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My daughter went back to school today, and I’m feeling that mix of sadness and excitement that comes with the start of fall. The routine helps us both settle in, and this year, it’s been a little easier since she’s old enough to help plan her own snacks and lunches.
Getting her involved in the process has been a win. We’ve been focusing on easy, healthy options that we can both enjoy.
Here are some of the things we decided on for her lunch (and mine and my husband’s too):
Healthy Lunch Ideas
Big Batch Salads
Balela salad and tabbouleh are two easy, flavorful options that we’re loving right now.
They’re packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients, making them a solid option for lunch. You can make a big batch at home, or if you’re pressed for time, Trader Joe’s has ready-made versions.
They hold up well in lunchboxes, ideally in a leak-proof container. We love the Thermos Funtainer for recipes like this. Nothing leaks, it stays cold all day, and it comes with a mini folding spoon!
Something New: Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This year, I’d love to try chickpea salad sandwiches. It’s like a plant-based twist on chicken salad, and it’s a good way to change up the routine while keeping lunch filling and nutritious.
Plus, it’s something my daughter wants to try, and I love how versatile it is. Eat it as a standalone salad, on bread as a sandwich, as a filling for lettuce wraps, or mix in other ingredients to change the flavor profile.
Snack Ideas that Work for Kids (and Moms Too)
For snacks, we’re sticking to easy, nourishing options. Some of our favorites:
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
- Strawberries
- Clementines (so easy to peel)
- Mini cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
Store bought snacks
Homemade Snacks
Microwave Popcorn
A few years ago, I figured out that we can make our own microwave popcorn in less than 3 minutes.
I just scoop 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels into a paper lunch bag, microwave for two minutes, then add a drizzle of olive oil, sea salt, and nutritional yeast.
This is one of my family’s all time favorite snack foods. Store in an airtight container for a few days.
Hummus Packs: DIY or Store-Bought
We also love hummus at my house. You can find individual packs at the store, or if you’re like us and like making things at home, you can make a batch in the food processor.
We portion it out into small containers for the week – we like these stainless steel ones we found on Amazon – perfect for reducing waste.
These snacks are all quick to pack in lunchboxes and nutritious. Adding variety helps keep lunch interesting without a lot of extra prep.
Dinner Leftovers for Lunch
Making something new for lunch isn’t something we do daily. It’s just not realistic for us, so we save time and energy and eat dinner leftovers.
It’s a simple solution that works, especially when our weeks get hectic. Whether it’s last night’s stir-fry or a soup, it all goes into rotation.
What’s on Your Lunch Menu?
So, that’s what we’re packing this fall. How about you? Are you trying any new lunch ideas now that school’s back in session?
I’d love to hear your go-to meals and snacks. Maybe you’ll give me some inspiration.
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