Running out of ideas for school lunch recipes? Well, you are in luck because you have stumbled across 50 of the cutest, easiest, most affordable lunch ideas that are perfect to whip up and take to school or work! From salads, trail mixes, wraps, pizza bites, to bento boxes, this post is direct proof that your lunch doesn’t have to be the same dry boring sandwich every day. I used to wake up each morning before school and have the eternal question of what I was going to scrap together for lunch, stressing over how long it would take and if it would be delicious yet satiating. Now each day, I know exactly what I am going to fill my bento box with or what wrap I am going to create to make me ecstatic for lunchtime. I am almost positive that if you take a minute to scroll, you too will find something in this list of healthy lunch ideas that will become your new daily staple. If you are not a big lunch person, and rather take a variety of snacks to the classroom or office, no need to worry because we also have you covered with a list of the best easy snack recipes to make in minutes.
How to Make the Best Lunches for School and Work
1. DIY Dip Bento Boxes
As a kid, I always wished my mom would send me to school with the cutest bento boxes that all the other kids would bring to lunch. As I have gotten older, I have learned that bento boxes are not only perfect for the elementary school cafeteria but also make the perfect lunches or snacks for the office! If you too want to fill your childhood desire while making your coworkers jealous, then go check out this tutorial on how to make the cutest DIY bento boxes.
2. Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Ah yes, chicken salad. The classic. This delicious salad never gets old, whether you eat it by the spoon, garnish it on a salad, or — my favorite — sandwich it between a fresh croissant or Hawaiian roll. This recipe, made with grapes, apples, and onions, is only one of the best. There are so many ways serve this dish, and it comes together in just 20 minutes!
3. Tropical Trail Mix
Tired of your boring old trail mixes with the classic almonds, peanuts, and cashews? Well, be bored no longer, because you have come across the best trail mix recipe out there — this tropical trail mix by Sarah Hearts made with pea crisps, dried mango, pineapple, bananas, and dark chocolate. Tell me that doesn’t sound amazing. Besides, if you are not a snacker at heart, you can whip up this amazing trail mix as a savory dessert.
4. Black Bean Quesadillas
Quesadillas are one of the best things out there, practically an elevated grilled cheese with the an infinite amount of toppings in between a chewy tortilla. Although they might not be as gooey and warm as they are when you make them at home, they are perfect for the work week because they only take 5 minute to make in the early mornings and are filling and delicious at lunch time. Besides, what is a little magic that a microwave can’t do?
5. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are so fun for the whole family because they are easy to customize and every member can pick and choose what they want on their own fajitas. You can make them as a dinner meal and then the kiddos can take their favorites to school and the parents can take them to work. All of the seasonings and flavors become so much more delicious and pronounced the next day, too!
6. Frito Pie Mason Jars
Nothing hits the spot like Frito pie. It’s crunchy, cheesy, homey and salty. But don’t get me wrong, chili for work might sound a bit risky… but I can guarantee that once you try it out yourself, you will realize how worth it it is. The mason jar keeps it sealed tight and the toppings on top allow it to stay in its place at the bottom — it truly seems like magic.
7. Mini Charcuterie Boxes
Tell me these mini charcuterie boxes are not just the most adorable things you have every seen. Take them to work and make your coworkers drool or give them what they deserve by hosting a summer-y picnic date with your family and friends. No matter which way you decide, you will not be disappointed with all of your favorite dried fruits and cured meats, all in one box.
8. Spotted Sandwiches
Everyone loves a good sandwich, there is no denying it! They’re an easy lunch to make to feed a family, or even a crowd, because it’s so simple to swap in different ingredients so that everyone has their very favorite combination of flavors. Besides, if you have picky kid that only eats colorful or fun looking meals, they will love this sandwich that resembles a ladybug:)
9. Healthy Bento Box Lunches
Another bento box idea, because truly they are the most superior lunch idea – extremely quick, easy while always staying adorable! In this recipe, there are 4 suggestions that fit all kinds of diets and the best part is they can be totally customized to fit your preferences and mood.
10. Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
Everyone loves pizza, but taking a greasy slice to lunch is not always the best idea. Thats where these easy cheesy pepperoni puffs come in! Bite size and perfect for popping in your mouth throughout the work or school day, these pizza bites have all the best qualities of pizza without the mess.
11. Crispy Bbq Tofu Wraps
12. Homemade Rueben Sandwich
13. Easy Chicken Caesar Wraps
14. Mini Heart Pizzas
15. Individual Mexican 5 Layer Dip
16. Sushi Inspired Luncheon Rolls
17. Easy Cucumber Sushi
18. Greek Chicken Gyros
19. Turkey Ranch Club Wraps
20. Easy Cheddar Egg Bake
21. Salami Cream Cheese Sandwich
22. Baked Chicken Caprese Subs
23. Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
24. Veggie Mediterranean Quiche
25. Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
26. Crock Pot Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches
27. Spinach and Garlic Potato Patties
28. Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Wrap
29. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
30. Monte Cristo Sandwiches
31. Stuffed Potato Pancakes
32. Avocado Cholula Deviled Eggs
33. Easter Egg Lunch
34. Herb Tomato Toast
35. Spicy Tuna Wraps
36. Bacon Cheeseburger Wraps
37. Chicken Bacon and Ranch Mason Jar Salads
38. Chicken & Avocado Wraps
39. Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
40. Caprese Crostini Recipe
41. Chicken Zucchini Enchilada
42. Hawaiian Tortilla Roll Up
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43. Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
44. Crispy Coconut Chicken
45. Hidden Veggie Pizza Bread
46. Creamy Swiss Chicken Bake
47. Pancakes To-Go
48. Taco Pop Tarts
49. Turkey Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
50. Thai Chicken Salad Sandwich
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