30+ Back-to-School Lunch Recipes worth repeating

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 the own kids have been packing their own lunches since they were truly young, We 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 simple 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.

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 simply 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

How do We keep lunchbox meals fresh until lunchtime?

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.

What are good lunchbox options for picky eaters?

Try bite-sized foods like mini sandwiches, fruit skewers, or muffin-tin meals. Offering variety in small portions often works best.

What's the best way to keep lunchbox meals from getting soggy?

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!

Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap

These honey mustard chicken wraps are simple to make the night before. They wrap up easily for lunchboxes and are simple to eat!

Turkey Pesto Sandwich

This turkey sandwich has zingy pesto, perfect for a satisfying lunch!

Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches

This is a classic chicken salad sandwich that is great for everyday lunches, but also picnics and brunches.

Lunch salads

Tzatziki Chicken Salad

Serve this flavorful Greek tzatziki chicken salad in pita bread for a satisfying lunch.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Can't beat a classic tuna pasta salad! This is a great pantry recipe that's inexpensive and makes a large amount.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

With big zesty flavors of Mexican street corn, plus pasta, this is great to pack for lunches.

Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

This is a great pasta salad on its own or as a side for that lunchbox sandwich.

Teriyaki Salmon Bowls

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 tasty lunch!

Filipino Macaroni Salad

Healthy rolls

Healthy Rainbow Salad Rolls

These rainbow rolls are crunchy, bright bites of tasty nutrition.

Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Elevate your lunchbox and your kids' lunchboxes with these yummy shrimp summer rolls -- not simply for summer!

Vegan Summer Rolls

With lots of veggies, rice noodles, and a tasty 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.

Berry Overnight Oats

These overnight oats are packed with fresh berries and good-for-you ingredients! While you can enjoy this for breakfast, it's a tasty lunch as well!

Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats

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 simple to pack up into a thermos and perfect for lunch or snack!

Mango Carrot Smoothie

With bright refreshing tropical flavors, this is a healthy smoothie that's great for breakfast or lunch.

Avocado Green Smoothie

This is a rich, creamy green smoothie that is a nice protein boost mid-day!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake

Nothing beats a little chocolate and added protein boost, and this shake is perfect for lunch, post-workout, and mid-afternoon fuel.

Beet Detox Juice

Brighten up lunch with this vibrant, tasty and nutritious beet detox juice!

Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie

Kids and adults alike love the fruity, tropical flavors of this blueberry pineapple smoothie.

Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie

This reader favorite recipe is amazing with fresh or frozen strawberries, and the watermelon brings it all together.

Healthy Super Green Smoothies

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 tasty soup for lunch!

Tuscan Kale and White Bean Soup

This vegan tuscan kale and white bean soup comes together quickly and is simple to make during meal prep to last through the beginning of the week for lunches and dinners.

Pressure-cooker Turkey Chili

This is the BEST ground turkey 3-bean chili! It's fast to make thanks to the Pressure-cooker, and it's so full of big smoky flavors. A yummy and hearty addition to any lunch!