28 Bento Box Lunch for Kids Ideas
As a parent, I know how challenging it can be to come up with new and exciting lunch ideas for kids.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of 28 bento box lunch ideas that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
These lunches are not only delicious and nutritious but also fun to eat, making them the perfect choice for busy school days or weekends at home.
Classic PB&J Bento Box Lunch
One of the all-time favorite lunch options for kids is the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. To make it more exciting, try cutting the sandwich into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Pair it with some carrot sticks, grapes, and a small treat like a cookie or a piece of chocolate for a well-rounded meal.
Mini Bagel Pizzas Bento Box Lunch
Kids love pizza, so why not make a healthier version by using mini bagels as the base? Top them with tomato sauce, cheese, and their favorite toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add in some baby carrots, cucumber slices, and a fruit salad for a balanced meal.
Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups Bento Box Lunch
Roll-ups are a fun and easy way to switch up the traditional sandwich routine. Simply roll up turkey slices and cheese with a tortilla or lettuce leaf. Serve with cherry tomatoes, snap peas, and a side of hummus for dipping. Don’t forget a sweet treat like yogurt-covered raisins or a fruit pouch.
DIY Lunchables Bento Box Lunch
Kids love Lunchables, but they can be expensive and not always the healthiest option. Create your own version by packing crackers, deli meat, cheese cubes, and a side of hummus or guacamole. Include some cucumber slices, apple slices, and a few pretzel sticks for a satisfying lunch.
Rainbow Veggie Sushi Bento Box Lunch
Sushi doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating to make at home. Try making simple veggie sushi rolls using colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and avocado. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and edamame for a complete meal. Add in some fresh fruit like mango or strawberries for a sweet ending.
Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Bento Box Lunch
Lettuce wraps are a great low-carb option for lunch that kids will enjoy. Fill them with chicken salad made with shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, and diced apples or grapes. Pair with cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, and a few whole-grain crackers for a satisfying meal. Include a small treat like a granola bar or a piece of dark chocolate for a special touch.
Ham and Cheese Kabobs Bento Box Lunch
Food on a stick is always more fun to eat, so why not make ham and cheese kabobs for lunch? Alternate cubes of ham, cheese, and cherry tomatoes on skewers for a colorful and tasty meal. Serve with whole-grain pretzel sticks, baby carrots, and a fruit salad for a well-balanced lunch. Don’t forget a small treat like a mini muffin or a fruit leather for a sweet ending.
Taco Salad Bento Box Lunch
Taco salad is a delicious and satisfying lunch option that kids will love. Start with a base of shredded lettuce and top with seasoned ground turkey or beef, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole for dipping. Include a side of pineapple chunks or watermelon cubes for a refreshing finish.
Caprese Skewers Bento Box Lunch
Caprese skewers are a simple yet elegant lunch option that kids will enjoy. Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers for a tasty and colorful meal. Serve with whole-grain crackers, cucumber slices, and a side of balsamic vinaigrette for dipping. Add in some mixed berries or a fruit cup for a sweet touch.
Turkey and Veggie Pinwheels Bento Box Lunch
Pinwheels are a fun and easy way to pack a variety of flavors into a single meal. Spread cream cheese or hummus on a tortilla and layer with turkey slices, shredded carrots, and baby spinach. Roll up the tortilla and slice into bite-sized pinwheels. Serve with sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, and a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Include a small treat like a mini rice crispy treat or a handful of chocolate chips for a special treat.
Antipasto Platter Bento Box Lunch
An antipasto platter is a great option for kids who enjoy a variety of flavors and textures. Pack a selection of sliced deli meats, cheese cubes, olives, pickles, and roasted red peppers in a bento box. Add in some whole-grain crackers, cucumber slices, and a side of hummus for dipping. Include a small treat like a few chocolate-covered almonds or a fruit leather for a sweet ending.
Veggie Quesadilla Bento Box Lunch
Quesadillas are a kid-friendly lunch option that can be customized with their favorite veggies. Fill a whole-grain tortilla with shredded cheese, black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping. Add in some carrot sticks, apple slices, and a few pretzel twists for a complete meal. Don’t forget a sweet treat like a mini muffin or a fruit pouch for dessert.
Mini Meatball Subs Bento Box Lunch
Mini meatball subs are a fun twist on the classic sandwich that kids will love. Use small dinner rolls or slider buns to make the perfect-sized sub. Fill them with mini meatballs, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve with cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, and a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Include a small treat like a granola bar or a piece of dark chocolate for a special touch.
Pita Pocket Sandwiches Bento Box Lunch
Pita pocket sandwiches are a great option for kids who enjoy a portable and mess-free lunch. Fill whole-wheat pita pockets with hummus, sliced turkey or chicken, lettuce, and cucumber. Serve with baby carrots, sugar snap peas, and a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. Add in some mixed berries or a fruit cup for a sweet ending.
Chicken and Waffle Sliders Bento Box Lunch
Chicken and waffle sliders are a fun and tasty lunch option that kids will enjoy. Use mini waffles as the bun and fill them with crispy chicken tenders and a drizzle of maple syrup. Serve with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a side of honey mustard for dipping. Include a small treat like a mini rice crispy treat or a handful of chocolate chips for dessert.
Veggie and Hummus Wraps Bento Box Lunch
Wraps are a versatile lunch option that can be filled with a variety of veggies and spreads. Spread hummus on a whole-grain tortilla and layer with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and baby spinach. Roll up the tortilla and slice into bite-sized wraps. Serve with cherry tomatoes, snap peas, and a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Include a small treat like a fruit pouch or a piece of dark chocolate for a special touch.
Turkey and Avocado Sushi Rolls Bento Box Lunch
Sushi rolls are a fun and healthy lunch option that kids will enjoy. Fill nori sheets with seasoned rice, sliced turkey, avocado, and cucumber. Roll up the sushi and slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and edamame for a complete meal. Add in some fresh fruit like mango or strawberries for a sweet ending.
DIY Snack Box Bento Box Lunch
Sometimes kids prefer a variety of snacks for lunch rather than a traditional meal. Create a DIY snack box with a selection of crackers, cheese cubes, deli meat slices, fruit slices, and nuts. Add in some baby carrots, cucumber slices, and a side of hummus for dipping. Include a small treat like a granola bar or a piece of dark chocolate for a special touch.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, bento box lunches are a fun and creative way to pack a nutritious meal for kids. By incorporating a variety of flavors, textures, and colors, you can create a lunch that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re making classic favorites like PB&J sandwiches or trying new recipes like rainbow veggie sushi rolls, there are endless possibilities for bento box lunches. With a little creativity and planning, you can make lunchtime fun and exciting for your kids while ensuring they get the nutrients they need to fuel their day. So why not give these 28 bento box lunch ideas a try and see how much your kids enjoy them?
