10+ Good Lunch Ideas for School: Healthy Recipes Kids Will Love

Packing healthy lunches for school can be a challenge, especially when trying to please picky eaters. You need to find good lunch ideas that are both nutritious and appealing to kids.

With a little creativity, you can prepare meals that are fun, easy, and full of good-for-you ingredients. Whether you’re looking for quick recipes or meal prep ideas, there are plenty of options to keep lunchtime exciting and healthy for your child.

Grilled Chicken & Avocado Wrap

A Grilled Chicken & Avocado Wrap is a delicious and healthy option for lunch. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You can enjoy it at school or anywhere you go.

To start, you’ll want some grilled chicken breast. It provides lean protein to keep you strong and full. Adding avocado gives a creamy texture and is full of good fats.

You can also include fresh spinach or lettuce for crunch. A touch of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a bit of tang. Wrap it all up in a whole wheat tortilla for extra nutrition.

This wrap is not only tasty but also portable. You can prepare it in just a few minutes. It makes for a satisfying lunch that you’ll look forward to.

Ingredients

• 1 grilled chicken breast
• 1 ripe avocado
• Fresh spinach or lettuce
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• Whole wheat tortilla

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the grilled chicken breast.
2. Mash the avocado in a bowl.
3. Mix in Greek yogurt with the mashed avocado.
4. Lay the spinach on the tortilla.
5. Add sliced chicken and avocado mixture.
6. Roll the tortilla tightly and cut in half.

2) Quinoa & Black Bean Salad

Quinoa and black bean salad is a tasty and nutritious option for your lunch. It combines protein-rich quinoa with black beans, making it filling and healthy. The colorful veggies add crunch and flavor.

You can customize this salad by adding your favorite ingredients, like cherry tomatoes or avocado. The dressing, made from lime juice and olive oil, enhances the taste and gives it a refreshing touch.

This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover for 15 minutes.
3. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooled quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
5. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently.

3) Turkey & Hummus Roll-ups

Turkey and hummus roll-ups are a tasty and healthy option for school lunches. They are easy to make and packed with protein. Plus, they are perfect for kids who may be picky eaters.

To make these roll-ups, you’ll need some sliced turkey, hummus, a tortilla, and your favorite veggies. You can add spinach, cucumber, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.

Start by spreading a layer of hummus on the tortilla. Then, layer the turkey and veggies on top. Roll it up tightly and slice it into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easy to eat and fun for kids.

These roll-ups are not only delicious but also versatile. You can change the ingredients based on your child’s preferences. They can be enjoyed cold or packed in a lunchbox for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• Sliced turkey
• Hummus
• Tortilla
• Fresh veggies (like spinach, cucumbers, or bell peppers)

Cooking Instructions

1. Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Spread a layer of hummus over the tortilla.
3. Add sliced turkey and your choice of veggies.
4. Roll up the tortilla tightly.
5. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve.

4) Veggie Sushi Rolls

Veggie sushi rolls are a fun and healthy lunch idea for school. They are easy to make and full of fresh flavors. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables.

Start with sushi rice, which sticks well when cooked. Rinse the rice until the water is clear, then cook it according to your rice cooker’s instructions. You typically need 2¼ cups of water for 2¼ cups of rice.

Next, take some nori (seaweed sheets). Lay a sheet on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top edge.

Now, add your favorite veggies like cucumber, carrots, or avocado in a line. Roll the mat away from you, pressing gently to keep the roll tight. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.

These sushi rolls are great with a side of soy sauce for dipping!

Ingredients:

• 2¼ cups sushi rice
• 2¼ cups water
• Nori sheets
• Cucumber, sliced
• Carrots, julienned
• Avocado, sliced

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse rice until water is clear.
2. Cook rice with water in a rice cooker.
3. Lay nori on a bamboo mat.
4. Spread rice over nori, leaving an inch at the top.
5. Add veggies in a line.
6. Roll tightly using the mat.
7. Slice into pieces with a sharp knife.

5) Greek Yogurt & Berry Parfait

A Greek yogurt and berry parfait is a tasty and healthy lunch option for school. It’s easy to prepare and offers a great mix of flavors. You can use your favorite berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries.

Start with a layer of Greek yogurt in a cup. Then, add a layer of fresh berries. You can repeat the layers, creating a colorful treat. Adding a sprinkle of granola on top gives it a nice crunch.

This parfait is not only delicious but also packed with protein and vitamins. It makes for a balanced meal that keeps you full and satisfied.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (0% or low-fat)
• ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• 2 tablespoons granola
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the berries and slice the strawberries if needed.
2. In a cup, add half of the Greek yogurt.
3. Layer half of the mixed berries on top of the yogurt.
4. Add the remaining yogurt over the berries.
5. Top with the rest of the mixed berries and sprinkle granola.
6. Drizzle with honey if desired. Enjoy!

6) Whole Wheat Pita with Tuna Salad

Whole wheat pita with tuna salad is a nutritious and tasty lunch option. It’s easy to make and packed with protein. You can mix canned tuna with fresh veggies for a crunchy texture.

Start by choosing a whole wheat pita pocket. This adds fiber to your meal. Then, prepare the tuna salad by combining canned tuna with ingredients like diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing.

Stuff the pita with the tuna mixture. You can also add lettuce or spinach for extra nutrients. This meal is not only delicious but also filling.

Enjoy it with some fresh fruit or yogurt. It makes a perfect school lunch that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Ingredients

• 1 whole wheat pita
• 1 can of tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons dressing (like Greek yogurt or mayo)
• Lettuce or spinach (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the tuna, cucumbers, tomatoes, and dressing.
2. Cut the pita in half to create pockets.
3. Fill the pita halves with the tuna mixture.
4. Add lettuce or spinach if desired. Enjoy!

7) Spinach & Feta Stuffed Peppers

Spinach and feta stuffed peppers make a tasty and healthy lunch option for school. They are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. Plus, they can be made ahead of time for convenience.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). For this recipe, you will need bell peppers, fresh spinach, feta cheese, and some grains like quinoa or rice. The mix of flavors and textures will keep lunchtime exciting.

Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl, stuff the peppers, and bake them in a casserole dish. They will be ready in about 25 minutes. The end result is a warm, satisfying meal that also looks great on your lunch tray.

These stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily add your favorite spices or other veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, quinoa or rice, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
4. Stuff each pepper with the mixture.
5. Place the peppers in a casserole dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes until the peppers are tender.

8) Chickpea & Couscous Mason Jar Salad

The Chickpea & Couscous Mason Jar Salad is a tasty and simple lunch option. It’s colorful and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for school.

Start with cooked couscous at the bottom of your mason jar. This adds a fluffy base that holds everything together.

Next, layer in canned chickpeas for protein, giving you energy all day long.

Add some chopped veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes for freshness. A sprinkle of herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavors.

For the dressing, a light vinaigrette works well, keeping it healthy and delicious. Remember to keep the dressing at the bottom to prevent sogginess until you’re ready to enjoy it!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked couscous
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• Fresh herbs (parsley or basil)
• 3 tablespoons vinaigrette

Cooking Instructions

1. Layer cooked couscous in the bottom of the jar.
2. Add chickpeas on top of the couscous.
3. Layer diced cucumbers and tomatoes.
4. Sprinkle fresh herbs.
5. Pour vinaigrette at the bottom, sealing the jar.

9) Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos

Sweet potato and black bean tacos are a tasty and healthy lunch idea. They are easy to make and perfect for a school meal. The combination of flavors is satisfying and delicious.

To prepare, start by roasting sweet potatoes. This brings out their natural sweetness.

Pair them with black beans for protein. Add some spices for extra flavor.

You can serve these tacos in corn or whole wheat tortillas. Top with avocado, salsa, or cheese if you like. This makes them colorful and fun to eat.

These tacos also keep well, so you can pack them for lunch. They taste great both warm and cold.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can black beans
• Olive oil
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes.
3. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes.
4. Heat black beans in a pot.
5. Assemble tacos with sweet potatoes and black beans. Top as desired.

10) Banana & Almond Butter Sandwich

A Banana & Almond Butter Sandwich is a quick and healthy lunch option. It’s easy to make and delicious. You just need a few simple ingredients.

Start by spreading almond butter on a slice of whole grain bread. Almond butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein.

Then, slice a banana and place the slices on top of the almond butter.

Drizzle a little honey over the banana for added sweetness. This sandwich is not only tasty but also gives you energy for the rest of your day.

You can pack it for school or enjoy it at home. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good mix of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of whole grain bread
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 1 banana
• 1 teaspoon honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread almond butter on one slice of bread.
2. Slice the banana and place the slices on top of the almond butter.
3. Drizzle honey over the banana slices.
4. Top with the second slice of bread and enjoy!