It´s back to school season! In many countries the Summer break is already over :/ or school starts soon. 

That´s why I have great news for you: 20+ Quick and Healthy school Lunch Ideas for Kids, so you don´t have to think about what you should make every morning.

As a mom, I know  challenge of preparing a healthy and varied lunch for my kids every single day. And of course my kids don´t want to eat the same things over and over again…  Sometimes, time is tight, but that doesn’t mean we have to make something less healthy…. or yummy.

Here are over 20 quick and healthy school lunch ideas that can be prepared in 5 minutes or less. The best thing is you will have most of the things at home and there’s something for everyone. I’ve also included some personal tips and detailed instructions to make it easier. You can also combine different Ideas if you want to put in a little more effort or one idea isn’t enough.

1. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

For a fast, protein-packed lunch, simply lay a slice of turkey and a slice of cheese on top of each other and roll them up. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. I pair these with whole grain crackers and a handful of baby carrots for a balanced meal. Most Kids love these and they’re 100% worth a try.

2. Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap

Spread peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla and add banana slices. Roll it up and cut into smaller pieces. These wraps are not only quick to make but also a great mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. 

A tip: use a ripe banana for the best flavor and texture.

Tip 2: You can also make different variations with other fruits like strawberries or make a more savory version.

3. Yogurt Parfait

Layer yogurt of choice (I like greek yogurt) with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola in a container. There´s special containers like this one on amazon. I think this is a must have if you don’t already own one because you can carry around yogurt and liquids without spilling anything in your bag and put your toppings of choice in the container on top so it stays nice and crunchy! This parfait is delicious and can be customized with fruits. I like to use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and a little drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

4. Veggie and Hummus Sandwich

Spread hummus on whole grain bread and add slices of cucumber, bell pepper, and spinach. This sandwich is not only quick to assemble but also packed with nutrients. If your kids are picky about veggies, try cutting them into fun shapes to make them more appealing.

5. Tuna Salad Crackers

Mix canned tuna with a bit of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Serve with whole grain crackers and a side of cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices. For a twist, add a bit of mustard or lemon juice to the tuna salad for extra flavor. I don’t think you have to like tuna for this salad because it actually tastes so good!

6. Chicken and Avocado Wrap

Use leftover grilled chicken or buy pre-made one, slice some avocado, and wrap them in a whole wheat tortilla. You can also add cream cheese to the wrap. If you’re feeling extra add a squeeze of lime to add a fresh, zesty flavor. If you’re in a hurry, precooked rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. 

7. A Classic Slice of Bread

8. Mini Pita Pizzas

Spread marinara sauce on mini whole wheat pitas, add shredded cheese, and top with your child’s favorite toppings like olives or bell peppers. These can be eaten cold or warmed up. If you’re short on time, pre-made sauce and shredded cheese can speed up the process.

9. Hard-Boiled Eggs and Veggies

Pack a couple of hard-boiled eggs ( I recommend to pre-cook them on the weekend) with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a small dip of ranch or hummus. This meal is high in protein and easy to prepare. To save time, make a batch of hard-boiled eggs at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge.

10. Quesadilla Slices

Make a simple quesadilla with a whole wheat tortilla and cheese. Cook it on a skillet until the cheese is melted, then cut into wedges. Serve with salsa and guacamole. If you have extra time, add some cooked veggies or beans for extra nutrition.

11. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Spread cream cheese on a whole wheat tortilla, layer with ham and a slice of cheese, then roll up and slice into pinwheels. These are fun to eat and quick to prepare. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cream cheese spread.

12. Rice Cake Sandwiches

Use rice cakes as a base and spread with almond butter, peanut butter, or cream cheese. Add sliced strawberries or bananas for a sweet and healthy treat. These are great for a quick, crunchy lunch option.

13. Hummus and Veggie Sticks

Pack a small container of hummus with a variety of veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. This is an easy way to include more veggies in your child’s diet. For added variety, you can use different types of hummus, such as roasted red pepper or garlic.

14. Leftover Pasta Salad

Use leftover pasta, add a few cherry tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil or vinaigrette. Toss everything together for a quick and filling lunch. This works great with any type of pasta, including whole wheat or veggie pasta. For salads like this I would also recommend to use a container like this on amazon so noting gets spilled…

15. Fruit and Nut Butter Dip

Pack a variety of sliced fruits like apples, pears, or strawberries with a small container of almond or peanut butter for dipping. This simple combo is nutritious and can be prepared in minutes. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the nut butter.

16. Egg Salad Sandwich

Mash up a hard-boiled egg with a little mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and spread it on whole grain bread. This classic sandwich is quick and protein-rich. To save time, you can make the egg salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

17. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple

Pack a portion of cottage cheese with pineapple chunks or any other fruit your child enjoys. This sweet and savory combination is high in protein and takes just moments to prepare. For a change, try mixing in some fresh berries or peaches.

18. Smoothie and Granola Bar

Blend up a quick smoothie with milk, yogurt, and your child’s favorite fruits. ( If you don’t have a blender I´d recommend this one. I use it so often and it´s quite cheap for such a great quality.) Pair it with a healthy granola bar for a balanced meal. If you’re in a hurry, you can use frozen fruit and pre-made granola bars to save time.

19. Salami and Cheese Skewers

Thread slices of salami, cheese cubes, and cherry tomatoes onto small skewers or toothpicks. This bite-sized lunch is both fun and nutritious. You can also use different types of cheese or add some olives for variety.

20. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

The classic PB&J is always a hit. Use whole grain bread and natural peanut butter for a healthier way. This sandwich is quick to make and can be paired with a side of fruit or yogurt for added nutrition and I think every kid likes it.

21. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Spread cream cheese on whole grain bread, add thin cucumber slices, and cut into small sandwiches. These are refreshing and light, perfect for a warm day. You can also add a sprinkle of dill or chives for extra flavor.

22. Turkey and Avocado Slices

Layer slices of turkey with avocado and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Serve on whole grain crackers or roll up for a quick, nutritious option. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavors and prevent the avocado from browning.

23. Veggie and Cheese Quesadilla

Use a whole wheat tortilla and fill it with leftover vegetables and cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and cut into triangles. Serve with a side of salsa or sour cream. This is a great way to use up any leftover veggies.

24. Bean and Cheese Burrito

Fill a whole wheat tortilla with refried beans and cheese. Roll it up and pack with a side of salsa or guacamole. This simple burrito is delicious and easy to prepare.

25. Granola and Yogurt Bowl

Mix granola with Greek yogurt and add some fresh berries on top. This meal is light yet filling, and can be customized with your child’s favorite fruits. For extra crunch, add a sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds.

These 20+ quick and healthy school lunch ideas are perfect for busy mornings and to ensure your kids get a great meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. With these easy options, you can provide a variety of meals that are both delicious and balanced, helping to keep your kids energized  throughout their school day and isn´t it the best feeling toped up the lunchbox at the end of the day and see that your kid enjoyed their lunch?

I hope you can get inspiration from this article!