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The best lunches are the ones that get eaten! Browse through this list of simple school lunch ideas you can pack real quick!
With so much to get done before heading out the door in the morning, having these simple school lunch ideas in my back pocket has been a lifesaver over the years.
Easy Ideas for School Lunch
Easy ideas for school lunch that can be packed the night before or in the morning are always winners with me. Plus, the ingredients are fresh and easy to swap, making these no cook lunch ideas ultra versatile.
Check the list or click through to the posts to see how to pack them and keep them fresh until lunch.
Easy Lunchbox Tacos
A lot more fun to eat than a ham sandwich and the perfect way to use tortillas from taco night.
Pack this Lunch
Protein Lunchable
Make a healthier version in 5 minutes! Check the post for ways to add nutrition to this kid-favorite.
Pack this Lunch
Salami Bento Box with Pears
A simple charcuterie-style lunch that's perfect for kids who love to snack.
Pack this Lunch
Banana Sushi Rolls
A great way to avoid mushy, browned bananas that never get uneaten and make a filling lunch kids love.
Pack this Lunch
Grapes & Cheese Bento
The perfect sidekick to any sandwich that can be sized up or down depending on how much food your child needs.
Pack this Lunch
Easy Roll Ups
Bite-sized foods ensure that younger kids eat their lunch while they chat with their friends.
Pack this Lunch
Turkey & Cheese Cracker Stacker Lunchbox
A better-for-you Lunchable with more protein that's more filling. Learn how to prevent crackers from getting soggy in the post.
Pack this Lunch
Healthy Lunchable with Banana Chips
Banana chips are the perfect way to add a little potassium which is perfect for growing kids! How to pack it and the recipe in the post.
Pack this Lunch
Easy Cut-Out Sandwiches
All the tips for making cut-out sandwiches: from the ingredients that work best to keeping the bread fresh!
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Apple & Peanut Butter Sandwich
The perfect combination of crispy and delicious and a great way to hide browning apples.
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Ham & Cheese Apple Wraps
A delicious combination that's perfect for days when you've run out of sandwich bread!
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Easy Tomato & Cheese Sandwich
A flavorful triple-decker that's filling for an older kid or can be split in half and yield two lunches.
Pack this Lunch
Turkey Pinwheels Lunch
Turn those large tortillas into bite-sized pieces of deliciousness with this easy recipe!
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Sub Sandwiches for Lunch
Sub sandwiches are all the rage among middle schoolers! All the tips to keep the bread fresh for hours in this post.
Pack this Lunch
Hummus and Carrots Bento
The perfect addition to any sandwich, wrap, or thermos lunch packed on the side.
Pack this Box
Fruit & Veggie Stoplight Bento
More color = more nutrition. Learn all the tips for packing fruits and veggies for later.
Pack this Box
Picnic Bento Lunch Box
Fresh, simple, and delicious! Mix and match what you have to turn it into a winning lunch in one box!
Pack this Lunch
Cheese and Fruit Bistro Box
No need to spend $5 at Starbucks for their version. Make this side or snack box at home at a fraction of the cost.
Pack this Box
Easy Lunch Skewers
A fun and interactive lunch that younger kids can learn to pack themselves the night before. Non-toothpick options in the post.
Pack this Lunch
Healthy Rainbow Snack Box
Fruit, veggies, protein, and energy bites you can make ahead packed to create a filling lunch.
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Mediterranean Bento Box
A full meal for younger kids or a side for bigger appetites with winning ingredients.
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Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sliders
If pineapple on pizza is a winner, these will be devoured!
Pack this Pack
Egg Salad Box
Learn how to pack this healthy egg salad in a lunch box and keep it fresh!
Pack this Lunch
Free Simple School Lunch Printable
Assemble quick and easy meals for your kids by using this free simple school lunch printable you can download.
Simple School Lunch Ideas
The best lunches are the ones that get eaten! Browse through this list of simple school lunch ideas you can pack real quick!
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Ingredients
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 handful of seedless grapes
- 2-4 ounces rolled deli turkey
- 1 ounce pretzel chips or whole-grain crackers
- 1 ounce cheese crisps or cubed cheese
Instructions
- Wash the grapes and slice the apples. Cut each roll of turkey in half.
- Place the grapes, apples, and turkey inside the lunch container.
- Pack the pretzel chips and cheese crisps or cubes into separate compartments to keep them dry.
- Close the lunch container and pack it into a lunch bag with an ice pack.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 lunch | Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 1.203mg | Potassium: 465mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 2mg
Lauren says
So many delicious school lunch ideas. They are actually simple and easy to make. Thanks Laura!!
Andrea says
The lunch box tacos are my son’s new lunch fave! Can’t wait to try more of these.
Paige says
These really are simple school lunch ideas! My kids love the turkey & cheese cracker stacker and the ham & cheese apple wraps. Got to give the other a try.
Julia says
Even the simplest school lunches make for the best meals! Looking forward to trying these recipes!
Elena says
I love these simple lunch ideas. I hope to start the year strong!
Candace says
My kids went back to school this week and they’re already wanting “new” lunches” vs what I packed. Thank you for these simple school lunch ideas I can pack for them so they feel like it’s variety but I’m not spending 45 minutes packing lunch. hah!