Getting ready for school? Keep your kiddos and teens healthy with these healthy school meal prep recipes. They’re easy, fun to make, and delicious.
It can be a pain getting the kids ready for school in the morning. Add to that, making healthy school lunches – and you just want to crawl back in bed.
That’s where meal prepping your kids’ lunches comes in handy. It makes weekday mornings so much calmer (if that ever existed).
So, today I’m sharing 27 Healthy School Meal Prep Ideas. They’re not only healthy but kid-approved.
To make life easier, portion your kids’ lunches in some good-quality storage containers. In the morning, just pop the containers in your kids’ backpacks.
I recommend these cute Bento Boxes. They are great for separating your kids’ lunches and snacks.
And they are leak-proof too.
1. Chicken Burrito Bowls
Credit: allnutritious.com
Do your kids love Mexican food? My Chicken Burrito Bowls are sure to satisfy their cravings.
They’re bursting with Mexican Flava. There’s Mexican-seasoned rice, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and tender, shredded chicken.
And it’s covered with a creamy Caesar dressing. But for more Mexican flare, you can add guacamole or salsa. Yum!
These Bowls are also quite nutritious. They are packed with protein for growing kids.
And they contain Vitamins A and C, which boost your kids’ immune system.
What’s more, they take only 30 minutes to make. So they’re perfect when you’re short on time.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 520
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 37g
- Carbs: 64g
- Fiber: 9.5g
- Sugar: 4.2g
2. Meal Prep Chicken and Vegetables
Credit: theroastedroot.net
Are you trying to get your kids to eat more veggies? Make this Meal Prep Chicken and Vegetable dish.
This dish is packed with veggies, 4 of them, in fact. There are sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and broccolini.
The carrots and sweet potatoes add sweetness.
Meanwhile, broccolini is milder and has a sweet taste – compared to broccoli. And zucchini is pretty much tasteless.
So the flavor profile of these veggies is better suited for kids. And the Italian herbs, onions, and garlic really amp up the flavor.
Since you’ll be sauteing a ton of veggies, you’ll want to use a large skillet. That way, you can saute all the veggies in one go.
This one here is a good option. It heats fast and evenly, and it’s also oven-safe.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 497
- Fats: 14g
- Protein: 53g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar:
3. Honey Garlic Chicken
Credit: allnutritious.com
Do your kids feel like having Chinese food this week? My Honey Garlic Chicken is a great choice.
The chicken is sweet, flavorful, and sticky. Your kids will be licking their fingers.
And it’s served on rice with green onions for added freshness.
Want to add to the Chinese theme? Add some of these fortune cookies – your kids will be so delighted!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 879
- Fats: 26g
- Protein: 65g
- Carbs: 97g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 28g
4. Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Credit: mealpreponfleek.com
Chicken Tenders are a kid favorite. After all, what’s not to love about them?
All that grease, for one. That’s because they’re typically deep-fried.
That’s where these Parmesan Chicken Tenders come in handy. You’re baking them instead of deep-frying them.
So, you can feel good feeding them to your kids.
And they taste just as good, if not better, than traditional Chicken Tenders. That’s because you’re crusting them in Parmesan cheese and several Italian spices.
So, they’re full of Yummy Italian flavors.
You’re also serving them with green beans and grape tomatoes. We had to sneak in some veggies, right?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 263.54
- Fats: 6.22g
- Protein: 36.07g
- Carbs: 15.79g
- Fiber: 4.03g
- Sugar: 5.22g
5. Spicy Pineapple Chicken
Credit: allnutritious.com
Do your kids love all things spicy? Then my Spicy Pineapple Chicken will be up to their alley.
It’s tender and delicious. And the red pepper flakes, chili sauce, and jalapeno peppers add a pleasant heat.
And the sweet pineapple adds extra layers of flavor. It’s like a tropical explosion of flavor.
To tame the heat, you’ll be serving the chicken with some plain rice. But for extra nutrition, you can add cauliflower rice instead.
Cauliflower rice is packed with nutrition. It contains a ton of Vitamin C.
And it is a good source of folate, which your kids need to build DNA. It even contains B vitamins which are vital for brain health.
You can use pre-packaged cauliflower rice like this if you’re in a rush. Or, if you have a bit of extra time on your hands, you can make yours from scratch.
Not only is it fresher, but also cheaper. Begin by chopping cauliflower into pieces.
Then put the pieces in a food processor. This food processor here will definitely come in handy.
Process until everything becomes rice-like.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 324
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 31g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 23g
6. Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl
Credit: minimalistbaker.com
Many families are including more plant-based meals. And for a good reason – eating plant-based can be good for health and the environment.
But adding more plant-based school lunches can be a challenge. This Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl makes plant-based eating so easy.
It takes only 30 minutes to make and tastes fantastic. On the menu are Mexican-seasoned cauliflower rice, black beans, sauteed red onions, and bell peppers.
The black beans make this dish very satisfying. That’s because they provide a lot of plant-based protein.
They even provide magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and manganese. So, they help build your kids’ bones.
Check out more 700 calorie recipes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 269
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 13.7g
- Carbs: 44.3g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 6.9g
7. Stir Fried Pork
Credit: allnutritious.com
Are your kids getting tired of chicken every day? My Stir Fried Pork is a nice change.
It’s saucy, colorful, and full of yummy Asian flavors. The soy sauce adds umami, while the ginger adds a bit of heat.
Meanwhile, the bell peppers add natural sweetness and freshness. And the spring onions and garlic add savory – your kids will be doing a happy dance.
Now, the sodium is on the higher side. But by using low sodium soy sauce, you can cut down on the sodium. This soy sauce contains close to 40% less sodium than regular soy sauce.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 409
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 6.8g
- Sugar: 8g
8. Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps
Credit: budgetdelicious.com
Weekends can get so hectic. Before you know it, it’s Sunday night – and you have nothing prepped for school lunches.
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps are for times like that. They take only 10 minutes to make.
Best of all, they taste delicious. That’s because they contain yummy foods like tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, crispy lettuce, bacon, and creamy Ranch dressing.
Now you will need some leftover cooked chicken. But if you don’t have any, you can use Rotisserie chicken instead.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 389
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
9. Apricot Bliss Balls
Credit: goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au
Looking for an easy treat to pack for your kids’ lunches? You can’t get any easier than these Apricot Bliss Balls.
They take just 15 minutes to make – no baking required. And they’re sweet, soft, and crunchy – perfect for snacking on.
But even though they’re sweet, they contain only 1.3 grams of sugar. That’s because you’re sweetening them with natural ingredients like dried apricots, shredded coconuts, and cinnamon.
As an added bonus, they last about 3 months in the freezer. So, you can make a ton and stash them in the freezer. Yay!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 73
- Fats: 3.9g
- Protein: 2.1g
- Carbs: 7.2g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 1.3g
10. Chicken Farro Salad
Credit: allnutritious.com
Need a lunch idea to satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth? Give my Chicken Farro Salad a try.
It’s sweet, refreshing, and tasty. The oranges and beets add a ton of natural sweetness.
So, this helps balance out the bitterness of the broccoli. And the tender, juicy chicken is complemented by the chewiness of the farro – it’s a match made in foodie paradise.
Besides adding texture, farro is good for your kids too. It has a ton of fiber – more than even brown rice.
It also provides zinc and magnesium. These minerals boost your kids’ immune system and bone health too.
Besides adding farro to your kids’ salads, you can add it to soups and stews. If you’d like to give farro a try, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 715
- Fats: 27g
- Protein: 55g
- Carbs: 67g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 17g
11. Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl
Credit: lifemadesweeter.com
Are you prepping separate meals for you and the kids? That can be a hassle.
More often than not, you’ll prep lunch for the kids – and then fend yourself. This can end up in you hitting the office cafeteria or McD’s more often.
This Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl is one the entire family will enjoy. It is full of yummy flavors and textures.
You have fluffy quinoa, roasted chickpeas, edamame, and a medley of veggies. And it’s all topped with crunchy sesame seeds and a creamy avocado dressing.
Who knew healthy eating could be so yummy?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 513
- Fats: 21g
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 70g
- Fiber: 17g
- Sugar: 9g
12. Kidney Bean Burger Bowls
Credit: allnutritious.com
Do your kids need a filling lunch for Meatless Monday? My Kidney Bean Burger Bowls are a great option.
The burgers are full of flavor. That’s because you’re using spices like cumin and chili powder.
These add warmth, so they’re spicy – but not fiery-hot. So, your kids can eat them.
And instead of serving the burgers with buns, you’re adding a salad. This makes the bowls light and fresh.
Besides being yummy, this Bowl is very nutritious. It contains a whopping 28 grams of protein.
And it provides more than 100% of your kids’ daily fiber needs. Now, that’s a ton of protein.
Check out more 600 calorie meals.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 646
- Fats: 25g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 86g
- Fiber: 34g
- Sugar: 20g
13. Chicken Fajita Bowls
Credit: asweetpeachef.com
Could your kids live on Tex-Mex? Then feed them these Chicken Fajita Bowls.
They’re full of stunning Tex-Mex flavors, from the juicy, succulent Fajita chicken, sauteed red and green bell peppers, and creamy cilantro black beans.
Now there is some heat from the poblano chiles. But you can simply leave them out – the Fajita Bowls will still taste delicious.
And the fresh lime juice and fresh cilantro really amp up the flavors.
Besides being tasty, these Fajita Bowls are nutritious too. They are rich in immune-boosting Vitamins A and C.
They also contain iron which keeps your kids’ energy levels up.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 455
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 53g
- Carbs: 29g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 4g
14. Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites
Credit: cottercrunch.com
Do your kids love a fusion of cuisines? Then feed them these Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites.
They’re full of Mexican and Lebanese flavors. And the jalapeno peppers add a pleasant heat.
The addition of riced broccoli is genius. It’s an excellent way to sneak into those dreaded veggies.
Serve with a side Garden Salad.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 42
- Fats: 2.2g
- Protein: 1.6g
- Carbs: 4.5g
- Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 0.5g
15. Mexican Quinoa Casserole
Credit: allnutritious.com
I love casseroles, as I am sure many of you are. They’re perfect for feeding a large crowd – and for meal prep.
My Mexican Quinoa Casserole doesn’t disappoint. It’s cheesy, savory, and sweet.
And unlike traditional casseroles, you’re not using pasta. Instead, you’ll be using quinoa.
The quinoa adds nuttiness and texture to the casserole. And it’s packed with nutrition too.
It’s very high in protein. It even contains bone-building minerals like manganese and magnesium.
As an added bonus, quinoa is gluten-free too. If you’re running short on quinoa, you can get some here.
Check out more cheap meal prep recipes here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 560
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 77g
- Fiber: 14g
- Sugar: 15g
16. Lemon Chicken and Veggies
Credit: allnutritious.com
Are you losing the fight to get your kids to eat your veggies? My Lemon Chicken and Veggies will make you a winner.
That’s because it contains sweet veggies like sweet potatoes and cherry tomatoes. And the broccoli is sweet too.
That’s because roasting it causes caramelization. So your broccoli becomes sweet.
And the chicken is full of flavor too. That’s because you’re marinating it in a lemon mixture.
This makes it tangy and savory – a perfect complement to the sweet veggies.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 500
- Fats: 23g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 7.3g
- Sugar: 11g
17. Savoury Vegetable Pancakes with Oats
Credit: fitmealideas.com
I love savory pancakes, as I’m sure many of your kids do. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch, or even supper.
So, they’re perfect for those hectic weeks. You know – those weeks where you eat breakfast for dinner.
These pancakes look and taste amazing. The shredded cabbage adds savory, while the bell peppers and carrots add sweetness.
And the green chilies provide a pleasant heat.
Do your kids eat gluten-free? Not a problem.
Just replace the semolina with chickpea flour, and you’re good to go.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 82
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
18. Herb Chicken Couscous
Credit: allnutritious.com
Is it a track-and-field day at school? Pack your kids my Herb Chicken Couscous.
It’s packed with a stunning 61 grams of protein. So, it sure to help your kids’ muscles recover.
But that’s not all. It’s also packed with Mediterranean flavors, from the vegetable-broth-infused couscous, roasted bell peppers, and zucchini.
The chicken breasts are yummy too. They’re tender and tossed in olive oil and herbs like oregano and basil.
The couscous provides a ton of nutrition. It’s rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant.
Selenium also boosts your kids’ immune systems. Yay!
Don’t have any couscous on hand? You can get some here.
Check out high calorie lunch recipes like this here!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 633
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 61g
- Carbs: 56g
- Fiber: 7.5g
- Sugar: 9.7g
19. Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Credit: recipesfromapantry.com
Need a new way to make chicken? Use it to make these pulled chicken sandwiches.
The chicken is juicy, moist, and slathered in barbecue sauce. And the liquid smoke adds smokiness.
In fact, I prefer these Pulled Chicken Sandwiches over pork. That’s because chicken contains less fat.
Crunchy coleslaw balances the juiciness of the chicken. And it makes the sandwiches fresh.
And it doesn’t take time to get juicy, tender chicken. That’s because you’re using an Instant Pot.
Instant Pots are great for busy families. That’s because they save you time in the kitchen.
They save you money too. That’s because you can use it for cooking cheaper cuts of meat.
If an Instant Pot has been on your wish list, you can cross it off your wish list here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 343
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
20. Sheet Pan Eggs for Sandwiches
Credit: fitmealideas.com
I’m a big fan of eggs, as I’m sure many of you are. You can cook them in so many ways: fried, boiled, scrambled … the possibilities are endless.
And they’re great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can even have eggs as a snack too.
These Sheet Pan Eggs are so easy to make. Plus, they’re fluffy, cheesy, and filled with herbs and veggies.
They’re a feast for the eyes and tummy.
What’s more, they take only 10 minutes to prepare. Then you let your oven take over.
Now you will be using tomatoes, bell peppers, and green onions to your eggs. But you can definitely use other veggies like mushrooms and spinach.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 220
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
21. Healthy Eggs Salad Bowls
Credit: allnutritious.com
Are your kids tired of egg salad sandwiches? Change things up with my Healthy Egg Salad Bowls.
They’re crunchy, creamy, and savory. And fresh lemon juice and lemon zest add a pleasant tang.
Instead of serving the egg salad with bread, you’ll be adding some veggies. These freshen up the egg salad and add extra nutrition.
Talking about nutrition, you won’t be using mayonnaise as your base. Instead, you’ll be using low-fat Greek yogurt.
Greek yogurt provides an extra boost of protein. And it provides probiotics that boost your kids’ immune systems.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 469
- Fats: 31g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 9.5g
22. Spinach Pinwheels
Credit: kidgredients.com.au
Looking for some more vegetarian eats? These Spinach Pinwheels are for you.
They’re cheesy, sweet, and savory. And they’re healthier than traditional pinwheels.
That’s because you’re using wholemeal flour to make them. The combination of spinach and feta cheese is oh, so yummy.
Spinach packs a nutritional punch too. It’s rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are essential for eye health.
And it contains nitrates which promote healthy blood pressure.
What’s more, these pinwheels freeze and defrost well. So, you can grab a few out in the morning. Get more low calorie meal prep ideas here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 108
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
23. No Bake Granola Bars
Credit: veganhuggs.com
Need a treat to pack in your kids’ lunch boxes? These No Bake Granola Bars are a great option.
They’re chewy, sweet, and flavorful. Your kids won’t be begging you for candy bars.
And they contain wholesome ingredients like almonds, sunflower seeds, Medjool dates, and almond butter.
No nasty preservative in here.
They’re also vegan. That’s because you’re adding non-dairy chocolate chips like this.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 217
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
24. Chickpea Salad
Credit: allnutritious.com
Don’t have a ton of time to meal prep? Make my Chickpea Salad.
It takes only 20 minutes to make. But don’t let the simplicity fool you: this salad has a wonderful marriage of spices and acidity.
The fresh parsley makes the salad pop. So, make sure you have some on hand. Check out more low fat meals here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 790
- Fats: 35g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 77g
- Fiber: 20g
- Sugar: 23g
25. Zucchini Slice
Credit: scrummylane.com
Do your kids hate eating zucchini? This Zucchini Slice may make them zucchini-lovers.
It’s fluffy, light, and flavorful. The saltiness of the bacon plays off the sweetness of the sweet onions.
And the ricotta and parmesan cheeses take the zucchini from “Blah” to “Oh ya!”
Besides adding freshness, zucchini adds several nutrients too. Zucchini is rich in potassium and fiber, which may improve heart health.
It is also rich in beta carotene, which is vital for eye health.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 237
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
26. Salmon with Veggies
Credit: allnutritious.com
Do your kids thumb their noses at salmon? My Salmon with Veggies may change their minds – literally.
That’s because the salmon is paired with sweet potatoes and beets. So, the sweetness tones down the “fishiness.”
And the squeeze of lemon adds a pleasant tang.
Back to changing your kids’ minds – eating fish just once a week can boost their IQ. It can also improve their sleep.
Yes, you can thank me later. Check out more pescatarian meal prep ideas!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 806
- Fats: 45g
- Protein: 54g
- Carbs: 53g
- Fiber: 13g
- Sugar: 16g
27. Savoury Bacon and Vegetable Muffins
Credit: thecookingcollective.com.au
Are your kids fans of savory muffins? Have them try these Savoury Bacon and Vegetable Muffins.
They’re yummy and packed with bacon and cheese goodness. And they even contain veggies like zucchini, carrots, and spinach.
So they can snack on them all day.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 192
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g