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  4. Quick and Easy School Lunch Ideas

Quick and Easy School Lunch Ideas

By Katie Cavuto, R.D.
July 27, 2014
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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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Egg Muffins

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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

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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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Peanutty Noodles

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Cook extra noodles at dinner to use in this dish.

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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

Credit: Avery Powell

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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1 of 25 Egg Muffins
2 of 25 Fiesta Pasta Salad
3 of 25 Roasted-Tomato Soup
4 of 25 Turkey and Cheese Quesadilla
5 of 25 Chicken, Avocado, and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich
6 of 25 Lunch Monitor: What Are Kids Throwing Away?
7 of 25 Mexican Wrap
8 of 25 Italian Pasta Salad
9 of 25 PB&C Sandwich
10 of 25 Peanutty Noodles
11 of 25 Salsa With Tortilla Chips
12 of 25 Carrot Salad
13 of 25 White Bean Dip With Pita Crackers
14 of 25 Creamy Banana Sammie
15 of 25 Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup
16 of 25 Apple Raisin Sandwich
17 of 25 Cheddar and Apple Sandwich
18 of 25 Chicken Salad Sub
19 of 25 Nutty Yogurt Dip
20 of 25 Egg Salad with Pita Crackers
21 of 25 Southwest Soup
22 of 25 Red Pepper & White Bean Soup
23 of 25 Carrot Soup
24 of 25 Yogurt Parfait
25 of 25 Your Shopping List

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Quick and Easy School Lunch Ideas
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