As the back-to-school rush begins, so does the daily challenge of figuring out what to pack for lunch. I’ve got you covered with my roundup of 15 delicious back-to-school lunch ideas. These fresh ideas will make your mornings smoother and ensure those lunchboxes come home empty every afternoon.
It’s back to school time, and I’m thinking about lunch. I love sending my daughter off to school with food I know she will a.) actually eat and b.) that is good for her. No one wants a boring lunch, so that’s why I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite back to school lunch ideas that will have your kids looking forward to getting back into the classroom. You might even get jealous and pack your own lunch, too! These recipes are also about convenience: these school lunch ideas are all about smooth prep and smoother mornings.
Bento box-style back to school lunch ideas
My ultimate hack for making back-to-school lunches exciting for my daughter is bento box style lunches! What’s that? I’m glad you asked—it’s simple! I whip up one main protein source, like the recipes below, and then pair it with a variety of her favorite snacks. Think fresh vegetables, like baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, or sliced cucumbers, or fresh fruit, like grapes, bananas, blueberries, or apple slices. I sometimes pop a dip or cheese cubes with crackers in there—or leftover corn on the cob , too. It’s super easy to change things up with endless possibilities! The chickpeas in these zucchini patties make them filling. They taste like falafel, and I pack them with a yogurt dip. My bacon and egg cups are a lunchtime favorite that never fails. The egg will satisfy your little one, while the crispy and savory bacon will keep them reaching for it. It’s super easy to make a batch of them at the start of the week. The whole family can enjoy them, and you don’t have to worry about what’s for lunch for the next few days. Finally, the undisputed champion of kid-friendly meals has to be these easy chicken bites or my baked chicken nuggets ! They’re both baked, not fried. These are guaranteed to be a hit!
Packable back to school lunch ideas
Some lunches taste better when you heat them up—but that’s not an option at school! THESE packable recipes taste great at room temperature, too, so pop them in a container and enjoy them straight from the box! This hearty vegetarian chili recipe is packed with beans, veggies, and spices. I usually make this during fall or winter so my girl has a comforting lunch to enjoy in the cooler months. Yogurt is the ingredient that makes this pasta with peas and bacon so creamy , not heavy cream. This makes it lighter while tasting rich and delicious for your little one. For refreshing and vibrant lunches, turn to Asian flavors! This Asian noodle salad is a breeze—it takes just 30 minutes, and you’ll have a batch to share around or last for a few days. These banh mi noodle bowls are inspired by the traditional Vietnamese sandwich for a fun and satisfying lunch.
Sandwiches, wraps, and quesadillas
A good peanut butter and jelly sandwich has its place in my heart, but let’s admit it: they can get a bit boring if you eat them too often. These handheld sandwiches, wraps, and quesadillas are so good that your kid will be counting down until the lunch bell rings. Try not to eat these BBQ chicken quesadillas before you pack them up – they’re sure to be hit lunch box ideas. Pack up a side of guacamole , avocado, or corn salsa to make it a school lunch feast. Nothing beats a good old sandwich for lunch, and this roast beef sandwich is sure to be a winner. It has thinly sliced radishes for crunch and horseradish mayo for extra flavor. These vibrant, fresh spring rolls are easy, colorful, and tasty—and even better with the tahini dipping sauce. These bruschetta chicken lettuce wraps are just as good—especially in the warmer school months!
Salad ideas for school lunches
Who said you shouldn’t make friends with salad? These salads are vibrant and exciting, but they’ll also be filling enough to get your kiddo through the afternoon. My daughter loves them for their flavor and tasty extras and barely notices all the leafy bits. These salads hold up really well until lunchtime without losing their texture. They’ll love this tuna balls salad bowl – the tuna is crispy on the outside, which makes it feel like a treat, but tender and delicious once you sink your teeth in! A good salad is full of contrasting and delicious flavors and textures, and this chicken salad is exactly that! Your kids will love the creaminess and the sweet grapes, and the celery will provide some satisfying crunch. Remember to omit the sliced almonds if your school is nut-free. This cranberry chicken salad will have the same result! This curried wheat berry chicken salad is a hearty option that is full of flavor and will keep them satiated until they get home. Again, remember to omit the walnuts for nut-free schools!
Snack time
Finally, let’s talk about snacks because who doesn’t love a little extra something to get them through the school day? First, these nut-free granola bars are a favorite in my household—they’re packed with flavor yet completely nut-free (a must for many schools). Or, swap out the crisps for something lighter – kids love these crispy baked apple chips for their natural sweetness. My daughter loves apple cinnamon muffins with a tub of yogurt. If your kid’s school is nut-free, try these whole wheat muffins instead.
