As a parent, one of the most challenging things is trying to pack a healthy and balanced lunch for your child that they actually want to eat.
If you have a picky eater, getting them to eat anything that isn’t chicken nuggets can feel like an impossible task.
But fear not, we have compiled a list of 35 school lunch ideas for picky eaters that are sure to help simplify your lunch-packing routine and make your child excited for lunchtime.
35 School Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters
1. PB&J Roll-Ups
Roll up peanut butter and jelly in a tortilla and slice into bite-sized rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait
Layer granola, yogurt, and fruit in a container for a healthy and tasty snack.
3. Mini Bagel Sandwich
Toast mini bagels and fill with cream cheese, turkey or ham, and cucumber slices.
4. Homemade Lunchables
Cut up cheese and crackers, pair them with mini pepperonis, and add in some grapes for a balanced lunchable.
5. Pasta Salad
Cook some noodles, add in some veggies, and drizzle with Italian dressing.
6. Grilled Cheese
Make a classic grilled cheese and cut it into small squares.
7. Apple Slices with Peanut butter
Pack apple slices and peanut butter for a healthy dip.
8. Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
Wrap ham slices and cheese sticks together and slice into pinwheels.
9. Chicken Caesar Wrap
Fill a tortilla with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing and wrap.
10. Turkey and Cheese Quesadilla
Melt some cheese and turkey in a tortilla for a kid-friendly quesadilla.
11. Ants on a Log
Spread peanut butter on a celery stick and top with raisins.
12. Pita Pocket Sandwiches
Fill a pita with your child’s favorite sandwich ingredients.
13. Turkey Roll-Ups
Wrap turkey slices and cheese around a pickle and slice.
14. Classic Fruit Salad
Mix together a variety of fresh fruit for a healthy and sweet snack.
15. Bagel Pizza
Toast a mini bagel and add pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese for a homemade pizza.
16. Chicken Salad
Mix shredded chicken with mayo and diced celery for a classic chicken salad.
17. Mini Meatball Subs
Create mini meatball subs using small rolls or slider buns, meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese.
18. Ham and Cheese Croissants
Fill a croissant with ham and cheese and wrap in aluminum foil for a tasty lunch.
19. Tuna Salad
Mix tuna with mayo and celery for a classic and easy tuna salad.
20. Muffin Tin Quiches
Mix eggs, milk, cheese, and veggies, and pour into muffin tins for a miniature quiche.
21. Cucumber Roll-Ups
Wrap cucumber slices and cream cheese together and slice into pinwheels.
22. Trail Mix
Mix together some nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a protein-packed snack.
23. Carrots and Hummus
Pair sliced carrots with hummus for a healthy snack.
24. Bagel and Cream Cheese
Toast a bagel and add cream cheese for a classic breakfast-inspired lunch.
25. Peanut Butter and Celery
Spread peanut butter on celery sticks for an easy and healthy snack.
26. Turkey and Avocado Wrap
Fill a tortilla with sliced turkey, mashed avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll it up for a delicious wrap.
27. Mini Pancake Stacks
Make mini pancakes and pack them with a side of maple syrup or yogurt for dipping.
28. Honey Mustard Chicken Bites
Prepare bite-sized chicken pieces coated in honey mustard sauce for a flavorful and protein-packed lunch.
29. Tortilla Chips with Guacamole
Pair some tortilla chips with homemade guacamole or store-bought dip.
30. Cheese and Fruit Kabobs
Thread cheese cubes and fruit pieces onto skewers for a fun and nutritious lunch.
31. Peanut Butter Banana Sushi
Spread peanut butter on a tortilla, add a banana, and roll it up before slicing it into sushi-like rounds.
32. Mini Corn Dog Muffins
Make mini corn dog muffins by baking cornbread batter with bite-sized pieces of hot dogs.
33. Vegetable Omelet
Prepare a small vegetable omelet and slice it into manageable portions for little eaters.
34. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple
Combine cottage cheese with pineapple chunks for a protein-rich and sweet option.
35. Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Bites
Pack a small container of tomato soup with bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
Final Thoughts,
Getting your child to eat can be a struggle, especially if they are picky eaters. These 35 school lunch ideas are sure to help simplify your lunch-packing routine and make your child excited for lunchtime.
Try out a few different options and see which ones your child likes best.
Remember, the key to a healthy lunch is finding a balance between the food they will enjoy and the food that is good for them. Happy lunch packing!
