13 Healthy Lunchbox Ideas For Busy Days

Breakfast is touted as the most important meal of the day, but lunch should get just as much attention. Eating a healthy and well-balanced lunch fuels your body and brain for the rest of the day, which keeps you productive and focused. Here are thirteen simple, delicious, and filling meals you can make ahead and take on the go to school, work, or anywhere else.

1. Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

It’s not lunch without a sandwich, so grab your Instant Pot and make some Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. It’s a “dump chicken” kind of recipe, and there’s not much prep involved. Serve it on whole-grain buns with some ranch dressing.

2. Hummus Wraps

Make these creamy Hummus Wraps your own using your favorite veggies, cheeses, and herbs. Spread a thin layer of hummus on a tortilla, add your toppings, roll it up, and you’re all set for lunch.

3. BLT Wraps

BLT Wraps are a classic, flavorful lunch that never disappoints. They are easy to make, and you can prep the bacon and other ingredients the night before. Pack each item separately if you are worried about your wrap getting soggy, and assemble it at lunchtime.

4. Healthy Tuna Salad

Whether you serve it in a bowl or between bread, this Healthy Tuna Salad is absolutely delicious and ready in minutes.

5. Lunchbox Muffins

Lunchbox Muffins are a great way to keep their lunches more snack-like. Pack a bunch of small items and watch that lunchbox come home empty for a change.

6. Apple & Smoked Gouda Lunchbox Kebobs

While you’ll want to choose the skewers according to your child’s age, these Apple & Smoked Gouda Lunchbox Kebobs are always a welcomed lunchbox find.

7. Spaghetti Cups

Have some leftover spaghetti from dinner? Don’t let it go to waste. Turn it into Spaghetti Cups for school lunches. Delicious, eating for small hands to handle, and always gobbled up.

8. No-Bake Granola Bars

You don’t have to give your kids granola bars that are riddled with processed sugar and corn syrup. Instead, make these quick and easy No Bake Granola Bars at home in minutes.

9. Cucumber Sandwich

If you have a vegan or vegetarian kiddo, this Cucumber Sandwich is a great option for lunch. The flavors are wonderful, and it’s actually satisfying. Pack with some fruit and a side of whole-grain crackers.

10. Jam Sandwiches For Lunchbox Lunches

If your kiddos prefer a sweeter lunch, compromise with these Jam Sandwiches For Lunchbox Lunches. Use a 100% fruit spread for a delicious sandwich without the corn syrup.

11. Egg Salad Sandwich

If your child prefers a heavier protein-based lunch, this Egg Salad Sandwich is always a great option. It’s easy to make and easy to eat.

12. Ranch Chicken Wraps

Ranch Chicken Wraps are a great way to make sure you pack something your kids will actually eat. What kid doesn’t love ranch dressing?

13. Banana Wrap

This Banana Wrap is a quick, last-minute lunch idea that is made in minutes. If your school has a nut-free cafeteria, try using seed butter instead. It’s just as delicious.

Prefer Sandwiches? Try One Of These!

If you prefer sandwiches to wraps, I’ve gotcha covered there too. Here’s a fabulous collection of sandwich recipes that taste amazing and might actually be good for you too.

• 12 Surprisingly Healthy Sandwiches You’ll Actually Want To Eat

Need Dinner Ideas Too?

Sick of the same ol’ chicken for dinner… again? Here are 101 new ways to level up your dinner game tonight.

• 101 Ways To Make Chicken

Healthy Ground Turkey Dinner Ideas That Actually Taste Good

Lean ground turkey is a great replacement for ground beef if you are working on your health. Here, we give you 17 Meals with ground turkey that are surprisingly good for you.

• 17 Meals with Ground Turkey for a Clean Eating Diet

This originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry.