11 Easy Sandwich Alternatives for School Lunches

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Wrap It Up: Creative Wrap Ideas

Wraps are a versatile and fun alternative to traditional sandwiches, making them perfect for back-to-school lunches. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, allowing for endless combinations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a classic turkey wrap or a vegetarian option loaded with fresh veggies and hummus, these wraps are easy to prepare and pack well for lunch.

Instructions:

1. Start by laying out the whole wheat tortillas on a clean surface.
2. Spread ¼ cup of hummus evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Layer sliced turkey, cucumber, shredded carrots, spinach leaves, and feta cheese on top of the hummus.
4. Drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other, tucking in the sides as you go to secure the filling.
6. Slice the wraps in half and serve, or wrap them in foil for an easy grab-and-go lunch option.

Bento Box Bonanza

Bento boxes are a fun and practical way to pack a variety of tasty and nutritious foods for lunch. Not only do they provide a balanced meal with different food groups, but they also allow for creative presentation. With small compartments filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains, bento boxes can be customized to suit any preference. Here’s a simple recipe to create a delicious and visually appealing bento box for back-to-school lunches.

Instructions:

1. Begin by arranging the cooked brown rice in one compartment of the bento box.
2. Slice the grilled chicken breast and place it next to the rice.
3. In other compartments, add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, baby carrots, and edamame for a colorful mix of veggies.
4. Halve the hard-boiled eggs and place them in the box, sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor.
5. Drizzle soy sauce or teriyaki sauce over the chicken or keep it in a small container for dipping.
6. Close the bento box and refrigerate until ready to serve for lunch. Enjoy a tasty and balanced meal!

Sliders: Fun and Flavorful Mini Sandwiches

Sliders are a delightful and versatile mini sandwich option that adds a fun twist to traditional lunchboxes. Perfectly sized for small hands and packed with flavor, these bite-sized sandwiches can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a great choice for kids and adults alike. With endless possibilities for fillings and toppings, sliders can be customized to suit any taste preference, ensuring that lunchtime remains exciting!

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with olive oil.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef or turkey with salt and pepper, then form into 12 small patties.
3. Cook the patties on the grill or skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.
4. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
5. Assemble the sliders by placing each patty on a slider bun, and top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
6. Close the sliders and serve warm, or pack them in lunchboxes for a fun grab-and-go meal!

Pasta Salad Packs

Pasta salad packs are a fantastic make-ahead meal option that brings both freshness and flavor to school lunches. These portable salads can be packed in individual containers, making them an easy grab-and-go choice for busy school days. With a variety of colorful vegetables, pasta, and a delicious dressing, pasta salad packs are not just delicious; they are also nutritious, ensuring kids get the energy they need throughout the day.

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, and feta cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss to combine.
5. Divide the pasta salad into individual containers and refrigerate until ready to serve.

DIY Pita Pockets

DIY Pita Pockets are a fun and customizable alternative to traditional sandwiches for school lunches. These portable pockets can be filled with an array of flavorful ingredients, allowing kids to enjoy a tasty meal that’s also interactive. By using whole wheat pita bread and healthy fillings, parents can guarantee their children have a nutritious option that keeps them satisfied throughout the school day.

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing (optional).
2. Cut each pita pocket in half to create two pockets.
3. Spread a generous layer of hummus inside each pita half.
4. Fill the pockets with cucumbers, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, spinach, and feta cheese.
5. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the fillings (if using), and enjoy or pack for lunch!

Veggie and Hummus Cups

Veggie and Hummus Cups are a delightful and nutritious option for school lunches, offering a crunchy, colorful way to enjoy vegetables while getting a protein boost from hummus. These cup-style snacks are perfect for little hands and can be easily customized with different vegetables and flavors.

Instructions:

1. Prepare all the vegetables by washing and cutting them into sticks or bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are all similar in size for easy dipping.
2. In individual cups, add a generous amount of hummus at the bottom.
3. Arrange the vegetable sticks and cherry tomatoes upright in each cup, allowing them to stand in the hummus.
4. Serve immediately or cover tightly and pack in a lunch container for later enjoyment.

Rice Paper Rolls

Rice Paper Rolls are a fresh and light alternative to traditional sandwiches, perfect for school lunches. These rolls are filled with colorful vegetables, protein, and noodles, wrapped in delicate rice paper, making them not only nutritious but also fun to eat. They can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, allowing kids to enjoy their own customized flavors.

Instructions:

1. Prepare all ingredients by washing and cutting the vegetables into thin strips. Cook and cool the vermicelli noodles and protein if needed.
2. Fill a shallow dish with warm water and soak one rice paper wrapper until it’s soft and pliable, about 10-15 seconds.
3. Lay the softened wrapper on a clean surface. Arrange a small amount of each filling ingredient in the center.
4. Fold the sides of the rice paper over the filling, then tightly roll from the bottom to the top to encase the ingredients.
5. Repeat with remaining wrappers and fillings. Serve immediately with dipping sauce or store in an airtight container.

Tortilla Chips and Dips

Tortilla Chips and Dips make for a fun and interactive lunch option, perfect for kids looking to mix things up. With crunchy tortilla chips paired with a variety of delicious dips, this meal allows for customization and creativity, ensuring that every child can enjoy their favorites while also trying something new.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dips: Make guacamole by mashing ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and diced tomatoes. For the cheese dip, blend cheese, cream, and spices until smooth.
2. Serve tortilla chips in a large bowl, surrounded by small bowls of salsa, guacamole, cheese dip, hummus, and sour cream.
3. Garnish dips with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, if desired.
4. Encourage kids to mix and match their dips with tortilla chips for a personalized lunch experience.

Breakfast for Lunch: Savory Crepes

Savory crepes are a delightful and versatile dish that makes for an exciting “breakfast for lunch” option. These thin and delicate pancakes can be filled with a variety of savory ingredients, such as cheese, ham, spinach, or mushrooms, allowing kids to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that breaks away from traditional lunch choices.

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with olive oil.
3. Pour a small amount of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until edges lift slightly, then flip to cook for an additional minute.
4. Remove the crepe and fill with desired fillings, such as cheese, ham, and spinach. Fold or roll to enclose the filling.
5. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batter, keeping cooked crepes warm in a low oven until ready to serve. Enjoy with a side of fresh salad or fruit!

Quinoa Salad Jars

Quinoa salad jars are a fantastic, nutritious, and portable lunch option that makes for a great alternative to traditional sandwiches during the back-to-school season. These jars are not only vibrant and colorful, but they also allow for endless customization with your favorite ingredients. Layered in a jar, they stay fresh and are easy to grab for school, making lunchtime both exciting and healthy!

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Layer the quinoa salad ingredients in mason jars or containers, starting with the quinoa at the bottom and finishing with the more delicate toppings on top.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving or pack separately to maintain freshness.
5. Seal the jars and store them in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!

Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

Fruit and cheese kabobs are a fun and interactive back-to-school lunch option that adds a touch of creativity to lunchtime. These easy-to-make skewers combine the sweetness of fresh fruit with the savory flavor of cheese, offering a balanced, nutritious choice perfect for kids and adults alike. They are portable and visually appealing, making them a hit among students while providing a healthy dose of vitamins and protein.

Instructions:

1. Prepare and wash all fruits, cutting them into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
2. Take a wooden skewer and start threading the ingredients onto it, alternating between fruit and cheese.
3. Continue adding ingredients until the skewer is filled or you reach your desired combination.
4. Repeat with additional skewers until all the ingredients are used.
5. Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.