Finding healthy school lunch ideas that your kids will actually eat can be a real challenge. But don’t worry! I’ve gathered some delicious recipes that are sure to make lunchtime fun and exciting for your little ones.
Rainbow Veggie Wraps
Rainbow Veggie Wraps from EatingWell
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Red cabbage, green goddess dressing, hummus, cheddar cheese, wraps Total Time: 20 min.
Vegan Veggie Rainbow Wraps from The Carrot Underground
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Vegan cream cheese, red cabbage, whole red bell, cucumber, yellow bell pepper Total Time: 30 min.
Rainbow Veggie Wraps from Jackfruitful Kitchen
Ingredients: Red cabbage, shirataki noodles, miso ginger, collard green, soy sauce Total Time: 30 min.
These colorful wraps are not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with flavor! Using whole wheat tortillas, you can fill them with a mix of fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and spinach, along with a smear of hummus or cream cheese. Kids love the crunch, and the rainbow of colors makes it feel like a party in their lunchbox!
Mini Quinoa Fritters
These bite-sized delights are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Made with protein-rich quinoa and veggies, these fritters are baked to perfection, making them a healthier choice. Kids enjoy dipping them in yogurt or ketchup, turning lunchtime into a mini feast.
Fruit & Nut Energy Bites
How to Make Fruit & Nut Energy Bites from The Pioneer Woman
Ingredients: Freeze dried fruit, nut flour, medjool dates Total Time: 20 min.
Fruit & Nut Energy Balls from Pass Me Some Tasty
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Gluten free, sun dried, maple syrup, dried apples, dried cranberries Total Time: 10 min.
Mixed Fruit and Nut Energy Bites from Britney Breaks Bread
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Almond butter, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, dried cranberries, dried apricots Total Time: 10 min.
These no-bake treats are like little power balls of energy! Combining oats, nut butter, honey, and a mix of dried fruits and nuts, they’re super easy to make. Kids love the sweet and chewy texture, and they’re perfect for a mid-day snack that keeps their energy levels high.
Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps from Tastes Better From Scratch
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Plain greek yogurt, apple, skinless chicken breasts, grapes, dried cranberries Total Time: 22 min.
Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps from Prep Dish
Ingredients: Skinless chicken breast, bacon, romaine lettuce, red onion, avocado mayonnaise
Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps from Kiersten Hickman
Ingredients: Grapes, romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, celery, mayonnaise Total Time: 10 min.
These wraps are a fun twist on traditional chicken salad. Using crisp lettuce leaves instead of bread, you can fill them with a mixture of shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, grapes, and walnuts. The crunch of the lettuce and the sweetness of the grapes will make them ask for seconds!
Veggie-Packed Pasta Salad
Easy Pasta Salad {with fresh Veggies} from Cooking Classy
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Tri color rotini, baby carrots, italian salad dressing, yellow bell pepper, grape tomatoes Total Time: 45 min.
Veggie Lovers' Pasta Salad from Gimme Some Oven
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Italian dressing, zucchini, bell peppers, grape tomatoes, parmesan cheese Total Time: 35 min.
Veggie Loaded Pasta Salad from Sara Haas
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Red wine vinegar, whole wheat, artichoke hearts, dijon mustard, bell pepper
This pasta salad is a colorful bowl of goodness! Tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a light vinaigrette, it’s filling and refreshing. Kids can enjoy it cold, and it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies without a fuss.
Homemade Pizza Muffins
Easy Pepperoni Pizza Muffins from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Buttermilk biscuit dough, pepperoni, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese Total Time: 25 min.
Pizza Muffin Recipe from Bread Booze Bacon
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Canadian bacon, homemade pizza dough, crushed pineapple, bell peppers, sauce Total Time: 15 min.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Muffins from Allrecipes
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Italian sausage, pizza dough, sweet peppers, pizza sauce, provolone cheese Total Time: 1 hr 20 min.
Who doesn’t love pizza? These muffins are a fun and healthier alternative! Made with whole wheat flour, topped with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of cheese, these can be loaded with your kids’ favorite toppings. They’re perfect for lunch or a snack, and they freeze well for easy prep!
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos from Cookie and Kate
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, corn tortillas, hot sauce, red pepper flakes Total Time: 1 hr.
Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe from JoyFoodSunshine
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, sour cream, honey, flour tortillas Total Time: 50 min.
Crispy Baked Black Bean + Sweet Potato Tacos from Gathered Nutrition
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, black beans, almond flour, salsa, avocado oil Total Time: 45 min.
These tacos are bursting with flavor and nutrition! Roasted sweet potatoes with black beans and a sprinkle of lime juice create a delicious filling. Kids will love assembling their own tacos, and the sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory beans.
Yogurt Parfait Jars
These parfaits are like a dessert in disguise! Layered with creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola, they’re both tasty and nutritious. Kids can customize their parfaits with their favorite fruits, making them excited to dig in during lunch.
Apple & Peanut Butter Sandwiches
50+ School Lunch Ideas – Healthy and Easy School Lunches from Life Made Sweeter
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 4, 8(18)
These sandwiches are a twist on the classic PB&J! Instead of bread, use apple slices to create a crunchy, sweet treat. Spread peanut butter in between and maybe even add a sprinkle of granola for extra crunch. It’s a fun and healthy way to enjoy a favorite flavor combo!
Egg Muffins with Spinach and Cheese
Spinach Egg Muffins with Cheese from Life Made Sweeter
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Parmesan cheese, eggs, sea salt, garlic powder, chopped spinach Total Time: 20 min.
Breakfast Egg Muffins with Spinach and Cheese from Cooked by Julie
Rating: 4.2. Ingredients: Cheese, fresh spinach, eggs, whole milk Total Time: 28 min.
Spinach Egg Muffins from MJ and Hungryman
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, baby spinach, eggs Total Time: 30 min.
These egg muffins are like mini omelets that are super easy to make! Whisk together eggs, spinach, cheese, and any other veggies you have on hand, then bake them in muffin tins. Kids love the fluffy texture and can take them on the go for a breakfast or lunch option.
Homemade Granola Bars
Healthy 5-Ingredient Granola Bars from Minimalist Baker
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 15 min Total Time: 15 min.
Soft and Chewy Granola Bars from Inspired Taste
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
Skip the store-bought options and make your own granola bars! Packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and a drizzle of honey, these bars are chewy and satisfying. Kids enjoy the flavors, and you can customize them with chocolate chips or dried fruits for a special treat.
Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups
These roll-ups are a delightful way to enjoy turkey and cheese without the bread. Simply roll slices of turkey around cheese sticks or veggies, and secure with a toothpick. They’re fun to eat and make for a protein-rich lunch, perfect for keeping energy levels up!
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (with chocolate chips!) from Clean & Delicious
Rating: 4.3. Ingredients: 20 min
These cookies are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious! Made with ripe bananas and oats, they’re a healthier version of a sweet treat. Kids will love the natural sweetness of the bananas, and you can add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra bite!
Stuffed Bell Peppers
These colorful peppers are not only nutritious but also fun to eat! Stuffed with a mixture of brown rice, beans, and spices, they can be baked until tender. Kids will enjoy the vibrant colors and the excitement of discovering what’s inside their pepper!