10 Favorite Vegetarian Lunch Ideas To Share With The Kids

Vegetarian Lunch Ideas

Relying on vegetarian protein and ingredients is an affordable way to assemble nutritious lunch box Ideas—and there are so many delicious options for kids and adults. These 10 ideas are easy to make, filling and satisfying with a mix of nutrients, and perfect for packed lunches ideas or lunches at home. Each of these ideas is meant to be an option for the kids and for us adults. There are a lot of ways to vary these ideas for your own personal preferences, so feel free to use them as starting points for your own lunches. See below to find my favorite vegetarian lunches. (You may also like my list of cold lunch ideas for kids, vegetarian protein foods, too, and my Protein Snacks for Kids for more affordable ways to include filling foods in meals. And my Homemade Uncrustables.)

Hummus Wrap

Spread hummus (which is blended chickpeas) onto a whole grain tortilla. Place cheese and thinly sliced veggies into the center. Roll up into a simple wrap. Serve the ingredients of this side-by-side cut into small pieces for younger kids who need more help chewing complex textures. Use Homemade Hummus (without tahini if needed for nut-free) or store bought.

Finger Sandwiches

Pair soft bread with easy fillings like thinly sliced cucumber and cream cheese, hummus and shredded carrot or tomatoes, Nutella and jam, raspberries and lemon curd, PB&J, chickpea salad, and more to make these fun tea sandwiches. Use gluten-free bread as needed to make filling sandwiches for kids.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Served cold or at room temperature, this easy pesto pasta salad is a perfect make-ahead vegetarian lunch option to share with kids. The pasta, beans, and cheese help make sure this is plenty satisfying.

Bagel Sandwich

Pair a bagel, either mini size or regular, with cream cheese and jam, just cream cheese, hard-cooked egg, peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, or hummus to make a simple sandwich as a vegetarian lunch idea. (Pinwheel Sandwiches are fun too.)

Easy Baked Tofu

Bake up a batch of protein-rich Baked Tofu and pair with crackers and fruit (or over a salad for yourself) for an easy meal to share. This can be served warmed out of the oven or leftover out of the fridge as an easy vegetarian lunch idea.

Pizza Bites (with Veggies)

Wrap pizza dough around veggies and cheese to bake up a batch of pizza bites to share with the kids. We like them with broccoli, but carrot and other veggies also work. Pack in a thermos or warm to serve at home. (You might also like my easy Pizza Pinwheels.)

Mac and Cheese with Peas

Pair a box of mac and cheese with frozen peas for a filling (and easy!) lunch option. (You may also like this Mac and Cheese Bites and my Pasta with Peas ideas, too.)

Egg Cups

Bake eggs, cheese, and veggies in a mini muffin tin for these bite-size frittatas. This vegetarian lunch idea is delicious warmed or at room temperature, and they make an easy meal when paired with crackers and fruit.

Avocado Pasta

Blend up a simple creamy sauce with a base of avocado, then toss with a favorite pasta. Add some beans or peas, or serve with a simple toddler smoothie to make this idea more filling.

Strawberry Muffins

I love a muffin lunch where you surround a muffin for kids with easy sides like fruit, veggies for lunch, and cheese (or a smoothie or milk). You can use any muffin you prefer, though these Strawberry Muffins are great.

Easy Lunch Sides and Snacks to Add

You can add any fruit you like, or try these easy sides to round out a lunch. Roasted sweet potatoes, soups packed in a thermos, black beans with a little salsa for flavor, sliced red bell pepper and dip like ranch, yogurt with a little jam or fruit sauce, cucumber slices, any other leftovers you happen to have, applesauce, whole grain crackers, or fruit salad. (Find more lunch snacks.)

Best Tips for Vegetarian Lunches

Aim to include 2-3 food groups in a vegetarian lunch to cover nutrient needs. Aim to include some vegetarian protein and healthy fats to help the meal satisfy. Include a drink such as milk or water. Add lunch snacks or easy sides like diced fruit, applesauce, crackers, or nondairy milk to round out these lunch ideas. Pack in a kids lunch box or serve at home. Make these meals vegan by omitting the dairy or using a vegan cheese alternative.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this idea, so please comment below to share!