! We all love a good cobb salad . 

kid-friendly salad lunch ideas

62. Cesar Salad

Need a quick lunch option? Make a bagged Cesar salad and slice some rotisserie chicken onto it. 

63. Potato Salad

This can be a filling lunch when paired with hardboiled eggs or chicken. Choose mustard or mayo-based dressing depending on your child’s preferences. 

64. Chickpea Salad

Change it up a bit and make this chickpea salad! There’s no lettuce in this one. Simply mix chickpeas, cubed avocados, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers and feta cheese with the dressing of your choice. 

65. Taco Salad

This fiesta chicken taco salad would be a winner with teens. Filling, healthy, and super delicious!

Fiesta Chicken Taco Salad

66. Broccoli Bacon Salad

If you have a child who likes sweets, this is one of the best lunch ideas for kids! Mix chopped broccoli with bacon crumbles, diced red onions, and golden raisins in a mayo dressing. This one tastes best when it has been refrigerated for a best, so it’s a great make-ahead option!

67. Fruit Salad

Dice and mix your child’s favorite fruit into a yummy fruit salad. I pack mine with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of sugar so the fruit doesn’t brown. 

Sandwich Lunch Ideas for Kids

Sandwiches are a lunch box staple – and for good reason! They are filling and universally loved by kids! Here are some sandwich lunch ideas for your children to try. 

68. Turkey & Ham Sub Sandwich

If your kids are struggling to finish their usual sandwich, try this sub sandwich with an Italian sub roll in place of sliced bread. Easily customizable to your kid’s preference, and extra fun!

69. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You wouldn’t think of grilled cheese as a good option for school lunch, but it totally can be! Here’s a tip: Cut up your grilled cheese and pack it into a thermos, and it’ll stay warm until lunchtime.  

70. Chicken, Hummus & Veggie Club Sandwich

Filled with thin strips of colorful veggies, creamy hummus, and chicken, this club sandwich is a great way to change it up and offer a rainbow of nutrition to your child’s lunchbox. 

71. Ham & Cheese “Taco” Sandwich

Try a simple ham and cheese sandwich with a twist! To make this taco sandwich , just cut your slices of bread into circles, fold them over and add a little shredded lettuce and tomatoes to mimic the look of a taco shell. 

kids sandwich ideas

72. Tuna Salad with Sliced Cucumber Sandwich

Add the fresh, crisp crunch of cucumber slices to a creamy tuna salad. The combination is one your kid might just love!

73. Sunbutter and Jelly Sandwich

Perfect for schools that are nut-free, sunbutter is said to be a great alternative for the yummy taste of classic peanut butter spread. 

74. Veggie Sandwich

If your child is one who does eat their veggies, try a veggie sandwich for their lunch! Fill with cucumbers, avocados, tomatoes, anything they like, and add some hummus or pesto as a spread. Delish!

75. Egg Salad Sandwiches

Made with just a handful of ingredients and packs a big protein punch for your kids! Egg salad sandwiches are a simple solution for lunchtime meals. 

veggie sandwich and egg salad sandwich for kids

76. Turkey & Apple Sandwich

Add some mayo and a slice of cheese and you’ve got a deliciously crisp sandwich that is a nice change of pace for your kid’s lunchbox. 

77. Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich

Who said this classic can’t also be a favorite for kids? Full of sweet and crisp veggies and salty bacon, you can’t go wrong with a BLT. 

78. Pulled Pork Sandwich

Try adding a little barbecue sauce to shredded pork (or chicken) and making a delicious sandwich for your kid’s lunch. Great with sliced bread or even a bun!

pulled pork sandwich sliders

79. Pepperoni & Cheese Panini

Fulfill the wish of pizza for lunch with a pizza-inspired panini sandwich. You can easily change or add ingredients according to your kid’s taste. 

80. Chicken Salad Sandwich

These are great for growing kids because you can add so many veggies to your chicken salad recipe. Throw it on some whole grain bread and your kids (and you) will love it!

Kabob Lunch Ideas for Kids

Lunch on a stick is just a fun way to eat! These are great for older kids – they’ll love pulling out their cool kabob lunch in front of their friends. 

81. Veggie Kabobs

You don’t have to have meat for a filling lunch. Try these vegetarian kabobs with chunks of mozzarella and hearty bread for a great lunch on a stick!

82. Bagel Kabobs

Who would ever even think of putting a bagel on a stick ? Alternate nut butter and jam on pieces of bagel for a fun twist on PB&J with these kabobs. 

83. Caprese On A Stick

Take a classic Italian dish to a fun new level with these caprese kabobs . The drizzle of balsamic glaze is the icing on the cake. 

84. Chef Salad On A Stick

To make these salad kabobs , skewer up big chunks of iceberg lettuce along with all of your favorite elements of a chef salad. Way more exciting than a salad in a bowl!

lunch kabobs for kids

85. Cheeseburger Kabobs 

This take on an American lunchtime classic is exactly like what it sounds like; cheeseburgers on a stick include all of your favorite burger elements (bun included) on a skewer!

86. Fruit & Cheese Kabobs 

Try fruit and cheese on a stick, like cantaloupe, grapes, and mozzarella balls. Add some pieces of ham for a little dash of protein!

87. Antipasto Kabobs

Tortellini, olives, and Italian meats make up this wonderful lunch kabob. Who doesn’t love pasta? (Especially when it’s on a cute little stick!)

88. BLT Kabobs

Seriously why didn’t I think of making a BLT on a stick sooner? Pieces of bacon, lettuce and tomato along with cubes of italian bread go perfect on a skewer!

89. Meatball Sub On A Stick

Breadsticks, mozzarella, marinara sauce and yummy meatballs are definitely a lunch time win in these meatball kabobs !

Meatball Sub on a Stick

90. Chicken and Waffle Skewers

Mini waffles and chicken nuggets go great on a stick! Serve with some maple syrup and you’ve got an instant classic. 

91. Club Sandwich Kabobs

Cubes of white bread, deli turkey, bacon, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes make just as good of a club sandwich when they’re on a stick!

Breakfast Lunch Ideas for Kids

Finally, why not serve your child breakfast for lunch? My kids always love when I do this – it makes their lunch extra special!

92. Yogurt Parfait Lunch

Who says parfaits are just for breakfast? This yogurt lunch idea for kids is filled with protein thanks to plain Greek yogurt drizzled with some maple syrup.

93. Breakfast Quesadillas

This ham, egg, and cheese breakfast quesadilla is delicious hot or cold. Serve it alongside your child’s favorite fruit.

breakfast for lunch - yogurt parfait and breakfast quesadillas

94. Oatmeal 

Oatmeal is a fantastic lunch option if your kid has access to a microwave! Pack your child dry oats along with their favorite oatmeal toppings.

95. Mini Pancake Kabobs | I Heart Naptime

Mini pancake kabobs work for lunch, as well as a snack or breakfast. These will satisfy your kiddo’s sweet tooth and keep them full. 

96. Breakfast Sandwich

Grab an English muffin or bread and load it up with eggs, bacon, and mayo. One of the easiest lunch ideas for kids ever!

97. Breakfast Burrito

There are few things my kids love more than breakfast burritos! The possibilities are endless – eggs, black beans, sweet potato, sausage, bacon…you name it! 

98. Cinnamon French Toast Bites

Who wouldn’t love cinnamon french toast bites for lunch? I know my kids would!

Cinnamon French Toast Bites

99. French Toast Waffle Sticks

Have a french toast fan in your home? Make them easily portable by turning them into french toast waffle sticks !

100. Deconstructed Parfait

This bento box-style meal is sure to be a favorite! Keeping the fruit and granola separate from the yogurt gives your child the joy of mixing it all up!

101. Mini Pumpkin Pancakes

Make a triple batch of mini-sized pumpkin pancakes and store them in your freezer. Make it a special weekly lunch tradition for your child to bring them to school along with a hardboiled egg or two for protein. 

breakfast for lunch ideas for kids

102. Leftover Breakfast for Lunch

Leftover breakfasts make terrific lunches. Cereal, muffins, fruit, hardboiled eggs… anything goes, really!

103. Baked Pancake Muffins

Easy baked pancake muffins are not only a great go-to for breakfast, but they make fantastic lunches, too.

Easy Baked Pancake Muffins - FamilyFreshMeals.com ---

There you go! More than 100 school lunch ideas for kids to inspire you to make lunch more than just another meal. 

Use these easy lunch options to make lunchtime an experience they look forward to every day because they know their lunch is packed with the foods they love. Which ideas will your kids will like best?

Grab this free mix and match lunch ideas checklist! You’ll be making lunches like a pro in no time!

More Kids’ Lunch Ideas:

  • 18 Lunchbox Hacks to Keep You Sane
  • Crazy Fun Lunchbox Ideas Every Kid Will Love
  • More school lunch ideas that are sandwich free
  • 10 Sandwich-Free Lunches They’ll Devour

100 school lunch ideas kids will beg for (text) collage of school lunch box ideas like skewers, muffins, sandwiches and baked sandwiches

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best of Food for Families Meal Ideas Parenting Tips

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USA TODAY

In search of healthy lunch ideas? Whether for school or work, these tips make things easy

T he school year is in full swing , and while you may have had ambitions to pack healthier lunches for you or your kids this season, life is busy and expensive. 

Many schools are raising the cost of meals for kids this fall. The USDA wants schools to serve healthier meals , which would come at a higher sticker price for schools and families, leaving communities to balance meeting nutritional standards and budget constraints .

When it comes to health for both kids and adults, here’s your guide to what makes a lunch balanced.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

What is the healthiest lunch?

The most nutritious lunch follows the tried-and-true MyPlate guidelines, according to Caroline West Passerrello, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The MyPlate breakdown is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and suggests roughly half of your plate be fruits and vegetables and grains and proteins on the other half. Dairy, like milk, yogurt and cheese, is also recommended with your meal.

Whether you’re a student or an adult, variety on your plate will ensure you have the energy and sustenance to continue throughout your day, West Passerrello says. 

Here’s the method she uses with her elementary schooler: 

“I pull out a couple of fruits, a couple of grains, a couple of proteins and I just let her pick, she knows she has to pick one from each category,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be this elaborate sandwich or salad or big meal – it can be four separate things that you just like putting together.”

But even more basic than this, West Passrello says the healthiest lunch is “the one that’s eaten.” You know what we’re talking about – the ambitious meal you planned to make before the afternoon slipped away, the turkey sandwich that sat unrefrigerated for a little too long, the new food that didn’t appeal to your taste buds. 

Several studies show students with access to free or reduced healthy lunch programs score better on tests than those without. And even for adults, making time to eat lunch can help manage blood sugar levels and maintain satiety, mood and sleep quality, CNN reports.

If you’ve prepared the lunch but forgot to eat it, there’s also the issue of food waste. About 30-40% of the food supply in the U.S. is wasted, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food waste contributes to 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions, which still excludes the methane emissions from food waste rotting in landfills, the EPA reports. Some of this occurs at the production and supply chain stages, but it also happens at home. 

So when you're preparing lunch, ask yourself these two questions: Is this something I want and like to eat? Will this be safe in my lunch box ?

“You don’t want to pack something for yourself or your kiddos that’s something they’ve never seen before because that’s probably going to lead to more food waste,” West Passerrello says. 

You also need to keep food safety in mind, particularly if your lunch involves meat or dairy products, to avoid food poisoning or exposure to other bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacteria can rapidly multiply in food left at room temperature or in the “danger zone” of 40-140 degrees. You should never leave perishable food out for more than two hours or one hour in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.

“Make sure you either put an ice pack in with it or you’re able to keep it in a refrigerator,” West Passerrello says, adding that a frozen yogurt cup or water bottle can double as an ice pack as it thaws through the day.

You can also opt for a shelf-stable lunch like a classic PB&J and dried fruits or vegetables – anything you can keep in your pantry safely without refrigerating.

“If it’s just that it’s going to sit in somebody’s locker, you could still do something like cherry tomatoes or baby carrots,” West Passerrello says. “But if it’s going to sit out in the sun then you’ve got to really be careful with what you pick.”

Is intermittent fasting healthy?: It can be, but 'it's not a magic solution'

How to make time for lunch

You know eating lunch is important, but how do you make it a priority? West Passerrello says the routine aspect is key: Make it a habit by packing your lunch the evening before or whenever suits your schedule. If you alternate hybrid and remote work, try making two lunches in one go – one to eat now at home and the other to store in the fridge for tomorrow’s office day. 

West Passerrello also recommends setting reminders to eat, like a sticky note on your computer.

“A lot of times people working from home also skip lunch even though there’s a whole kitchen and refrigerator right there,” she says. 

Easy healthy lunch ideas

You don’t have to pack a complicated, Instagram-worthy meal to get in your nutrients at lunchtime. Work your way through MyPlate’s four plate categories: fruit, vegetables, protein and grains and add some dairy on the side.

For protein and grains, you could go with the classic peanut butter (or sun butter) and jelly or another deli meat sandwich – bonus points if you can sneak in veggies. If you’re sick of sandwiches, try cheese and crackers, make a deli charcuterie (grown-up Lunchables , anyone?), or make an on-the-go pepperoni pizza. Check out the recipe for that lunch idea and more here . Or you could go with West Passerrello’s favorite, salad jars, which encompass all of the MyPlate elements in one meal-prepped container .

For the fruit and vegetable portion, a few of your favorite pieces from the produce drawer will do. If you aren’t able to refrigerate them, West Passerrello recommends dried fruit or veggies, shelf-stable fruit cups or veggie straws or chips, as long as they’re made of vegetables .

Discover more health tips for your daily diet: 

  • Healthiest fruit: This one has cognitive and cardiovascular benefits
  • Healthiest vegetable: Check out these great nutrient-dense options
  • Healthiest nut: Add these two daily for cognitive benefits and more
  • Healthiest fast food: Look for this kind of menu next time you're out
  • Healthiest bread: One is best, but your options for a healthy diet are aplenty
  • Healthiest rice: Settling the white rice vs. brown rice debate
  • Healthiest oil: Most have some benefits but these two might be best
  • Healthiest beer: Consider these factors before you crack open a cold one
  • Healthiest cereal: Inside the nutritional info on the back of the box
  • Healthiest salad dressing: Best options, plus recipes to make your own  
  • Healthiest breakfast: Follow this 3-step guide in the mornings
  • Healthiest butter: Look for this kind at the grocery store   
  • Healthiest deli meat: Guide for your next sandwich, plus during pregnancy
  • Healthiest sugar substitute: Does one exist? Here’s what to know
  • Healthiest ice cream: What to know before grabbing a “healthy” ice cream
  • Healthiest snacks: Try these combos next time the hunger hits
  • Healthiest meat: Expert tips to serve up a nutrient-rich plate  
  • Healthiest energy drink: What to know before you reach for another one
  • Healthiest smoothie: Try out these ingredients in the blender
  • Healthiest soda: The answer is tricky – here’s what to know
  • Healthiest beans: Options for protein, fiber, iron intake
  • Healthiest alcohol: Low-calorie, low-sugar options to try
  • Healthiest water: How to sift through supermarket options
  • Healthiest fats: You should be consuming more of this essential fat
  • Healthiest Starbucks: Hacks to know at the order counter

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Is V8 juice good for you?" to "Why do cats meow?" to "How long do I cook chicken breast?" , we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you. 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In search of healthy lunch ideas? Whether for school or work, these tips make things easy

In search of healthy lunch ideas? Whether for school or work, these tips make things easy

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    Instructions. Place the peeled avocado on a plate. Mash with a fork to the desired consistency. In a mason jar or medium bowl, add avocado, lime juice, yogurt, salt, and garlic powder. Whisk to mix well (If you use a mason jar, you can cover with the lid and shake to mix.) Drain and rinse the canned chicken thoroughly.

  17. 100+ School Lunch Ideas For Kids They Will Love

    1. Create a Bento Box Lunch If your child likes something different every day, they'll absolutely love bento box lunches! These are a great way to get a healthy balanced meal, and also a perfect way to use up any leftovers you might have. 2. Taco Pop-Tarts Here's a savory twist on a favorite childhood treat: Taco Pop-Tarts. Let's be honest.

  18. 35 School Lunch Ideas for Teens

    Spinach and Turkey Pinwheels Need an awesome snack for game day? My kids love these easy four-ingredient turkey pinwheels. Go ahead and make them the day before—they won't get soggy! —Amy Van Hemert, Ottumwa, Iowa Go to Recipe 4 / 34 Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl!

  19. 50+ School Lunch Box Ideas For Teens (Easy + Healthy!)

    Tip: Make good use of space by tucking filling, nutrient-dense items, such as snack balls and bites, cheese cubes, nuts, and seeds into empty spaces in the lunch box. What's out: Little kid lunchboxes: Your teen might wince at the lunchbox he carried in grade school or even middle school and want something more grown-up.

  20. Healthy High Protein School Lunch Ideas

    Protein: 33 grams per wrap. Chicken and avocado come together in this epic high-protein wrap kids will ask for on repeat! Protein: 32 grams per wrap. This epic turkey hard-boiled egg triple decker sandwich is one for the books! Filling, delicious, and super simple protein-rich lunch. Protein: 34 grams per sandwich.

  21. 35 Easy School Lunches for Kids

    Recipes The 35 Best Packable, Back-to-School Lunches for Kids By: Food Network Kitchen Updated on August 02, 2023 Save Collection From colorful wraps to homemade chicken noodle soup, these...

  22. 33 Easy School Lunch Ideas for Teens

    3-Ingredient Veggie Ranch Dip. With this easy-to-make Veggie Ranch Dip, there's a good chance your teen will actually eat their veggies. It's a breeze to make and it tastes amazing. Pack the dip in a small thermos to keep it cold until lunchtime and add a baggie of assorted fresh veggies for a healthy lunchtime snack.

  23. 20 peanut-free lunch recipes for back-to-school

    Back to school means the return of packed lunches. For some parents, this daily task can be a real nightmare. To make things easier, here are 20 peanut-free meal ideas that will please even the ...

  24. In search of healthy lunch ideas? Whether for school or work ...

    If you've prepared the lunch but forgot to eat it, there's also the issue of food waste. About 30-40% of the food supply in the U.S. is wasted, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

  25. 40 Quick & Easy Lunch Ideas You'll Actually Look Forward To

    4 / 40 Tuna Melt on Cornbread This open-faced sandwich combines the creaminess of tuna salad, the subtle sweetness of cornbread and the gooey richness of melted cheese to make a satisfying lunch that will leave you craving for more. Go to Recipe 5 / 40 Turkey Spinach Salad with Maple Dressing

  26. Make this weekend count. Here are 6 ways to get the most fun out of it

    Do This; Local & State; Make this weekend count. Here are 6 ways to get the most fun out of it. Head to Freeport for Fare & Ice or dance the night away at the Shrek Rave in Portland.

  27. Takeaways from Fani Willis' stunning testimony in Georgia

    Things quickly went off the rails. Willis didn't act much like a traditional witness and was more like a prosecutor, arguing with the defense attorneys, raising objections, making legal ...