No matter if your kids are learning at home or heading to school, these kids' lunch ideas are guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Even better? They're ready in just 20 minutes!
39 Kids’ Lunch Ideas Your Littles Won’t Trade Away
Updated on May 28, 2025
1/39
Cheeseburger Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cheeseburger cup: 299 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
2/39
Lunchbox Chicken Wrap
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
This lunchbox-friendly wrap is a tasty way to use leftover chicken and get kids to eat more veggies. Using colorful, thin strips of vegetables adds visual interest when the wrap is cut into slices. Suddenly spinach is too pretty to refuse. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 324 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/39
Turkey Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Need an awesome snack for game day? My kids love these easy four-ingredient turkey pinwheels. Go ahead and make them the day before—they won’t get soggy! —Amy Van Hemert, Ottumwa, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 51 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
4/39
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In the kitchen, it's important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. You can use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg: 75 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
5/39
Glazed Fruit Medley
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The homemade orange dressing on this salad complements the fresh fruit flavors beautifully. It’s perfect for a spring or summer brunch. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 188 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
6/39
Mac and Cheese Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
7/39
Taco Pasta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this savory taco pasta salad. Serve taco or corn chips on the side, and you have a complete meal. —Gert Rosenau, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 624 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1454mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
8/39
Easy Banana Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. Not only are these banana bread muffins like cupcakes, but they’re ready—start to finish—in just half an hour! —Lorna Greene, Harrington, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 209 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/39
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk, I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 235 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
10/39
Baked Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy baked chicken nuggets are always a family-pleaser. These get extra crunch from Panko bread crumbs, a spritz of cooking spray and baking on a wire rack. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 233 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
11/39
PB&J Bites
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These PB&J bites are fun to make and fun to eat! For a change of pace, replace the jam with Nutella and the rolled oats with sugar or crushed puffed rice cereal. —Kelly Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 186 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
We can’t get enough of these cold lunch ideas either.
12/39
Egg Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a pared-down version of a classic egg salad recipe. You can also add a little cream cheese for an extra-creamy spread. —Linda Braun, American Egg Board, Park Ridge, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 294 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 431mg cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein.
13/39
Focaccia Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 113 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
14/39
Easy Roast Beef Roll-Ups
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a quick kids’ lunch to use for the week, you can’t beat these flavorful wraps seasoned with salsa. Roll some up and enjoy! —Susan Scott, Asheville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 262 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein.
15/39
Chunky Applesauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
There's just something extra-special about a homemade applesauce recipe like this one. The simple dish is tart and not too sweet. It makes the perfect side, especially with pork chops or a pork roast. —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 157 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 3g fiber), 0 protein.
16/39
Sweet and Salty Chex Mix
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
about 10 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
These crunchy munchies are sure to rank high with your family and friends. The combination of flavors gets this sweet and salty chex mix recipe just right. —Candice Lumley, Charles City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/39
Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch that kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
18/39
Air-Fryer Quesadillas
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these air-fryer quesadillas for party appetizers, just cut them into thinner triangles. You can also switch up the cheese and the salsa to suit your taste. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 223 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
19/39
Fig Cookies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
About 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Family and friends know I have a fondness for Christmas cookies. Each year after Thanksgiving, they begin asking when the cookies will be ready! —Linda Kappelt, Linesville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 128 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 69mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/39
Bacon-Turkey Subs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On balmy fall days, this sweet and smoky sandwich is a big treat. When it gets colder, we pull out our countertop grill to make melts—just switch to pita bread. —Rachel Bindulski, Corolla, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 524 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1202mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
21/39
Hasselback Tomato Clubs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This no-fuss, no-bread riff on a classic is perfect during tomato season. Make it for lunch or pair it with pasta salad for a light dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed tomatoes: 272 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
22/39
Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Inspired by Chick-fil-A chicken salad, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, and your family will love it. The sweet pickle relish gives it that signature taste. I like to use a thick crusty oat bread. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 651 calories, 29g fat (5g saturated fat), 222mg cholesterol, 1386mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 51g protein.
23/39
Tropical Beef Wrap
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my finicky little ones, I create fast, tasty recipes like this tropical sandwich wrap. You can even use up leftover roast beef in a pinch. —Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 522 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 1211mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
24/39
PBJ on a Stick
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 skewers
From the Recipe Creator:
As a mom, I’m always trying to come up with easy lunch ideas for kids. This recipe was a hit! —Sara Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 skewers: 415 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
25/39
Yogurt Grape Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The cool colors and tangy flavors of vanilla yogurt and cream cheese are brightened with the sweetness and crunch of cheery red grapes in this refreshing and delicious salad. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
26/39
The Elvis Sandwich
Total Time
5 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Like the King himself sang, you'll be "all shook up" when you taste this savory-sweet sandwich. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 266 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
27/39
Deli-Style Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pasta provides a base for this tongue-tingling make-ahead salad. It has lots of fresh and satisfying ingredients topped with a flavorful dressing. This pasta salad is terrific to serve to company or take to a potluck. —Joyce McLennan, Algonac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 273 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
28/39
Pepperoni Rolls
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here is a fast recipe that always goes over well at my house. Each bite has gooey melted cheese and real pizza flavor. Try serving them with pizza sauce for dipping. —Debra Purcell, Safford, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 roll-ups: 282 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
29/39
Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids ask for these pita sandwiches all the time. They haven’t noticed that as good as the pitas taste, they’re good for them too.—Kim Holmes, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 pita half: 324 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 lean meat.
30/39
Turkey Guacamole Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tuck smoked turkey and a creamy avocado spread into tortilla wraps and add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 506 calories, 27g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 1045mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 20g protein.
31/39
Chocolate Chip, PB & Banana Sandwiches
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love finding new ways to combine peanut butter, chocolate and bananas. I was shocked when my nephews (who are very picky eaters) loved these sammies. —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 502 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
32/39
BLT Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I used to make these easy wrap-ups for summer days at the lake with our entire family. These days, we love to bring them to picnics and days in the park. —Jonnah Burks, Brighton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 409 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
33/39
Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Summertime gatherings aren't complete without a refreshing pasta salad. This tasty version features a mayonnaise and picante dressing. It may become one of your favorite side dishes for tacos too! —Kathryn Donahey, Oil City, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 207 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
34/39
Quick Taco Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was running late one night, so I shopped in my own fridge and came up with ingredients that became taco wraps. Everybody at the table was a happy camper. —Katie Mitschelen, La Porte, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 533 calories, 28g fat (13g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1538mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
35/39
Summer Chicken Macaroni Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For sunny, lazy days, I make a loaded macaroni salad that’s like three salads in one. The mix of fresh veggies, sweet peaches and crunchy pistachios is a surprisingly delicious combo. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
36/39
Lunchbox Pizzas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus, the pizzas pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess. —Rhonda Cliett, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 94 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
37/39
Pasta Salad in a Jar
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're planning a picnic, make this pasta a day ahead. For my husband's lunch at work, I sometimes tie a plastic fork on the jar. —Pat Neiheisel, Leetonia, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 375 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
38/39
Tuna Wrap
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavor—and they're good for you too. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 312 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
39/39
Waldorf Turkey Pitas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Living in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 363 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein.
Kids’ Lunch Ideas FAQ
What are healthy lunch ideas for kids that they will actually like?
Healthy handhelds like wraps and stuffed pitas are always a good choice. They allow you to sneak in greens and other veggies that will go unnoticed (rather than peeking out of the corners of sandwich bread). Other options include fruit salads and skewers along with homemade sides like applesauce that contain no added preservatives, which may be lurking in the store-bought versions.
What are the best fruits and vegetables to pack in kids’ lunches?
Options that are easy to eat, stay fresh without refrigeration for a few hours and appeal to young taste buds are the best items to pack. Think apple slices (brush crisp and sweet apples with lemon juice to prevent browning), berries (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are flavorful and low-maintenance), bananas (convenient and portable), or dried fruit like raisins or mango strips when fresh fruit isn’t an option.
Over on the veggie side, baby carrots are crunchy, sweet and perfect for dipping, as are celery sticks when paired with spreads like peanut butter or cream cheese. Cucumber slices are also refreshing and easy to eat, and cherry tomatoes are juicy and bite-sized—perfect for including in bento boxes with cheese cubes or hummus.
What are the easiest kids’ lunch ideas to make ahead of time?
The easiest kids’ lunch ideas to make ahead of time are those that require minimal prep, store well in the fridge and still taste great the next day. Try pinwheel sammies (tortillas rolled with cream cheese, turkey, cheese, or hummus and veggies and then sliced into bite-sized rounds), colorful pasta salads (with bowtie pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes and a mild dressing) and DIY Lunchables (use divided containers to prep little snack boxes with crackers, deli meat, cheese slices, fruit and a treat). Kids love the build-your-own approach.
