In This Article Show
Coming up with lunch ideas for kids that are both healthy and something they’ll actually eat can feel like a daily challenge. You want it to be quick, balanced, and not end up coming home untouched. These 18 ideas check all the boxes—they’re tasty, easy to pack, and made with simple ingredients that fuel little bodies without all the sugar or junk.
This list includes fun wraps, bento box combos, and a few warm options that can be packed in a thermos. Most are easy to prep ahead, perfect for school lunches or at-home meals, and have enough flavor and variety to keep kids from getting bored.
And just like always, I’ve added a little tip below each idea—something that’s helped me get clean lunchboxes back at the end of the day.
1. Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels
Whole wheat tortillas layered with turkey slices and cheese, rolled up and sliced into fun bite-sized rounds. They’re easy to hold, fun to eat, and great for picky eaters.
Olivia’s Tip
Chill the roll-ups for 10 minutes before slicing—it makes them hold together better and look neat in lunchboxes.
Get the Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels recipe
2. DIY Mini Pita Pizzas
Whole wheat mini pitas topped with marinara, shredded mozzarella, and any favorite toppings like peppers or mushrooms. Serve cold or warm in a thermos.
Olivia’s Tip
Toast the pitas slightly before topping—they won’t get soggy, and they hold up better in lunch containers.
Get the DIY Mini Pita Pizzas recipe
3. Chicken and Veggie Quesadilla
A whole wheat quesadilla filled with grilled chicken, chopped spinach, and cheese, cooked until golden and melty. Slice into triangles for easy grab-and-go bites.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a tiny bit of mashed sweet potato into the filling—kids barely notice, and it adds nutrients and creaminess.
Get the Chicken and Veggie Quesadilla recipe
4. Hummus and Veggie Wrap
Soft tortilla filled with hummus, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and spinach. Rolled up tight and cut in half for a colorful, crunchy lunch.
Olivia’s Tip
Pat the veggies dry before rolling to keep the wrap from getting soggy by lunchtime.
Get the Hummus and Veggie Wrap recipe
5. Pasta Salad with Chicken and Broccoli
Small pasta shapes like rotini tossed with chopped cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and a light Italian or ranch-style dressing. Served cold for a no-fuss, filling lunch.
Olivia’s Tip
Cut everything into small, fork-friendly pieces—this makes it easier (and more likely) for kids to eat it all.
Get the Pasta Salad with Chicken and Broccoli recipe
6. Egg Salad Sandwich Sliders
Mini whole wheat slider buns filled with creamy egg salad made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Protein-packed and just the right size for little hands.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a pinch of mustard and finely chopped pickles to give it flavor without making it “too spicy” for sensitive taste buds.
Get the Egg Salad Sandwich Sliders recipe
7. Rainbow Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip
Colorful fruit like strawberries, grapes, melon, and blueberries threaded onto small skewers, served with a side of vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Olivia’s Tip
Use short popsicle sticks instead of wooden skewers for younger kids—safer and just as fun to eat.
Get the Rainbow Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip recipe
8. Mini Turkey and Veggie Meatballs
Baked turkey meatballs with grated zucchini or carrots mixed in, served warm in a thermos or cold with a dipping sauce.
Olivia’s Tip
Make a big batch and freeze—then just pop a few into the lunchbox the night before and they’ll thaw by lunch.
Get the Mini Turkey and Veggie Meatballs recipe
9. Cottage Cheese and Fruit Bowl
A small container of cottage cheese served with fresh berries, pineapple, or apple slices for a cool, protein-rich lunch.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or granola on top for crunch—it helps win over kids who might be unsure about the texture.
Get the Cottage Cheese and Fruit Bowl recipe
10. Whole Wheat English Muffin Pizzas
Half an English muffin topped with marinara, cheese, and finely chopped veggies or turkey pepperoni, then toasted until bubbly.
Olivia’s Tip
Cut into quarters after toasting—easier to pack and just the right size for little bites.
Get the Whole Wheat English Muffin Pizzas recipe
11. Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap
Mashed avocado mixed with chopped cooked chicken, a little lime juice, and seasoning, wrapped in a tortilla or served in lettuce cups.
Olivia’s Tip
Add a tiny squeeze of lemon or lime to keep the avocado from browning by lunchtime.
Get the Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap recipe
12. Hard-Boiled Egg Bento Box
Sliced hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, cherry tomatoes, crackers, and apple slices—everything tucked into separate compartments for variety and balance.
Olivia’s Tip
Peel the eggs the night before and pack them with a pinch of salt in a small container—makes them taste better and saves morning prep.
Get the Hard-Boiled Egg Bento Box recipe
13. SunButter Banana Roll-Ups
A soft tortilla spread with sunflower seed butter and thin banana slices, rolled up and sliced into pinwheels. Great for nut-free schools.
Olivia’s Tip
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap before slicing to keep everything together, especially helpful when bananas are very ripe.
Get the SunButter Banana Roll-Ups recipe
14. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Mild tuna salad with Greek yogurt, celery, and shredded carrot served in butter lettuce leaves for a crunchy, light option.
Olivia’s Tip
Press the salad into the lettuce and wrap in foil—it holds together better and keeps the lettuce from wilting.
Get the Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps recipe
15. Broccoli Cheese Muffins
Savory muffins made with whole wheat flour, cheddar cheese, and steamed broccoli—easy to make ahead and perfect for lunchboxes.
Olivia’s Tip
Bake in mini muffin tins for snackable sizes kids love—and freeze extras for quick grab-and-pack lunches.
Get the Broccoli Cheese Muffins recipe
16. Veggie Fried Rice Cups
Brown rice mixed with scrambled egg, peas, carrots, and a dash of soy sauce, portioned into muffin cups or bento boxes.
Olivia’s Tip
Use silicone muffin liners to pack these—they hold the shape and make cleanup way easier.
Get the Veggie Fried Rice Cups recipe
17. Apple Sandwiches with Nut-Free Spread
Apple rings spread with SunButter and sprinkled with granola or raisins, then topped with another apple slice for a “sandwich” kids can pick up.
Olivia’s Tip
Rub the apple slices with lemon juice before assembling to keep them from turning brown.
Get the Apple Sandwiches with Nut-Free Spread recipe
18. Cheese and Crackers Lunch Plate
Sliced cheese, whole grain crackers, baby carrots, and a few slices of turkey or hummus for dipping. It’s a homemade Lunchable—but healthier.
Olivia’s Tip
Use a small cookie cutter to shape the cheese—it adds a fun surprise and makes even picky eaters more likely to try it.
