15 Healthy School Lunches The Kids Might Actually Eat
School is back in session and that means you need a creative and delicious lunch that your kids might actually eat, and you need it five days a week. While it’s not always easy to pack their lunches, it’s the best way to make sure they are eating healthy. But packing healthy food won’t matter if they don’t eat it. So here are fifteen healthy school lunches that your kids will love, to get you through those first few weeks of back to school.
1. Ranch Chicken Wraps
If you want a lunch that you know is going to be devoured, send them off to school with this ranch chicken wrap. They are hearty, flavorful, and delicious for a lunch you know that they will enjoy.
2. Tuna Wrap
A classic lunchtime favorite, tuna wrap is a great way to get some healthy protein into your child’s diet. You can prep the ingredients the night before and have the wrap ready to go in the morning.
3. Egg Salad Sandwich
Arguably the most popular sandwich ever, an egg salad sandwich is a lunchtime staple you and your kids will both enjoy. The best part? This recipe is way healthier than the classic thanks to part of the mayo being substituted with with smashed avocado. Healthy, creamy, and delicious.
4. Chicken Poppers
Chicken poppers are a protein-heavy main course made in kid-size portions. It’s easy for them to pick up with little fingers and even dip into some kind of sauce. Pack a sugar-free ketchup or a side of ranch and they will devour these.
5. Homemade Uncrustables
Some parents might try to avoid the ingredients in a store-bought package of Uncrustables. But that won’t stop your kids from wanting them, especially if their friends are eating them. So instead, make some homemade Uncrustables. They are easy and tasty, plus you can make a big batch and keep them in the freezer if needed. They’ll be defrosted by lunch.
6. Tuna Pinwheels
Tuna pinwheels are delicious (for adults, too!) and very filling. They will tide the kiddos over until they get home with no problem thanks to all that amazing protein. In fact, they might even stay full until dinner. Pack these with a side of carrot sticks or other small snacks.
7. Apple & Smoked Gouda Lunchbox Kebobs
While you will want to choose your skewers carefully, these delicious apple & smoked Gouda lunchbox kebobs are a fun and tasty way to get the kids to fill their bellies at the lunch table. While these may be better suited for older kids, there are kid-friendly skewers available.
8. Spaghetti Cups
Spaghetti cups turn messy spaghetti into tidy finger food. They are easy to pack and fun for the kids to eat. They are cheesy, and easily pack into a lunchbox thanks to their “mini muffin” size. Pair with some veggie sticks or a salad.
9. Lunch Box Burritos
These lunch box burritos are a great option for make-ahead lunches. Make a big batch and freeze them for easy lunch packing in the morning. If you take them out the evening before and keep them in the fridge overnight, they will be thawed just fine by the time lunchtime rolls around.
10. Banana Poppers
Do your kids like bananas? Take those bananas to the next level and turn them into lunch with this banana poppers recipe. They are perfect for little fingers, and super easy to eat. You can make them as little or as chunky as you like, and the kids will love finding them in their lunchboxes.
11. Mac and Cheese Bites
Mac and cheese bites are a fun lunch that is mess-free and something the kids will enjoy. Make a big batch so you have a few days’ worth for easy lunches. These can be frozen as well if you need to make ahead.
12. Quinoa Muffins For School Lunches
Quinoa muffins for school lunches are a great way to get your kids to eat more whole grains (though, technically, quinoa is a seed). They are bite-size deliciousness that is perfectly fitted for a bento-style lunchbox.
13. Jam Sandwiches For Lunchbox Lunches
Do your kids prefer something a little sweeter for lunch? Find a no-sugar fruit preserve and make these jam sandwiches for lunchbox lunches. It’s the yumminess of a PB&J, just without the PB. The kids will love them and you can cut them to any size or shape.
14. Banana Sushi
Yes, banana sushi is a thing, and it’s absolutely perfect for school lunches. It’s filling, and satisfying, and the kids will have a lot of fun eating it. You can even pack chopsticks. If you pack a yogurt cup, your kids can even dunk these in yogurt for a tasty “sauce.”
15. Easy Gimbap
This easy gimbap recipe is a quick and simple meal for school lunches. Kids never argue with hot dogs, and you can feel good about the brown rice and nori. In the interest of time on a busy school morning, these are best to make the night before.
More From The Gracious Pantry
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.
