Quick and Easy School Lunch Ideas

By Katie Cavuto, R.D.
July 27, 2014
You have our permission not to use cookie cutters, bento boxes, or edible markers. Just mix and match the healthy ingredients to create more than a dozen trade-proof lunches. Round them out with fruit and a drink.
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1 of 25

Egg Muffins

Credit: Avery Powell
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Make a batch of these red pepper- and cheese-filled muffins, and you'll have plenty for few days.

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Fiesta Pasta Salad

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This Mexican-inspired salad has corn, black beans, and cheese.

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Roasted-Tomato Soup

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Pasta shells and a sprinkle of cheese make this classic soup even more kid-friendly.

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Turkey and Cheese Quesadilla

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This kid-fave is a great alternative to a sandwich.

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Chicken, Avocado, and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich

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A twist on chicken salad, this delicious mixture tastes great stuffed into a pita half.

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Lunch Monitor: What Are Kids Throwing Away?

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Mexican Wrap

Credit: Avery Powell
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It's a healthier version of Mexican takeout.

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Italian Pasta Salad

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Make this salad the night before so it's ready to pop in the lunchbox in the morning.

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PB&C Sandwich

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This fun version of PB&J swaps jelly for dried cherries. If your child goes to a nut-free school or is allergic to peanut butter, use sunflower butter instead.

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10 of 25

Peanutty Noodles

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Cook extra noodles at dinner to use in this dish.

11 of 25

Salsa With Tortilla Chips

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It's so simple to make your own tortilla chips.

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Carrot Salad

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Apples and raisins add sweetness to this dish.

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White Bean Dip With Pita Crackers

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Our recipe makes enough for three servings.

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Creamy Banana Sammie

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The cinnamon-topped bananas will make this sandwich feel like dessert.

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Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup

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It's perfect for a chilly day.

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Apple Raisin Sandwich

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Who needs bread when you have crunchy, sweet apple slices?

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Cheddar and Apple Sandwich

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Keep the skin on your child's apple slices -- they're packed with antioxidants.

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Chicken Salad Sub

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Make classic chicken salad way more interesting by spooning it into a sub roll.

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Nutty Yogurt Dip

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Move over, salad dressing. This delicious dip delivers protein.

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Egg Salad with Pita Crackers

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Make a batch of pita crackers on Sunday night, and have them ready for the week's lunches.

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Southwest Soup

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Pack a little piece of baguette or small roll on the side.

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Red Pepper & White Bean Soup

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Pureed beans add extra fiber, and your kid won't notice them one bit!

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Carrot Soup

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Pack a little Greek yogurt for your child to swirl inside.

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Yogurt Parfait

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Let your child assemble the ingredients at school.

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Your Shopping List

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To make these lunches, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • Apples
  • Avocado
  • Bananas
  • Beans
  • Bread (sandwich and pita)
  • Carrots
  • Cheese (various kinds)
  • Chicken or Turkey
  • Corn (frozen)
  • Dried fruit
  • Eggs
  • Garlic
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Nut butters (or sunflower butter)
  • Pasta
  • Peppers (sweet)
  • From the pantry: Olive oil, lemon, honey, chicken or vegetable stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cooking spray, vanilla extract, and your family's favorite herbs and spices.

Originally published in the September 2014 issue of Parents magazine.

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