By: Jodi/Published on May 12, 2021 Updated on January 15, 2024/Leave a comment
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We’ve gathered 50 healthy lunch ideas for kids at home to enjoy this summer or to pack in lunchboxes. Keep these recipes in mind if you have kids roaming the kitchen or heading off to camp this summer. All are simple, delicious and kid friendly!
From air fried chicken nuggets to homemade uncrustables, there is a recipe for kids both big and small. We even threw in a few of our favorite camping lunch meals for families heading on a camping adventure this summer.
It might seem overwhelming to make a homemade lunch each day for your kids. We recommend keeping this list of easy kid lunch at home handy and starting out by trying one new recipe per week. It is a fun way to change up the lunch routine and have fun as a family this summer.
If you have a sprouting chef at home, hand over the responsibility of making lunch. It gives us parents a break while building confidence in our kids! Depending on the age of your chef, minimal assistance may be required.
Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids
We've gathered 50 healthy lunch ideas for kids at home this summer or to pack in lunchboxes. All are simple, delicious, and kid-approved!
Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Ground Turkey
Homemade chicken nuggets in the air fryer are a kid-favorite! These simple chicken nuggets made with ground turkey are easy to make. Using an air fryer crisps outside just like the store-bought variety without the fat and calories!
Taco Quesadilla
Wondering what to do with leftover taco meat? We suggest making Taco Quesadillas! This ground beef quesadilla recipe is made in the oven on a baking pan so you can cook the quesadillas all at one time!
Breakfast Burrito
This deliciousBreakfast Burrito is a great addition to add to your list of healthy lunch ideas for kids to enjoy at home! Make now and freeze for a quick lunch any day of the week.
Refried Bean Burrito Recipe
The easiest Refried Bean Burrito Recipe makes for delicious vegetarian lunch meal.This Bean Cheese Burrito can be made ahead of time for a grab and go meal.
Homemade Uncrustables
Learn how to make Homemade Uncrustables saving money and time. Freeze in individual ziplock bags to make lunch time a breeze.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties
These Salmon Patties are quick, easy, and packed with SO much flavor. The combination of the panko breadcrumbs, Mexicorn, canned salmon, and spices makes this the best salmon patty recipe. Plus, the recipe comes together injust 20 minutesfrom start to finish.
Hash Brown Egg Cups
Hash Brown Egg Cups are perfect for a lazy lunch meal. Freeze them for grab and go muffins or enjoy straight from the oven. Packed with ham and cheese they are kid favorites!
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti & Meatball cups are the perfect meal idea for your child's lunch. They freeze well and are simple to make with only a few ingredients. Best of all, they are kid-approved!
Beef and Beans Burrito
Do you love Beef and Beans? Then this bean, beef, and cheese burrito is for you. Add this recipe to your list of easy lunch meals for any size group because it’s simple, delicious, and super customizable to everyone’s liking.
Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com
Rainbow Hummus Veggie Wrap
This quick, easy andhealthy Vegan Rainbow VegetableTortilla Wrap is packed full of color veggiesthat kiddoes, big and small, will love. This vegan wrap is perfect for a lunch time meal.
Sweet Potato Egg Cups
Sweet potato egg cups are an easy, fun idea perfect for kids. These eggs are packed with sweet potatoes, spinach, and cheese - the perfect combo!
Shredded Chicken Skillet Nachos
Shredded Chicken Skillet Nachos are loaded with cheese, shredded chicken, pinto beans and delicious toppings! This Mexican-inspired dish is on your table in under 15 minutes!
Shredded Chicken Quesadilla
Add this Healthy Shredded Chicken Quesadilla to your list of easy lunches. A chicken quesadilla made with canned chicken, canned refried beans, and lots of cheese, this is an easy meal for kids that comes together quickly!
Homemade Spaghetti O's Recipe
Homemade spaghetti o's are a healthier and just as tasty option to the canned spaghetti o variety.
Photo Credit:budgetdelicious.com
Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps
A good lunch is filling, flavorful, and easy to make. And thisChicken Bacon Ranch Wrap checks all of the boxes. Enjoy a healthy and refreshing lunch that’s economical and simple to make using leftover chicken.
Mug Pizza
Mug Pizza is delicious microwave meal for kids that's made in 5 minutes and can be customized to your families liking. Pizza in a mug is an easy lunch ideafor kids that's fun to make.
A simple recipe using spreadable cheese and veggies that comes together in just 5 minutes. Makes a great snack or lunch any day of the week!
Ham and cheese breakfast bowl foil packs are a super fun lunch idea perfect any day of the week. Surprise your kids with breakfast for lunch– with no dishes to clean up!
Egg McMuffins
Grab a yummy egg McMuffin recipe along with some camping menu ideas. The Camping Menu consists of simple, family-friendly recipes that are very easy to make while traveling. All recipes have been tested out while traveling and are kid-approved!
Photo Credit:www.christinascucina.com
Potato & Salmon Fish Cakes
Potato and salmon fish cakes are not only a quick and easy dinner idea that everyone will love, they’re also inexpensive and very nutritious!
Mini Corn Dogs
Mini Corn Dogs wrapped with a cornmealcrust then baked in the oven for a simple and delicious homemade corn dog recipe your family will love.
Photo Credit:www.saltandsprinkles.com
Sausage Wonton Cups
Pork Egg Roll Cups are made with seasoned pork, packed with veggies, and taste amazing. Serve for an easy lunch or turn them into a lunchbox idea by using a thermos to keep the filling warm.
Apple Cinnamon Pancake Recipe
This Apple Cinnamon Pancake recipe is made in a skillet by layering apples along with cinnamon and spices with prepackaged pancake mix which is baked into a simple, delicious breakfast or lunch idea.
Photo Credit:www.texanerin.com
Peanut Butter, Strawberry, and Banana Quesadillas
These PB&J banana quesadillas are a fun way to mix things up! Can be made gluten-free, vegan, whole grain and dairy-free.
Chicken Tostada Recipe
This delicious ground chicken tostada recipe is a fun and healthy dinner idea. These chicken tostadas take just minutes to make and are a delicious twist on classic tacos.
Photo Credit:www.babaganosh.org
Grilled Peanut Butter Sandwich with Banana and Strawberries
Get ready for the best peanut butter sandwich you will ever have! TheseGrilled Peanut Butter Sandwicheswith fresh Bananas and Strawberries are absolutely amazing. The crispy toasted bread, melted gooey peanut butter, fresh fruit, is so good together with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Veggie Mac and Cheese
If your kids love mac and cheese and you’re looking for a nutritious version, you’ve gotta try Veggie Mac and Cheese. This recipe combines the cheesy flavors kids love with the nutrients moms look for. It’s kid-approved!
Healthy Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes are a delicious meal idea any time of the year. Using canned pumpkin, almond extract, and pumpkin pie seasoning, this pumpkin spice pancake recipe has big flavor with few ingredients.
Homemade Lunchables
Photo Credit:highchairchronicles.com
Hawaiian Chicken Salad with Pineapple
ThisHawaiian Chicken Salad with Pineapplemakes a great healthy lunch for toddlers and kids, and is a perfect after-school snack! Make this super easy chicken salad on a busy day with just 5 ingredients. This recipe has no raw ingredients so you can have your kids help you make it!
Photo Credit:twohealthykitchens.com
Granola Crunch Apple-Peanut Butter Sandwich Wraps
These crunchy Peanut Butter Sandwich Wraps come together in just moments and are completely adaptable – no need to measure exact amounts! Perfect for on-the-go meals and make-ahead lunches, they’re full of nutrient-rich fruits, whole grains and lots of protein.
Photo Credit:mommyevolution.com
Pizza Pockets
These freezablepizza pocketsare a fabulous healthy lunch option! Serve with 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons hummus and a clementine for a complete meal.
Toast Toppings
Avocado Toast For Kids
Photo Credit:neighborfoodblog.com
Easy Pita Pizza
This quick and easy pita pizza can be in and out of your oven faster than you can call for takeout! With endless possible topping combinations, including a lactose free pizza option, this is a meal the whole family will love to make and eat!
Turkey Burgers in the Oven
Looking for an easy homemade turkey burger made in the oven? This simple kid-friendly burger is flavor-packed with lean ground turkey, parmesan cheese, and sneaks in some chopped spinach for an extra nutrient boost!
French Toast Muffins
French Toast Muffins are glazed with a powdered sugar icing. A quick, easy, and no-fail method for making French toast.
Naan Pizza
Fun lunch recipe perfect for any day of the week. These simple individual sized pizzas come together in under 10 minutes.
Nacho Bowls
Nacho Bowls are ahealthy lunch ideathat’s also a fun family recipe to make and even morefun to eat! Start with your favorite grain whether brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or farro. Offer lots of toppings and let your family put together their favorite flavor combos!
Yogurt Parfait For Kids
A fun, healthy lunch idea for kids to easily make on their own and pair with their favorite lunch time sandwich.
Steak Skillet Nachos
Steak skillet nachos utilize leftover steak for a super speedy lunch perfect for busy days. Let kids customize the toppings to make it customized to their liking.
Photo Credit:familyfocusblog.com
Spring Lunch Ideas for Kids
There are so many adorablefood art ideasthat can be made for lunch at home. Kids always get a kick out of fun, creative food presentations and they will love these flower shaped foods.
Photo Credit:www.saltandsprinkles.com
Tropical Smoothie Bowl
Our tropical smoothie bowl is a simple smoothie bowl that’s loaded with your favorite toppings. This thick smoothie is a fantastic way to sneak in some extra fruit for your whole family to enjoy. Plus, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free, so it’s suitable for everyone. Treat yourself to a delicious and hassle-free experience with our incredible smoothie bowl!
Photo Credit:nutriciously.com
Easy Homemade Vegan Bean Burrito Recipe
Looking for a delicious, filling, easy and healthy protein-rich lunch? Our homemade vegan bean burritos have become our go-to recipe for whenever we want some Mexican comfort food or have a couple of leftovers from the night before.
Photo Credit:healthyfamilyproject.com
How To Make a Rainbow Bento Lunchbox for Kids
ThisRainbow Bento Lunchboxpairs a variety of fruits and veggies with simple pinwheels filled with hummus, turkey, and spinach. Easy, fun, and delicious!
Photo Credit:nourishplate.com
Easy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
ThisAir Fryer Grilled Cheeseis a fail-proof method to make a perfectly crispy, hot, and melty cheese sandwich for lunch. This grilled cheese is real comfort food, and great even for the pickiest eaters.
Photo Credit:nourishplate.com
Pasta Salad
This quick and easyVegan Pasta Saladtakesless than 20 minutes to makestart to finish. It’s made with verysimple ingredientsthat are healthy, colorful, and tasty. And my favorite part is thedressing, the creaminess of the dressing is the reason why we absolutely LOVE this pasta salad.
Blueberry Smoothie With Cottage Cheese
This blueberry smoothie with cottage cheese has 2 servings of fruit and a full serving of vegetables. A nutrient powerhouse smoothie that's the perfect way to start your day.
Photo Credit:hedihearts.com
One-Pot Pasta And Beans
One pot pasta and beans makes for a delicious lunch meal. As the ultimate comfort food, this recipe is filled with flavor.
Photo Credit:www.whiskaffair.com
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are easy to make lunch idea for kids. These pinwheels are made using tortilla wraps, cream cheese, and hot sauce.
More Healthy Meals For Kids
For even more healthy meals that can be made for lunch or dinner, we pulled together a few of our favorites. Check out Baked Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole, Healthy Chicken and Rice Crockpot Recipe, Healthy Sloppy Joe Recipe, Tater Tot Casserole For Kids, Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs or Healthy Crack Chicken Pasta – all tasty and kid-approved!
Healthy Dessert Ideas For Kids
A meal isn’t complete without dessert! Let kids choose between Easy S’mores Banana Boats, Caramelized Peaches in Foil, Fruit Salad with Cool Whip, Mango Slushie, or Watermelon Sticks.
If you enjoyed any of the recipes make sure to leave a comment below! Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!