Back-to-school means back to the daily grind of packing lunches Monday through Friday with the hopes of your children actually eating it. Which, to be honest, is sometimes an uphill battle.
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During one past school week, I had a particularly busy time at work. I had worked through the weekend and didn’t have time to prep lunches. I also had to leave the house before the kids went off to school, so it was up to my husband to pack lunches and get the kids ready in the morning. Do you know what he did? He bought a week’s worth of Lunchables from the grocery store and threw them in their lunch boxes and called it a day. Of course, my kids absolutely loved it, ate every last bite, and declared that dad makes the best lunches ever!
Since that week, my kids ask for Lunchables daily. What about my hand-spun zucchini noodles and cut-up veggies? Nope. They want the overprocessed treat that is the grocery store Lunchable, loaded with a list of ingredients that are a mile long. But if Lunchables are a lunchtime favorite, then why spend money buying them at the store when I can make healthier and more creative versions at home?
Once I realized that Lunchables are just deconstructed meals placed in compartmentalized boxes, I decided to DIY my own Lunchables made up of carbs, proteins, fruits/veggies, some type of dip, and a dessert. Since implementing this new way of making lunches, my kids come home with empty lunch boxes every day. Of course, you can pack lunches with last night’s leftovers or a PB&J, but if you’re looking to get creative with your own DIY Lunchables, take some inspiration from the ingredients list and recipes below!
DIY Lunchable Ingredients
Carbs:
- Crackers
- Pitas
- Granola
- Mini buns
- Tortillas
- Pretzels
Proteins:
- Ham
- Turkey breast
- Cheese
- Hard-boiled egg
- Pepperoni
- Organic hot dogs
- Chicken
- Mini meatballs
Fruits & Veggies:
- Grapes
- Apple slices
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Orange slices
- Carrot sticks
- Celery sticks
- Cauliflower
- Jicama sticks
- Hearts of palm
- Cherry tomatoes
Dips:
- Ranch dressing
- Ketchup
- Guacamole
- BBQ sauce
- SunButter
Dessert:
- Banana bread
- Mini chocolate bar
- Fruit snacks
Easy Back-to-School Lunchable Ideas
1. Pizza Lunchable
Not only is this DIY Lunchable easy to put together, but kids have a blast assembling their own mini pizza for lunch with the ingredients. This one includes thinly-sliced pepperoni, mozzarella cheese cubes, black olives, roasted red bell peppers, pita chips, and hummus.
Source: MOMables
2. Protein Lunchable
This Starbucks-inspired Bistro Box features several protein-rich foods to keep kids feeling full throughout the school day. Assemble this Lunchable using peanut butter (if allowed in your child’s school), grapes, an apple, a hard-boiled egg, a Babybel cheese, and flatbread triangles. A huge bonus of this Bistro Box? It also makes a great lunch for moms to bring to work or eat while working from home!
Source: No. 2 Pencil
3. Apple and Peanut Butter Sandwich Lunchable
This classic Lunchable includes apples with peanut butter, a handful of blueberries, nuts, and chocolate chips (for a little treat!), two hard-boiled eggs, and some carrots and celery. Healthy and easy to assemble: a win-win for busy moms during back-t0-school season!
Source: Bless This Mess
4. Salami and Provolone Lunchable
Similar to other recipes above, this DIY Lunchable includes carrots, olives, cucumber slides, radishes, raspberries, and crackers. Add in some salami and provolone cheese and kids can create their own mini sandwiches!
Source: Bless This Mess
5. Turkey and Pita Bread Lunchable
Kids will love eating foods from the different sections of this Lunchable meal including blueberries, grapes, cherry tomatoes, hummus, pita bread, turkey and cheese roll-ups, and a few chocolate chips.
Source: Celebrating Sweets
6. Granola Lunchable
Have a kiddo who can’t get enough yogurt? Let them have all they want and pair it with this homemade granola that’s way better than anything that can be found in the grocery store. Pair that with some seasonal fruit for a sweet treat and a hard boiled egg for extra protein.
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen
7. Turkey and Sprout Sandwich Lunchable
You truly can never go wrong with a turkey sandwich, but why stop there? Make it extra healthy by adding some leafy greens that they won’t even know are there. Throw in some fruits, veggies, and a crunchy snack like pretzels and dip and they’ll be happy campers.
Source: Wholefully
8. Chicken, Avocado & Tomato Sandwich Lunchable
Take your sandwich game up a notch with this healthy and protein-packed option. The chicken and avocado will ensure they have energy to take on the remainder of their day and adding some colorful sides like bell peppers and blueberries will make this a well-rounded lunch.
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
9. Tuna Protein Lunchable
Any little ones who enjoy tuna salad will love this option. Make the tuna spread and send them with either celery and carrots, like pictured here, or with pita bread for dipping.
Source: Sweet Peas and Saffron
10. Spring Strawberry Lunchable
Having fresh strawberries and a salad is a refreshing mid-day pick-me-up any kid could use. Throw in some flatbread crackers and toasted pecans and they’ll be satisfied the rest of the school day.
Source: Sweet Peas and Saffron
