Are you looking for some fresh and exciting ideas to pack in your kids’ lunchboxes as they head back to school? Here are some creative and nutritious suggestions that will keep your little ones satisfied and energized throughout the day:
- Fruit: 🍎🥝🥭 Shake things up by including unique options like kiwi, mango, and dried apple to add a burst of flavor to their meal.
- Vegetables: 🫛🥒🫑Encourage veggie intake with mini bell peppers, snap peas, grape tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers. Pair them with tasty dips like hummus or guacamole for extra appeal.
- Protein: 🍗🥜🫘🥚Ensure your child gets a healthy dose of protein with options like grilled chicken, lean ham, deli turkey, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, edamame, black beans, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt.
- Dairy: 🧀🥛Don’t forget the dairy! Milk, soy milk, yogurt, cheese sticks, and cottage cheese are great choices to round out the meal.
- Whole Grains: 🫓🌾Opt for whole wheat or whole grain options like bread, pita, tortillas, or crackers to provide lasting energy.
Wrap/Pita/Sandwich Ideas:
- Ham, pineapple, and cream cheese
- Chicken, salsa, shredded cheddar, and baby spinach
- Almond butter and banana
- Turkey, shredded carrots, tomato, lettuce, and Ranch dressing
- Hummus, sliced cucumbers, spinach, and tomatoes
- Pizza wrap with spaghetti sauce, mozzarella, olives, and green peppers
- Burrito with black beans, salsa, and mozzarella
- Tuna, pickles, spinach, and grape tomatoes
Salad Varieties:
- Green salad with chicken, salsa, and corn chips
- Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta
- Green salad with ham, turkey, avocado, and cheddar
- Chicken salad with walnuts and grapes
- Tuna salad with whole grain crackers
- Pasta salad with veggies, turkey, and cheese
Out-of-the-Box Ideas:
- Cottage cheese with fruit, nuts, and cherry tomatoes
- Greek yogurt with fruit, cereal, and carrot raisin salad
- Cheese stick, popcorn, apple, and celery with peanut butter
- Hard-boiled egg, mini bagel with peanut butter, orange, and cucumber with hummus
- Trail mix, fruits, snap peas, and cottage cheese with Ranch dressing
- Homemade sushi with rice, chicken, and veggies
- Grilled chicken tenders with honey mustard dip, pear, cheese, and muffin
- Tacos with corn chips, cheese, beans/meat, and salsa
- Leftover pasta, peppers, and grapes
- Yogurt smoothie, peanut butter, and crackers
- Lettuce wraps with chicken, peanuts, carrots, and peanut sauce
- Cheese and grape kabob, turkey, and crackers
Treats:
- Lara bar
- Air-popped popcorn
- Mini muffins
- Trail mix
- Granola bars
- Baked veggie chips
- Dried fruit chips
- Cereals
- With these delicious and nutritious lunch ideas, your kids will be all set to conquer the school day ahead!