Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Colorful school lunch ideas for kids in organized lunch boxes

Ultimate Guide to Healthy and Fun School Lunches for Kids


  • Author: Erin
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10 lunch combinations

Description

Say goodbye to lunch-packing stress with these brilliant Back to School Kids Lunch Ideas that are guaranteed to make both parents and kids happy! This comprehensive guide features 10 perfectly balanced lunch combinations that mix kid-approved favorites with nutritious ingredients. From turkey roll-ups to veggie wraps, each lunch is designed to be easy to pack, delicious to eat, and nutritious enough to fuel your child’s school day. Perfect for busy mornings, picky eaters, and parents who want to send their kids off with meals they’ll actually finish!


Ingredients

Main Dishes:

  • Pita bread with hummus
  • Cheese and crackers
  • Turkey and cheese roll-ups
  • Almond butter and jam sandwich
  • Cheese quesadilla
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Pasta salad
  • Meat and cheese kabobs
  • Chips with guacamole
  • Ham and cheese sandwich
  • Bagel with cream cheese
  • Veggie and hummus wrap

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables:

  • Oranges, apples, strawberries
  • Grapes, peaches, blueberries, raspberries
  • Natural applesauce
  • Mangoes and melon
  • Baby carrots and cucumbers
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Edamame and snap peas

Sides & Snacks:

  • Chips, granola bars, pretzels
  • String cheese and yogurt
  • Trail mix
  • Larabar or Clif Bar
  • Fruit leather and fruit snacks
  • Popcorn and crackers
  • Chips with salsa
  • Fruit cups and pudding cups
  • Graham crackers and cookies
  • Rice Krispies treats

Drink Options:

  • Water bottles
  • 100% juice boxes
  • Capri Sun
  • Bolthouse smoothies
  • Milk (strawberry or chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Choose Your Winning Combination: Select one of the 10 pre-planned lunch combinations below, or mix and match items from each category to create your own perfect lunch combination!
  2. Option 1 – Protein Power: Turkey and cheddar roll-ups, fresh berries, yogurt, and trail mix for a protein-packed energy boost.
  3. Option 2 – Mediterranean Fresh: Hummus with pita bread, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced oranges for a fresh, veggie-filled lunch.
  4. Option 3 – Mexican Fiesta: Cheese quesadilla with guacamole, salsa, tortilla chips, and strawberries for a fun, flavorful meal.
  5. Option 4 – Kabob Fun: Deli meat and cheese kabobs, red pepper slices, apples, and fruit leather for an interactive lunch experience.
  6. Option 5 – Classic Comfort: Hard boiled eggs, baby carrots with ranch, pretzels, and peaches for familiar, satisfying flavors.
  7. Option 6 – Pasta Perfect: Pasta salad, yogurt, granola bar, and raspberries for a hearty, well-rounded meal.
  8. Option 7 – Sandwich Star: Almond butter and jelly sandwich, string cheese, fruit cup, and chips for the ultimate kid-friendly combination.
  9. Option 8 – Cheese Lover’s Dream: Crackers with cheddar cheese cubes, grapes, and a Larabar for simple, delicious satisfaction.
  10. Option 9 – Bagel Bliss: Bagel with cream cheese, yogurt tube, baby carrots, and fruit snacks for a breakfast-inspired lunch.
  11. Option 10 – Veggie Victory: Veggie wraps with hummus, edamame or snap peas, clementine, and granola bar to get kids excited about vegetables!

Notes

The key to successful school lunches is variety and kid involvement! Let your children help choose their favorite combinations from the list—they’re more likely to eat lunches they helped plan. Prep ingredients on Sunday for stress-free morning packing. Include an ice pack for items that need to stay cool, and consider investing in compartmentalized lunch boxes to keep foods separate and appealing. Remember: the goal is a lunch that gets eaten, so don’t be afraid to include some fun treats alongside the nutritious options!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Assembly
  • Cuisine: Kid-Friendly American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 complete lunch
  • Calories: 475
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: school lunch ideas, kids lunch, back to school, lunch combinations, easy lunch prep