In theory, summer sounds relaxing. In practice? If they aren’t away at summer camp, the kids are home, the snack cabinet was probably raided by 9 a.m., and “what’s for lunch?” might actually be your kids’ new favorite question. So, this post is to make life a little easier for those of us DIY-ing summer childcare and doing our best not to burn out before the Fourth of July weekend.
And don’t worry, we know you see the grocery bill climbing because more time at home means more meals at home. I mean, it’s like these kids have entered competitive snacking. Plus, every time you offer something with actual nutritional value, they look at you like you’ve lost your mind. So, here’s a little summer survival tip: Pick five to seven kid-approved summer lunch ideas and just rotate them. It simplifies grocery shopping, eliminates some of the power struggle, and keeps you from becoming a short-order cook.
When it comes to picky eaters, half the battle is presentation. If it looks weird, they’re out. Try keeping the base of meals super simple, then make it fun with colorful fruit, fun shapes, or dipping sauces. Below are 10 lunch ideas that hit the trifecta: picky-kid approved, sneakily nutritious, and not a total pain to make:
If your kids are into the branding of a particular meal rather than the ingredients, we suggest calling your smoothies “milkshakes” instead. Pack them with dairy milk, fruit, veggies, then top with whipped cream, and they’ll never know the difference. Plus, Dairy milk alone has 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and high-quality protein—tons of good stuff kids need to grow strong without a spoonful of guilt on your end (yes, this includes lactose-free milk, too!). And when it comes to saving on your grocery bill this summer, dairy milk packs a nutritional punch at just about 25 cents per 8-ounce glass. A gallon of traditional dairy milk typically costs less than plant-based alternatives.1 Plant-based options don’t offer the same combination of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and high-quality protein that dairy milk does.
For these smoothies, start with dairy milk, then blend in frozen fruit (like bananas or berries), nut or seed butters for healthy fats, and even sneak in veggies like spinach, carrot juice, or pumpkin puree. And of course, add their favorite toppings like whipped cream or chocolate chips.
Ingredients
1 cup of dairy milk
3/4 cups of frozen bananas or berries
1 tbsp of nut or seed butters (like peanut, almond, or sunflower)
Optional add-ins: Spinach, carrot juice, or pumpkin or sweet potato puree
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, chocolate chips, or sprinkles (optional, but encouraged)
Source: Canva
Homemade pizza
Pizza is a crowd-pleaser, and there are so many ways to make it at home. Use mini naan bread, tortillas, English muffins, or even bagels as your base. Keep things simple with shredded cheese and sauce, or sneak in finely chopped veggies or protein under the cheese layer.
Ingredients
Bread base (naan, tortilla, English muffin, etc.)
Shredded cheese
Marinara or pesto with hidden veggies
Protein: pepperoni, sausage, rotisserie chicken
Source: Canva
Rice pudding
Though rice pudding is traditionally offered as a dessert in many cultures, this dish can be lightened up into a creamy, nutritious, and filling lunch. First, pop a cup of rice into a rice cooker (or in a saucepan on the stove), and then combine your ingredients in a saucepan after the rice is cooked. You can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. It can be served warm or cold, depending on your kids’ preference.
Ingredients
1/3 cup of white rice (jasmine or long-grain)
1 cup of dairy milk
1 egg
Pinch of salt
1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
1/2 tbsp of honey
Raisins or berries (optional)
Top with cinnamon or nutmeg
Source: Canva
French toast
You can keep these super simple or sneak in a ton of goodness depending on your kids’ tastes. Whisk together your dairy milk, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl, dip both sides of wheat or white bread in your mixture, then cook on a skillet or griddle.
If your kids are into mac and cheese, this is an easy way to level up. Start with cooked pasta, then toss it in a skillet with dairy milk, tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and maybe even a handful of spinach (if you dare).
Ingredients
Cooked pasta (macaroni, bowtie, rotini)
1 cup of dairy milk
1 can of tomato sauce
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
Spinach
Source: Canva
Tater tot nachos
Yes, these are a thing, and they’re super delicious. Bake or air fry your tots, then top with shredded cheese, cooked ground meat (even better if you have leftovers), bacon bits, and chopped veggies. Stick it back in the oven to melt and serve with a side of “I’m the best mom ever” energy.
Ingredients
Frozen tater tots
Ground meat or bacon
Diced bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Source: Canva
Pigs in a blanket
Minimal effort, major payoff. Wrap turkey sausages in store-bought dough, bake, and serve with fruit or veggie sticks. If you’re also in need of a morning activity, let the kids help make them for bonus entertainment points.
Ingredients
Store-bought crescent dough
Mini turkey sausages
Carrot sticks, fruit, or dips for a side
Source: Canva
Kid charcuterie board
You can really have fun with this one without having to cook a thing. Slice everything into shapes, add dip, and suddenly lunch looks 100 percent more appetizing to little eyes.
Ingredients
Ham or turkey slices
Cheese cubes or slices
Crackers or pretzels
Fruit
Hummus, ranch, or jam for dipping
Source: Canva
Homemade muffins
Muffins require a bit more prep work upfront, but a big batch can be stored and eaten over several days. We recommend making them after bedtime to have them ready for the next day, or turning it into a baking activity with the kids. Plus, muffins are super customizable, giving you endless possibilities. You can go savory with egg, cheese, and bacon muffins, or go sweet with banana, nut/seed butter, and chocolate chip muffins. Start with the base ingredients and then add in your desired flavors.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of dairy milk
1 eggs
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1/4 tsp of salt
Your choice of sweetener
Your choice of add-ins
Source: Canva
Pancake tacos
If you’re not making pancake tacos this summer, you may be missing out. Pop a couple frozen pancakes in your toaster, load them up with spreads and toppings, and then roll them up like a taco. It’s fun, it’s filling, and it feels like dessert.
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