Quick and Easy School Lunch Ideas

By Katie Cavuto, R.D.
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 26

Egg Muffins

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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2 of 26

Fiesta Pasta Salad

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

3 of 26

Roasted-Tomato Soup

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

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4 of 26

Turkey and Cheese Quesadilla

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

5 of 26

Chicken, Avocado, and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich

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

6 of 26

Lunch Monitor: What Are Kids Throwing Away?

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7 of 26

Mexican Wrap

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

8 of 26

Italian Pasta Salad

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

9 of 26

PB&C Sandwich

Avery Powell
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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 26

Peanutty Noodles

Avery Powell
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Cook extra noodles at dinner to use in this dish.

11 of 26

Salsa With Tortilla Chips

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

12 of 26

Carrot Salad

Avery Powell
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Apples and raisins add sweetness to this dish.

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13 of 26

White Bean Dip With Pita Crackers

Avery Powell
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Our recipe makes enough for three servings.

14 of 26

Creamy Banana Sammie

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

15 of 26

Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup

Avery Powell
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It's perfect for a chilly day.

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16 of 26

Apple Raisin Sandwich

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

17 of 26

Cheddar and Apple Sandwich

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

18 of 26

Chicken Salad Sub

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

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19 of 26

Nutty Yogurt Dip

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

20 of 26

Egg Salad with Pita Crackers

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

21 of 26

Southwest Soup

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

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22 of 26

Red Pepper & White Bean Soup

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

23 of 26

Carrot Soup

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

24 of 26

Yogurt Parfait

Avery Powell
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Let your child assemble the ingredients at school.

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25 of 26

Your Shopping List

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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