Are you struggling to come up with lunch box ideas for your kids? Lunchtime is a great opportunity for parents to be creative and ensure their children have a nutritious, balanced meal. But it’s not always easy to know what food items to include in their lunch or how to combine them into tasty and interesting meals.
7 Lunch Box Ideas To Prepare For Your Kids
From protein-packed sandwiches to colourful salads filled with seasonal produce, these recipes will inspire you as you plan your child’s next school lunch. And don’t forget to make sure the meal is balanced with healthy snacks and a drink.
1. A Balanced Meal
This lunch includes a combination of protein, vegetables, and starch. Try a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread. Include carrots or bell pepper slices for veggies and mini pretzels or crackers to round out the meal. You can get all the flavour you want with Japanese trendy snacks and pack a lunch that your kids will love. Also, adding yoghurt or fruit will make this meal complete. Additionally, this all fits in a bento box, so you can be sure to have everything ready for the morning.
2. Simple Salad
This simple salad is an excellent way for kids to eat their veggies! Start with a lettuce base and add colourful, seasonal produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Serve it with a side of ranch dressing or your favourite hummus. To make this lunch more filling, add some grilled chicken on top or put it in a wrap. For a fun touch, include carrot or cucumber flowers as a garnish. Maybe, add some seaweed to make it more attractive. Salad is full of nutrients and an excellent choice for a healthy lunch box.
3. Pita Pocket
The pita pocket is a classic lunch box favourite. Start with a whole wheat pita, add some shredded lettuce, and top it with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and grilled chicken. For extra flavour and crunch, sprinkle on some nuts or seeds. You can also get creative and use protein options like turkey or tuna. Drizzle on your favourite dressing for an added boost of flavour (and nutrition). This is one lunch the kids won’t forget, so pack it in the morning.
4. Pasta Salad
A pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser! Ensure to include plenty of vegetables – bell peppers, olives, tomatoes, and artichokes – and cooked penne or farfalle pasta. Add some fresh herbs for flavour and top it with feta or shredded cheese. If you’d like to make this meal more satisfying, add some cooked chicken or turkey. Additionally, you can pack a side of ranch dressing or pesto to complete the meal. And it’s great for kids who are picky eaters too.
5. Quesadilla
Quesadillas are great for lunch because they’re easy to make, and kids love them. Start with a whole wheat tortilla, and top it with grated cheese, tomatoes, and bell peppers (or any other vegetables you like). Heat a pan on medium heat and cook the quesadilla until it’s golden brown on both sides. Cut into four pieces and serve with sour cream or guacamole. This is a meal that will get eaten and leave the kiddos happy.
6. Veggie Burger
Veggie burgers are a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables. Start with a whole wheat bun, and top it with lettuce and tomatoes (or other favourite veggies). Add the patty of your choice – whether store-bought or homemade – and finish it with some condiments. This is a leisurely, filling lunch that everyone will enjoy. These burgers can also be served in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. For example, you can put your veggie patty in a lettuce wrap with tomatoes, onions, and other favourite veggies.
7. Homemade Pizza
Homemade pizza is always a hit at lunchtime. Start with pre-made whole wheat pita slices of bread and top them with your favourite sauce and toppings. Kids love to help make their pizzas, so get them involved. Add plenty of veggies to create a balanced meal. This lunch option will surely be a hit and make them smile. For example, you can make a pizza with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and cheese.
There are so many delicious and nutritious options for lunch boxes. This is a starting point, so get creative and develop your combinations. The possibilities are endless. With a bit of planning, you can ensure that your kids have the energy to get through their day and eat healthily simultaneously.
