Back to school means back to packing lunches. It can be a struggle to find delicious and nutritious solutions that give kids the energy they need to get through the school day. We love the idea of spinning the popular lunchable or bento-box style into an easy do-it-yourself lunch by breaking up what you need into sections. Below are some of our favorite examples of lunch pairings to help you get inspired—and they’re not just for kids!
Deli Salad
- Kale, Farro, and Roasted Artichoke Salad or other deli salad favorite
- Peanut or almond butter
- Carrot sticks
- Apple slices
- 1-ounce chocolate square
PB&J
- Peanut or almond butter and jelly in a pita pocket
- Carrot and celery sticks
- Grapes
- 1-ounce chocolate square
Pizza
- Rice cake or pita bread with tomato sauce and mozzarella string cheese
- Carrots and hummus
- Strawberries (or fruit salad)
Pasta
- Pasta with side of tomato sauce
- Shredded mozzarella or cup of grated parmesan
- Grape tomatoes and broccoli florets
- Yogurt cup
Salad
- Mixed greens with shredded carrots and grape tomatoes
- Sliced oregano chicken breast
- String cheese
- 1 ounce of walnuts or almonds
- FD brownie
Mezze platter
- Carrot and cucumber slices
- Pita
- Hummus, tabouleh, or tzatziki dips
- Dark chocolate squares
Health Platter
- Kale super salad
- Rolled up turkey slices
- Grape tomatoes and carrots
- Nut mix
Snack box
- Carrots, celery, and ranch dip or hummus
- Grapes and apple slices
- Nuts, pretzels, or crackers
- Cheese cubes
- FD brownie
Breakfast
- Hard-boiled egg
- Rolled up ham slice
- Pita bread
- Orange segments
Deli Salads
- Tuna/egg/chicken salad
- Crackers or pretzels
- Carrots and ranch dip
- Mini chocolate chip cookie
Meat and Cheese
- Cheese cubes
- Crackers
- Deli meat (turkey, ham)
- Grapes or fruit snack