Go Back
A variety of healthy back-to-school lunches neatly packed in containers

Best way to grow Back-to-School Lunches: 5 Fast Ideas

Five fast and easy back-to-school lunch ideas perfect for busy mornings. These recipes are designed to be quick, delicious, and appealing to kids.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 5 lunches
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lunch Idea 1: Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels
  • 5 large whole wheat tortillas
  • 5 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 15 slices deli turkey, thinly sliced
  • 5 provolone or cheddar cheese slices
Lunch Idea 2: Hummus & Veggie Wraps
  • 5 large whole wheat tortillas
  • 1 cup hummus
  • 0.5 cup carrots, shredded
  • 0.5 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
Lunch Idea 3: Mini Pizzas
  • 5 whole wheat English muffins, split
  • 0.5 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • pepperoni or other desired toppings optional
Lunch Idea 4: Chicken Salad Crackers
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup celery, finely chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • whole grain crackers
Lunch Idea 5: Yogurt Parfait with Granola & Fruit
  • 5 individual Greek yogurt cups
  • 1.5 cups granola
  • 1.5 cups mixed berries or sliced fruit

Equipment

  • Knives
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet (for mini pizzas)
  • Lunch containers

Method
 

Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels
  1. Spread cream cheese evenly over each tortilla, then layer with turkey and cheese slices.
  2. Roll the tortillas tightly and slice each into 6-8 pinwheels. Pack them in lunchboxes with a side of fruit.
Hummus & Veggie Wraps
  1. Spread hummus over each tortilla, then layer with shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and bell pepper.
  2. Roll the tortillas tightly and slice each in half. Serve with a small container of extra hummus for dipping.
Mini Pizzas
  1. Spread pizza sauce on each English muffin half, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and desired toppings.
  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool before packing.
  3. Alternatively, prepare ahead and allow to cool before packing.
Chicken Salad Crackers
  1. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and finely chopped celery; season with salt and pepper.
  2. Pack the chicken salad in a separate container along with whole grain crackers for assembly at lunchtime.
Yogurt Parfait with Granola & Fruit
  1. In a lunch container, layer Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries or sliced fruit.
  2. Pack individual yogurt cups, granola, and fruit separately for assembly just before eating to prevent sogginess.

Notes

These lunch ideas can be prepped the night before to save time in the morning. Adjust ingredient amounts based on your child's appetite and dietary needs.