Healthy Lunchbox Ideas for Kids

As a nanny, I know how important it is to ensure that kids are eating healthy and nutritious meals, even when they are away from home. Packing a lunchbox can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a lunch that your child will love and that will keep them fueled for the day. Our list of nutritious and delicious options includes main courses, sides, and snacks that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

But before you start packing, it's important to note that many schools have restrictions on bringing in certain ingredients that are common allergens, such as nuts or dairy. Always check with your child's school rules before sending anything to school with your child.

Main Courses

• Grilled cheese with Ham

  • Who doesn't love a good grilled cheese sandwich? Add some protein with a slice of ham and use whole-grain bread for an extra boost of fiber.

• Whole Wheat Pasta Salad with Veggies:

  • Cook up some whole wheat pasta and add in some chopped veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots. Toss with a light vinaigrette dressing, or even just some olive oil, for a refreshing and filling lunch.

• Tortilla Pizza

  • Take a whole wheat tortilla and add your child's favorite pizza toppings like tomato sauce, cheese, and veggies. Pop it in the toaster oven for a few minutes before packing it up for a quick and easy pizza lunch.

• Veggie-Packed Quesadillas

  • Cook up some veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach, then add them to a whole wheat tortilla with some cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly!

• Quinoa and Black Bean Taco Salad

  • Cook up some quinoa and mix in some black beans, corn, and chopped veggies with a little bit of taco seasoning. Top with shredded cheese for a tasty and filling lunch!

Sides

• Carrot and Cucumber Sticks with Hummus

  • Cut up some fresh veggies that your child likes and pair them with a small container of hummus for dipping. Be sure to cut them to an appropriate size/shape depending on your child’s age!

• Fresh Fruit Salad

  • Mix together a variety of fresh fruit like berries, apples, and grapes for a refreshing and vitamin-packed side! Pro tip: Sprinkle some lemon juice on top to keep it from turning brown in the lunchbox!

• Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Balls

  • Add some protein to your child's lunch with a small container of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Cut tomatoes in half to reduce the risk of choking!

• Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese

  • Pair some whole-grain crackers with some slices of cheese for a quick and easy addition to lunch!

• Greek Yogurt and Granola:

  • Add some Greek yogurt to a container, and include a separate container of granola so your child can combine them when they’re ready to eat! For pickier eaters, swirl some jam into the yogurt to add extra sweetness.

Snacks

• Apple Slices with Almond Butter

  • Slice up an apple and pair it with a small container of almond butter! Some kids also like a little sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

• Trail Mix with Dried Fruit and Nuts

  • Mix together some dried fruit and nuts like almonds and raisins for a protein-packed snack that is perfect for on-the-go kids! Trail mix is one of my favorite things to make for snacks because you can customize it to your child’s preferences and it’s much cheaper than buying it pre-made.

• Rice Cakes with Avocado

  • Top a rice cake with some mashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt for a tasty and filling snack! Similar to the fruit salad, a splash of lemon juice prevents it from browning.

• Mini Whole Grain Muffins

  • Meal prep a batch of mini muffins using whole grain flour and add in some fresh berries or grated zucchini for an extra boost of nutrition. These are perfect to store in the freezer and pop into the lunchbox on busy mornings! For regular lunch boxes, they should defrost enough by lunchtime. If your child’s lunchbox is insulated, pop it into the microwave for 10 seconds to defrost.

• Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast

  • Pop some popcorn and sprinkle it with nutritional yeast for a tasty and protein-packed snack that will satisfy your child's crunch cravings! Nutritional yeast has a savory, cheesy flavor.

Remember, packing a healthy lunchbox doesn't have to be stressful or time-consuming. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create a lunch that is both delicious and nutritious. Make sure to involve your child in the planning process and get their input on what they would like to see in their lunchbox!