In need of lunch inspiration? Check out this list of suggestions for packed lunches.
Use a tortilla!
Instead of bread (that can become soggy), use a tortilla wrap. You can do nut butter and bananas, grilled cheese or turkey & cheese roll ups. Pizza-style or egg and cheese are also good options. Or you could go the sweet route and do Nutella and strawberries or sunbutter and bananas.
DIY Charcuterie platter
Using a bento box type lunch pail, include all of your kid's favorites: cheeses, [approved] nuts and seeds, dried fruit, olives, pickles, sliced cucumbers, hard bioled eggs and more.
Pasta salad
This can be eaten cold, is very easy to make and can include as little or as much of their favorite veggies. Bowtie or cold (pre-cooked) tortellini pastas are a good choice. Add in some Italian dressing, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, olives and whatever else your little one prefers.
Egg sandwiches
We love fried egg sandwiches in our family! We usually do a fried egg with a slice of cheese and a couple slices of fried plantains. (Truth me, this combo is delicious!). You can also do an egg salad sandwich but might want to put cheese or lettuce between the egg salad and the bread or it may become too soggy to enjoy.
Taquitos
These are unbelievably easy to make! Wrap favorite filling in a corn tortilla and lightly fry until golden brown. We sometimes do leftover rotisserie chicken or egg and cheese. You could also do barbeque chicken, strips of leftover steak or mashed potatoes.
Spring rolls
We love spring rolls in our home! They're very easy to make and keep well. You can put in your preferred filling and wrap, then coat in a little oil to keep from sticking. We like fried tofu, strips of carrot, cucumber and red pepper with some basil and cilantro. You can do any combo that you like!
Fruit salad & crackers
Chop up a mix of fruits (think: cantaloupe, honey dew, watermelon, mangoes, peaches and berries) and a side of different crackers (or chips). Light, simple & easy to make.
Quiche muffins
These are delicious cold or hot! Add in your favorites like cheese, red bell peppers, turkey bacon, broccoli or mushrooms.
Empanadas or patties
You can buy pre-made empanada discs or make your own (very easy to make) and add in your favorite filling. My kids like curry vegetables in their patties. I like spicy potato and cheese empanadas. These are also a great option cold. No need to reheat!
Sliders
Buy a package of dinner rolls. We like Hawaiian sweet rolls in our home. You can make hamburger or veggie burger sliders. Sloppy Joe's. Grilled cheese. Pizza-style. Chicken salad. The options are endless! Easy to package, perfectly sized for little hands.
Muffins
It's so easy to hide healthy ingredients in muffins! You can make cornbread muffins, zucchini chocolate muffins, "morning glory" muffins or carrot cake muffins. Swap out half of the white flour for whole wheat or gluten free flour for an extra kick of healthy fiber.
Veggies & dips
Cucumbers, carrots and sweet peppers cut into slices are great for dipping! Can't go wrong with hummus, white bean dip or ranch dressing.
Roasted chickpeas
I love these and my kids always come along and steal mommy's snack! Open a can of chickpeas and pat dry. Add a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Roast in the oven on 405* with a minute or two on high broil.
Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread)
This is very easy to make! Water, milk, eggs, mozzarella cheese and tapioca flour. You could possibly sneak in some finely chopped spinach if you were trying to sneak in some veggies into your child's diet. These little breads are very easy to make and are addicting! Taste great right out of the oven but are still delicious cold.
Puff pastry - versatile!
There are so many ways to use pre-made puff pastry. You can make your own "hot pocket", pigs in a blanket, pop tart or stuffed with your favorite fillings and rolled up like a burrito. Can't go wrong!
Lunch doesn't have to be boring! And it's a great way to sneak in veggies, nuts & seeds, whole grains and fruits as summertime can be a bit heavy on the popsicles, ice cream and other treats. Hope this list helps packing lunches a little easier!
