Healthy Fun Lunch Ideas Kids (Printer-Friendly Version)
Delicious and nutritious lunch ideas for kids that make mealtime exciting and easy to pack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 -
2 large hard-boiled eggs
02 -
2 slices deli turkey
03 -
60 g cooked rotisserie chicken
04 -
3 tablespoons hummus
05 -
28 g string cheese
06 -
100 g Greek yogurt
07 -
30 g salami or pepperoni
08 -
60 g tuna salad
09 -
2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
10 -
30 g mixed nuts or trail mix
11 -
28 g beef jerky
→ Grains
12 -
1 mini bagel (50 g)
13 -
1 small pita bread (60 g)
14 -
1 medium flour tortilla (45 g)
15 -
28 g whole grain crackers
16 -
30 g pretzels
17 -
120 g pasta salad
18 -
2 small pancakes or waffles spread with nut butter (120 g)
19 -
1 rice cake (15 g)
20 -
30 g tortilla chips
21 -
15 g popcorn
→ Vegetables
22 -
50 g baby carrots or carrot sticks
23 -
50 g celery sticks
24 -
50 g sweet bell pepper strips
25 -
30 g cauliflower florets
26 -
30 g broccoli florets
27 -
20 g black olives
28 -
30 g snap peas
29 -
30 g cucumber slices
30 -
50 g shelled edamame
31 -
70 g mixed salad greens
→ Fruits
32 -
100 g mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
33 -
100 g grapes
34 -
1 medium apple, sliced
35 -
1 medium orange, sliced
36 -
100 g pineapple chunks
37 -
1 small pear
38 -
120 g melon (watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew)
39 -
1 pouch applesauce
40 -
30 g dried fruit mix
41 -
10 g freeze-dried fruit
→ Treats
42 -
1 homemade granola bar (35 g)
43 -
2 energy balls (approx. 40 g)
44 -
2 peanut butter protein balls (30 g)
45 -
2 graham crackers (30 g)
46 -
15 g chocolate-covered raisins
47 -
15 g yogurt-covered pretzels
48 -
15 g chocolate-covered sunflower seeds
49 -
20 g fruit leather
50 -
1 small homemade cookie (30 g)
51 -
1 healthy muffin (60 g)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Cook hard-boiled eggs and allow to cool. Arrange deli meats, cooked chicken, and prepare spreads like hummus and tuna salad for easy packing.
02 -
Choose suitable grains such as mini bagels, pita breads, tortillas or crackers. Prepare pancakes or waffles and spread with nut butter if desired.
03 -
Wash and cut fresh vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Prepare sticks or florets for easy dipping and appeal.
04 -
Wash and cut fresh fruits into child-friendly portions. Use smaller fruits whole and drizzle sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
05 -
Combine selected proteins, grains, vegetables, and fruits in appropriate portion sizes into a lunchbox. Include dips such as ranch, hummus, or yogurt for added enjoyment.
06 -
Add homemade granola bars, energy balls, or other healthy treats. Remember to pack utensils if needed and an insulated container for hot or cold foods.
07 -
Use ice packs or insulated lunch bags to maintain freshness. Pack lunches the night before for convenience.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Involving children in meal planning increases the likelihood they will enjoy and eat their lunch.
02 -
Using seasonal fruits and vegetables keeps costs reasonable while providing fresh ingredients.