These 30 Back-to-School Lunch Recipes will help make packing school lunches a breeze!
This post was originally published on August 27, 2018. It was updated and republished on August 19, 2025 with more and new recipes, more helpful content and tips.
Does the thought of packing back-to-school lunches send you into panic mode?
Have no fear: we’ve got 30+ Back-to-School Lunch Recipes to keep the family nourished and happy. And to keep those lunches exciting and fun!
Even though my own kids have been packing their own lunches since they were really young, I still want to make sure they’ve got a good variety of healthy options for their main bites and snacks.
This post on fun ideas for easy back-to-school lunches is a good place to start.
And then below you’ll find the full recipe collection of sandwiches, soups, baked goods, and more to pack into your loved ones’ lunches.
Table of Contents
About these back-to-school recipes
In this recipe collection, we’re sharing 30+ back-to-school lunch recipes. These are for both you and your kiddos!
While sandwiches are the lunchbox classic (and we’ve got a few sandwich recipes for you!), we encourage you to go beyond the basic sandwich. Use lunch as a time to not just nourish your family, but also to encourage adventurous eating.
So this recipe collection also includes pasta salads, Asian rolls, mini frittatas, and more. We tried to include a variety of better-for-you lunch options to try.
Back-to-school recipe FAQs
Use insulated containers, ice packs, or choosing foods that hold up well. Choose ingredients that hold up well, like firm fruits, hard cheeses, and hearty grains.
Try bite-sized foods like mini sandwiches, fruit skewers, or muffin-tin meals. Offering variety in small portions often works best.
Pack wet ingredients like dressings, tomatoes, or cucumbers separately in small containers. Layer sandwiches with lettuce to create a barrier between bread and fillings.
Best lunchboxes and containers
Shop: Everusely stainless steel lunchbox | VLM Lunchbox for Women | iknoe insulated lunch bag | bento lunchbox with 8oz soup thermo
Tips for choosing the best lunchbox:
- Look for the terms “BPA free” and “food safe.”
- Look for lunchboxes or bags that are lightweight, water resistant, and leakproof.
- The best lunchboxes are also freezer safe and dishwasher safe.
- Will you be carrying the lunch container on its own? Look for a lunch bag with sturdy handles.
- Will you be carrying your lunch within a larger work bag or backpack? You can opt for one of the many bento box options or stainless steel lunchbox options.
Marlynn’s Tip
Lunchbox Tip
Invest in a leakproof thermos for each family member. These are great for transporting smoothies and overnight oats and keeping them cool. They can also be used to keep soups hot, and who doesn’t love a warm, nourishing bowl of soup?
Shop: Insulated leakproof thermos for kids | Stanley thermos
Bonus: lunchbox snacks to pack
After a nourishing main dish, it’s nice to have a little treat.
Here are a few portable, kid-friendly snacks that are homemade and full of healthy ingredients:
Sandwiches and Wraps
We'll start with the classic lunchbox meals: sandwiches and wraps. These are wonderful lunchbox recipes, but definitely keep scrolling for more ideas!
These honey mustard chicken wraps are easy to make the night before. They wrap up easily for lunchboxes and are easy to eat!
This turkey sandwich has zingy pesto, perfect for a satisfying lunch!
This is a classic chicken salad sandwich that is great for everyday lunches, but also picnics and brunches.
Lunch salads
Serve this flavorful Greek tzatziki chicken salad in pita bread for a satisfying lunch.
Can't beat a classic tuna pasta salad! This is a great pantry recipe that's inexpensive and makes a large amount.
With big zesty flavors of Mexican street corn, plus pasta, this is great to pack for lunches.
This is a great pasta salad on its own or as a side for that lunchbox sandwich.
This one's perfect for bento boxes. Pack all of the ingredients up and then pack the dressing separately, then bring it all together for a nutritious and delicious lunch!
Healthy rolls
These rainbow rolls are crunchy, bright bites of delicious nutrition.
Elevate your lunchbox and your kids' lunchboxes with these yummy shrimp summer rolls -- not just for summer!
With lots of veggies, rice noodles, and a delicious dressing, these vegan summer rolls are wonderful all year round and totally elevate any lunchbox!
Overnight Oats
If you're only making overnight oats for breakfast, you're missing out! These are amazing for lunch, too! Pack them up in a lunch thermos with fresh fruit on the side for you or your kids to add at lunchtime.
These overnight oats are packed with fresh berries and good-for-you ingredients! While you can enjoy this for breakfast, it's a delicious lunch as well!
Packed with protein and chocolate, this overnight oats recipe is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or post-workout snack.
Smoothies
Smoothies are packed with nutritious fruits, vegetables, and add-ins with healthy vitamins and minerals. They're easy to pack up into a thermos and perfect for lunch or snack!
With bright refreshing tropical flavors, this is a healthy smoothie that's great for breakfast or lunch.
This is a rich, creamy green smoothie that is a nice protein boost mid-day!
Nothing beats a little chocolate and added protein boost, and this shake is perfect for lunch, post-workout, and mid-afternoon fuel.
Brighten up lunch with this vibrant, delicious and nutritious beet detox juice!
Kids and adults alike love the fruity, tropical flavors of this blueberry pineapple smoothie.
This reader favorite recipe is amazing with fresh or frozen strawberries, and the watermelon brings it all together.
This is the ULTIMATE super green smoothie recipe! It's a big time reader favorite recipe for good reason: it's packed with nutritious vitamins and minerals but more than that, it tastes amazing! Perfect for your lunchbox thermos!
Lunch soups
There's nothing like opening up a thermos and enjoying a warm, hearty, nutritious and delicious soup for lunch!
This vegan tuscan kale and white bean soup comes together quickly and is easy to make during meal prep to last through the beginning of the week for lunches and dinners.
This is the BEST ground turkey 3-bean chili! It's fast to make thanks to the Instant Pot, and it's so full of big smoky flavors. A yummy and hearty addition to any lunch!
Enjoy nourishing pumpkin soup for lunch!
Muffins
Not just for breakfast or brunch, these muffin recipes are perfect for popping into lunchboxes too!
These zucchini muffins are vegan and so delicious! Perfect lunch treat or after-school snack.
With bright lemon flavors and juicy blueberries, this dairy-free muffin recipe is great for popping into lunchboxes.
With sweet blackberries and bananas and packed with oats, these muffins do double duty in lunchboxes.
More lunch recipes
Okay, mac and cheese may not be the healthiest lunch you can pack, but this Instant Pot butternut squash mac and cheese definitely has a healthy dose of added vitamins and minerals. Great way to sneak those veggies into lunchboxes!
Little bites that pack a punch! Perfect little lunchbox treats to help re-energize for the rest of the day.
Just a few ingredients transform fruit into this delicious fruit salad that's perfect for everyday lunches!
These are great make-ahead breakfasts that are also easy to pack up into lunches!
Did you make any of these recipes? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and comment below letting us know which one you made and how it turned out. Thank you!
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More delicious recipes to try
Breakfast Recipes
Chili Crisp Eggs
Salad Recipes
Mango Avocado Prawn Salad
Chicken Recipes
Not sure I can get my picky eater to eat some of these but I will try. I’m always on the hunt for more healthy recipes – thanks!
Thanks for sharing this! I’ll be going through the list. Hopefully, they turn out well. Wish me luck!
This seems like a top notch roundup whether or not you have children or are simply looking to spruce up your own packed lunches. I recognize that each one the options look healthful and easy too!
All of these look so healthy and delicious! Absolutely perfect for back-to-school lunches. And, thank you so much for featuring one of my recipes in your beautiful roundup! Love it :)
Of course! It looks delicious! :) Thanks, Kelly! :)
I have a big boy (okay it is my Handsome Hubby) who has started taking a lunch twice a week. It is a lot of work but I don’t want him eating unhealthy fast food. Thanks for the great ideas.
LOL! These are such great alternatives to fast food! I hope he likes them! :)
Holy Cranberry Almond Homeade Granola Bars!!! Those look so amazing as do the Banana Peanutbutter rollups and pretty much everything on this list. What a great resource for back to school ideas. Thank you for sharing!
Right? I’m excited to try all of these! Thank you, Breona!
This looks like a fantastic roundup whether you have kids or are just looking to spruce up your own packed lunches. I appreciate that all the options look healthy and easy too!
I agree! I’m definitely making some of these for myself as well! :)
So answer honestly: How is it that you read my mind? My girls started school today so my brain is trying to figure out how to feed them… and then you go and post this. Thank you!!!
It’s just a gift! LOL So glad you found this helpful! Thank you, Catherine!
This is such a good list! I’m not currently in school but these look so easy to pack for on the go. Definitely eyeing those peanut butter rollups :D
They’re perfect for on-the-go lunches! Thanks, Hawnuh!
What great ideas for back-to-school! Saving this post for later.
Yay! Glad you liked the post! :)
When it comes to making school lunches, having a solid plan if half the battle! There is a lot of great inspiration for keeping things interesting, too!
Having a plan is always a good idea! Thanks, Renee! :)
LOVING all these ideas! Thank you for sharing it gives me many options for my kid’s lunches!
Glad you enjoyed the post, Cindy! :)
Sushi is always a good option, as you can sneak some extra veggies in there.
Right? They’ll never know ;)
I love all of these recipes! So perfect for back-to-school!
Agreed! I love quick and healthy lunches!