Intro
Let’s face it, coming up with a healthy school lunch idea for a kid’s lunch can be hard! Kids can be quite the little picky eaters at this age, and they may have already settled on a few dishes that they absolutely will not eat. That’s why in this article we’re giving you more options for an easy lunch idea that is also a kid friendly recipe. We know your kindergarten kid won’t enjoy all of these, but we’re going to give you 30 options for healthy, tasty, and varied kindergarten school lunches.
Top Considerations for a Kindergarten Lunch
Before we get started, let’s run over the basics of the dishes we’ve included in this list. There are a few factors that tend to make a dish a great choice for a kindergarten lunch.
First and foremost is taste. As we all know, kids are picky eaters! Try to pack foods in their lunch box that you already know they like, so they’ll actually eat their lunches. Kids tend to enjoy foods that are basic, and have mild or familiar flavors! A veggie like sliced cucumbers, a cheese stick, apple slices, and dried fruit are all easy cold lunch ideas to toss into their lunch box.
If you can, it’s always a good idea to make the lunches as healthy as possible. This is particularly tough with kindergartners; as young kids tend to be pretty choosy about what vegetables they eat. Sometimes it’s a good idea to “hide” the veggies in a larger part of the meal. Below we will show you many ways to do so.
Above all, pack them something they like, and make sure it’s healthy! Keep this in mind and you can’t go wrong.
30 Lunch Ideas for Kids!
Turkey Sandwich
Let’s start basic: a turkey sandwich is perhaps the most classic lunch of all. Turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mustard is a great lunch that even the pickiest of kindergarten kids will love.
PB & J
The turkey sandwich is perhaps only challenged as the most popular school lunch by the PB & J. This is a kid favourite; just watch out for any allergy policies at your school.
Hummus Pita
A hummus pita is a delicious and healthy option that kids love. Try hummus, cheese, and cucumber for a simple, healthy lunch.
Crackers, Cheese, and Veggies
Cheese, crackers and veggies. A simple, filling, nutritious lunch.
Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is delicious, and it’s just as good the next day as leftovers! Your kid can eat it cold, or can even ask for help with heating it up in the microwave.
Ham & Cheese
Another classic sandwich option is the ham and cheese sandwich. It’s popular because it’s beloved by so many kids. Ham and cheese are tasty, and also nutritious! Try adding some lettuce and tomato for a well-rounded lunch option.
Mac & Cheese with Veggies
Homemade mac and cheese make for a great lunch. You can make it healthy with real cheese, and veggies such as peas and spinach!
Granola Bar and Fruit
Sometimes with young kids you just need a basic, simple lunch. A granola bar and fruit are sometimes enough!
Homemade Lunchables
How about making your own Lunchables without all the processed ingredients? Just take ham, cheese, and crackers! Add some veggies on the side for a healthy option.
Hardboiled Eggs and Celery
Hardboiled eggs are a kid favourite, and they’re full of protein and healthy nutrients. Throw some vegetables on the side for a well-rounded lunch.
Bagel with Cream Cheese
A bagel with cream cheese is a favourite of any young kid. Cream cheese is delicious, and pretty healthy overall. Add some cucumber slices for that extra crunch.
Chicken Quesadilla
A chicken quesadilla is an awesome lunch! You can even pre-make them so your kid can ask for help heating them up. That melted cheese is a great place to hide some veggies as well!
Healthy Tortilla Pizza
A tortilla pizza is a great lunch for kids because, well, it’s pizza! The tortilla ensures that you don’t overdo it on crust, and you can pack on as many healthy toppings as your kid will eat.
Sushi
Sushi can be an acquired taste, but if your kid is a fan, then it makes a great option for school lunches.
Yogurt and Granola
Yogurt and granola make for a great lunch option. It is quite healthy and filling. Throw some of their favourite fruits and berries in there as well!
Tuna Salad Sandwich
Another classic sandwich option, tuna salad is a staple in any lunchbox. Try filling the tuna salad with healthy greens such as cucumber, chives, and celery!
Egg Salad Sandwich
The same goes for egg salad! Throw the same greens in that you would for tuna salad!
Chicken Salad Sandwich
And finishing off our “salad sandwich” trio is the chicken salad sandwich! Another delicious option that kids love, and it’s full of protein and healthy fats.
Chili
Chili is great because you can make a pot and have lunches all week (for yourself and your kids!). Some say it even gets better the next day as the flavors have a chance to soak.
Turkey Roll-Ups
Turkey roll ups are easy and fun! Put some turkey and cheese in a tortilla, roll up, and cut!
Bento Box Lunch
A bento box lunch is super fun, and you can fill the bento box with all sorts of fun snacks! Meat, cheese, nuts, fruit, the choice is yours!
Tacos
How about some pre-made tacos for lunch? Every kid loves tacos! You can even pack the ingredients and they can make it themselves.
Crackers, Cheese, Meat, and Nuts
Just what the name implies, these are all great ingredients for a healthy lunch!
Hummus, Veggies, and Turkey
Hummus is an excellent, healthy dip, and may even help your kids actually eat their veggies! Throw in some turkey slices for some added protein.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is delicious and simple. Try a simple oil-based dressing, and fill it with all your favourite veggies!
Burritos
Burritos are delicious and an easy way to pack in all sorts of veggies. Try one with some chicken, rice, beans, corn, salsa, and lettuce! Add in some guacamole for even more nutrition.
Bean Salad
Similar to the quinoa salad above, use a simple dressing and fill this salad with veggies! Not all kids will want a salad for lunch, but it sure is great if you find a kid that will!
Fruit and Almond Butter
Back to basics. Fruit and all-natural almond butter. This lunch has the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and it’s an all-around healthy lunch.
Oatmeal
Why not breakfast for lunch? Oatmeal is a healthy meal at any time. Try mixing in some berries and even some peanut butter!
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