75 Simple, Delicious School Lunch Ideas That Your Kids Will Actually Eat

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pot, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, vegetarian

Sure, your kid is an Annie's loyalist. But that's only because they haven't tasted this gem yet, which is made with cream cheese and cheddar for an extra decadent consistency. "The trick is to boil the pasta in milk; the natural starches in the pasta help thicken the sauce," explains PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes

They're a timeless classic for a reason. I'm talking store-bought bagels (or English muffins), pre-shredded mozz and your kid's favorite sauce. "The less fancy you get, the better these will taste," asserts Gillen. "But feel free to go all out with toppings."

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly

These crunchy, creamy celery sticks slathered in peanut butter are timeless for a reason. "You could swap in almond butter or another nut—or nutless—butter, and dried cranberries or cherries can replace the raisins," Gillen suggests. "Or, go wild with carrot sticks, hummus and pine nuts for an entirely new take."

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, vegetarian, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser

They love spuds, they love ranch dressing—por qué no los dos? Make a batch of this picnic favorite on Sunday night to dole out all week long. That way, the spuds have plenty of time to soak up all the dressing's tangy flavor overnight. (And psst: You can always leave out the herbs if you kid recoils at the sight of anything green.)

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients

You can never go wrong with a classic. "I'm a sucker for classic smooth PB and seedless black raspberry jam, but the sky's the limit," Gillen reassures us. Serve it with apple slices, cherries or mandarin oranges.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, beginner-friendly

Whether you're cost-conscious or just feeling lazy, canned beans are a no-brainer. Here, chickpeas are mashed with a slew of pantry staples to create a satiating sammy for the books. "It likes a hint of acid (lemon juice or a splash of vinegar), something briny (I call for pepperoncini, but capers, olives or pickles would do) and a bit of spice (crushed red pepper flakes or even hot sauce)," Gillen recommends. Or just leave it as is for picky palates. 

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients

"You want a bit of salty, savory, creamy, crunchy and sweet in every bite, so why not forgo the tiny crackers for a large-scale version that guarantees just that?" Gillen asks. This portable charcuterie board has endless variations. If your kid likes pears, swap out the apples. If they don't like prosciutto, use salami. Just be sure to keep the drizzle of honey.

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, make ahead

Greens, starch, protein—what more can you ask for in a work or school lunch idea? This gorgeous spread packs big Mediterranean flavor into a bento box for a delicious, nutritious meal that can be savored without reheating.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead

Potato salad without mayonnaise may sound like sacrilege, but don't knock it 'til you try it. This innovative update uses sour cream to make a dish that tastes every bit as yummy as its classic counterpart, only lighter and tangier.

• Time Commitment: 7 hours and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, make ahead, high protein

Succulent pork shoulder and creamy avocado are a mouthwatering match, only made better by a tangy crema topping. Kids will go bonkers for these burrito bowls—and I promise no one will miss the tortillas.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, vegan, <30 minutes

Peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats to this school lunch idea, while bananas provide energy-boosting carbs. What happens when you roll 'em up together? A satisfying, healthy lunch that tastes like dessert (but definitely isn’t).

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, vegan, gluten free, <30 minutes

Mild, creamy chickpeas are arguably the most likable legume, which is why kids won’t whine when they encounter this healthy, no-cook salad. The red onion, celery and dill keep the mash fresh and light, while mayo gives the dish a rich mouthfeel.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Pick your favorite pita bread (gluten free, if necessary), pair it with a cup of tomato or pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni et voilà—you have homemade Lunchables. You can also add chopped vegetables to this school lunch idea if you're feeling virtuous.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, high protein

Do something daring next time you pack your kid’s lunch by giving deli turkey a whole new look. Without bread dulling their savory flavors, simple cheddar and turkey really sing, so much so that the kids won’t even mind the spinach.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, gluten free, <10 ingredients

Just about every kid has thrown spaghetti on the floor. Fortunately, these compact pasta pies are mess-proof (and taste even better cold than the O.G.).

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, make ahead

There's no limit to what can go in these exciting assortments, but I recommend including some kind of spread (like hummus or guacamole), something crunchy (like pretzels or rice cakes), fresh produce and some sort of treat (like granola or mini cookies). Your kids' school mates will be so jealous.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, make ahead

Skip the soggy bread in favor of pasta with this deconstructed BLT. The pasta salad is loaded with bacon to win them over, and the mayo-based dressing might get them to poke at those green and red things, too.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients

The novelty of eating school lunch off a stick will likely be enough to win 'em over—at first. But kids will keep coming back for more of these skewers, thanks to the mouthwatering mix of artichokes, salty olives and decadent mortadella. Bologna who?

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, make ahead, beginner-friendly

A tired cafeteria classic gets a surprising makeover in this updated chicken salad recipe, which calls for only a modest amount of mayo. Plenty of herbs give the protein-packed meal a bright, fresh flavor profile.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, no cook

The salty, peppery trio of Italian deli meats in these pinwheel sammies pairs so well with the mildly sweet taste of provolone that kids won’t even be tempted to pick out the kale. (Maybe.)

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, beginner-friendly

Bacon has the power to get your kid to eat more greens. Case in point? This scrumptious and savory pasta salad, which cleverly disguises a heaping serving of cruciferous vegetables with a dose of crispy, salty deliciousness.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, vegetarian, kid-friendly

Let’s be honest: Everyone enjoys a cold pizza snack. That said, this school lunch idea will look and taste infinitely better if you cook up some of these cuties instead of throwing in a soggy slice from last night’s delivery.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, high protein, <10 ingredients

Cute, colorful and packed with chicken and veggies, these Mexican-inspired pinwheels are held together by one of the most kid-friendly ingredients in your kitchen: cream cheese.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, crowd-pleaser, vegan

Kids are suckers for corkscrew pasta. Capitalize on that with a school lunch idea that scores high on nutritional value by delivering healthy fats, protein, fiber and a whole lot of flavor. (Pro tip: Feel free to skip the jalapeño.)

• Time Commitment: 10 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegan, kid-friendly

If a PB&J sandwich is the only item on your kid's school lunch menu, it's time to branch out. Test out this quick and easy quesadilla from Monique Volz for something that's different, yet familiar enough to become an instant favorite.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: no cook, make ahead, high protein

Chicken salad has never looked as appetizing as it does in this colorful, kid-friendly stuffed pepper recipe. Use a store-bought rotisserie bird for a no-cook school lunch idea that’s a cinch to prepare.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, vegan

Don’t have the time or inclination to try your hand at homemade sushi? Skip the seaweed and serve this vegetarian version instead. Full of produce and umami, kids will be eager to scarf down these tasty, dainty bites.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, high protein

The sad-looking ham sandwich of your youth just got a fancy upgrade. Sweet, creamy and savory, this handheld tastes great at room temp, making it a nice addition to a school lunch. (And if your kid's not into peaches, you could omit them, or use thinly sliced apples in their place.)

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, high protein, special occasion-worthy

Fluffy focaccia, breaded chicken, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, salty feta and homemade pesto. The ingredients kind of speak for themselves, but let it be known that this school lunch idea is anything but boring and sure to please every palate.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, crowd-pleaser

When butternut squash season arrives, get to the farmers market and make your mini a gourmet meal that goes down easy. The pasta is almost too cool for school...but it tastes just as divine in the cafeteria as it does at the dinner table.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, <30 minutes, make ahead

Avocado gets a little kick from a dollop of Dijon and a couple tablespoons of capers (although feel free to omit both if your kid's palette isn't quite so adventurous just yet). Yep, this egg salad sandwich promises to go down like a breath of fresh air at lunchtime.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, make ahead

If you use a store-bought rotisserie chicken, this bold school lunch idea comes together in mere minutes. You may need to adjust the Buffalo sauce for young ones who are sensitive to spice—and sub in ranch dressing for blue cheese if they're not into its tanginess—but the effort-to-reward ratio makes it hard to beat.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

Ah, salami: The cafeteria staple that rarely stirs excitement. Unless, of course, you toss it into a restaurant-worthy pasta salad with artichoke hearts and creamy ricotta, in which case you have the kind of lunch that won’t come back home with your kid.

• Time Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner friendly, special occasion-worthy, high protein

Ready to not talk turkey? Make this grilled chicken sandwich—complete with creamy yogurt sauce and crispy onions—for your little one and you’ll both be singing the praises of poultry once again.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, high protein, <30 minutes, one pan

Frittatas are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to making the most of leftovers (in this case, meatballs). No matter the mix-in, they're reliably delicious without reheating, so they're just right for school lunches.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy

Swap the chipotle mayo for something milder, like garlic mayo or green goddess dressing, for kids who can't take the heat. But don’t let it deter you from sending them to school with these scrumptiously seasoned (I love you, cumin) vegetarian tacos.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

They beat the frozen kind by a mile. Pack this school lunch idea with sides of ketchup and honey mustard, and your kid won't even notice the quinoa in the mix.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, no cook, beginner-friendly

Three cheers for a creamy, flavorful and protein-packed vegetarian sandwich that your kid won’t be bitter about having for lunch. Pack it with veggie straws or baked potato chips for good measure.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, kid-friendly

Add some zucchini and tomato to these tasty chicken skewers for a healthy school lunch idea that, whether served hot or cold, basically tastes like a Mediterranean vacation.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy

Is your kid a shrimp cocktail fanatic? Tangy citrus, sharp feta cheese and briny olives can take it from here in this wholesome, savory quinoa salad.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian

Forget hot dogs. This cute substitute is more nutritious and requires no reheating. Top them with sesame seeds for extra crunch and serve with green goddess dressing (or ketchup, if they insist).

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian

This clever sandwich hack involves skewered ingredients. The end result? Sweet, ripe tomatoes, salty cheese and satisfying, crusty sourdough that doesn’t lose its luster like most sandwich bread.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser

Their favorite dinner, simplified and fork-free. The Parm is worked right into the breadcrumb coating, so they won't be grossed out by a layer of plasticky cheese when they open their lunchbox.

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, make ahead

Hummus: The dip your kid will be shocked they love once they try it. Stir some (homemade or store-bought) into this plant-based bowl of deliciousness for a healthy school lunch idea they'll have no trouble putting away.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, vegetarian

A rich and savory egg custard that really struts its stuff at room temperature, quiche is always yummy but not always good for you. The exception? Ali Maffucci’s healthy update, which boasts carrot-potato filling.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, <30 minutes, high protein

Toss your kid’s favorite protein into this Asian-inspired, make-ahead lunch. Customize it to your heart's content—the best part is the silky sesame sauce that clings to cold noodles like a charm anyway.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, <10 ingredients, vegetarian

Didn't think you could turn their favorite soup into a muffin, huh? Broccoli and cheddar cheese make for filling whole grain muffins that are nutritious, savory and totally scrumptious.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, kid-friendly

Finger foods are a big win when it comes to school lunches, and boy, do I have good news: Your kid’s favorite of them all just got way less messy. And the pepperoni and mozzarella combo? Just as delicious as ever.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, vegetarian

Sauce is by far the best way to conceal a serving of folate-filled greens, which explains why pesto is a parent’s best friend. (Oh, and grated Parm.)

• Time Commitment: 40 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser

These bites are stuffed with cheese and refried black beans, so they're extra satiating. The secret to their tiny size is using wonton wrappers in place of tortillas.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, <30 minutes

Introducing a decidedly delicious veggie wrap from Heidi Larsen that can be pulled together with whatever produce you have on hand. To make this school lunch idea extra tasty, add a generous amount of homemade hummus.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, make ahead

Pasta is an easy, pleasing school lunch idea, but orzo is the unsung hero of the bunch. The delicate, rice-shaped pasta allows the other ingredients to take centerstage. In this case, I'm talking about zucchini, tomato, feta and basil.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, high protein, <10 ingredients

Lighten up your kid’s school lunch with this variation of classic chicken salad. Mayo, grapes and celery are still in the mix, but the cottage cheese provides bonus creaminess and protein.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegan, make ahead, beginner-friendly

Easy to make and stuffed full of walnut or pepita "meat," these plant-based wraps will taste like a fiesta. Zhuzh them up with corn, tomatoes, avocado or black beans.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes

Apples offer crunch, sweetness and acidity to these pint-sized wraps, a major improvement on the turkey-on-white sandwich that's been haunting cafeterias for decades.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, <10 ingredients, one pan

This incredibly simple lunch combines sweet tomato sauce with pepperoni slices for an eggy meal your kids will rave about. Don't forget to garnish with a flourish of fresh basil.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, no cook, <30 minutes

Budget-friendly canned tuna gets an elegant upgrade in this kid-friendly lunch, made with brightly-colored vegetables, creamy avocado and lime dressing. Serve it as is or pile it between two slices of bread.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, special occasion-worthy, high protein

Vietnamese-inspired lunch fare at its finest. The baguette is stuffed with juicy grilled pork, pickled vegetables and aromatic herbs. Bonus? It's just as tasty served cold as it is hot. Whip up a batch for dinner, and set the leftover meat and veggies aside for tomorrow's lunch.

• Time Commitment: 20 minutes
• Why I Love It: make ahead, <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser

Two of their favorite dishes, united in cheesy harmony. The homemade dressing calls for avocado instead of traditional egg, which eases the load on your end. But feel free to skip the anchovy paste (although I'm sure your kids would be none the wiser).

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, make ahead

They're basically grown-up Lunchables. Pack the crumbled bacon in its own tiny container or bag so it stays crispy and include a tiny utensil for the cheese, so your kid can assemble each cracker however they like.

• Time Commitment: 50 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

The best thing about this recipe is its flexibility. Swap quinoa for leftover rice or short pasta, or substitute just about any of the vegetables inside (a mix of corn, tomatoes and zucchini is a solid starting place for picky eaters).

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, high protein

Your kids will be too busy relishing in Buffalo-ranch tuna salad and melted mozzarella to notice the chopped celery and carrots. You could also serve the tuna with crackers or in a wrap if they can't reheat the sandwich at school.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser

Parenting 101: Hide veggies in their meals every chance you get. Here, broccoli florets are blended with pine nuts, basil and other essentials until smooth to create the pesto. Skip the olives if you think their briny flavor will be a dealbreaker. Prepare for every parent at school to ask you for the recipe.

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: vegan, special occasion-worthy, dairy free

If your kids like mac and cheese, they'll be down to try this creamy vegan dish. (And they'll have no clue that the key to its richness is yellow zucchini.) Might I suggest making it for dinner and sending them off with the leftovers the next morning?

• Time Commitment: 35 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, high protein, kid-friendly

Behold: Your children's new favorite dinner. Luckily, it tastes just as good at lunchtime and only requires a handful of pantry staples to come together. Store the chicken in a Thermos to keep it warm during the school day.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, one pot

Despite its decadent texture, the sauce is free of heavy cream. Instead, it's made with butter, Parmesan cheese and a magic ingredient: starchy pasta water.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Rub the apple slices with a fresh lemon wedge to keep them from browning before school even starts. If your kid doesn't like bacon, swap in deli turkey or ham.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients

Serve Katie Workman’s classic Italian piccata for dinner, then use the leftovers to make this lightly dressed and oh-so vibrant orzo salad. It’s particularly tasty at room temperature and sure to be a hit with any kid who can handle a little tang.

• Time Commitment: 5 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, no added sugar

If you're used to savory versions of this beloved dish, you might balk at the idea. But avocado, a fruit in its own right, happens to be a stellar neutral backdrop for nature's other candies. The addition of lime juice ensures it won't turn an unappetizing shade of brown before lunch.

• Time Commitment: 15 minutes
• Why I Love It: high protein, no sugar added, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients

A simple grilled caprese sandwich is delicious even when served cold—just be sure to use the freshest ingredients and pick a crusty, artisanal bread to throw on the griddle, since standard sandwich bread will likely get soggy.

• TIme Commitment: 45 minutes
• Why I Love It: gluten-free, crowd pleaser, kid-friendly

This bite-sized, gluten-free twist on every kid’s favorite comfort food delivers all the cheesy goodness without taking up too much lunchbox real estate.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: no added sugar, low carb, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients

Add lemon, shallot, capers and dill to the mix and you’ve got a crave-worthy egg salad recipe that’s sure to please your kid’s palate and fill their stomach come lunchtime.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: one pot, beginner-friendly, high protein

There are two key steps that make this lightened-up meal one for the books: using sun-dried tomatoes for tang, zip and color and cooking all the ingredients in a single pot. (No waiting for water to boil here.)

• Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, make ahead

These freezer-friendly dumplings can be prepped ahead, warmed up and packaged with soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce or even ketchup for a quick lunch. Finish them with sesame seeds and scallions for flair.

• Time Commitment: 25 minutes
• Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients

This dish is inspired by macarona bi laban, a yogurt-based noodle dish that recipe creator Yumna Jawad equates to pasta Alfredo. The sauce is complemented by nutty tahini and, if you want to take the extra step, hashweh, a spiced, herbed Lebanese stuffing of rice, meat and nuts.