75 Simple, Delicious School Lunch Ideas That Your Kids Will Actually Eat- VERSION 2
By Emma Singer,
1 day agoPureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .
Does your kid’s turkey sandwich keep coming back half-eaten in their lunchbox? When the pickiest eater in your home grows tired of the usual, it’s time to mix things up. Brainstorming creative school lunches that they’ll actually enjoy can feel impossible, but I’ve got your back with healthy sandwiches , comforting pasta dishes and more that they’re sure to gobble up. Read on for 75 easy, kid-friendly school lunch ideas that will put the cafeteria’s food to shame, like chicken salad- stuffed peppers , BLT pasta salad and hummus wraps.
56 Easy Kid-Friendly Dinners the Whole Family Will Love
Tips for Packing School Lunches
Just like when you're cooking for adults, presentation is everything. (Don't just take my word for it—it's a tried-and-true trick Dictator Lunches author, Jenny Mollen, has used to get her kids to expand their horizons: "I've found that if I can entertain them, surprise them or even simply make them giggle, I instantly up my odds for success," she writes.) Here are a few pointers for packing a lunch your kid is bound to love:
1. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Katherine Gillen
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pot, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Sure, your kid is an Annie's loyalist. But that's only because they haven't tasted this gem yet, which is made with cream cheese and cheddar for an extra decadent consistency. "The trick is to boil the pasta in milk; the natural starches in the pasta help thicken the sauce," explains PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen .
Get the recipe2. Pizza Bagels
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
They're a timeless classic for a reason. I'm talking store-bought bagels (or English muffins), pre-shredded mozz and your kid's favorite sauce. "The less fancy you get, the better these will taste," asserts Gillen. "But feel free to go all out with toppings ."
Get the recipe3. Ants on a Log
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
These crunchy, creamy celery sticks slathered in peanut butter are timeless for a reason. "You could swap in almond butter or another nut—or nutless—butter, and dried cranberries or cherries can replace the raisins," Gillen suggests. "Or, go wild with carrot sticks, hummus and pine nuts for an entirely new take."
Get the recipe4. Ranch Potato Salad
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, vegetarian, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
They love spuds, they love ranch dressing—por qué no los dos? Make a batch of this picnic favorite on Sunday night to dole out all week long. That way, the spuds have plenty of time to soak up all the dressing's tangy flavor overnight. (And psst: You can always leave out the herbs if you kid recoils at the sight of anything green.)
Get the recipe5. Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
You can never go wrong with a classic. "I'm a sucker for classic smooth PB and seedless black raspberry jam, but the sky's the limit," Gillen reassures us. Serve it with apple slices, cherries or mandarin oranges.
Get the recipe6. Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, beginner-friendly
Whether you're cost-conscious or just feeling lazy, canned beans are a no-brainer. Here, chickpeas are mashed with a slew of pantry staples to create a satiating sammy for the books. "It likes a hint of acid (lemon juice or a splash of vinegar), something briny (I call for pepperoncini, but capers, olives or pickles would do) and a bit of spice (crushed red pepper flakes or even hot sauce)," Gillen recommends. Or just leave it as is for picky palates.
Get the recipe7. Charcuterie Board Flatbread
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients
"You want a bit of salty, savory, creamy, crunchy and sweet in every bite, so why not forgo the tiny crackers for a large-scale version that guarantees just that?" Gillen asks. This portable charcuterie board has endless variations. If your kid likes pears , swap out the apples. If they don't like prosciutto , use salami. Just be sure to keep the drizzle of honey.
Get the recipe8. Lemon-Roasted Potatoes, Chicken and Spinach with Tzatziki
Allison Day/Modern Lunch
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, make ahead
Greens, starch, protein—what more can you ask for in a work or school lunch idea? This gorgeous spread packs big Mediterranean flavor into a bento box for a delicious, nutritious meal that can be savored without reheating.
Get the recipe9. Meal-Prep Mayo-Less Potato Salad
100 Days of Real Food
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead
Potato salad without mayonnaise may sound like sacrilege, but don't knock it 'til you try it. This innovative update uses sour cream to make a dish that tastes every bit as yummy as its classic counterpart, only lighter and tangier.
Get the recipe10. Slow Cooker Meal-Prep Burrito Bowls
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, make ahead, high protein
Succulent pork shoulder and creamy avocado are a mouthwatering match, only made better by a tangy crema topping. Kids will go bonkers for these burrito bowls —and I promise no one will miss the tortillas.
Get the recipe11. Peanut Butter and Banana Roll-up Snack Box
Damn Delicious
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, vegan, <30 minutes
Peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats to this school lunch idea, while bananas provide energy-boosting carbs. What happens when you roll 'em up together? A satisfying, healthy lunch that tastes like dessert (but definitely isn’t).
Get the recipe12. Chickpea Salad Bento Box
Sweet Peas and Saffron
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, vegan, gluten free, <30 minutes
Mild, creamy chickpeas are arguably the most likable legume, which is why kids won’t whine when they encounter this healthy, no-cook salad. The red onion, celery and dill keep the mash fresh and light, while mayo gives the dish a rich mouthfeel.
Get the recipe13. Pita Pizza Lunchables
Cook at Home Mom
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Pick your favorite pita bread (gluten free, if necessary), pair it with a cup of tomato or pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni et voilà—you have homemade Lunchables. You can also add chopped vegetables to this school lunch idea if you're feeling virtuous.
Get the recipe14. Turkey Spinach Pinwheels
Damn Delicious
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, high protein
Do something daring next time you pack your kid’s lunch by giving deli turkey a whole new look. Without bread dulling their savory flavors, simple cheddar and turkey really sing, so much so that the kids won’t even mind the spinach .
Get the recipe15. Mini Spaghetti Pies
The Mess is Ours
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, gluten free, <10 ingredients
Just about every kid has thrown spaghetti on the floor. Fortunately, these compact pasta pies are mess-proof (and taste even better cold than the O.G.).
Get the recipe16. Kids Snack Bento Boxes
Fork & Beans
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, make ahead
There's no limit to what can go in these exciting assortments, but I recommend including some kind of spread (like hummus or guacamole ), something crunchy (like pretzels or rice cakes), fresh produce and some sort of treat (like granola or mini cookies). Your kids' school mates will be so jealous.
Get the recipe17. BLT Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
Skip the soggy bread in favor of pasta with this deconstructed BLT. The pasta salad is loaded with bacon to win them over, and the mayo-based dressing might get them to poke at those green and red things, too.
Get the recipe18. Lunch Kebabs with Mortadella, Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
The novelty of eating school lunch off a stick will likely be enough to win 'em over—at first. But kids will keep coming back for more of these skewers , thanks to the mouthwatering mix of artichokes , salty olives and decadent mortadella. Bologna who?
Get the recipe19. Avocado Chicken Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, make ahead, beginner-friendly
A tired cafeteria classic gets a surprising makeover in this updated chicken salad recipe, which calls for only a modest amount of mayo. Plenty of herbs give the protein-packed meal a bright, fresh flavor profile.
Get the recipe20. Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, no cook
The salty, peppery trio of Italian deli meats in these pinwheel sammies pairs so well with the mildly sweet taste of provolone that kids won’t even be tempted to pick out the kale . (Maybe.)
Get the recipe21. Roasted Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, beginner-friendly
Bacon has the power to get your kid to eat more greens. Case in point? This scrumptious and savory pasta salad, which cleverly disguises a heaping serving of cruciferous vegetables with a dose of crispy, salty deliciousness.
Get the recipe22. Mini Deep Dish Pizzas
Damn Delicious
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegetarian, kid-friendly
Let’s be honest: Everyone enjoys a cold pizza snack. That said, this school lunch idea will look and taste infinitely better if you cook up some of these cuties instead of throwing in a soggy slice from last night’s delivery.
Get the recipe23. Taco Pinwheels
Dinner at the Zoo
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, high protein, <10 ingredients
Cute, colorful and packed with chicken and veggies, these Mexican-inspired pinwheels are held together by one of the most kid-friendly ingredients in your kitchen: cream cheese.
Get the recipe24. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, crowd-pleaser, vegan
Kids are suckers for corkscrew pasta. Capitalize on that with a school lunch idea that scores high on nutritional value by delivering healthy fats, protein , fiber and a whole lot of flavor. (Pro tip: Feel free to skip the jalapeño.)
Get the recipe25. Peanut Butter, Strawberry and Banana Quesadillas
Ambitious Kitchen
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegan, kid-friendly
If a PB&J sandwich is the only item on your kid's school lunch menu, it's time to branch out. Test out this quick and easy quesadilla from Monique Volz for something that's different, yet familiar enough to become an instant favorite.
Get the recipe26. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, make ahead, high protein
Chicken salad has never looked as appetizing as it does in this colorful, kid-friendly stuffed pepper recipe. Use a store-bought rotisserie bird for a no-cook school lunch idea that’s a cinch to prepare.
Get the recipe27. Vegetarian Sushi Cups
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, vegan
Don’t have the time or inclination to try your hand at homemade sushi? Skip the seaweed and serve this vegetarian version instead. Full of produce and umami, kids will be eager to scarf down these tasty, dainty bites.
Get the recipe28. Grilled Peach, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Sandwich
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, high protein
The sad-looking ham sandwich of your youth just got a fancy upgrade. Sweet, creamy and savory, this handheld tastes great at room temp, making it a nice addition to a school lunch. (And if your kid's not into peaches , you could omit them, or use thinly sliced apples in their place.)
Get the recipe29. Chicken Pesto Focaccia Sandwich
The Minimalist Kitchen
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, high protein, special occasion-worthy
Fluffy focaccia, breaded chicken, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, salty feta and homemade pesto. The ingredients kind of speak for themselves, but let it be known that this school lunch idea is anything but boring and sure to please every palate.
Get the recipe30. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
When butternut squash season arrives, get to the farmers market and make your mini a gourmet meal that goes down easy. The pasta is almost too cool for school...but it tastes just as divine in the cafeteria as it does at the dinner table.
Get the recipe31. Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, <30 minutes, make ahead
Avocado gets a little kick from a dollop of Dijon and a couple tablespoons of capers (although feel free to omit both if your kid's palette isn't quite so adventurous just yet). Yep, this egg salad sandwich promises to go down like a breath of fresh air at lunchtime.
Get the recipe32. Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Blue Cheese and Celery
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, make ahead
If you use a store-bought rotisserie chicken , this bold school lunch idea comes together in mere minutes. You may need to adjust the Buffalo sauce for young ones who are sensitive to spice—and sub in ranch dressing for blue cheese if they're not into its tanginess—but the effort-to-reward ratio makes it hard to beat.
Get the recipe33. Salami, Artichoke and Ricotta Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Ah, salami: The cafeteria staple that rarely stirs excitement. Unless, of course, you toss it into a restaurant-worthy pasta salad with artichoke hearts and creamy ricotta , in which case you have the kind of lunch that won’t come back home with your kid.
Get the recipe34. The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner friendly, special occasion-worthy, high protein
Ready to not talk turkey? Make this grilled chicken sandwich—complete with creamy yogurt sauce and crispy onions—for your little one and you’ll both be singing the praises of poultry once again.
Get the recipe35. Mozzarella Meatball Frittata
Secrets of Great Second Meals
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, high protein, <30 minutes, one pan
Frittatas are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to making the most of leftovers (in this case, meatballs). No matter the mix-in, they're reliably delicious without reheating, so they're just right for school lunches.
Get the recipe36. Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Cookie and Kate
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Swap the chipotle mayo for something milder, like garlic mayo or green goddess dressing, for kids who can't take the heat. But don’t let it deter you from sending them to school with these scrumptiously seasoned (I love you, cumin) vegetarian tacos .
Get the recipe37. Baked Quinoa Chicken Nuggets
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
They beat the frozen kind by a mile. Pack this school lunch idea with sides of ketchup and honey mustard, and your kid won't even notice the quinoa in the mix.
Get the recipe38. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Spoon Fork Bacon
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, no cook, beginner-friendly
Three cheers for a creamy, flavorful and protein-packed vegetarian sandwich that your kid won’t be bitter about having for lunch. Pack it with veggie straws or baked potato chips for good measure.
Get the recipe39. Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, kid-friendly
Add some zucchini and tomato to these tasty chicken skewers for a healthy school lunch idea that, whether served hot or cold, basically tastes like a Mediterranean vacation.
Get the recipe40. Citrus Shrimp and Quinoa Salad with Feta
Allison Day/Modern Lunch
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
Is your kid a shrimp cocktail fanatic? Tangy citrus, sharp feta cheese and briny olives can take it from here in this wholesome, savory quinoa salad.
Get the recipe41. Carrot Pigs in a Blanket
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Forget hot dogs . This cute substitute is more nutritious and requires no reheating. Top them with sesame seeds for extra crunch and serve with green goddess dressing (or ketchup, if they insist).
Get the recipe42. Grilled Caprese Skewers with Halloumi and Sourdough
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
This clever sandwich hack involves skewered ingredients. The end result? Sweet, ripe tomatoes, salty cheese and satisfying, crusty sourdough that doesn’t lose its luster like most sandwich bread.
Get the recipe43. Chicken Parmesan Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Their favorite dinner, simplified and fork-free. The Parm is worked right into the breadcrumb coating, so they won't be grossed out by a layer of plasticky cheese when they open their lunchbox.
Get the recipe44. Mediterranean Hummus Bowl
The Almond Eater
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, make ahead
Hummus: The dip your kid will be shocked they love once they try it. Stir some (homemade or store-bought) into this plant-based bowl of deliciousness for a healthy school lunch idea they'll have no trouble putting away.
Get the recipe45. Mini Potato and Carrot Quiche Cups
Inspiralized
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, vegetarian
A rich and savory egg custard that really struts its stuff at room temperature, quiche is always yummy but not always good for you. The exception? Ali Maffucci’s healthy update, which boasts carrot-potato filling.
Get the recipe46. Sesame Noodle Bowls
Pinch of Yum
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, <30 minutes, high protein
Toss your kid’s favorite protein into this Asian-inspired, make-ahead lunch. Customize it to your heart's content—the best part is the silky sesame sauce that clings to cold noodles like a charm anyway.
Get the recipe47. Broccoli and Cheddar Brown Rice Muffins
Inspiralized
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
Didn't think you could turn their favorite soup into a muffin, huh? Broccoli and cheddar cheese make for filling whole grain muffins that are nutritious, savory and totally scrumptious.
Get the recipe48. Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, kid-friendly
Finger foods are a big win when it comes to school lunches, and boy, do I have good news: Your kid’s favorite of them all just got way less messy. And the pepperoni and mozzarella combo? Just as delicious as ever.
Get the recipe49. Spinach Pistachio Pesto Pasta
Two Peas and their Pod
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, vegetarian
Sauce is by far the best way to conceal a serving of folate-filled greens, which explains why pesto is a parent’s best friend. (Oh, and grated Parm.)
Get the recipe50. Mini Quesadillas
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
These bites are stuffed with cheese and refried black beans, so they're extra satiating. The secret to their tiny size is using wonton wrappers in place of tortillas.
Get the recipe51. Hummus Veggie Wrap
Foodie Crush
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, <30 minutes
Introducing a decidedly delicious veggie wrap from Heidi Larsen that can be pulled together with whatever produce you have on hand. To make this school lunch idea extra tasty, add a generous amount of homemade hummus.
Get the recipe52. Lemon Orzo Salad
The Almond Eater
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, make ahead
Pasta is an easy, pleasing school lunch idea, but orzo is the unsung hero of the bunch. The delicate, rice-shaped pasta allows the other ingredients to take centerstage. In this case, I'm talking about zucchini , tomato, feta and basil.
Get the recipe53. Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich
The Almond Eater
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, <10 ingredients
Lighten up your kid’s school lunch with this variation of classic chicken salad. Mayo, grapes and celery are still in the mix, but the cottage cheese provides bonus creaminess and protein.
Get the recipe54. Vegan Taco Salad Wrap
The Mess Is Ours
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, make ahead, beginner-friendly
Easy to make and stuffed full of walnut or pepita "meat," these plant-based wraps will taste like a fiesta. Zhuzh them up with corn , tomatoes, avocado or black beans.
Get the recipe55. Turkey, Cheddar and Apple Pinwheels
Two Peas and Their Pod
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
Apples offer crunch, sweetness and acidity to these pint-sized wraps, a major improvement on the turkey-on-white sandwich that's been haunting cafeterias for decades.
Get the recipe56. Pepperoni Pizza Frittata
Cook at Home Mom
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, <10 ingredients, one pan
This incredibly simple lunch combines sweet tomato sauce with pepperoni slices for an eggy meal your kids will rave about. Don't forget to garnish with a flourish of fresh basil.
Get the recipe57. Avocado Tuna Salad
Dinner at the Zoo
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, no cook, <30 minutes
Budget-friendly canned tuna gets an elegant upgrade in this kid-friendly lunch, made with brightly-colored vegetables, creamy avocado and lime dressing. Serve it as is or pile it between two slices of bread.
Get the recipe58. Banh Mi Sandwich
Dinner at the Zoo
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, special occasion-worthy, high protein
Vietnamese-inspired lunch fare at its finest. The baguette is stuffed with juicy grilled pork , pickled vegetables and aromatic herbs. Bonus? It's just as tasty served cold as it is hot. Whip up a batch for dinner, and set the leftover meat and veggies aside for tomorrow's lunch.
Get the recipe59. Caesar Pasta Salad
Robert Bredvad/The Secret Ingredient Cookbook
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
Two of their favorite dishes, united in cheesy harmony. The homemade dressing calls for avocado instead of traditional egg, which eases the load on your end. But feel free to skip the anchovy paste (although I'm sure your kids would be none the wiser).
Get the recipe60. Ritz Crackers with Whipped Honey Ricotta and Bacon
Photo/Styling: Taryn Pire
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, make ahead
They're basically grown-up Lunchables. Pack the crumbled bacon in its own tiny container or bag so it stays crispy and include a tiny utensil for the cheese, so your kid can assemble each cracker however they like.
Get the recipe61. Veggie-Loaded Stuffed Bell Peppers
Alexandra Stafford
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
The best thing about this recipe is its flexibility. Swap quinoa for leftover rice or short pasta, or substitute just about any of the vegetables inside (a mix of corn, tomatoes and zucchini is a solid starting place for picky eaters).
Get the recipe62. Buffalo Tuna Melt
Photo/Styling: Taryn Pire
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, high protein
Your kids will be too busy relishing in Buffalo-ranch tuna salad and melted mozzarella to notice the chopped celery and carrots. You could also serve the tuna with crackers or in a wrap if they can't reheat the sandwich at school.
Get the recipe63. Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Robert Bredvad/The Secret Ingredient Cookbook
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
Parenting 101: Hide veggies in their meals every chance you get. Here, broccoli florets are blended with pine nuts, basil and other essentials until smooth to create the pesto. Skip the olives if you think their briny flavor will be a dealbreaker. Prepare for every parent at school to ask you for the recipe.
Get the recipe64. Tomato and Yellow Zucchini Risotto
Lizzie Mayson/The Italian Deli Cookbook
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, special occasion-worthy, dairy free
If your kids like mac and cheese, they'll be down to try this creamy vegan dish. (And they'll have no clue that the key to its richness is yellow zucchini.) Might I suggest making it for dinner and sending them off with the leftovers the next morning?
Get the recipe65. Everything Bagel-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Photo: Caroline Dorn/Styling: Katie Wayne
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, kid-friendly
Behold: Your children's new favorite dinner. Luckily, it tastes just as good at lunchtime and only requires a handful of pantry staples to come together. Store the chicken in a Thermos to keep it warm during the school day.
Get the recipe66. 50-50 Buttered Noodles and Greens
Mark Weinberg/I Dream of Dinner
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, one pot
Despite its decadent texture, the sauce is free of heavy cream. Instead, it's made with butter, Parmesan cheese and a magic ingredient: starchy pasta water.
Get the recipe67. Apple Sandwiches
Chellie Schmitz/Chef Junior
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Rub the apple slices with a fresh lemon wedge to keep them from browning before school even starts. If your kid doesn't like bacon, swap in deli turkey or ham.
Get the recipe68. Chicken Piccata Orzo Salad
The Mom 100
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
Serve Katie Workman’s classic Italian piccata for dinner, then use the leftovers to make this lightly dressed and oh-so vibrant orzo salad. It’s particularly tasty at room temperature and sure to be a hit with any kid who can handle a little tang.
Get the recipe69. Kid-Approved Fruity Avocado Toast
This Mess is Ours
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, no added sugar
If you're used to savory versions of this beloved dish, you might balk at the idea. But avocado, a fruit in its own right, happens to be a stellar neutral backdrop for nature's other candies. The addition of lime juice ensures it won't turn an unappetizing shade of brown before lunch.
Get the recipe70. Grilled Caprese Sandwich
Dinner at the Zoo
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, no sugar added, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
A simple grilled caprese sandwich is delicious even when served cold—just be sure to use the freshest ingredients and pick a crusty, artisanal bread to throw on the griddle, since standard sandwich bread will likely get soggy.
Get the recipe71. Gluten-Free Mini Mac & Cheese Cups
This Mess is Ours
- TIme Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten-free, crowd pleaser, kid-friendly
This bite-sized, gluten-free twist on every kid’s favorite comfort food delivers all the cheesy goodness without taking up too much lunchbox real estate.
Get the recipe72. Best Egg Salad
The Mom 100
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: no added sugar, low carb, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients
Add lemon, shallot, capers and dill to the mix and you’ve got a crave-worthy egg salad recipe that’s sure to please your kid’s palate and fill their stomach come lunchtime.
Get the recipe73. One-Pot Chicken Pasta
Alanna Hale/Seriously, So Good
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pot, beginner-friendly, high protein
There are two key steps that make this lightened-up meal one for the books: using sun-dried tomatoes for tang, zip and color and cooking all the ingredients in a single pot. (No waiting for water to boil here.)
Get the recipe74. Pork Dumplings
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, make ahead
These freezer-friendly dumplings can be prepped ahead, warmed up and packaged with soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce or even ketchup for a quick lunch. Finish them with sesame seeds and scallions for flair.
Get the recipe75. Spaghetti with Garlicky Yogurt Sauce
DOAA ELKADY/THE FEEL GOOD FOODIE COOKBOOK
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients
This dish is inspired by macarona bi laban, a yogurt-based noodle dish that recipe creator Yumna Jawad equates to pasta Alfredo. The sauce is complemented by nutty tahini and, if you want to take the extra step, hashweh , a spiced, herbed Lebanese stuffing of rice, meat and nuts.
Get the recipeFood Safety
Here are a few tips for packing lunches ahead:
We Asked Nutritionists to Look at What We Pack Our Kids for Lunch. Yes, Really.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0