Coming up with simple and nutritious lunch ideas can sometimes be a challenge….especially during the summer!
Dig into this collection of creative and tasty lunch ideas that help you and your kids enjoy summer even more.
#1: Bento Box Bonanza
Bento boxes are a fantastic way to pack a variety of nutritious foods in a way kids like.
Divide the box into different compartments and fill them with an assortment of bite-sized fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains.
You can include items like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, cheese cubes, hummus, whole grain crackers, and mini wraps filled with lean meats or veggies.
#2: Easy Wraps
Swap traditional bread for whole grain or whole wheat wraps and fill them with oodles of yummy food!
Opt for lean proteins like grilled chicken or turkey, add a layer of crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a smidge of low-fat mayo or hummus.
Roll them up tightly and slice them into bite-sized pinwheels.
#3: Mini Quiches:
Bake a batch of mini quiches using a muffin tin to create a fun and protein-packed lunch.
Beat eggs with a splash of milk and add various fillings like chopped vegetables, cheese, and diced ham or turkey.
Pour the mixture into the muffin cups and bake until golden brown.
#4: Salad Skewers:
Making salads colorful can entice even the pickiest of eaters.
Use a combination of cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, cheese cubes, and grilled chicken or deli turkey and place onto skewers.
Serve them with a side of light dressing for dipping! Grab the recipe here!
#5: Homemade Lunchables
Create your own healthier version of this classic favorite by using whole wheat crackers, lean deli meats, and slices of cheese.
Eating on a Dime has an entire blog post dedicated to this idea.
Read her tips and recipe here!
#6: Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a kid-friendly lunch option that can be prepared the night before.
Opt for whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta for added nutrition.
Toss with Italian or Ranch dressing and add pepperoni, salami, tomatoes, tuna, salt, pepper, tiny chopped tomatoes, chopped carrots, and chopped cucumbers for a veggie packed lunch!
#7: Mini Pita Pockets
Fill mini whole wheat pita pockets with a combination of lean protein such as grilled chicken or turkey, crunchy veggies like shredded lettuce and sliced bell peppers, and a dollop of creamy dressing or hummus.
#7: Rainbow Fruit SkeweRS
Create colorful fruit skewers by threading a variety of bite-sized fruits onto skewers.
Use fruits like strawberries, grapes, pineapple chunks, and melon balls.
These vibrant skewers are a refreshing lunchtime treat.
#8: Veggie Quesadillas
Spread a layer of refried beans or mashed avocado on a whole wheat tortilla, sprinkle it with grated cheese.
Fold the tortilla in half and heat it in a skillet until the cheese melts.
Cut into triangles and serve.
If you want a quesadilla with meat, try this version!
#9: DIY Pizza Lunchables
Provide your child with whole grain English muffins or mini pizza crusts, along with small containers of tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and various toppings like diced vegetables, lean meats, or olives.
They can assemble their own personal pizzas!
#10: Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
These are super easy (learn how to make them here) to make and we even added some brown sugar for a sweet twist!
Kids LOVE these and make them as often as possible. :)
#11: Mini Bagel Sandwiches
Use mini whole wheat bagels as a base for these tiny sandwiches. Layer them with lean deli meats, cheese, and veggies like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
Add a spread of hummus or light cream cheese for extra flavor.
#12: Taco Salad in a Jar
Layer a mason jar with shredded lettuce, cooked ground beef or beans, diced tomatoes, corn, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.
Add a side of salsa or Greek yogurt for a zesty dressing. Shake it up or dump it into a bowl to enjoy a fiesta of flavors!
Grab an awesome recipe for taco salad in a jar from Food, Faith, and Fitness right here!
#13: Banana Dog:
Swap the bun for a whole wheat tortilla and the hot dog for a banana. Spread peanut butter on the tortilla, place the banana in the center, and roll it up.
Slice it into bite-sized rounds for a playful twist on a classic.
#14: Mediterranean Pita Pockets:
Fill whole wheat pita pockets with a mix of hummus, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
It’s like a mini Greek vacation in every bite!
#15: Mini Waffle Sandwiches
Toast mini whole grain waffles and use them as a base for a sandwich. Add a spread of cream cheese or nut butter and layer it with sliced fruits like strawberries or banana.
Top it with another waffle to create a delightful and portable treat.
Grab the breakfast version from Fantabulosity here!
#16: Ants on a Log 2.0
Take celery sticks, fill the groove with almond or peanut butter, and sprinkle it with raisins or dried cranberries.
It’s a playful and crunchy twist on the classic snack that will have your little ones asking for more.
#17: Apple Nachos
Slice apples into thin rounds and arrange them on a plate.
Drizzle them with a little melted dark chocolate or almond butter, and sprinkle with granola or crushed nuts.
These sweet and crunchy “nachos” will be a hit! Grab the recipe here!
#18: Cheesy Veggie Muffins
Whip up a batch of savory muffins with shredded zucchini, carrots, and cheese. They’re perfect for sneaking in those veggies and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Here’s a great recipe to use for this idea!
#19: Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Hard-boil some eggs, chop them up, and mix them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or light mayo.
Add diced celery and a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
Spoon the egg salad into large lettuce leaves for a light and protein-rich lunch.
#20: Quinoa Salad Cups
Cook quinoa and mix it with chopped veggies, such as bell peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
Stir in some feta cheese and dress it with a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Spoon the salad into lettuce cups or small containers for a nutritious and portable lunch.
#21: Tuna Salad BLT Sandwich OR Lettuce Wraps
Use this recipe for a classic tuna salad.
Spoon the tuna salad onto your child’s favorite sandwich bread. For a lower carb option, use lettuce leaves.
#22: Sweet Potato Bites
Cut sweet potatoes into rounds or sticks and bake them until tender.
Find complete instructions here.
#23: Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Call me biased, but our stir fry recipe is still my favorite. It’s simple and several of my teens make it.
We don’t even use a wok!
We use a frying pan and sometimes an iron skillet (because we’re Southerners!).
But my kids LOVE this recipe and if we have leftovers, I turn it into a soup the next day!
You can make the smoked sausage stir fry version here.
#24: Mini Meatball Sliders:
Make mini, frozen meatballs.
Place on slider buns.
Add a slice of cheese and a spoonful of marinara sauce for a tasty and protein-packed lunch.
#25: Cottage Cheese Parfait:
Layer low-fat cottage cheese with fresh berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
This parfait provides a balance of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness for a nutritious and satisfying lunch option.
Enjoy making the summer less stressful with these easy lunch ideas that parents and kids love.
Want to chat with other parents and our team about more summer parenting tips and recipes? Join our Parents Connect group!
See you there!
