27 Healthy School Lunch Ideas
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Eating healthy while going to school can be challenging. Make these healthy lunches for school! They’re kid-friendly, teen-friendly, nutritious, full of taste and yummy!
Back-to-school season can be so hectic. There are new clothes and school supplies to buy.
There are also school routines to get used to. And of course, there’s the question: “What are the kids going to have for lunch?”.
Now you could make tuna or chicken salad sandwiches for lunch. But they get boring fast.
Before you know it, your kids come back with their lunch uneaten. Or they trade their lunch with a friend. Ouch!
So, to get the ball rolling, I’m sharing 27 Healthy School Lunch Ideas. Not only are they healthy, but they’ll save you the stress of what to pack for lunch.
To pack their lunches, it’s best to have various containers for different lunch options. For instance, this cute Bento Box allows you to divide lunches into separate components.
Meanwhile, this thermos is great for keeping food hot or cold. And these tiny containers with lids are great for packing snacks and dips.
Table of Contents
- 1. Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Dates
- 2. Tortilla Rollups with Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
- 3. Rainbow Hummus Veggie Wrap
- 4. Spinach Feta Wrap
- 5. Vegan Pinwheels
- 6. Chicken and Mango Couscous Salad
- 7. Chicken Avocado Wrap
- 8. Chickpea “Chicken” Salad
- 9. Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- 10. Chicken Salad Wrap
- 11. Tuna Avocado and Cucumber Sushi
- 12. Homemade Pizza Lunchable
- 13. Spicy Tuna Wrap
- 14. Vegetable Savoury Muffins
- 15. Vegan BLT Tempeh Sandwich
- 16. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 17. Healthy Pizza Dippers
- 18. Halloumi Wraps
- 19. Mango Avocado Salad
- 20. Instant Pot Fried Rice
- 21. Vegan Black Bean Burrito
- 22. Zucchini and Bacon Slice
- 23. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
- 24. Veggie Chunks Curry
- 25. Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets
- 26. Apricot Bliss Balls
- 27. Savoury Bacon and Vegetable Muffins
- 27 Healthy School Lunch Ideas Recipe
1. Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Dates
Credit: allnutritious.com
Did you hate eating Brussels Sprouts as a kid? Don’t worry – these aren’t the Brussels Sprouts from your childhood.
In fact, they’re sweet and savory. That’s because you’re sauteing them in bacon grease.
Then you finish them off with a date syrup glaze. Yum!
And the salty, crispy bacon makes this dish even more irresistible. Your kids will be hogging their lunch – no sharing with friends!
Check out more 200 calorie recipes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 251
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 7.6g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8.6g
2. Tortilla Rollups with Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
Credit: veggieinspired.com
Sandwiches are nice and all. But rollups are way more fun.
These rollups are as cute as a button. And they taste great too.
The dairy-free cream cheese complements the crunchiness of the veggies. And talking about veggies, there’s a boatload of them.
There are bell peppers, carrots, radishes, cucumbers, and arugula. So, you have sweet and peppery notes too.
But don’t let the cuteness of the rollups fool you. They’re straightforward to make.
Start by spreading vegan cream cheese on your tortilla. Then place your cut veggies on top.
Next, roll up the tortilla tightly. Then cut the tortilla into small bite-size pieces.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 165
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
3. Rainbow Hummus Veggie Wrap
Credit: recipesfromapantry.com
Looking for another easy meal idea? This Rainbow Hummus Veggie Wrap is a great option.
It’s tasty, creamy, and full of an array of colorful veggies. You’ve got orange carrots, red bell peppers, orange bell peppers, green spinach, purple cabbage.
In fact, you’ve got almost all the colors of the rainbow. Your kids will be so delighted!
What I love is that this Wrap takes only 10 minutes to make. Most of the work will be cutting the veggies.
But you can speed things up by using a food processor like this.
Now that’s a wrap – pun intended.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 238
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 5g
4. Spinach Feta Wrap
Credit: allnutritious.com
Do your kids love Greek flavors? Then they’ll be on cloud nine with my Spinach Feta Wrap.
It’s refreshingly delicious and full of yummy Greek flavors. You’ve got creamy hummus, salty feta cheese, baby spinach, and sweet red bell peppers. Yum!
Making it is so easy. Start by pressing your minced garlic into the hummus.
Then spread the hummus onto the tortilla. Next, pile your spinach, red bell pepper, and feta cheese on one half of the tortilla.
Finally, roll up your Wrap before cutting it in half. Easy peasy. Check out more low-calorie wraps here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 270
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Sugar: 2g
5. Vegan Pinwheels
Credit: delightfuladventures.com
Need a lunch idea for Meatless Monday? These Vegan Pinwheels are a great option.
They’re creamy, savory, and colorful. But most importantly, they’re filling.
That’s because you’re using mashed chickpeas as your spread. Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein.
In fact, one cup of canned chickpeas provides 12 grams of protein. It also contains magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese for strong bones.
And it even provides Vitamin C, which helps boost your kids’ immune systems.
Now you’ll be using vegan mayo for these pinwheels. However, if you don’t have any on hand, you can simply add some mashed avocado.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 69
- Fats: 2.7g
- Protein: 2.5g
- Carbs: 9.3g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 1.6g
6. Chicken and Mango Couscous Salad
Credit: kitchencounterchronicle.com
Are your kids more on the adventurous side? Then they will love this Chicken and Mango Couscous Salad.
It is full of yummy flavors and textures. You’ve got fluffy couscous, rotisserie chicken, sweet carrots, tangy mango, and crunchy cucumbers.
And the simple homemade vinaigrette adds extra freshness.
Besides adding texture, couscous is nutritious too.
It is a good source of plant-based protein. And it is rich in selenium.
Selenium helps reduce inflammation. As an added bonus, it boosts your kids’ immune systems.
Besides using couscous in salads, you can add it to soups and casserole. If you’d like to pick up some couscous, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 546
- Fats: 2.8g
- Protein: 16.4g
- Carbs: 85g
- Fiber: 7.6g
- Sugar: 9.7g
7. Chicken Avocado Wrap
Credit: allnutritious.com
Here’s another chicken lunch idea. After all, which kid doesn’t love chicken?
These Chicken Avocado Wraps are creamy, flavorful, and fresh. They’re also healthier than your usual chicken salad sandwiches.
For instance, instead of mayo, you’re adding avocados. Avocados add not only creaminess but extra nutrition.
Avocadoes are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. And they contain fiber which is good for your kids’ digestive system.
They also provide potassium for healthy blood pressure.
You’re also adding Greek yogurt as your base. Greek yogurt provides a good boost of protein.
It is also rich in calcium which your kids need for strong bones. And it even contains probiotics that boost your kids’ immune systems.
Check out more 300 calorie meals.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 314
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 6.4g
- Sugar: 1.3g
8. Chickpea “Chicken” Salad
Credit: delightfuladventures.com
Looking for a vegan “chicken” salad? Give this Chickpea “Chicken” Salad a try.
It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, and has a hint of heat from the Dijon mustard. The fresh parsley, dill, and lemon juice add layers of freshness.
And your kids can eat it in so many ways. They can eat it as-is, on lettuce leaves, or even whole wheat bread – the possibilities are endless.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 169
- Fats: 11.6g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 13.6g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 2.7g
9. Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Credit: budgetdelicious.com
Do your kids prefer exotic flavors? Feed them this Chicken Shawarma Wrap.
This Wrap tastes just like Lebanese takeout – without all the cost. The shawarma spices meld beautifully with the creaminess of the yogurt.
And the cabbage, red onions, and cucumbers add crunch and freshness.
Making the Chicken Shawarma is relatively easy. Rub your chicken in oil and shawarma spices.
Let marinate for a few minutes. Then fire up the grill and cook the chicken until it is cooked through.
Finally, slice your chicken and top with the rest of the marinade paste.
Too cold to fire up the grill? That’s okay – you can use a grill pan instead. This one is great for both induction and stovetops.
Check out more 400 calorie recipes here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 425
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
10. Chicken Salad Wrap
Credit: allnutritious.com
Making school lunches can be so tiresome. Add to that, making your own lunches too.
So, it’s great when you can eat the same lunches as your kids. My Chicken Salad Wrap is perfect for both the adults and the kiddos.
It’s delicious and so refreshing. The sweetness of the honey plays off the heat of the Dijon mustard.
And the creamy avocado and Greek yogurt complement the crunchy celery and lettuce.
And it’s very nutritious too. It’s packed with protein which is excellent for growing kids.
Yet, it’s low in calories – perfect if you’re watching your calories.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 277
- Fats: 8.5g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Sugar: 2.9g
11. Tuna Avocado and Cucumber Sushi
Credit: goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au
Want a lunch idea that will impress your kids’ friends? This Tuna Avocado and Cucumber Sushi is an excellent option.
It’s full of flavor. The caster sugar adds sweetness, while the rice wine vinegar adds acidity.
And the crunchiness of the cucumber is offset by the creaminess of the mayonnaise. And the nori sheets add a delicious umami flavor.
Nori is also good for your kids. It contains iodine which supports thyroid function.
And it contains folate, which is crucial for making DNA. Don’t have any nori on hand? You can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 282
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 45.1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3.7g
12. Homemade Pizza Lunchable
Credit: midgetmomma.com
Are your kids begging for pizza for lunch? Serve them these Homemade Pizza Lunchables.
They’re yummy to eat – and fun for the kids to assemble. Just pack the sandwich thins, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni in a good bento box.
That way, the foods stay separate. These bento boxes are leakproof, so you won’t have to worry about pizza sauce leaking in your kids’ bags.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 177g
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber:
- Sugar: 1g
13. Spicy Tuna Wrap
Credit: allnutritious.com
Can your kids handle the heat? Then my Spicy Tuna Wrap will be up to their alley.
The carrots add sweetness, while the soy sauce adds umami. And the Greek yogurt, avocado, and cucumbers provide some relief from the heat of the sriracha sauce.
Besides being tasty, this Tuna Wrap is so good for your kids. In fact, eating fish just once a week can increase your kids’ IQ.
As an added bonus, it helps them sleep better too.
Now, that’s what I like to hear.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 207
- Fats: 7.6g
- Protein: 8.5g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4.1g
14. Vegetable Savoury Muffins
Credit: healthylittlefoodies.com
Is getting your kids to eat their veggies a losing battle? Turn the tide with these Vegetable Savory Muffins.
They’re packed with 4 different veggies. There are peas, corn, carrots, and even zucchini.
But these muffins are so cheesy and fluffy. Your kids won’t mind sinking their teeth into them.
What’s more, these muffins freeze very well. In fact, they last in the freezer for about 3 months.
So, you can make a few batches and have your kids’ lunches prepped for weeks.
Just be sure to wrap each muffin in aluminum foil. Then place them in freezer-safe containers or Ziploc bags.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 188
- Fats: 9.9g
- Protein: 7.9g
- Carbs: 19.1g
- Fiber:
- Sugar: 1.7g
15. Vegan BLT Tempeh Sandwich
Credit: happykitchen.rocks
Want your kids to enjoy a BLT – without the meat? Give them this Vegan BLT Tempeh Sandwich.
It’s savory, smoky, crispy, tasty, and satisfying. And it’s much healthier than a regular BLT.
That’s because the “bacon” is made with tempeh. Tempeh contains magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, which are great for your kids’ bones.
And it is a good source of plant-based protein.
Now you will need some tempeh bacon already prepared. Or, for extra convenience, you can buy prepackaged tempeh bacon.
Making your tempeh bacon from scratch is easy. And it will save you money.
To make it, place your soy sauce, maple syrup, sriracha, and spices in a bowl. Then add your tempeh slices, coating well.
Let marinate for at least 20 minutes in the fridge. Then saute in olive oil.
Finally, drizzle with the rest of the soy sauce mixture. Enjoy!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 304
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
16. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Credit: allnutritious.com
Want to treat your kids to some Japanese food? My Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps make for a great treat, ahem, lunch.
They’re crunch, refreshing, sweet, and umami. Your kids will feel so loved – you may get a hug or two when they come home from school.
Do your kids run away from lettuce? Not a problem – you can serve the Teriyaki Chicken on noodles instead.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 161
- Fats: 4.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 7.1g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 3.8g
17. Healthy Pizza Dippers
Credit: foodmeanderings.com
Looking for a lunch idea that’s great hot or cold? These Healthy Pizza Dippers are a great option.
They’re cheesy, meaty, and so yummy. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping – your kids will go nuts over them.
Your kids can dip them in pizza sauce, marinara sauce, ranch sauce, or even buffalo sauce!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 103
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
18. Halloumi Wraps
Credit: alwaysusebutter.com
Do your kids love cheese? Let them try these Halloumi Wraps.
They’re packed with Halloumi cheese. And the red pesto, walnuts, and avocado add extra layers of yumminess.
And some arugula is thrown in for good measure. After all, you got to sneak in some veggies, right?
Besides being yummy, Halloumi cheese is nutritious too. It provides a ton of protein.
And it’s rich in protein too. So, it’s very filling.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 547
- Fats: 42g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
19. Mango Avocado Salad
Credit: allnutritious.com
Could your kids live on the beach? Then my Mango Avocado Salad is definitely up their alley.
It’s fruity, rejuvenating, and full of tropical flavors. The creaminess of the avocadoes balances the crunchiness of the onions and cucumbers.
And the mangos add sweetness and tang. Meanwhile, the fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten up the salad.
Besides being delicious, mangos are healthy too. They contain magnesium and potassium, which support heart health.
And they contain Vitamin A, which supports eye health. And they’re rich in Vitamin C, which improves skin health.
So, eat up those mangoes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 312
- Fats: 20g
- Protein: 5.2g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 13g
- Sugar: 18g
20. Instant Pot Fried Rice
Credit: pressurecookrecipes.com
Time for some Instant Pot Fried Rice. No, that’s not a typo.
It’s actually fried rice made right in your Instant Pot. And it’s very delicious – and the texture is pretty much spot on.
This dish is sure to make it on your weekly lunch rotation.
So, make sure you dig your Instant Pot out. If you don’t have one, you can get a high-quality one at a reasonable price here.
And to complete the dish, you can even pack some Fortune Cookies. Your kids will have so much fun opening them.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 381
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar:
21. Vegan Black Bean Burrito
Credit: namelymarly.com
Do your kids love Mexican food? This Vegan Black Bean Burrito is sure to satisfy their cravings.
It’s full of Mexican Flava, from the black beans, corn, black beans, rice, and pinto beans.
And the addition of hash brown potatoes makes it even yummier.
Yes, I can hear you screaming: “Hash browns aren’t Mexican!” But a girl can only wish, right?
Do your kids want even more Mexican flavors? Add some salsa and guacamole. Yum!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 323
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
22. Zucchini and Bacon Slice
Credit: lovefoodnourish.com
Are you battling with your kids to eat zucchini? Serve them this Zucchini and Bacon Slice.
It’s savory, cheesy, and a great way to sneak some zucchini in. After all, bacon makes everything taste so much better, right?
There are even some grated carrots hidden there too.
And even though this slice is cheesy, there’s no dairy. So, it’s perfect if your kids have allergies to dairy.
To get the cheesy taste, you’ll be using nutritional yeast. Besides using nutritional yeast in this slice, you can also use it to top your kids’ popcorn and even make “cheesy” sauces.
If you’d like to give nutritional yeast a try, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 344
- Fats: 24g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 19g
- Fiber: 6.2g
- Sugar: 3.4g
23. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Credit: veronikaskitchen.com
Do you have a picky eater or two in your family? Serve them this Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies.
It contains naturally sweet veggies like sweet potatoes and cherry tomatoes. And even though there’s broccoli as well, your kids won’t mind.
That’s because roasting broccoli causes caramelization. And caramelization equals sweetness.
And there are juicy, delicious sausages too.
To ensure your veggies roast perfectly, it’s best to use a large sheet pan. If you use one that is too small, your veggies will be too crowded.
When that happens, your veggies will release too much moisture. This will cause them to steam rather than roast.
If you don’t have a large sheet pan on hand, I recommend this one here. It is extra-large, so you can bake more in every batch.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 488
- Fats: 37g
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
24. Veggie Chunks Curry
Credit: fitmealideas.com
With the school season beginning, the cold starts to set in. And when this happens, it’s nice to send your kids to school with something warm and soothing.
This Curry is precisely what the doctor ordered. It’s chunky, flavorful, and super-comforting.
And the textured vegetable protein makes it really filling.
Besides being delicious, this Curry is nutritious too. It contains Vitamins A and C to boost your kids’ immunity – and keep those pesky colds away.
And it contains fiber to keep help their digestion.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 218
- Fats: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
25. Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets
Credit: livingsweetmoments.com
Prepackaged chicken nuggets are yummy and all. But let’s face it: they’re not exactly healthy.
They contain a lot of sodium. And they’re often packed with preservatives – yuck!
These Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets have all of the taste – without all of the bad stuff.
They’re tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside. And the sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances out the savory of the chicken.
What’s more, they’re made with all-natural ingredients. These include ground chicken, shredded sweet potatoes, coconut oil, coconut flour, onion sprigs, and seasoning.
So you’ll feel good feeding these Chicken Nuggets to your kids.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 44
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber:
- Sugar:
26. Apricot Bliss Balls
Credit: goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au
Are you looking for a nut-free treat to add to your kids’ lunches? These Apricot Bliss Balls are a great option.
They’re soft and sweet. And the sunflower seeds, pepitas, and shredded coconut add chewiness.
Your kids will love popping them in their mouths.
And you’ll love these Bliss Balls too. That’s because they’re no-bake and take only 15 minutes to make.
What’s more, they last up to 3 months in the freezer. So, you can make a couple of batches and sneak a couple for yourself too.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 73
- Fats: 3.9g
- Protein: 2.1g
- Carbs: 7.2g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 1.3g
27. Savoury Bacon and Vegetable Muffins
Credit: thecookingcollective.com.au
Looking for a lunch idea that does double-duty? Try these Savory Bacon and Vegetable Muffins.
They work great for lunches, snacks, or even breakfasts!
And they’re packed with yummy bacon and cheese flavor. Plus some zucchini, carrot, and spinach.
So, you won’t mind your kids eating them at all hours of the day.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 192
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
27 Healthy School Lunch Ideas
Ingredients
- 1. Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Dates
- 2. Tortilla Rollups with Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
- 3. Rainbow Hummus Veggie Wrap
- 4. Spinach Feta Wrap
- 5. Vegan Pinwheels
- 6. Chicken and Mango Couscous Salad
- 7. Chicken Avocado Wrap
- 8. Chickpea “Chicken” Salad
- 9. Chicken Shawarma Wrap
- 10. Chicken Salad Wrap
- 11. Tuna Avocado and Cucumber Sushi
- 12. Homemade Pizza Lunchable
- 13. Spicy Tuna Wrap
- 14. Vegetable Savoury Muffins
- 15. Vegan BLT Tempeh Sandwich
- 16. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 17. Healthy Pizza Dippers
- 18. Halloumi Wraps
- 19. Mango Avocado Salad
- 20. Instant Pot Fried Rice
- 21. Vegan Black Bean Burrito
- 22. Zucchini and Bacon Slice
- 23. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
- 24. Veggie Chunks Curry
- 25. Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets
- 26. Apricot Bliss Balls
- 27. Savoury Bacon and Vegetable Muffins
Instructions
- Scroll up to get a bunch of easy, yummy, and delicious lunches. Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients, you might discover a flavor you didn't know you liked.
- Get your shopping list going and make sure you've got all the ingredients.
- Get cooking and make your next School Lunch!