15 BACK TO SCHOOL LUNCH IDEAS
Whether you’re looking for a kids-friendly lunch or something healthier and light to eat in your office, all these recipes are perfect to satisfy your daytime cravings.
From hearty casseroles and healthy salads to pasta and zucchini recipes, I’ve covered a lot of flavorful lunch ideas in this list. All these recipes are incredibly delicious, satisfying and easy to make.
Back-to-school season brings hectic days, and preparing healthy food becomes too challenging. But with these breezy lunch ideas, you don’t need to worry at all.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this recipe for your kid’s lunch box or office.
I’ve created a list of make-ahead back-to-school recipes, perfect for those who want to prepare meals in advance and stay stress-free. Plus, you can check crockpot recipes here to make your cooking easier.
1- Meatball Casserole
If you love an easy and fulfilling meal, you will love this easy meatball casserole recipe. Loaded with flavor and texture, this one-pen meatball casserole is just the ticket for a hearty and comforting meal.
2- Healthy Tuna Salad Meal Prep
This healthy Tuna Salad Meal Prep is the ultimate easy recipe you can whip together in 15 minutes! It’s naturally gluten- and dairy-free, and there are some no-mayo options below. It’s easy to customize to your dietary needs, and you get multiple servings of fruits and veggies.
3- Vegan Zucchini Muffins
These Vegan Zucchini Muffins are fluffy, tender, moist, and loaded with the hidden nutrients of zucchini – A simple 2-bowl, 8-ingredient recipe with gluten-free options.
4- Sourdough Pizza Rolls
The Best Sourdough Pizza Rolls – these sourdough pizza rolls are a fun twist on your everyday pizza recipe! The crust is super flavorful because of the sourdough starter, and they’re made so that every roll is like a mini personalized portion of ooey, gooey, cheesy pepperoni pizza.
5- SUPER EASY ZUCCHINI SLICE
This is the BEST Zucchini Slice recipe, perfect for dinner, lunch, picnics and parties – you name it! Easy ingredients, quick prep time, and a great way to use leftover ingredients.
6-Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip
Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip is an easy, 5-ingredient snack that hits the spot when you look for something sweet while watching what you eat. Naturally sweetened with honey, this goes great with veggies, crackers, pretzels, and more.
7- Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
The weeks leading up to the year’s biggest holidays can be a bit of a jungle. If you’re hosting events, getting things ready is even more of a frenzy. I know this firsthand because I do it to myself every year.
8- One Pot Pizza Pasta
This One Pot Pizza Pasta is a weeknight meal saver. It’s easy, tasty, and sure to please. Kids and adults alike will devour this one.
9- CALIFORNIA CHICKEN SALAD
This lighter California chicken salad contains juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and tangy Greek yogurt. If you are a Whole Foods Sonoma Chicken Salad recipe fan, you will love this healthier copycat recipe.
10- Chicken Club Sandwich
This chicken club sandwich perfectly combines deli meat and fresh veggies. Make this classic chicken sandwich recipe for lunch today!
11- Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
Try my Instant Pot spaghetti bolognese for a quick, hassle-free dinner recipe that’s ready in only 30 minutes. After 5 minutes of prep, the pressure cooker does the rest!
12- Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Salad
A fully loaded cold Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Salad is sensational for a summer lunch, picnic, BBQ, etc. The pasta salad contains red pepper, shallot, olives, and feta but no mayonnaise; simple olive oil with thyme will give this meal all its flavor.
13- Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches
Chicken salad finger sandwiches are two bite-sized savory sandwiches that are as easy to make as they are elegant, so don’t wait for afternoon tea to make them!
14- Blueberry Energy Bites
Just a 5-minute prep, you can keep these real food blueberry energy bites stashed away in the pantry for easy snack packing!
15- CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES
This quick and easy-to-make Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe is packed with flavor and makes the perfect anytime meal! Perfect when served on bread, a croissant, or a bed of lettuce! The perfect side dish or main meal that can be prepared beforehand!
