Sometimes it’s just not enough to put together a PB&J sandwich into your child’s lunchbox and hope for an empty box when they get home. While sandwiches can be a great way to serve lunch when kids aren’t home, sometimes it just doesn’t work and needs an alternative.
Whether your kids simply don’t care for sandwiches much, or they follow a certain diet, or maybe they have allergies there are still many awesome lunch box ideas that don’t involve sandwiches.
Here are some of our true favorites! Hope you find something your kids will love!
I loved serving leftovers from last night’s dinner for lunch. Check out these mini gnocchi served with tomatoes and olives.
If your kids aren’t big fans of sushi, I am sure they will love this DIY frushi. Made out of fruit!
Bun-less cheeseburger salad with “panda cheese”. A great lunch for kids with gluten allergies.
Apple sandwiches with almond butter and granola are my son’s favorite. They are super quick to make and very nutritious.
Want to know how to have the kids beg for zucchini? Make these!
Baked blueberry banana pancakes. I will definitely put them in the lunchbox on child’s birthday. What a treat!
Pasta salad is always my daughter’s favorite lunch box meal. It’s so easy to customize and I always get the lunch box empty. This is our favorite lunchbox pasta salad recipe.
Ham and cheese wraps. Such a great way to serve lunch for kids who don’t like sandwiches.
Apple quesadilla, plus favorite dip and some fruit. You got a perfect lunch box meal.
Make mini pizza for a lunch box and your child will think you are the best mama in the world.
Who said you can’t serve eggs for lunch? Hard boil them and add some character to it. Kids will love it.
Tips for filling up healthier lunch boxes:
Make sure to put one of these:
- Fresh fruit
- Crunchy vegetables
- A meat or protein food such as slices of lean meat, hard-boiled egg, peanut butter or nut paste (watch the allergies)
- Dairy food such as a cheese stick or slice, grated cheese, milk or yogurt
- Starchy food such as bread, a roll, pita or flat bread, fruit bread or crackers
- Water