This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Looking for simple and kid-approved lunch box recipes? Check out our collection of 60+ easy and delicious ideas, including nutritious, tasty main courses, sides, and snacks that make packing lunches stress-free and quick.
Packing lunch for kids and toddlers can be a real challenge, especially when they have their own unique tastes and preferences. I know from experience how hectic mornings can be, balancing everything from school drop-offs to ensuring everyone has a nutritious meal.
That’s why I’ve come up with a collection of simple, kid-friendly lunch box ideas that are not only nutritious but also appealing to even the pickiest eaters. These recipes aim to make your lunch-packing routine smoother and less stressful.
As school days roll around, having a variety of lunch box options can make all the difference. These recipes are designed to be quick to assemble and enjoyable for kids, so whether you’re looking to mix things up or stick to some reliable favorites, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
Get ready to make back to school lunch exciting again for your little ones! Here, you will find Indian, Mexican, Italian, and many other vegetarian lunchbox recipe ideas.
When it comes to packing lunches, presentation is just as important as the food itself. I’ve found that bento-style containers with compartments are a real game-changer. These containers keep everything neatly separated and visible, making lunchtime more appealing. Whether you’re packing a variety of colorful fruits and veggies or a mix of different dishes, bento boxes make lunchtime both fun and organized. They are especially useful for managing portions and reducing mess.
Another favorite of mine is using steel containers or thermoses. These are excellent for keeping food warm and are perfect for dishes like rice, pasta, or parathas. With the right container, lunchtime becomes not only easier but also more enjoyable for kids and toddlers. Investing in high-quality, durable containers has made the process of packing lunches smoother and more efficient over the years.
I’ve linked a few top lunch boxes that are my favorites to help you find the perfect one for your child.
Over the past 10+ years, I’ve perfected the art of packing lunches for my two kids, and it’s been quite the journey! I used to stress over every little detail, but now I focus on what works best for our family. My kids have their favorites, and I’ve learned to balance their preferences with the need for nutritious meals. One of the key strategies I’ve developed is prepping their lunches the night before. This makes packing in the morning much easier and helps avoid the morning rush.
Involving my kids in the lunch box preparation has been a game-changer. They help pick out fruits and veggies and choose from a variety of options, which not only excites them about their lunches but also teaches them to make healthy choices. I believe in offering toddlers and preschoolers the same lunch options as older kids, just ensuring the food is bite-sized for easy handling.
Adjusting the spice level for kids is another essential tip I’ve learned along the way. Many times, kids avoid certain dishes because they’re too spicy. I suggest skipping or reducing the green chili pepper and/or red chili powder in recipes to address this. My simple trick is to prepare an Indian curry or dal with less spice initially, setting aside a portion for the kids before adding extra spice for the adults.
Most of the recipes I’ve included are healthy, one-pot meals that are easy to make and perfect to include in lunch boxes. Many of the vegetarian recipes can be made vegan with simple ingredient switches. In other words, this post is bound to contain at least a few recipes that fit your schedule, kid’s diet, and tastes!
Tips for Packing Wholesome Lunches
Include a variety of food groups: I always try to pack something from each food group— grains, protein, fruits, and veggies. This keeps things balanced and exciting for my kids.
Keep meals varied: I like to change up the ingredients often so my kids don’t get bored with the same foods, and it also helps them get various nutrients.
Use leftovers: I often rely on dinner leftovers like rice, pasta, or parathas. It saves time and makes packing lunches quicker.
Prep ahead: I usually prep ingredients the night before or over the weekend. It makes busy mornings easier, and the lunches are still fresh.
Add color: I like to pack colorful fruits and veggies. A variety of colors not only looks good but also means they’re getting different nutrients.
Add in a treat: Sometimes, I’ll add a little treat or homemade snack to keep things fun. It’s a pleasant surprise for them.
Get the kids involved: I let my kids help out with lunch prep. It’s fun for them; they’re more likely to eat what they’ve made.
Try new things slowly: I introduce new foods a little at a time. It helps them get used to different tastes without feeling overwhelmed.
Make it fun: I keep lunch prep flexible and fun. We mix up the combinations, and I let them choose what they like. It keeps them excited about their meals.
Avoid using plastic lunch boxes: Opt for stainless steel or glass containers if possible. Our school does not allow the use of glass containers, so we use high-quality plastic or steel containers.
Kids Lunch Box Ideas (Indian-Inspired)
For a well-balanced lunch box, I arrange ideas into sections based on main items, side dishes, and snacks.
This category includes a variety of kid-friendly, easy lunch box recipes, such as dosas, quinoa recipes, sandwiches, poha, quesadillas, chilla, egg bhurji, pancakes, oats, idlis, upma, and other grains. These are simple to prepare and pack, and you can mix them up to keep things interesting. They ensure your kids get a good mix of flavors and nutrients in their lunchboxes.
4.88 from 25 votes
Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza – Air Fryer / Oven
Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza made with marinated paneer, red peppers, onions, grape tomatoes, in an Air Fryer or Oven. This is a delicious and quick fusion pizza for the times when you are craving pizza! Vegetarian, easy and convenient. Vary it with toppings of your choice.
Loaded black bean quesadillas are packed with beans, sautéed onions, bell pepper, spinach, and a generous amount of cheese. They are hearty and make a quick and easy weeknight meal that can be customized to your taste!
Vegetarian Fajita Pasta Recipe – Instant Pot & Stovetop
Delicious pasta shells with lots of fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, colorful bell peppers, sour cream and cheese, made as a one-pot dish in the Instant Pot or Stovetop. Enjoy topped with cilantro and avocado.
Idli is the quintessential south indian breakfast, which is also popular across India. Learn how to make the perfect soft and fluffy idli in the instant pot!
Chana Pulao, also called Chickpea Pulao, is an easy, flavorful recipe perfect for weeknights. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this one-pot pulao can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Casserole with Rice & Beans
Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole is easy to make and filled with cheesy goodness, along with brown rice and lots of veggies. This is an easy gluten free & vegetarian casserole for a weeknight dinner or your next party!
It takes just 20 minutes to make perfect Tortellini in the Instant Pot. This Creamy Tortellini is a perfect one-pot weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
One-pot Penne in Tomato Cream sauce made in Instant Pot – A quick and easy meal, perfect for weeknights. A favorite for both kids and adults, and a great option for gatherings. It takes maximum 20 minutes from start to finish. Pair it with a soup or salad for a perfect dinner.
Instant Pot Lemon Parmesan Orzo pasta with garlic, cherry tomatoes and parsley is a perfect side dish. It is very quick and easy to make pressure cooker orzo pasta!
This Paneer Frankie Roll, also known as Paneer Kathi Rolls, is a popular Indian street food made with flaky flatbread, covered with egg, wrapped with spicy paneer and tangy toppings. Perfect to pack for a grab and go meal, or a special weeknight meal.
Instant Pot Vegetable Lo Mein is a quick and easy meal packed with healthy vegetables and cooked in a flavorful sauce. Made at home in only 20 minutes, you'll have this delicious Lo Mein ready and on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout.
You will love this healthy twist to the classic egg salad with the addition of avocados. Avocado egg salad sandwich is convenient, fast and easy way to eat a healthy breakfast!
Paneer Paratha is a delicious, whole wheat flatbread stuffed with Indian cottage cheese, aromatic herbs, and spices. This stuffed paratha is popularly served for breakfast or lunch in North India. Here is my mom's recipe to make the best paneer parathas.
Aloo Paratha is a special North Indian layered flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes. The parathas are roasted on the hot griddle until crisp and brown on the outside. Serve them with pickle and yogurt for an authentic Punjabi breakfast. Here is my mom's recipe to make the best aloo parathas.
If you're a fan of cheesy goodness and soft, flavorful flatbreads, then Cheese Paratha is the perfect treat for you! This flaky, cheesy flatbread is a perfect breakfast or lunch box meal for kids. Serve it with a dollop of butter, alongside some raita and pickle.
Subtly bitter and well-seasoned, Gujarati Methi Thepla is a delicious snack. Whole wheat flour, gram flour (besan), fresh fenugreek leaves, yogurt, and spices make Methi na thepla a healthy snack. This delectable flatbread is ideal for breakfast, snack, or any other meal of the day.
A healthier Sabudana Khichdi recipe – Tapioca pearls/Sago cooked with potatoes, carrots, green peas and crushed peanuts. This popular vegan and gluten free dish is like a pilaf or upma made with tapioca pearls. Enjoy it for breakfast or an afternoon snack with tea.
Moong Dal Chilla is a delicious healthy Indian breakfast made with yellow moong dal along with simple spices and herbs, including chilies and onions. These savory lentil pancakes are nutritious, vegan and gluten-free.
Learn how to make the best crispy dosa's from scratch with homemade dosa batter, along with all the tips and tricks to get the perfect crispy dosa's every time!
Poha is an easy and delicious Indian breakfast recipe popular in western and central India. Made with flattened rice, onion, potatoes, and seasoned with mild spices, curry leaves, peanuts and cilantro, this recipe also makes up for a quick mid-day snack.
This Semiya Upma is a traditional South Indian breakfast. Made with vermicelli and vegetables, this upma is mildly spiced, and an easy one-pot recipe. Make it on the stovetop or in the instant pot in less then 25 minutes!
Instant Pot Lentils & Rice (Mujadara) is the healthy vegan and gluten free meal. Lentils and rice cooked with fragrant spices & topped with caramelized onions. You will love this one-pot version of Mujadara in instant pot where you don’t have to cook lentils and rice separately.
Soft and fluffy Rava Dhokla made in the Instant Pot. These delicious savory semolina cakes are a popular Gujarati delicacy, perfect to enjoy for breakfast or snack!
This Chickpea Salad is a healthy, vegan, protein-rich salad that is easy to put together in just 10 minutes. Chickpeas are combined with fresh veggies, flavored with Indian spices along with tangy lemon juice. Perfect for a snack or quick lunch!
Super delicious and crunchy Chickpea Squash Fritters. These vegan & gluten free Chickpea Squash Fritters are so easy and take less than 30 minutes to make!
An easy and popular South Indian breakfast. Upma made from dry roasted semolina, cooked along with various seasonings and vegetables, perfect for a quick and nutritious breakfast.
Chana Dal Pulao is a delicious protein-rich vegetarian dish made with chana dal (split yellow chickpeas) and basmati rice cooked along with the aroma of whole spices. Enjoy with raita and salad.
Sabudana Vada is a traditional Maharashtrian snack made from tapioca pearls (sago), potatoes, peanuts, herbs and spices. These sago fritters are delectable! This is vegan, gluten-free, and simple fasting recipe.
To complement the main course, include a variety of healthy sides that add crunch and nutrition. Examples include healthy salads, fresh fruit slices, roasted veggies, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices. Small containers of hummus or yogurt make great dips and add extra nutrition. Cheese cubes and mini sandwiches are also popular choices.
4.91 from 32 votes
Air Fryer Carrots
Perfectly seasoned and so delicious, these air fryer roasted carrots are a quick healthy snack or side dish. Make these crispy yet tender roasted carrots in the air fryer or oven.
This Air Fryer Cauliflower seasoned with spices is easy to make and amazingly delicious topped with cilantro yogurt sauce. Enjoy as a wonderful low-carb side dish or appetizer.
Garlic & Herb Carrots are cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker. Sautéed with lots of butter, garlic and herbs, they make a perfect side dish!
Fruit Chaat is a famous Indian-style fruit salad, made with fresh fruits tossed in a tangy – spicy dressing! This refreshing chaat can be enjoyed as anytime snack, appetizer or a dessert for those post-meal sugar cravings.
These Taro Fries (Crispy Arbi) are so easy to make, crispy and delicious. They are a great variation in taste and nutrition to potato french fries. Make them in the air fryer, oven or stovetop.
Try these easy Homemade French Fries made in the Air Fryer or in the Pressure Cooker using the Crisplid. They are so good, you will never want to have deep-fried fries again!
Snacks are a great way to keep kids energized throughout the day. Homemade snacks, such as muffins, crackers, energy balls, brownies, or a small handful of nuts, work well. Occasionally, I’ll add a sweet treat like a small chocolate piece or homemade granola bars. These snacks keep the energy up and make lunchtime more enjoyable.
5 from 2 votes
Easy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
A tasty treat, these Banana chocolate chip muffins are a great choice for a quick breakfast or snack. Made with simple ingredients, these muffins are soft, moist and fluffy!
These Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins are so moist and delicious. These gluten-free muffins are also high protein and low carb, which makes them perfect for a healthy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
These Almond Flour Banana Muffins are a delicious, low-carb treat. They are melt-in-your-mouth soft muffins, great for a quick breakfast or snack. Paleo & Gluten-free.
Namak para is a deep-fried Indian delicacy that is delicious and crispy—made with all-purpose flour (maida), semolina, and a few spices such as ajwain, salt, and pepper for a light flavor. It is one of the most popular snacks among kids.
These decadent Lemon Blueberry Muffins can be made from scratch in under an hour. Made using fresh blueberries, buttermilk, and a squeeze of lemon juice, these muffins come out of the oven sweet, moist, and healthy enough to enjoy as a grab & go breakfast!
Easy & moist Healthy Carrot Muffins made with whole wheat flour, carrots and maple syrup. These delicious muffins are great for a quick breakfast or snack!
These gluten-free almond flour brownies are rich, fudgy, and chocolatey similar to traditional brownies. Made with simple ingredients, these easy paleo brownies are a crowd pleaser!
These healthy banana flaxseed muffins can be made from scratch in just 30 minutes. Packed with wholesome ingredients such as banana, flaxmeal, and whole wheat flour, these muffins are a family favorite!
These no-bake Almond Butter Energy Balls are so healthy and delicious. With the goodness of almonds, dates, flax seeds and dark chocolate chips, they are healthy, easy to make and perfect for a quick snack on the go!
Kickstart your Fall mornings, which these Healthy Whole Wheat Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins. Made with freshly milled whole wheat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin puree, yogurt along with chocolate chips, these are moist satisfying goodies that you can enjoy guilt free.
These gluten-free Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffins are a delicious low-carb treat, incredibly moist and fluffy, and taste a bit like pumpkin pie. These paleo muffins are easy to make, and are topped with chocolate chips for extra goodness.
Eating clean just got a whole lot better thanks to this Double Chocolate Banana Bread! This recipe is made with whole wheat flour, maple syrup, and avocado oil, making it a healthier way to satisfy those sweet cravings. Decadent, moist, and delicious- a must try recipe for all banana bread lovers!
Deliciously crunchy Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds make a wonderful healthy snack. These roasted pumpkin seeds are easy to make in the air fryer and can be seasoned in so many ways!
Rice is a versatile base for many kid-friendly lunches. Pack leftover chicken biryani, veggie fried rice, or simple lemon rice. These can be easily packed and are great with yogurt or a simple curry. These dishes can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, ready to be packed for school.
5 from 9 votes
Spinach Rice
Spinach Rice cooked in the instant pot or stovetop as a one-pot recipe. Aromatic basmati rice, with spinach and spices, make this Spinach Rice flavorful and healthy!
Tomato Rice is a quick, one-pot meal that's perfect for busy days and lunchboxes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s tangy, flavorful, and effortless to make in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. This family favorite is sure to become a go-to recipe!
Chicken Pulao is a delicious one-pot meal made with fragrant Basmati rice, tender chicken pieces, and aromatic spices. It's a flavorful, satisfying weeknight meal that can be made in just 30 minutes.
Flavorful, tangy and crunchy Instant Pot Lemon Rice from South India, made as a one-pot dish in Instant Pot. Aromatic Basmati Rice flavored with lemon juice, mustard seeds, ginger and topped with roasted peanuts.
This fragrant and flavorful Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao) is a staple in most Indian homes. Basmati rice is cooked with whole spices and green peas. It is delicious and effortless to make in the instant pot or stovetop. Pair this peas pulao as a side dish with any curry or dal for a wonderful meal!
This fragrant and flavorful Turmeric Rice is a healthy alternative to your usual white rice. Try my recipe to know how to easily make this vibrant rice on the stovetop or in the instant pot.
These Mexican Instant Pot Rice and Beans are flavorful, easy to make, and wonderfully delicious. This dump-and-go recipe is made with brown rice, beans, broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spices. A delightful vegan and gluten-free dish for dinner!
This Instant Pot Spanish Rice, often known as Mexican Rice or Arroz Rojo, is full of flavor and is so easy to make, and incredibly tasty. This versatile Spanish Rice is a wonderful side dish for any meal!
One-pot Black-Eyed Peas and Spinach Rice is a healthy and wholesome dish, perfect for weeknight meals. This vegetarian and gluten free dish is easy to make in the Instant Pot.
Pasta is another great option for lunch boxes. Quick and versatile, pasta can be made with a variety of sauces and add-ins. Try it with a light tomato sauce, some cheese, and a sprinkle of veggies for a complete meal.
5 from 11 votes
Pesto Orzo Salad
Sun Dried tomatoes, basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella make this Pesto Orzo Salad a summer favorite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make! Perfect for a picnic, potluck, or weeknight meal.
This Instant Pot Pesto Pasta is an easy recipe perfect for weeknight meals. Spaghetti tossed in pesto sauce along with sun-dried tomatoes and a drizzle of lemon juice. Make this as a one-pot dish in just 20 minutes in the Instant Pot. This is my favorite way to eat spaghetti!