Get that lunchbox ready!
As far as school days go, lunch may be second only to recess.
And who are we joking?
Credit:FRED HARDY, FOOD STYLIST: MARGARET MONROE DICKEY, PROP STYLIST: CALEB CLARKE
We still get excited about lunchtime.
As kids, we’d trade ourpeanut butter-and-fluff sandwichesfor our best friend’shomemade brownies.
These fun and vibrant lunchbox ideas are made up of classic recipes with a nutritious kick to them.
Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox
We assure you that your kids will not be trading these delicious lunches in the cafeteria anytime soon.
To simplify this dish for a weekday, use your favorite grocery store rotisserie chicken.
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk before cooking it makes it all the more tender and flavorful.
Credit: Greg DuPree
Cuban Black Bean-And-Yellow Rice Bowls
Need ideas for meatless Monday?
A rice bowl that’s topped with avocado and lime makes for a very zesty treat.
Forgo the cayenne pepper for more sensitive tummies.
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox
For added entertainment and flavor, serve these sticks with marinara or ranch for dunking.
Salty, sweet, and crunchy tends to be winning combo, so its definitely worth a try.
It will pair nicely with pretty much any lunch item, from sandwiches to pasta salads.
Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
With just 10 minutes of hands-on time, this is an easy salad to keep in regular rotation.
you might serve this classic chicken salad on whole wheat bread or in lettuce cups for a healthier option.
It’s also delicious on its own with the sweet Granny Smith Apples your kids are sure to love.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
Make a batch of the onions to add flavor to other meals like pizza, burgers, and soups.
Sliced roast turkey gives a hearty spin to the classic sandwich that students love.
This also packs perfectly for a on-the-go lunch, and is delicious served hot or cold.
Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey
Serve with rice or stuff into pita bread with sauce and veggies.
No-Bake Granola Bars
You’ll be snagging these no-bake granola bars for both morning and afternoon snacks.
This recipe offers three yummy bonus variations: Tart Cherry-Pistachio, Apricot-Coconut-Cashew, and Chocolate Chip-Pecan-Sea Salt.
Credit:PHOTO: HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; PROP STYLING: LYDIA PURSELL; FOOD STYLING: TONI BROGAN
double-check to pack extra in that lunchbox so that your children can share!
To make it a one-dish meal, add a lean protein like rotisserie chicken or chickpeas to the mix.
The trick to making the salad smooth and spreadable is to grate the eggs.
Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer
Were confident these fruity barsa cross between a cobbler and bar cookiewill be a hit.
We love these treats as a healthy alternative to the pre-packaged desserts often found in school lunchboxes.
With inspiration from Thai cuisine, you’ll love the peanut-ginger sauce that makes this lunchtime meal sing.
Credit: Jen Causey
Make the sauce and prep the veggies a day ahead for a quick, day-of assembly.
Burrito Bowls
Skip the tortillas and load these burrito fillings on a bed of warm rice.
Microwaveable brown rice makes this recipe extra fast and healthy.
Credit: Jennifer Davick
Feel free to customize and suit the Mexican-inspired meal to your child’s favorite flavors.
Prep the chicken mixture in advance, and you might use it throughout the week.
Wrapped with butter lettuce or a whole-wheat tortilla are just a few ways to eat these.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer
Charcuterie-Board Snack Mix
Want something that is sure to stand out in a snack pack?
Have a ziplock of Charcuterie-Board Snack Mix at the ready.
Southern Tomato Sandwich
Tomatoes are the star of this recipe.
Credit: Greg DuPree
Therefore, it’s a healthy one.
We think this Southern classic needs no alterations.
Basic potato salad gets a delicious upgrade in this ranch-filled favorite.
Credit: Getty Images
see to it to have enough to go around for everyone!
Use firm sandwich bread for the crunchy, creamy filling.
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Roll-Ups
Southern Living
Turn an ordinary grilled cheese into something extraordinary!
Credit: Photo: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Flatten soft white bread with a rolling pin to create the roll-up filled with shredded cheeses and chopped tomato.
Don’t forget to pack a side of marinara for dipping!
Mini Muffulettas
We love a sandwich with a little Southern history and a whole lot of veggies.
Credit: Jennifer Davick
Greek Grilled Chicken Pita
Want something to keep them happy and healthy?
Look no further than the Greek-inspired wrap with delicious grilled chicken and packed in a pillowy pita.
Tzatziki is the lively tangy sauce that makes these so special.
Credit: Jen Causey
Make a batch to freeze for a perennial lunch menu item thats ready to go.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Skip the tuna salad overloaded with mayo mixed with overcooked pasta.
This fresh spin on tuna salad is lightened up with a lemony-ranch vinaigrette and colorful veggies.
Credit: Helen Norman; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns
Use mild banana peppers to tone down the heat without sacrificing the zing.
If there’s any fussiness over peppery arugula, try milder spinach for added appeal.
Customize the recipe by swapping out the vegetables for your childs favorites.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Simply chop, assemble, then chill for few hours to allow the flavors to marinate.
Other than browning the beef, the rest of the ingredients are dumped in and simmered until blended.
This soup will warm up the kiddos and keep them full on cold, winter days.
Credit: Greg DuPree
Prep takes just under an hour and many ingredients are common pantry items.
No chicken on hand?
Canned tuna is an easy swap.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Sharp cheddar adds creaminess and bite.
Pair with crackers or a sandwich for a kids lunch standard thats stood the test of time.
The final steps are brushing them with a garlic-herb butter and serving with marinara.
Credit: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Your child will love adding their favorite toppings to this soup.
To make it even heartier, mix in rotisserie chicken or cooked rice.
Chicken Salad With Grapes and Pecans
This 20-minute chicken salad tastes even better made the day before.
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Mix toasted pecans and sliced grapes with creamy chicken salad for that sweet and crunchy combo everyone loves.
With mini mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes, this recipe is sure to be a fan favorite.
Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Credit:Southern Living
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Credit: Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Credit: Jen Causey
Credit: Southern Living
Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos
Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Credit: Will Dickey
