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You are here: Home / Recipes / 30 Healthy Back to School Lunch Ideas (that aren’t all sandwiches)

30 Healthy Back to School Lunch Ideas (that aren’t all sandwiches)

1 Aug

Pa-lease tell me I’m not the only one that always had the same reoccuring back to school dream of walking in to class completely naked. Never failed – every night before that big first day, the nude dream creeped into my subconscious and freaked me out. Graduating from college meant many things, but the most important was kissing the awkward naked nightmares goodbye. I can’t guarantee your kids won’t be haunted with the same dreams, but I can give you an awesome list of 30 healthy back to school lunch ideas (that aren’t all sandwiches).

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Here are 30 awesome lunchbox ideas for back to school! So many healthy options (that aren't ALL sandwiches).

A dear friend requested I write this post as her little one is starting preschool this fall. She’s that kind of mom friend you can text and say things like, “Ok I understand why they say never shake a baby, but is it ok to shake a toddler?” or “I’m trying to go #2 and I see little fingers under the door so I feel like I need to hurry but I just want like three minutes”. Then she responds with, “I’m drinking a big @ss glass of wine as I’m giving both boys a bath” or “I ate blueberries off the floor because he threw them all but I didn’t want them to go to waste. Seriously feeding him cardboard if he does it again”. She’s the mom friend every mom needs.

And for the record, it’s not ok to shake a toddler….apparently. (KIDDING!)

So when you’re the mom that can laugh and cry at the same time or jokes about running away, but truly can’t imagine a second without those addicting round ‘lil cheeks….If you’re the mom that isn’t Martha meets Pinterest yet still wants to feed your little one healthy and nutritious meals, I got you covered (and I like you, a lot).

Making lunches for your kids doesn’t have to be a grand production, or a stressor in your already crazy life! So if you are worried that pb & j’s are the extent of your creativity and need some better alternatives, check these out!

30 Healthy Back to School Lunch Ideas

#1. Deli meat wrapped around pickle spears

#2. Paleo pizza egg cups

Pizza-inspired egg muffins. Paleo and perfect for breakfast on the go!

#3. Avocado and cucumber sandwiches on whole wheat, gluten-free, or sprouted grain bread

#4. Lunchbox Kabobs from It Is A Keeper

Lunch Box Kabobs from it Is a Keeper

#5. Build your own pizza with a whole wheat english muffin, pizza sauce, and variety of vegetables

#6. Hard boiled eggs

#7. Cinnamon spinach mini flapjacks

Toddler approved and healthy! Cinnamon Spinach Mini Flapjacks are paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free and sweetened with only banana and cinnamon!

#8. DIY chicken salad (made leftover shredded chicken, paleo mayo, and sliced grapes) with whole grain or rice crackers

#9. Almond butter and hemp seed banana ‘sushi’ from Fit Foodie Finds

Almond butter and hemp seed banana sushi from Fit Foodie Finds

#10. Paleo carrot cake energy balls

The best paleo snack ever! Try these carrot cake energy balls next time you're in a snack rut! Great for kids too.

#11. Grilled chicken tenders with choice of dipping sauce (hummus, honey mustard, sunshine dip, etc.)

#12. Build your own tacos (separately packed soft tortillas, beans, guacamole, shredded chicken, cheese, etc) inspired by Forks, Folks and Fun

#13. Lunchbox turkey and cheese “sushi” from The Weary Chef

Turkey and cheese "sushi" sandwich from The Weary Chef

#14. Mini skewers – protein of choice on toothpicks or mini skewers with previously roasted veggies

#15. 4-Ingredient Carrot Stars from Feeding Fin

4-ingredient carrot stars from Feeding Fin

#16. Apples, thinly sliced with nut butter in between for ‘sandwiches’

#17. Organic hot dogs or chicken sausages, quartered for easy finger food

#18. Paleo broccoli “cheese” sticks

These toddler broccoli sticks are the perfect healthy snack made with all paleo ingredients

#19. Build your own pita pockets – protein of choice, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.

#20. Spinach sweet potato tots

These paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free spinach sweet potato tots are the perfect healthy finger food for baby led wearing, toddlers, and big kids! Adults love them too!

#21. Roasted fingerling potatoes with hummus or sunshine sauce to dip

#22. Pea and Sweet Corn Fritters from My Fussy Eater

Pea and Sweet Corn Fritters from My Fussy Eater

#23. Grain-free crepes with shredded chicken or sliced ham, spinach, and cheese OR strawberry chia seed spread

Paleo crepes have never been easier. Make these 30 second crepes in the microwave for the easiest, tastiest breakfast or dessert ever.

#24. Flaxseed crackers with tuna or deli meat

#25. Chicken and rice patties from Planning with Kids

Chicken and Rice Patties from Planning with Kids

#26. Gluten-free sweet potato cereal

Making your own gluten-free cereal is so easy and super healthy! Packed with vitamin A, this sweet potato cereal is the perfect breakfast to power through your day!

#27. Sandwich kabobs from Mom Endeavors 

Sandwich Kabobs from Mom Endeavors

#28. Prosciutto & Egg Roll Ups from Nom Nom Paleo 

Prosciutto and Egg Roll Ups from Nom Nom Paleo

#29. Mashed sweet potatoes with almond butter or leftover protein to top

30 Whole30 Hacks - microwave sweet potatoes

#30. Almond butter or cashew butter and strawberry chia ‘jam’ on whole grain or gluten free english muffins

Need some additional finger food side ideas? Here are a few!

Sliced apples

Mini sweet peppers

Sliced cucumbers

Berries of any kind

Sugar snap pease

Banana

Sliced jicama

Peeled oranges

Grapes

Baby carrots

Broccoli or cauliflower florets

Pineapple slices

Chrissa
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48 Comments Filed Under: Meal Planning, Recipes, Toddler Approved [heart_this]

About Chrissa

I'm Chrissa - a lover of cooking, hater of spiders, fitness enthusiast, red lipstick wearer, mom and wife. Here you will find healthy recipes the family will love, step-by-step workout tutorials, meal planning guides and wellness tips.

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Comments

  1. Stacey S says

    August 1, 2016 at 6:34 am

    Boom!!!!!!! Love love love this. Thank you!!!!! And thank you for being my friend xoxoxo

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      Phfffff what would I do without YOU!??!?! Seriously. 😉 Love ya girlfriend

      Reply
  2. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    August 1, 2016 at 7:00 am

    I’d want the little spinach flapjacks in MY lunchbox 😉

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      I’ll send ya some! They are pretty good (and fun)!!

      Reply
  3. withBrandi says

    August 1, 2016 at 7:51 am

    I can’t even believe I have to start thinking about lunches again so soon, but I do. Ugh. These are genius though and will definitely use the ideas for the kiddos….and me.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      I know, I know. Summer flew by!!! But hopefully this will make life a little easier when BTS hits SOON!

      Reply
  4. Cara says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:41 am

    Haha I think we’ve all had those crazy dreams! This is a great roundup of delicious lunch ideas! I love changing it up from just boring sandwiches! 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      I feel like that’s just scratching the surface of my crazy dreams! I better not share or else I may turn a bunch of peeps off 😉 Thanks Cara!

      Reply
  5. Blair says

    August 1, 2016 at 9:39 am

    I need to remember some of these ideas! My kids go back to school in 2 weeks!!! Yikes…

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      EEEEEEK! It’s coming so soon! What happened to summer?!?

      Reply
  6. Abbey says

    August 1, 2016 at 10:23 am

    Love this! I’m always looking for healthy meal ideas!! Sounds awesome!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:41 pm

      Glad you like it Abbey!

      Reply
  7. Cassandra @ Powered By BLING says

    August 1, 2016 at 10:51 am

    I love those Turkey “sushi” rolls! I never thought about using shredded cheese in place of rice. Great idea!!!! I also love the kabob ideas.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:41 pm

      Lots of goodies to try! Such fun finger foods for the kiddos AND adults. Thanks Cassandra!

      Reply
  8. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    August 1, 2016 at 10:57 am

    Those are all great creative ideas. Love the kabobs and I think my son would too

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      Thanks Deborah! Kabobs are just always fun – regardless of what’s on ’em!

      Reply
  9. Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says

    August 1, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    haha I can’t say I have ever had that naked dream! But I can say these snacks all look awesome!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:40 pm

      NEVER?! What?! I thought it was really common? Now I just feel like a weirdo! HA. Thanks Kayla 😉

      Reply
  10. Kimberly says

    August 1, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    Wow! These look so yummy. Great ways to mix it up. Lunches can get so boring each day.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:39 pm

      Thanks Kimberly!

      Reply
  11. glenneth says

    August 1, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    these are great! (and not just for kids) i can always use new lunch inspiration!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:39 pm

      Definitely not just for kids. Adults love finger food too, right?!

      Reply
  12. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

    August 1, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    So many great ideas! I Can’t wait to pack some of these for work 🙂 haha I love the sound of those carrot cake bites!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      Good call! Yes get on those carrot cake bites! They aren’t overly sweet so feel free to add more honey if you like ’em sweeter 😉

      Reply
  13. GiGi Eats says

    August 1, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    Paleo Egg Pizza Cups for me – EVERY DAY! haha!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      E-V-E-R-Y-D-A-Y seriously. I mean, pizza says it all….

      Reply
  14. Ilka says

    August 1, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    Those pizza cups are ultra convenient!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      YES! I love them for breakfast AND lunch!

      Reply
  15. Jess @hellotofit says

    August 2, 2016 at 6:32 am

    Okay, I’m not in school any more but these are AWESOME ideas!! I sometimes despise lunch time because I never know what to make – not in the mood for a sandwich but don’t to eat a) leftovers that are supposed to be for dinner, or b) the food I plan to make for dinner. LOVE!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      Thanks Jess! Adults can certainly enjoy too. I seriously get in to the salad or leftovers rut ALL THE TIME so I can totally relate to your sentiments!

      Reply
  16. Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says

    August 2, 2016 at 7:06 am

    Wow! Lots of great ideas here, I can’t wait to try a few… healthy & kid friendly, I think my little ones will enjoy a lot of these recipes, thanks for sharing!!!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      My pleasure! I hope your little loves a bunch of these – makes life easy when lunch or dinner happens!

      Reply
  17. Heather @ Polyglot Jot says

    August 2, 2016 at 7:30 am

    This is a great resource for work lunches too! I get tired of the same old same old. I had the naked dream quite often too. I also dreamed that I would get to school and realize that I forgot my backpack and all of my books. haha!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 2, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      Totally! Plus, finger foods can be fun for adults too 😉 Ugh the naked dream – I still get a yucky feeling in my stomach when I think about it!!!

      Reply
  18. Jill Conyers says

    August 2, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    Great and totally doable ideas Chrissa. My son will like the as he gets ready to move back to college.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 3, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      Kindergarten, college…doesn’t matter. All kiddos need lunch ideas, regardless of their age! 😉

      Reply
  19. Beverley @ Born to Sweat says

    August 3, 2016 at 6:40 am

    hahaha she sounds like the perfect kind of friend!! I love that. also i can’t even IMAGINE not having my own poop time without it being disturbed. these things i dont even THINK of when it comes to having children hahahah

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 3, 2016 at 3:06 pm

      Poop time is a special time – it should NEVER be interrupted. I didn’t think about it prior to a child either, so don’t worry about it. But enjoy your ‘you’ time now 😉

      Reply
  20. Shann says

    August 3, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    These are awesome! I think my son had the exact same thing for lunch every day last year, so I think I need to step up my game. Watch out Martha 😉

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 6, 2016 at 10:01 pm

      LOL! Martha’s got NOTHING on you Shann!!!

      Reply
  21. Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins says

    August 3, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    Great ideas! My kids could definitely get into these and I just might make a few for me too!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 6, 2016 at 10:00 pm

      Love it! You AND the kiddos can totally share some of these healthy lunch ideas! Thanks Shani!

      Reply
  22. rachel @ athletic avocado says

    August 5, 2016 at 8:55 am

    so many great ideas!!! pinning for later 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 6, 2016 at 9:58 pm

      Thanks so much Rachel!

      Reply
  23. Susannah says

    August 5, 2016 at 4:17 pm

    Well, I’m not going back to school but I’m definitely going to have to try some of these!!! <3

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 6, 2016 at 9:57 pm

      Good idea Susannah. We don’t have to go back to school to enjoy these lunch ideas (come to think of it, we should go back to school shopping while we’re at it – do you agree??) 😉

      Reply
  24. Farrah says

    August 6, 2016 at 2:04 pm

    So many delicious ideas! Hardboiled eggs are one of my favorite easy + portable snacks! I really want those roasted potatoes + corn fritters!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 6, 2016 at 9:55 pm

      I love hard boiled eggs too – such an easy, nutritious food to grab and go! Thanks Farrah!

      Reply

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