By Laura Fuentes on Updated
5 from 4 votes
Get ready to discover new packed lunch ideas your kids will enjoy at school.
I’ve been packing these school lunches for my kids for more than a decade. They’re quick, healthy, and with the tips in each, they’ll stay fresh for hours!
25 Lunch Ideas All Packed in a Lunch Container
Lunch containers with compartments are great for packing lunches fast. These packed lunch ideas use healthy and fresh ingredients or utilize leftovers in new ways that kids love.
Click through to the recipes you like to save them and read the tips for keeping them fresh until lunch.
Taco Lunchables
5 from 34 votes
A great way to use up taco night leftovers and recreate this kid-favorite boxed lunch with healthier ingredients.
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Chicken Avocado Wrap
5 from 17 votes
Turn chicken leftovers into a healthy, protein-filled meal that's easy to pack in the lunch box.
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DIY Lunchable
5 from 26 votes
The classic yellow box gets a healthy remake and more protein!
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Chicken Nuggets Lunchable
4.96 from 24 votes
Another store-bought boxed lunch you can skip buying with this DIY recipe. Use your favorite nuggets or the ones in the post.
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If you’re new to packing lunches, watch this quick video with all my tips for keeping them fresh in the lunch bag for hours.
Mess-Free Pizza Bento
5 from 16 votes
Swap the red sauce for hummus and add your kid's favorite pizza toppings.
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Mini Pancakes Lunch Box
5 from 9 votes
Use regular or mini pancakes to make these fun sandwiches. Use leftover pancakes from the weekend or frozen.
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Mediterranean Packed Lunch
5 from 5 votes
Full of protein and super quick to assemble with your favorite Greek-inspired ingredients.
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BBQ Chicken Wrap
5 from 19 votes
Learn how to pack an epic, protein-filled BBQ chicken wrap so that it stays fresh until lunch. Use rotisserie to save time.
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Salami Bento with Pears
5 from 23 votes
This 5-minute lunch is a kid's favorite! Inspired by those bistro boxes sold at our favorite coffee shops, this is quick, easy, and affordable.
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Cheddar & Apple Quesadillas
5 from 16 votes
A savory combo that's epic plus learn how to pack quesadillas in a lunch box for school.
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Grapes & Cheese Bento
5 from 27 votes
For the kid that loves to graze this packed lunch is perfect! Add half or a whole sandwich and you're done.
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Protein Lunchable
5 from 13 votes
Read the tips in this post for how to add protein to any lunchable. The yellow box is never enough!
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Homemade Pizza Uncrustables
5 from 13 votes
I saw these in the frozen aisle once and decided to make my own. My kids LOVE these!
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Rainbow Snack Box
5 from 18 votes
Use this as a blueprint to add nutrition to any packed lunch!
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Hummus and Carrots Bento
5 from 19 votes
For the kid that loves to dip, this packed lunch side pairs great with any sandwich or wrap.
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Turkey Bacon Bento
5 from 18 votes
The perfect lunch to pack ahead for the kid who enjoys savory foods, dips, and filled with protein.
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Tzatziki Dipping Bento
5 from 19 votes
Quick to pack and high in protein this lunch is filled with bite-sized foods kids enjoy while chatting with friends.
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Ham and Cheese Egg Muffins
5 from 18 votes
Egg muffins are the perfect lunchbox builder ingredient you can make ahead and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Guacamole & Protein
5 from 32 votes
Filled with a variety of healthy ingredients, this lunch is kid (and mom) approved. Click to learn how to keep it fresh.
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Picnic Lunch
5 from 14 votes
My kids love this bento because it feels like you're eating a picnic at school! Learn how to pack this epic lunch.
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Dill Pickle Box
5 from 20 votes
This easy and unique idea is the perfect addition to any sandwich and packs great in a lunch box.
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Black Bean Taquitos
5 from 16 votes
Make these for dinner and learn how to turn leftovers into a fun, packed lunch idea.
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Grilled PB & J
5 from 9 votes
This simple sandwich idea is always a winner and elevates the classic PBJ to the next level! This is one epic school lunch idea!
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Turkey Pesto Pinwheels
5 from 15 votes
Check out how to pack these mess-free pinwheels with pesto and cream cheese. It comes in handy when you need an easy and healthy lunch in 5 minutes.
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Meatball Skewers
5 from 8 votes
This indulgent lunch can be enjoyed with three healthy staples: meatballs, tomato sauce, and bread. A 3 ingredient lunch that is absolutely amazing? Yes, please!
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Make sure to save and share your favorite lunch-worthy recipes!
by Laura Fuentes
onApril 11, 2024
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Nathan
This is such a fantastic collection of lunch ideas! I know they’re “for kids” but I might start using some of these for myself, LOL. The grilled PB&J sounds particularly good!Reply
Bobby
This is such an awesome resource! Bookmarked!Reply
Stephanie
Thanks for all of these great lunchbox packing ideas! My children also thank you as I’m not very good at coming up with tasty ideas for their packed lunches.Reply
Kushi Mallya
Some of the best lunch ideas for kids. Thanks a lot for sharing.Reply
