Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase your chances of getting pregnant. Get to know each phase of your cycle to make conception faster and easier.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    19 Mother's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

    Moms love nothing more than a handmade present on Mother's Day. Help the kids make mom feel special with a creative gift from the heart!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • Moms Run the World
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. Home
  2. Food & Recipes
  3. Nutrition
  4. Quick and Easy School Lunch Ideas

Quick and Easy School Lunch Ideas

By Katie Cavuto, R.D.
July 27, 2014
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Lunch Monitor: What Are Kids Throwing Away?
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.
Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Egg Muffins

Egg Muffins
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fiesta Pasta Salad

Fiesta Pasta Salad
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

2 of 25

3 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted-Tomato Soup

Roasted-Tomato Soup
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Turkey and Cheese Quesadilla

Turkey and Cheese Quesadilla
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

4 of 25

5 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken, Avocado, and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich

Chicken Avocado and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

5 of 25

6 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lunch Monitor: What Are Kids Throwing Away?

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mexican Wrap

Mexican Wrap
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's a healthier version of Mexican takeout.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

8 of 25

9 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

PB&C Sandwich

PB&C Sandwich
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peanutty Noodles

Peanutty noodles
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cook extra noodles at dinner to use in this dish.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Salsa With Tortilla Chips

Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

11 of 25

12 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Carrot Salad

Carrot Salad
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Apples and raisins add sweetness to this dish.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

White Bean Dip With Pita Crackers

White Bean Dip with Pita Crackers
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our recipe makes enough for three servings.

13 of 25

14 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creamy Banana Sammie

Creamy Banana Sammie
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

14 of 25

15 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup

Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's perfect for a chilly day.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Apple Raisin Sandwich

Apple Raisin Sandwich
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

16 of 25

17 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheddar and Apple Sandwich

Cheddar and Apple Sandwich
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

17 of 25

18 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Salad Sub

Chicken Salad Sub
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nutty Yogurt Dip

Nutty Yogurt Dip
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

19 of 25

20 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Egg Salad with Pita Crackers

Egg Salad with Pita Crackers
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

20 of 25

21 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Southwest Soup

Southwest Soup
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Red Pepper & White Bean Soup

Red Pepper & White Bean Soup
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

22 of 25

23 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Carrot Soup

Carrot Soup
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

23 of 25

24 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Yogurt Parfait

Yogurt Parfait
Credit: Avery Powell
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Let your child assemble the ingredients at school.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Your Shopping List

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.

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    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

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Parents

    • Diaper Bags
    • Maternity Clothing
    • Prenatal Vitamins
    • Car Seats
    • Breast Pumps
    • Maternity Dresses
    • Baby Shower Gifts
    • Baby Gates
    • Pregnancy Pillows
    • Kids Backpacks
    • Shop More Next

    Parents may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    View image

    Quick and Easy School Lunch Ideas
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.