Here are 10 healthy back-to-school lunch recipes for kids — fun, nutritious, and easy to prep ahead or pack in a lunchbox:
1. Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups
Ingredients:
- Sliced turkey breast
- Cheese slices (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Whole wheat tortillas or lettuce leaves
Directions:
Roll cheese inside turkey and a tortilla or lettuce leaf. Cut into pinwheels or serve whole.
Nutrition Tip: Add a side of baby carrots or apple slices for crunch and fiber.
2. Mini Veggie Egg Muffins
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
Directions:
Mix ingredients and pour into greased muffin tin. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition Tip: Packed with protein and hidden veggies.
3. Chicken & Avocado Wrap
Ingredients:
- Grilled chicken strips
- Mashed avocado
- Whole wheat tortilla
- Shredded lettuce
Directions:
Spread avocado on tortilla, add chicken and lettuce, roll and slice.
Nutrition Tip: Healthy fats from avocado help with brain function.
4. DIY Lunchbox Snack Packs
Ingredients:
- Whole grain crackers
- Cubed cheese
- Turkey or ham cubes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Apple slices
Directions:
Pack components in a bento-style box for mix-and-match fun.
Nutrition Tip: Balanced proteins, carbs, and fiber in one lunch.
5. Rainbow Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- Cooked whole grain pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Diced cucumber
- Shredded carrots
- Olive oil + lemon juice
Directions:
Mix ingredients and drizzle with olive oil and lemon. Chill before serving.
Nutrition Tip: Colorful veggies = more vitamins and antioxidants.
6. SunButter & Banana Roll-Up
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat tortilla
- SunButter or almond butter
- Sliced banana
Directions:
Spread SunButter, layer banana slices, roll up and slice.
**SunButter is a brand of sunflower seed butter. It is an edible food paste similar to peanut butter, mainly used as a sandwich spread by people with peanut allergies and/or tree nut allergies. SunButter is manufactured by SunGold Foods, Inc. in Fargo, North Dakota.
Nutrition Tip: Great nut-free protein source for allergy-safe schools.
7. Mini Hummus & Veggie Pitas
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat pita pockets
- Hummus
- Shredded carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce
Directions:
Fill pita halves with hummus and veggies.
Nutrition Tip: Hummus provides plant-based protein and fiber.
8. Baked Chicken Nuggets (Homemade)
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast chunks
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Seasonings (garlic powder, paprika)
Directions:
Dip chicken in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
Nutrition Tip: Lower fat than fried and no additives.
9. Yogurt Parfait Jar
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt
- Berries
- Granola (nut-free if needed)
- Honey (optional)
Directions:
Layer yogurt, berries, and granola in a mason jar.
Nutrition Tip: High-protein lunch with natural sweetness.
10. Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
Ingredients:
- Grape Tomatoes – kept whole
- Mini Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine) Cherry Sized if available
- Basil Leaves if desired
- Mini Skewers or Toothpicks
Directions:
Alternate Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella Ball adding a basil leaf in between if using. Can season with Salt & Pepper and drizzle with olive oil or balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
Nutrition Tip: Basil is rich in Vitamin K, and also provides manganese, calcium, and magnesium.
Other Options to consider for Healthy Lunches:
Use skewers for Healthy Fruit Snacks and pack flavored Greek Yogurt to dip them in.
Carrot Sticks with homemade Ranch Dressing or Hummus to dip.
SunButter and Jelly Squares- simply make a sandwich and cut into squares, or consider making your own ‘Uncrustable’ with this sandwich maker: https://amzn.to/4lT6U86
Homemade Soup with their favorite flavors- packed in a cute thermos to keep it warm.
Add your children to their lunch making decision, and have them help you prep to ensure that they will finish their meal, and feel like they have had a say in their nutrition!
Want a fun menu that you and your kids can fill out weekly and help with shopping? Click here to get your Canva Template that you can print out and fill in each week and inspire your kids on their Wellthy Eating Journey!
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