15 Easy Make-Ahead School Lunches
Busy mornings just got easier! These 15 Easy Make-Ahead School Lunches are the perfect solution for stress-free school days.
Packed with kid-approved flavors, balanced nutrition, and simple prep, each recipe can be made the night before — so you can skip the morning chaos.
From tasty wraps and hearty pasta salads to fun bento box combos, these lunches are designed to keep kids full, focused, and happy.
Whether you’re packing for picky eaters or adventurous little foodies, this roundup has something for every lunchbox.
1
Hawaiian Chicken Salad – for Sandwiches and Lettuce Wraps!
Try this Hawaiian Chicken Salad with pineapple and ham in a sandwich or as lettuce wraps on busy school days when you need a quick lunch or snack.
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2
Orzo Mac and Cheese (Creamy, Savory and Flavorful!)
This creamy Orzo Mac and Cheese packs a ton of flavor in every bite! It’s very easy to make, and comes together in less than 30 minutes!
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3
Summer Chickpea Salad with Feta and Vegetables
Make this Chickpea Salad with Feta and Vegetables in 15 minutes for a quick, healthy lunch or light dinner.
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4
Spicy Roasted Tomato White Bean Stew
This Roasted Tomato White Bean Stew is spicy, hearty, and cozy! It’s made with healthy ingredients and is great for meal prep and freezing!
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5
Green Lentil Tabbouleh Salad
Healthy and tasty, this Green Lentil Tabbouleh Salad is a nutrient-packed recipe that makes a great lunch or side dish. Naturally vegan, gluten free, and protein-rich.
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6
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
This sheet pan salmon and veggies is the perfect healthy weeknight meal. Kid-friendly, ready in less than 30 minutes and lots of flavor variations. If you love quick and easy sheet pan dinners, you are in the right place! This sheet pan salmon and veggies is healthy, kid-friendly and ready in less than 30 minutes! The perfect make-ahead meal with a busy weeknight and so delicious your family won’t even know your secret wizardry! Easy sheet pan dinners are the jam for sure. The ability to use different protein such as chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon (any fish!), scallops – you
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7
Asian Chopped Chicken Salad Wrap
Asian Chopped Chicken Salad Wrap with a ginger sesame dressing in a delicious wrap. A perfect quick and easy meal for home or on the go.
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8
Orzo Pasta Salad with Black Beans and Corn
Orzo pasta salad is packed with black beans, corn, and chopped red peppers and tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for an easy lunch!
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9
Leek & Butternut Squash Quiche
This Leek and Butternut Squash Quiche has leeks & butternut squash, cheese, and creamy filling. Make a homemade crust, or it’s an easy breakfast with store-bought crust. Click for this quiche recipe!
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10
Vegan Summer Rolls – Planted in the Kitchen
These plant based rice paper rolls are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and served with a homemade peanut dipping sauce.
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11
Vegan Pasta Salad – Planted in the Kitchen
This easy 20 minute vegan pasta salad recipe is full fresh vegetables, herbs, and tossed in a homemade dressing.
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12
Yaki Udon | Stir Fried Udon Noodles
Yaki udon is an easy Japanese stir fried udon noodle recipe ready in 20 minutes! Stir fried udon noodles with a savory 5 ingredient yaki udon noodle sauce.
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13
Cold and Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad – In the Kitch
This cold and creamy tuna pasta salad is delicious and easy to make! Creamy pasta is mixed with tuna chunks, colorful vegetables and eggs.
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14
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
This chicken pesto pasta salad is light, fresh, and comes together in just 20 minutes! With creamy pesto and mascarpone for a summer lunch!
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15
Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Tahini Dressing
This easy raw brussels sprouts salad is made with shaved brussels sprouts and carrots, fruit and an easy tahini dressing. This salad packs and stores well and is perfect for meal prep!
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