10 Easiest School Lunch Ideas No Cook

School Lunch Ideas

After packing lunches for my kids for years, I can safely say that it can be an easy task if you keep things in perspective and keep things super simple. Kids tend to like simpler meals anyway, so these no-cook school lunch ideas are here to help you if you ever get into a rut, if you run out of ideas, or if you want to let your kids scroll through and see what looks yummy to them. I have many recipes for lunch that are perfect for sending in a kids thermos or a kids lunch box, but I’m going to share 10 ideas here that require no cooking at all. These are great ideas to throw together at the last minute in the morning (because life happens and I realize that is when many of us are actually packing!) and to make when it feels like you’re running low on groceries. (You may also like my tips on how to pack and store fresh apples, peanut-free snacks, school lunch recipes, toddler lunch ideas, and our go-to healthy snacks for kids including granola bars.)

How to Make School Lunches, Step-By-Step

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when packing lunches for kids. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox. TIP: If your child has a nut allergy, make sure you talk to the school about how that’s handled in the lunchroom. If there’s a peanut-free table, you may need to request that they have a friend sit with them so that they aren’t alone, which can sometimes happen.

School Lunch Idea #1: Cheese and Crackers

Combine whole grain crackers, pepperoni, and cheese with mango and snap peas (or a fruit and veggie of your choice) for an easy lunch. This is a nice alternative to a sandwich and you can pack it in minutes. (Make this gluten-free with gluten-free crackers as needed.) TIP: Shown in an EasyLunchboxes container.

No Cook Lunch #2: Bagel Sandwich

Spread cream cheese and jam, turkey and cheese, hummus and lettuce, tuna salad, or sunflower seed butter and jam onto a lightly toasted bagel for a fun take on a sandwich. Add simple sides like cucumbers slices and mixed fruit to finish. TIP: Shown in an EasyLunchboxes container.

Lunch Idea #3: Homemade Lunchables

Make whichever flavor of Lunchable the kids like with this more affordable method. Pack them in an Easy Lunches Snack Box for fun, yet quick-to-make lunches.

Easy Lunch #4: Tortilla Triangles

Fill a tortilla with sunflower seed butter and jam, bean dip, black beans and cheddar cheese, hummus, chicken salad, or turkey or ham and cheese; fold over and cut into triangles for an easy school lunch idea. Pack with simple sides such as a yogurt tube, grapes, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips. (Halve grapes and cherry tomatoes for kids under 4.) TIP: Shown in a PlanetBox lunch box.

School Lunch Idea #5: Yogurt and Granola

Pack breakfast for school lunch with Greek yogurt or regular-style yogurt, granola, and easy sides of fruit like strawberries or blueberries—or even a whole banana. We like to do this in our OmieBox since the round compartment is a thermos and keeps the yogurt cool. TIP: Shown in an OmieBox Bento Box.

Easy Kids Lunch #6: Simple Sandwich

There’s nothing wrong with an easy lunch, and this sandwich is a great option. Use sunflower seed butter and jam or try Granola Butter, which is also nut-free and is super delicious. Pair with a fruit, veggie, and a fun food like cheese cracker sandwiches. TIP: Shown in an EasyLunchboxes Snack Box.

School Lunch #7: Freeze-Ahead PB&J

I’ve often joked that I always found the idea of Uncrustables super silly…until I actually had kids and realized how convenient they are! You can do something similar yourself with rounds of bread cut with a cookie cutter. Wrap them in plastic before freezing a stash of sandwiches. Add cheese, kiwi, and crackers on the side for a kid-approved lunch. TIP: Shown in an EasyLunchboxes Snack Box.

Easy Kids Lunch #8: Snack Box

This is our go-to lunch when it seems like we’re out of food, and the kids always love it. Simply choose a whole grain, a protein (like cheese, hard-cooked eggs, beans or peas, or meat), two items of produce, and combine it all in a kids lunch box. (You could also pop in a muffin if you have some baked.) Quick and easy! TIP: Shown in an EasyLunchboxes container.

Kids Lunch #9: Hummus and Crackers

If your kids like to dip and dunk, try pairing crackers with homemade hummus (without tahini). Add extra protein with cheese cubes or slices and/or a yogurt tube and a side of fruit like watermelon, apple slices, or raspberries. TIP: Shown in an EasyLunchboxes Snack Box.

School Lunch Idea #10: Pancake Lunch

Pair frozen pancakes (simply warm in the microwave, then cut up) with a drizzle of maple syrup or a smear of jam, nut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cream cheese. Use homemade leftover pancakes or store-bought ones (Kodiak makes some good ones)—or even try this with freezer waffles! Add applesauce, a veggie or two, and a side of milk. TIP: Shown in an OmieBox Bento Box

Best Tips for Packing School Lunch

Try to make sure the foods are easy for the kids to eat in the time they have for lunch. I’ll never forget hearing that my then-6-year-old couldn’t eat the baby carrots I sent with her because she didn’t have enough time to chew them! Talk to your child about whether there was too much, not enough, or just the right amount of food so you can avoid wasting food and satisfy their hunger. Invest in a good kids lunch box that will last (and be easy to clean!). Place the lunch box in an insulated bag with an ice pack to keep it cool. Pack water or let the kids buy milk. Aim to send a source of protein, a whole grain, and two items of produce (a fruit and a veggie) to help the kids hit their nutrition needs. Mix in purchased school lunches—if your kids like them!—with packed ones from home to keep the work for you light. You may also like DIY Pizza Lunchables, Lunch Snacks, Beginner’s Guide to School Lunch, Hot Lunch Ideas, and all of my kids lunch resources.

I’d love to hear about your kids’ favorite school lunches and any feedback if you try these ideas. Please comment below to share!