It’s that time of year again to think about healthy back-to-school recipe ideas for kids – whether that’s portable or at-home options (either way it’s wise to pack lunches and snacks ahead of time!).
What makes a healthy school lunch?
When I’m crafting recipes that are lunch box friendly, I think of things that will reheat well, are no-cook (meaning they also don’t need to be heated up) and they provide nourishment for growing bodies. Things like pasta salads, roll-ups, sandwiches and egg bites can easily fit in a lunch or bento box.
Then, I fill the rest of the box up with fruits and veggies and easy items that have protein, like string cheese or yogurt. Crackers are also a great thing to toss into a lunch box.
So, I’ve compiled several lunch box-friendly main dishes, sides and snacks that’ll keep the kids full and satisfied – and they’re delicious, too!
P.S. Even the adults will love these!
Featured Back-to-School Recipes
Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
This recipe for crunchy and tender chicken nuggets will absolutely please kids of any age and adults alike. Serve it with a 2-ingredient honey mustard, any favorite sauce or just by themselves!
They make a great snack or entree and can easily be reheated under the broiler.
Chorizo & Hash Brown Egg Muffins
For rushed mornings, make these quick and simple chorizo & hash brown egg muffins ahead of time and have them ready to eat for the entire week. They can be either frozen or refrigerated.
Tasty, satisfying and filled with protein, these egg muffins will make you look forward to mornings!
Carrot Fries with Chipotle Aioli
Who doesn’t love fries? These are a take on your traditional French fries, but made ‘healthier’ by roasting or grilling the carrots (your choice!)
Pair them with chipotle aioli or any favorite dipping sauce to make an awesome side dish for a lunch or after school snack.
More Healthy Back-to-School Recipe Ideas
Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ham, Cheese & Veggie Pinwheels
Roasted Veggie Mac and Cheese Cups
Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cereal Bars
Oat, Coconut & Walnut Bars
Broccoli Cheese Egg Muffins
Blueberry Date Muffins
Soft Batch Breakfast Cookies
The Ultimate Veggie Sandwich
Antipasto Turkey Roll-Ups
Chinese Chicken Salad
Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
Green Bean Potato Salad
Italian Sausage, Bell Pepper, and Spinach Pasta
Healthy Back-to-School Recipe Ideas from Around the Web
Check out these other amazing kid-friendly recipes that are perfect for back-to-school from other dietitian bloggers:
- Veggie Nuggets from Real Mom Nutrition
- Kid Friendly Lunch Box Salad from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook
- Italian Pizza Bites from Kroll’s Korner
- Blueberry Coconut Energy Balls from Make Healthy Easy
- No Added Sugar PB&J Baked Oatmeal Bars from Lively Table
- Fresh & Easy Quinoa Tabbouleh from E.A. Stewart Spicy RD Nutrition
- Hummus Vegetable Wrap from Triad to Wellness
- Kid-Friendly Bean Pasta from Jessica Spiro Nutrition
Hope you enjoy these healthy back-to-school recipes and walk away with a few go-to favorites for the year ahead! 🙂
