14 Healthy Cold Lunches for School Days

Turkey and Hummus Wrap

This delicious and nutritious wrap is perfect for a quick, healthy lunch that kids will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole wheat tortilla
• 3 tablespoons hummus
• 3 slices of turkey breast
• ¼ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese

Cooking Method:

1. Lay the tortilla flat and spread hummus evenly over it.
2. Layer turkey slices, shredded carrots, spinach, and feta cheese on top.
3. Roll the tortilla tightly, slice it in half, and pack in a lunchbox.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

This protein-packed salad is refreshing and easy to prepare, making it an ideal school lunch option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup diced cucumber
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Cooking Method:

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle lime juice over the salad and toss everything together.
3. Transfer to a container for a quick and healthy lunch.

Greek Yogurt and Berry Parfait

This sweet and tangy parfait provides a delightful mix of flavors that is both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• ¼ cup granola
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking Method:

1. Spoon half of the Greek yogurt into a jar or container.
2. Layer half of the mixed berries and granola on top of the yogurt.
3. Repeat the layering process, drizzle honey on top, and seal.

Veggie and Cheese Sandwich

A colorful and crispy veggie sandwich that offers a delightful crunch in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of whole-grain bread
• ¼ avocado, mashed
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup sliced cucumbers
• ¼ cup grated carrots
• Lettuce leaves

Cooking Method:

1. Spread mashed avocado on one slice of bread.
2. Layer cheese, cucumbers, carrots, and lettuce leaves on top.
3. Close with the other slice of bread, cut in half, and enjoy.

Pesto Pasta Salad

A vibrant pasta salad with the bold flavors of pesto sauce makes lunchtime an adventure.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked whole wheat pasta
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup mozzarella balls, halved
• 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts

Cooking Method:

1. Combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls in a bowl.
2. Add pesto sauce and pine nuts; mix until everything is well-coated.
3. Pack in a container and refrigerate until lunchtime.

Almond Butter and Banana Roll-Ups

Sweet and satisfying, these roll-ups are a fun and healthy treat for lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole wheat tortilla
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 1 banana, peeled

Cooking Method:

1. Spread almond butter evenly over the tortilla.
2. Place the peeled banana at one edge of the tortilla.
3. Roll it up tightly, slice into pieces, and wrap them for lunch.

Chickpea and Avocado Smash

This creamy chickpea smash is a protein-rich, vegetarian-friendly option for lunchtime fun.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Method:

1. In a bowl, mash chickpeas and avocado together until smooth.
2. Stir in lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread on whole-grain bread or use as a dip with veggie sticks.

Caprese Skewers

These bite-sized skewers are fresh and flavorful, offering a taste of summer all year round.

Ingredients:

• 10 cherry tomatoes
• 10 mozzarella balls
• 10 fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Cooking Method:

1. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavor.
3. Pack them in a lunchbox and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Tofu and Veggie Rice Bowl

A wholesome rice bowl packed with plant-based protein and colorful veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• ½ cup cubed tofu
• ¼ cup diced bell peppers
• ¼ cup steamed broccoli
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Method:

1. In a bowl, combine brown rice, tofu, bell peppers, and broccoli.
2. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss to mix.
3. Pack in a lunchbox and enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Apple and Cheese Snack Box

A delightful combination of sweet and savory that is perfect for a lunchtime snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 ounce cheddar cheese, cubed
• ¼ cup almonds
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Cooking Method:

1. Arrange apple slices, cheddar cheese cubes, almonds, and cranberries in a compartmentalized container.
2. Seal the container securely to prevent oxidation of the apple slices.
3. Include it in the lunchbox for a balanced and tasty snack.