Food Recipe Collections & Favorites 12 Easy, Healthy School Lunch Ideas Even picky eaters will love these lunches. By Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner Instagram Twitter Website Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner is a writer and recipe developer. She's a regular contributor to The New York Times, Time Out New York, Forbes, and many more publications. She also writes the food newsletter, Specialty. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on July 12, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: JENNIFER CAUSEY Packing a lunchbox day after day can feel tedious, especially if the literal fruits (and veggies) of your efforts come back uneaten after the bell rings. Make lunchtime more exciting and healthy with these easy recipes that can be prepared in minutes the night before, and packed easily to be in top tastiness come lunchtime. From sandwiches to bowls full of delicious and nutritious goodness, here's what to pack for lunch this school year. 01 of 12 Lemony Cucumber and Herb Pasta Salad Greg DuPree get the recipe Designed to be enjoyed cold, this pasta salad is packed with freshness and stores easily. Plus, it can be even better a few days in, when the noodles soak up all the zesty vinaigrette. Keep the dressing on the side for picky kids. 02 of 12 Ploughman's Sandwich Chock full of savory onion jam, spicy mustard, crunchy apple, and creamy cheddar, this rustic sandwich translates the flavors of the iconic pub lunch into handheld form. Wash it down with iced tea—or, even better, a pint of ale. Get the recipe: Ploughman’s Sandwich. Sarah Karnasiewicz get the recipe Jam, Cheddar, and apple come together nicely in this easy-to-make sandwich. Switch up the jam flavors to keep the recipe fresh if you want it to be a weekly staple. A whole apple may not always get eaten at lunchtime, but when it's sliced this temptingly, it will vanish. 03 of 12 PB&J Overnight Oats Antonis Achilleos get the recipe Switch the classic combo from a sandwich to a lunch that packs easily in a lidded bowl or jar and is full of flavor and fiber. The oats themselves are a complete meal, or they can be a lunchbox component to a larger feast. For nut-free cafeterias, use sunflower butter instead of PB. RELATED: This Easy Overnight Oats Recipe Will Change Your Breakfast Game 04 of 12 Tomato, Bacon, and Garlic Mayo Sandwich Upgrade a standard BLT with a garlicky yogurt sauce and sliced avocado. Get the recipe: Tomato, Bacon, and Garlic Mayo Sandwich. Danny Kim get the recipe Upgrade your standard BLT with a simple Greek yogurt spread! The colors and crunch help ensure an empty lunchbox after school. 05 of 12 Avocado Toast Here’s a benefit to starting your day with toast topped by creamy avocado: The fruit is loaded with fiber plus cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fats. Get the recipe.. Danny Kim get the recipe Avo toast is always a good idea! Add a little lemon or lime juice into your avocado mash to keep it from browning before lunchtime. 06 of 12 Chicken, Sprouts and Provolone Sandwich Warm chicken, melted cheese, and crisp sprouts in a toasted bagel makes a satisfying snack or meal. Get the recipe: Chicken, Sprouts, and Provolone Sandwich. Danny Kim get the recipe Rotisserie chicken and cheese on a bagel is a perfect combo. Get creative with the bread and even the toppings with this sandwich that can be enjoyed warm (wrap it in foil) or cold. 07 of 12 Hummus and Cucumber Toast Caitlin Bensel get the recipe A swipe of hummus on crisp bread and layered cucumbers—feel free to cut them into cute shapes—makes for an easy and refreshing lunch that's beloved for its crunch! Package and serve open faced or as a sandwich. RELATED: 9 Ways to Use Chickpeas (That Don't Involve Hummus) 08 of 12 Fried Rice Jennifer Causey get the recipe Add all your kid's favorite veggies to a big pot of fried rice to reheat and package in a thermos throughout the week. If they're a condiment kid, throw in a packet of soy sauce to amp it up at lunchtime. 09 of 12 Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze Getty Images get the recipe Food on a small skewer is always fun at lunch, and can be enjoyed without utensils. Serve with a salad or leftover rotisserie chicken for a complete meal. 10 of 12 Beef Kofta with Toasted Couscous Greg DuPree get the recipe These flavorful meatballs on a stick are perfect with the side of couscous or another grain. Package them all together or wrap the kofta in foil and add small bowls of sides. 11 of 12 Peanut Butter Ramen Antonis Achilleos get the recipe These cold noodles are so fun to eat! Sneak in veggies or protein and swap out the peanut butter for tahini or almond butter depending on nut restrictions. RELATED: How to Cook Ramen, According to Professional Chefs 12 of 12 Watermelon Poke Bowls Victor Protasio get the recipe This completely plant-based lunch will be the envy of lunchtime. It's colorful, tasty, healthy and on-trend. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit