While the school year may be winding down (how is that even possible? Wasn’t it just Winter Break?!?!) it’s not over yet. There is still (always) a need for delicious, healthy packed lunches, after school snacks, and even occasionally a breakfast to go. Of course, these kid friendly ideas work great for school lunches and after school snacks but they are also grown up enough that everyone can enjoy them.
New to Meal Prepping?
Grab a copy of our FREE Meal Prep Planner to help you get started!
Surprise the kids or yourself with a few new recipes or an exciting twist on some old ones. Either way, check out the recipes below where we’re sure you will find something to finish off the school year strong.
Wait, don’t forget, summer is right around the corner and the kids will still be hungry. Find a few hits today and keep them handy throughout the summer as well.
Energy bars
Only four (healthy, real food) ingredients, but this date/cashew bar is packed with flavor, healthy fats, protein and fiber, AKA, all the right things for breakfast, an addition to lunch, or a snack. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable- switch out chocolate chips for dark chocolate, add some oats or chia, or pack it with other dried fruits. Make it your own and enjoy this bar as part of a healthy lunch or snack to get you through the rest of the day.
Lunch Box Frozen Fruit Salad Cups
Those little bodies can never have enough fresh fruit. Plus, this frozen fruit cup stays cold in a lunch bag and is so refreshing during the hot summers. Here is the perfect recipe for a week of fresh frozen fruits.
Vegan Snozzcumber
Inspired by Ronald Dahl’s BFG, this recipe will be a conversation starter at the lunch table. Ok, and how cute are they?
Cherry Oatmeal Cookie Bars
Oatmeal is a wholegrain powerhouse full of fiber, especially a kind called beta glucan which is an especially potent cholesterol lowering fiber. So go ahead and give them a pass once in a while as a “tiny snack before dinner” with this cookie recipe.
Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
Grilled Cheese sandwiches in any form gets a “yes.” Do you agree? Try adding a few extra veggies: tomatoes, onions, spinach, or even a smear of hummus for added points.
Sandwich on a Stick
Just because this recipe is a basic lunch preparation, doesn’t mean it cannot be fun to prep and even yummier to eat.
Strawberry Fruit Rollups
These DIY fruit leathers have only three ingredients, and you can vary the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries. Or, get creative and try it with another fruit. Give your kids or yourself an easy sweet treat sans the chemicals and food dyes, this whole fruit based recipe is not only healthier but also delicious.
Breakfast Cookies
“Cookies for breakfast,” said no mom, ever. Until she discovered this healthy recipe. Throw off the bowlines of tradition and give the people what they want!
Another Sandwich on a Stick
Because their so cute! And, let’s be honest, sandwiches will always be a popular go-to for school lunches. But nothing is stopping you from putting a fun new twist on the old stand-by. Next time try this recipe to change things up a bit.
Cottage Cheese Spinach Pasta
Because there are days (gasp!) when a sandwich simply will not do. Send them along with something a little heartier, but still just as healthy.
Ham Bacon and Cheese Snacks
These make a great lunch or after school snack. The protein and fat in them will help to fill up hungry bellies and if you sneak in a few veggies and use whole grain bagels they get even better, so go ahead and see what the kiddos think about this option.
Clean Eating Alphaghetti
Because there is no room for questionable ingredients and canned spaghetti when it comes to your family – fill your child’s thermos with warm, homemade goodness instead.
Ants on a log
An oldie but a goody. Take your ants on a log to a whole new level with these creative versions and take celery from “eh” to “yum!” with this recipe, perfect for lunch or after school.
Beef Mushroom Burrito
Prep time on these mushroom and beef burritos is pretty quick, so make a bushel for the freezer. Boom. Lunch for the week done.
Homemade Goldfish Crackers
With this recipe, you can remove one item from the grocery list, and spend a little more time in the kitchen with your little ones preparing an all time favorite right at home.