Preparing school lunches that are both nutritious and appealing can be a challenge, especially when trying to balance variety with convenience. Whether you’re aiming to keep things simple or trying to introduce new flavors, this comprehensive list of 40 school lunch ideas inspired by sandwiches, wraps, salads, leftovers, and more, offers plenty of inspiration to keep your kids satisfied and energized throughout the school day.
1. Classic PB&J with Apple Slices
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a timeless favorite. To elevate it, add a side of fresh apple slices. The crunch of the apples complements the creamy and sweet PB&J, and the added fruit provides extra vitamins and fiber.
2. Turkey and Cheese Wrap with Cucumber Slices
For a twist on the traditional sandwich, use a whole wheat wrap filled with turkey slices, cheese, and a smear of mustard or mayonnaise. Pair this with refreshing cucumber slices to add a crunch and a hydrating, low-calorie side.
3. Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
A cozy lunch idea, grilled cheese sandwiches are a hit with kids. Pair it with a small thermos of tomato soup for dipping. The combination of melted cheese and warm tomato soup is both comforting and delicious.
4. Ham and Swiss Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread
A simple yet satisfying option, this sandwich includes ham and Swiss cheese on whole wheat bread. Add a touch of mustard or mayo for flavor, and pair it with a piece of fruit for balance.
5. Tuna Salad Sandwich with Crackers
Tuna salad made with light mayonnaise, celery, and a touch of lemon is a great protein-packed filling. Serve it on whole grain bread or alongside crackers for a lighter option that’s still satisfying.
6. Leftover Chicken Salad Sandwich
Utilize leftover roasted or grilled chicken by making a chicken salad with a bit of mayo, grapes, and almonds. Serve it on whole grain bread or in a wrap. This lunch is a great way to reduce food waste while offering a protein-rich meal.
7. Veggie Wrap with Hummus and Carrots
For a vegetarian option, spread hummus on a whole wheat wrap and add a variety of fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, and shredded carrots. This wrap is crunchy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
8. Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwich on Sourdough
Thinly sliced roast beef paired with sharp cheddar cheese on sourdough bread makes for a hearty lunch. Add some horseradish or mustard for an extra kick of flavor. Pair with some baby carrots or an apple for a complete meal.
Salads and Bowls
9. Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
Pasta salad can be customized with your child’s favorite ingredients. Use whole wheat pasta, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. This meal can be prepared the night before and served cold.
10. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Pita Bread
A Mediterranean-inspired salad made with chickpeas, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-olive oil dressing is both nutritious and delicious. Serve with a side of pita bread for added texture and to soak up the dressing.
11. Quinoa Salad with Mixed Vegetables
Quinoa is a superfood that pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Mix cooked quinoa with chopped veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Add some lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a refreshing and filling salad.
12. Leftover Taco Bowl with Rice and Beans
Leftover taco ingredients can be transformed into a taco bowl. Layer rice, black beans, leftover taco meat (beef, chicken, or turkey), and top with salsa, cheese, and avocado slices. This meal is filling and flavorful.
13. Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp
A Caesar salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing is a classic. Add grilled shrimp for a protein boost. Serve with a small piece of whole grain bread or crackers.
14. Fruit Salad with Yogurt
A colorful fruit salad made with a mix of your child’s favorite fruits is a light and refreshing option. Pair it with a small container of yogurt for dipping or as a topping to add protein and calcium.
Leftover Magic
15. Leftover Pizza with a Side Salad
If you have leftover pizza from dinner, pack it for lunch with a side salad. Pizza is a kid-favorite, and pairing it with a fresh salad adds balance to the meal.
16. Chicken Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
Leftover chicken stir-fry with vegetables and brown rice makes for a wholesome and filling lunch. This meal can be reheated in the morning and stored in a thermos to stay warm until lunchtime.
17. Chili with Cornbread
Chili is a hearty meal that can be made in bulk and used for lunches throughout the week. Pair it with a piece of cornbread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
18. Lasagna with a Side of Garlic Bread
Lasagna is a great make-ahead meal that heats up well for lunch. Serve with a small piece of garlic bread and perhaps a small side salad for a complete meal.
19. Enchiladas with a Dollop of Sour Cream
Leftover enchiladas are another great lunch option. They reheat well and can be paired with a dollop of sour cream and a small side of rice or beans.
20. Shepherd’s Pie with a Sprinkle of Peas
Shepherd’s pie made with ground meat, mashed potatoes, and vegetables is a filling and warming option for lunch. Serve with some extra peas or a small salad on the side.
Healthy and Hearty
21. Oatmeal with Berries and Nuts
Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast! Pack a thermos of oatmeal topped with fresh berries, nuts, and a drizzle of honey for a warm, fiber-rich lunch. It’s filling and packed with nutrients.
22. Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Fruit
A yogurt parfait is a fun and healthy lunch option. Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a container for a balanced meal that’s high in protein and vitamins.
23. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Whole Grain Toast
Hard-boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein and can be paired with whole grain toast for a simple but satisfying lunch. Add some cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for a bit of freshness.
24. Leftover Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Hummus
Roasted sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and can be paired with hummus for a delicious and nutritious lunch. This combo is great for kids who enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors.
25. Lentil Soup with Whole Grain Crackers
Lentil soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a hearty and healthy option. Serve it with whole grain crackers or a small piece of whole wheat bread for dipping.
26. Chicken or Turkey Breast with Sweet Potato Fries
Slices of roasted chicken or turkey breast paired with homemade sweet potato fries make for a balanced and tasty lunch. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness while providing vitamins and fiber.
Fun and Creative
27. Bento Box with Various Snacks and Dips
Bento boxes are a great way to offer variety in one meal. Fill a bento box with a mix of snacks like cheese cubes, crackers, fruit, veggies, and a small container of dip like hummus or ranch dressing.
28. Mini Quiches with a Side Salad
Mini quiches are easy to make in advance and can be customized with different fillings like spinach, cheese, or ham. Serve with a small side salad or some fresh fruit.
29. Sushi Rolls with Cucumber and Avocado
Homemade sushi rolls made with cucumber, avocado, and a protein like crab or tofu are a fun and healthy lunch option. Pair with some soy sauce or a side of edamame for added flavor.
30. Chicken Nuggets with Apple Slices and Yogurt
Homemade or store-bought chicken nuggets can be paired with fresh apple slices and a small container of yogurt for dipping. This lunch is a hit with younger kids and offers a good balance of protein and fruit.
31. Mini Pizzas on English Muffins
Make mini pizzas using English muffins as the base. Top with tomato sauce, cheese, and your child’s favorite toppings. These mini pizzas can be baked quickly and served with a side salad or veggie sticks.
32. Pancake Sticks with Syrup and Fruit
Turn pancakes into a fun lunch by making pancake sticks. Serve with a small container of syrup for dipping and a side of fruit. This lunch is perfect for kids who love breakfast foods.
Quick and Easy
33. Deli Meat and Cheese Roll-Ups
Deli meat and cheese roll-ups are a quick and easy lunch option. Simply roll slices of turkey, ham, or chicken with cheese and serve with some crackers and fruit on the side.
34. Cottage Cheese with Fruit and Nuts
Cottage cheese is high in protein and can be paired with fruit like pineapple or berries and a sprinkle of nuts for a light but satisfying lunch.
35. Tortilla Chips with Salsa and Guacamole
For a quick and fun lunch, pack some tortilla chips with small containers of salsa and guacamole. Add some sliced veggies or a piece of fruit to round out the meal.
36. Frozen Yogurt with Fruit Toppings
Frozen yogurt can be a refreshing and healthy lunch option, especially in warm weather. Top with your child’s favorite fruits and a sprinkle of granola for added crunch.
37. String Cheese with Grapes
String cheese is a convenient and calcium-rich snack that pairs well with grapes. This combo is easy to pack and provides a good balance of protein and fruit.
38. Crackers with Peanut Butter and Jelly
For a quick and easy lunch, pack some whole grain crackers with small containers of peanut butter and jelly. This lunch is a fun twist on the classic PB&J sandwich.
39. Rice Cakes with Avocado and Tomato
Rice cakes are a light and crunchy base for toppings. Spread some mashed avocado on top and add slices of tomato for a simple but tasty lunch. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
40. Popcorn with a Sprinkle of Cinnamon
Popcorn can be a fun and healthy snack or side. Sprinkle with cinnamon for a touch of sweetness, and pair with a piece of fruit or a small yogurt for a balanced meal.