When it comes to high-school lunches, it can be a challenge to find tasty and healthy options that your kids will actually want to eat.
With a little bit of planning and some creativity, you can pack a lunch that is both delicious and satisfying.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 28 easy school lunch ideas that are perfect for high-schoolers. From classic favorites to new and exciting options, you’re sure to find something that your kids will love.
28 Easy School Lunch Ideas for High-Schoolers
1. Lettuce Wraps
Wraps are a great lunch option because they’re easy to pack, customizable, and can be filled with a variety of different ingredients.
Try filling a whole-grain tortilla with chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a classic wrap, or mix it up with ingredients like roasted vegetables or hummus.
2. Veggie Sticks
Kids love finger foods, so why not pack some raw veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber for a healthy and refreshing snack that they can enjoy during their lunch break?
3. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a great make-ahead option that can be customized to your child’s taste preferences.
Mix cooked pasta with veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and olives, as well as a protein like chicken or tofu. Dress with olive oil and vinegar for a healthier option than traditional creamy dressings.
4. Toasted or Grilled Sandwiches
Give the classic pb&j a twist by toasting the bread and packing a variety of spreads, like almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even cream cheese and jelly. Add some sliced banana or apple for extra nutrition and flavor.
5. Soups
If your child has access to a microwave or thermos, soups can be a warm and comforting option for chilly days.
Try packing chicken noodles, tomato, or vegetable soup in a thermos with some whole-grain crackers for dipping.
6. Hummus and Pita Bread
Hummus is a protein-packed dip that is perfect for dipping with pita bread or veggie sticks.
Pack some hummus in a small container with pita bread for a filling and tasty lunch.
7. Tortellini Salad
Tortellini salad is another great pasta option that is perfect for lunch. Mix cooked tortellini with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto for a delicious and filling salad.
8. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a tasty and customizable option that can be filled with whatever ingredients your child likes.
Try filling with chicken, cheese, and veggies or even taking a dessert twist with some cinnamon and sugar.
9. Sushi Rolls
If your child likes sushi, try making some homemade sushi rolls using ingredients like crab, cucumber, avocado, and cream cheese.
10. Bagel Sandwiches
Bagels are a tasty and filling option that can be customized with a variety of different fillings. Try filling with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and cucumber for a delicious bagel sandwich.
11. Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is another great make-ahead option that can be packed in a container with some whole-grain crackers or veggies.
Mix cooked chicken with grapes, almonds, and mayo for a classic flavor combination.
12. English Muffin Pizza
English muffin pizzas are a fun and tasty lunch option that can be customized with whatever toppings your child likes.
Try making with tomato sauce, cheese, and turkey pepperoni for a healthier pizza option.
13. Sliced Turkey or Ham
Sometimes the simplest options are the best. Pack some sliced turkey or ham with cheese, whole-grain crackers, and some raw veggies for a filling and protein-packed lunch.
14. Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is another tasty option that is easy to pack. Mix canned tuna with some mayo and celery for a classic and satisfying lunch.
15. Rice Bowls
Rice bowls are a great way to pack a variety of different flavors and textures into one lunch.
Start with a base of brown rice and add grilled chicken, roasted veggies, avocado and a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil for a tasty Asian-inspired flavor.
16. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a protein-packed snack that are easy to pack and can be enjoyed with some whole-grain crackers or veggies.
17. Turkey Roll-Ups
Try making some turkey roll-ups by wrapping sliced turkey around some cheese and veggies. Pack with some whole-grain crackers or some carrot sticks for a tasty and satisfying lunch.
18. Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
Bean and cheese quesadillas are a healthy and delicious lunch option that will keep your child satisfied throughout the day.
Fill with some canned beans, cheese, and veggies for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
19. Falafel and Hummus
Falafel and hummus are a great vegetarian option that is perfect for high-school lunches.
Pack falafel with some hummus, pita bread, and some veggies for a nutritious and satisfying lunch.
20. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Another simple but tasty option is cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches.
Spread some cream cheese on whole-grain bread and top with some cucumber slices for a fresh and healthy snack.
21. Homemade Salsa and Chips
Homemade salsa and chips are a tasty and healthy option that is perfect for high-school lunches.
Make your own salsa using fresh tomatoes, onions, and herbs and pack with some whole-grain chips for a filling and flavorful snack.
22. Quinoa Salad
Create a nutritious salad with cooked quinoa, mixed veggies, chickpeas, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
23. Greek Wrap
Fill a whole-grain tortilla with Greek-inspired ingredients like grilled chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.
24. Caprese Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and include some whole-grain crackers.
25. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
Spread peanut or almond butter on whole-grain bread and add banana slices for a classic and satisfying lunch.
26. Vegetable Sushi Rolls
Make homemade sushi rolls with ingredients like cucumber, avocado, carrots, and sesame seeds.
27. Turkey and Avocado Sandwich
Combine sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, and a light dressing in whole-grain bread for a healthy and flavorful sandwich.
28. Mediterranean Salad
Assemble a salad with mixed greens, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and a Greek dressing.
Final Thoughts,
Packing a healthy and delicious lunch for your high-schooler doesn’t have to be a difficult task.
With these 28 easy lunch ideas, you can provide your child with a tasty and satisfying meal that will give them the energy they need to get through their day.
Whether your child likes classic sandwiches or more creative options like sushi rolls or falafel, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So start planning your next school lunch today and give your child the nutrition they need to succeed.
