Healthy Lunchbox Ideas for Kids

Eating a mixture of foods helps children keep lunchtime interesting. It also encourages a healthy, balanced diet since different foods have their own nutrient mixes. A varied lunch provides the right balance of macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

If you’re packing lunch boxes from home, here are some simple, healthy ideas inspired by the Guide Academy Lunch Menu Suggestions.

1. Salad Wrap

This impressive vegetarian salad wrap takes no more than 5 minutes to prepare and includes all the macronutrients your child needs for the day.

(Serves 1)

You’ll need:

• 1 tortilla wrap
• 2 tbsp hummus
• 1 lettuce leaf
• ¼ grated carrot
• 2 avocado slices
• 1 tbsp fresh tomato salsa
• Handful of grated cheddar

Instructions

1. Lay the tortilla wrap flat and spread the hummus over the bottom third. Place the lettuce above the hummus and arrange the carrot and avocado on top. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top.
2. Fold the bottom of the tortilla over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll the rest of the wrap. Place it in the lunchbox or, if halved, wrap it in wax paper first.

2. Burrito Bowl

This colorful prawn burrito bowl is full of flavor and provides four of your child’s five-a-day! It takes 15 minutes to prepare (plus the time to pickle).

(Serves 2)

You’ll need:

• ½ small bunch of roughly chopped coriander
• 2 tbsp low-fat crème fraîche
• 2 large chopped tomatoes
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 200g drained sweetcorn
• 400g drained and rinsed kidney beans
• 4 finely sliced spring onions
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 250g cooked rice
• ½ tsp caster sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 finely sliced red onion
• Prawns + chipotle paste, honey, lime juice, zest, and oil (for seasoning)

Instructions

1. Mix the red onion with vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cover and leave to pickle for at least an hour.
2. Prepare the prawns by mixing chipotle paste, honey, lime juice and zest, and oil. Toss the prawns until coated.
3. Put the rice into a large bowl and mix with lime juice and zest, spring onions, and kidney beans. Lightly season. Spoon into two shallow bowls.
4. Top with pickled onions, prawns, sweetcorn, and sliced avocado. Add crème fraîche on top and sprinkle with coriander.

3. Falafel Lunchbox

This falafel salad takes just 10 minutes to prepare and comes with lots of individual elements, making it a great option for toddlers and young children!

(Serves 3)

You’ll need:

• ½ lemon, quartered
• Drizzle of olive oil
• 4 tbsp hummus
• 12 falafels
• 10 olives (optional)
• Seeds from 1 pomegranate
• 2 grated carrots
• Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ chopped cucumber
• Handful of baby spinach
• 250g pouch of cooked grains

Instructions

1. Divide the grains between lunchboxes. Top each with vegetables, falafel, hummus, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a lemon wedge to squeeze over before eating.

4. Lunchbox Pasta Salad

There’s nothing like a pasta salad to energize your child and get them through the day. This recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare and provides a mix of both macro- and micronutrients.

(Serves 4)

You’ll need:

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 200g mixed cooked vegetables (peas, green beans, courgette, chopped small)
• 100g cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 200g cooked chicken, prawns, hard-boiled egg, or cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in boiling water for 11 minutes until al dente. Drain and pour into a bowl. Stir in the pesto and leave to cool.
2. When cool, stir in the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, and vegetables. Spoon into the lunchbox and top with your choice of protein. Chill until ready to eat.

5. Chicken with Spanish-Style Butter Beans

Still looking for inspiration? This healthy chicken and butter bean salad serves four of your child’s five-a-day in a fun way!

(Serves 2)

You’ll need:

• 2 roasted garlic cloves
• 1½ tbsp olive oil
• ½ lemon, zested and juiced
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 400g can of butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 roasted peppers, sliced
• 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100g rocket
• 150g leftover roast chicken
• 25g feta cheese

Instructions

1. Squeeze the garlic from the skins and whisk with lemon zest, smoked paprika, juice, oil, and seasoning in a large bowl. Add butter beans, tomatoes, peppers, and rocket, and mix.
2. Divide between lunchboxes and top with chicken and crumbled feta.