Picky eaters and never enough time to make something yummy AND healthy? Before you reach for those processes lunch items, get inspired. Make school lunches healthy and fun with recipes that are easy to prep and delicious to eat. Whether your child is just starting preschool or entering kindergarten, these lunches will keep them fueled during busy, active school days.

Healthy Lunch Ideas That Don’t Take Long to Prepare

Knowing what to pack in children’s lunch is a common dilemma, especially if they’re picky eaters. You want them to eat healthy, but don’t want food to go to waste or your child to go hungry! However, if you choose fresh and colorful ingredients, chances are it will be more appealing and wholesome for your little one. Here are 5 ideas for delicious and healthy lunches:

1. Bento Boxes
2. Veggie Burrito
3. Pasta Salad
4. Finger Sandwiches
5. Frittatas

1) Bento Boxes

These traditional Japanese lunches consist of a Tupperware container with several smaller compartments to hold different food items. A traditional bento holds rice or noodles, fish or meat, with pickled and cooked vegetables, but yours could include hummus, pita bread and cucumbers, or chopped vegetables and ranch dip.

2) Veggie Burrito

Raid the fridge and put together the perfect mix of cheese, veggies and avocado for a midday hunger killer. Use hummus or mayo on the tortilla to make it stick together nicely, then roll it up. For a packed lunch, wrap them in cling wrap or tin foil and twist them shut to avoid spillage in school bags. Is your child not a veggie lover? Try packing it with peanut butter, honey, and sliced banana!

3) Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a great lunch idea because it doesn’t need to be reheated. Combine cooked pasta with chopped vegetables your child will eat, a can of garbanzo beans and sliced olives, and shredded chicken. Lightly coat in Italian dressing and stir. Put it in the fridge and send your child to with a small Tupperware of it every day!

4) Finger Sandwiches

For a sweet finger sandwich, choose a seedy bread, topped with cream cheese apricot jam. For a meatier option, try the same bread with cream cheese, salami, and sliced cucumber or pickles. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally, then cut each half down the middle to form 4 small sandwiches. Crust is optional.

5) Frittatas

Easy to prep and delicious to eat, frittatas are a variation on classic quiche. Simply combine eggs, milk, cheese, chopped vegetables and chopped Canadian bacon in a bowl, then pour into cupcake liners and bake for 25 minutes. Portable and packed with protein!

Not Just For Kids

These recipes not only make great lunch options for your child, but for you! Make a little extra and pack your own lunch every day. Ditch preservatives and unhealthy packaged food, and both you and your little one will benefit!

Contact Us to learn more about giving your child a healthy start for preschool or kindergarten.