Simple Lunch Ideas For The Family

Whether you are packing lunch for work, school, or just errands its benefits often outweigh any cons.  Packing lunch is often healthier and more budget-friendly!

I’m sharing simple lunch ideas that not only you could enjoy but your kids as well!

Tools for Success

I believe there are items that make packing your lunch simpler. I’m sharing my favorite items.

Lunch Boxes

These EZ Prepa 3 part meal prep containers are great.  They have held up so well and are perfect for taking on the go or for work.

The Yumbox is a great lunch box and snack box we use for all 3 of my kids.  They are sturdy, leakproof, and dishwasher safe.

If you want to send food to stay warm we recommend the Omiebox Bento Box.

Snack Containers

For snacks we aim to include protein, fat and carbs!  Check out this article for our full list of ideas.  The items below are our favorite containers for on the go snacking and perfect to send to school!

Yumbox Snack Box

Pack It Freezable Snack Box

Ice Packs

If you don’t have a refrigerator to store your lunch I recommend purchasing some good ice packs and a lunch box to store your containers in.

Other Tools

This bento accessory kit is perfect for kids’ lunches! My son is still at the age where I can slice his sandwiches into shapes!

The silicone cup dividers are perfect for loose items like nuts, crackers, and more!

This Vegetable Chopper is my absolute favorite! I use it to dice all of my vegetables! Especially for my egg bite recipe listed below.

Water Bottle

In our house we don’t typically serve juice except for special occasions.  Water is our main goal for hydration so we recommend sending a good reusable water bottle with your child everyday.  Don’t forget to label it!

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Simple Lunch Ideas

It doesn’t have to be complicated! Our lunches are relatively simple but they are nutritious, budget-friendly, and filling! We love to prep food on Sundays or take leftovers.

Hummus Plate

This is simple and a sure favorite.

• Hummus for dipping
• pretzels or pita chips or pita bread
• Sliced apples or grapes
• cucumber
• cherry tomatoes
• bell pepper slices

Burrito Bowl

One of my personal favorites.  We not only love this for dinner but it is often an item we prep for lunches.

• Browned seasoned meat
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Spanish-style rice or brown rice
• Top with sliced avocado and cheese
• Bring a tortilla if you prefer to make it into a burrito

Chicken Avocado Wrap

Wraps never go out of style.  Honestly. Buy a special spread, add tomatoes or avocados and you’re good to go! We also love the almond flour wraps as a substitute. Pair with a hard-boiled egg and sliced veggies and your good to go!

• Tortilla
• Diced or shredded chicken (could also use sliced turkey)
• Cheese
• Mustard / Mayo
• Sliced Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Salt and pepper

Egg Bites

The Egg bites are perfect for any meal in addition to snacking! I make a batch of these and seal them in a container to keep throughout the week! Simply reheat for approx 1 minute.  Also yummy topped with salsa.

• Egg Bites
  • These are so simple! Dice 1-2 bell peppers, ½ onion, and spinach.  Mix with ½ cup shredded cheese. Add mixture to a greased muffin pan.  Pour whipped eggs over mix to ¾ full. Cook at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
• Greek yogurt with honey drizzled on top
• Sliced strawberries

Leftovers For All

To save time, incorporating leftovers into the boxes that are good hot or cold. Things like beans, grain blends, veggie strips (heat for dinner and cut extra for meals) could be prepared for dinner and used for the next days meal. If kids need dip or something to enhance veggies or fruits don’t be afraid to add in small portions.

Lunch Ideas for Kids

If your child attends school we recommend sending items ready to eat.  Most school lunches are only 20 minutes (some even shorter) so if your child needs help peeling oranges or opening containers that is wasting precious time they need to eat!

You can pack items like quesadillas, grilled cheese, or even pancakes for lunch! You’d be surprised what tastes good even cold!

Pro Tip: To ensure they items like grilled cheese or waffles don’t get soggy let them cool 100% before you pack them!

DIY Lunchable

• Cheese
• Crackers
• Rolled or sliced lunch meat
• Grapes
• Carrot sticks

Pizza Lunchable

• naan bread
• mozzarella cheese
• marinara
• other toppings (pineapple, pepperoni, olives, etc)

Waffles Stripes

• Waffles (cut into strips)
• 100% maple syrup for dipping (could also use yogurt or peanut butter)
• Greek yogurt
• Love Crunch chocolate granola
• Halo Orange

Good Ol’ PB&J

• Peanut butter and Jelly on Dave’s Killer Bread
• Veggie Straws or fresh veggies w/ guacamole or hummus
• Blueberries
• String Cheese

Quesadilla or Grilled Cheese

• Quesadilla sliced into strips or Grilled Cheese
• Sour Cream or ketchup for dipping
• Carrots
• Fruit

Simple Lunch Ideas For The Win

There you have it! I hope you find these simple lunch ideas easy and delicious!  Remember packing lunch doesn’t need to be complicated! Make it simple and if nothing else you can never go wrong with a PB&J.