30 healthy and easy school lunch ideas

Laptop Lunches bento box lunch - multigrain tortilla chips, guacamole, cheddar cheese, organic strawberries, grapes & homemade granola bar
Flickr | anotherlunch.com

Getting the kids ready for school is challenging, especially at the beginning of a new school year. You need to make sure they have everything they need from new clothes to school supplies to backpacks.

Then there is the epic challenge of deciding what to pack for their lunches. Your kiddos can only handle so many PB&Js (if peanut butter is even allowed at their school), but finding foods that are nutritious and simple to put together—and ones that they will actually eat—seems next to impossible.

Not sure where to begin this year? We’re here to help.

Start by picking up a small assortment of containers and accessories that give you flexibility. For instance, a divided container allows you to pack various lunch components; a thermal container keeps food warm or cold; and small containers with lids are perfect for dips and loose treats, such as crackers or fruit snacks. 

kids bento photo
Flickr | anotherlunch.com

Once you have a solid collection of containers, you can focus on the fixings. To save you some time and stress, we’ve pulled together a fun roundup of kid-friendly meals with ideas for even the pickiest palates.

1. Pizza Rollups

No need to wait for pizza day on the school lunch menu. Whip up these three-ingredient goodies over the weekend (they freeze beautifully) and expect them to become a fast favorite.

What Lisa Cooks

2. Nut Butter Wafflewiches

Who says waffles are only for breakfast? Add nut butter to homemade whole-grain waffles (use a mix to make it easier). Spread with peanut butter and jelly or your child’s favorite sandwich filling for a protein-packed lunch they will love.

Super Healthy Kids

3. Sandwich Kabobs

Food is always more fun on a stick and sandwiches are no different. Cut bread, meat, cheese and other favorites into fun shapes and serve them on skewers.

Eat. Drink. Love

4. Pita Wedges with Hummus

Chickpeas are loaded with protein, fiber and vitamins, so you can feel great about serving kids this super-simple lunch staple. The dipping factor adds a measure of fun, to boot.

Super Healthy Kids

5. DIY Pizzables

Swap the processed packages and offer a healthier alternative. Kids can assemble their own pizzas using your favorite flatbread, rounds, tortillas or even bagels as the base.

BentoLunch.net

6. Leftover Chicken Salad

A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store can be a weeknight lifesaver for busy parents. Don’t toss out the leftovers, because you can transform them into a succulent salad for your child’s lunchbox.

Fab Haute Mama

7. Homemade Spaghetti-Os

Upgrade those saucy, circular noodles from your own childhood by making them from scratch. You’ll get oodles more noodles for your money without all of the unwanted preservatives. They’re surprisingly simple to make, as well.

Fake Ginger

8. Granola, Apple and PB Wraps

This well-rounded wrap provides tantalizing taste and texture with sweet, chewy raisins; creamy nut butter; crunchy granola and crisp, tart apple shreds rolled up in a whole-grain flatbread.

Two Healthy Kitchens

9. Twice-Baked Potatoes

Make a few extra taters at dinner for a vitamin-filled lunch that will satisfy your hungry student. Send them cold or pack heated potatoes in thermal containers to ensure a warm, filling meal.

Eclectic Lamb

10. Salad in a Cup

Encourage kids to eat their veggies by stuffing salad into a plastic cup, with a lid, of course. Drizzle on the dressing or serve it on the side.

Aloha Dreams

11. Taco Bowls

Any day can be Taco Tuesday. No shells necessary! Just fill a bowl with meat, cheese and other favorite fixings.

Kristine's Kitchen

12. Hummus Veggie Wrap

A non-dip way to use healthful hummus is to spread it on your favorite wrap. Load up sliced fresh veggies and creamy avocado for a satiating and speedy lunch.

13. Caprese Salad Skewers

Salad on a stick is possible (and fun) when it consists of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Stuck on Sweet

14. Canned Tuna Sushi

Sushi from home can be super easy when you start with canned tuna. This recipe is highly affordable and so simple to make, the kids can even help.

Eating Richly

15. Veggie Pasta Salad

Make a big batch of this vibrant and delicious pasta salad on the weekend and dole it out for lunches as needed. The beauty of it is you can use any veggies you have on hand.

Gimme Some Oven

16. Cheesy Veggie Quesadillas

Pile cheese, veggies and other yummy ingredients (pesto, anyone?) onto tortillas. Heat them in a skillet for just a few minutes and you have gooey goodness perfect for packing in lunch boxes.

Hurry the Food Up

 

17. Avocado and White Bean Wraps

With protein, healthy fats and tons of vitamins, this sandwich substitute has everything a young student needs to have a productive Meatless Monday (or any day, for that matter).

California Avocados

18. Turkey Pesto Pinwheels

Keeping a jar of pesto on hand will let you roll up these lunchbox goodies in a snap. Smear on some cream cheese and layer with lunchmeat and cheese slices and they’ll be good to go.

Jennie-O

19. Guacamole Chicken Wraps

Yet another use for rotisserie chicken leftovers, this spicy take on traditional chicken salad gives last night’s dinner a boost. You might want to buy a second chicken just for their school lunches.

Guiding Stars

20. Build-Your-Own Chicken Tacos

Kids can make their tacos just the way they like them when you pack all of the toppings separately. Along with shredded chicken and soft tortillas, include cheese, lettuce, salsa, olives or anything else your child prefers.

Momables

21. Ham and Cheese Muffins

Some children would live on snacks if you let them. For these kiddos, make a meal that only looks like a snack. Savory muffins with meat and cheese baked in are like incognito sandwiches.

One Hungry Mama

22. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos

Canned beans and microwavable rice make this aromatic, flavorful filling come together quickly. The next time you serve sweet potatoes, roast a few extras for an even quicker school lunch idea.

Kim's Cravings

23. Pizza Panini

Everything kids love about pizza pressed into a crisp, grilled sandwich. Make it as simple or elaborate as you like, tailoring the panini to the child’s preferences.

Shockingly Delicious

24. PB&J Banana “Dogs”

Surprise your child with a sweet, fruity take on a hot dog. Spread peanut butter on a bun, tuck a banana inside and top with jelly “ketchup.”

The Domestic Kitchen

25. Easy Mac and Cheese

This macaroni and cheese is so quick and easy, you can whip it up in the morning before school. Bonus: no scary chemicals like you might find in the orange powdered stuff.

Food for My Family

26. Corn Dog Muffins

Turn a family favorite into a bite-size lunchbox filler. Simply bake mini corn muffins with hot dog slices inside.

Iowa Girl Eats

27. Meatball Sub Skewers

Leftover meatballs from spaghetti night transform into delicious and fun to eat “kebabs.” Using refrigerated breadstick dough makes this recipe totally simple.

Pillsbury

28. Baked Ravioli Dippers

Dishes that pull double duty are definitely winners. Serve these breaded raviolis for dinner or as an appetizer, making extra to pack in kids’ lunches the next day.

Laura Fuentes

29. Chicken Burrito Bowls

Lay out burrito ingredients buffet style and give each child a lunch container. Let them fill their bowls with all of the good stuff they love and then pack them up for lunchtime.

Fountain Avenue Kitchen

30. Ham and Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Top off the month of creative school lunches with an upgrade on the standard ham sandwich. Spread a tortilla with cream cheese, sprinkle on some chives and layer on fresh deli ham. A quick roll up and a few slices turns ham and cheese into tasty pinwheels.

Following in My Shoes

Food, Health

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About the Author
Tricia Goss
Tricia Goss is a Texas-based writer and editor with nearly two decades of experience. She is passionate about helping readers improve their skills, gain knowledge and attain more happiness in life. When she’s not working, Tricia enjoys traveling with her husband and their dog, especially to visit their five grandchildren.

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