11 Fresh Summer Lunch Ideas for School Mornings

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Colorful Veggie Wraps

Colorful Veggie Wraps are a healthy, vibrant, and delicious lunch option perfect for back-to-school summer meals. Packed with fresh vegetables, hummus, and a wrap of your choice, these handheld delights are not only visually appealing but also provide a boost of nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day.

Instructions:

1. Lay out the whole wheat tortillas flat on a clean surface.
2. Spread a generous layer of hummus evenly over each tortilla.
3. Arrange the sliced bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, spinach, and avocado in the center of each tortilla.
4. Sprinkle feta cheese (if using) on top and drizzle with olive oil, and add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold in the sides of the tortillas and roll them tightly from the bottom up to create wraps.
6. Slice the wraps in half diagonally and serve immediately or pack them for lunch. Enjoy!

DIY Mini Pita Pockets

Instructions:

1. Start by prepping all your ingredients: shred the cooked chicken, dice the cucumber, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
2. Warm the mini pita bread slightly in a pan or microwave for easier handling.
3. Spread a layer of hummus inside each mini pita.
4. Fill each pita pocket with shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, spinach leaves, and feta cheese (if using).
5. Add sliced olives (if desired) and drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, or package them up for a tasty lunch on the go. Enjoy!

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a delicious and nutritious option for back-to-school summer lunches. These layered treats not only look appealing but are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, making them a perfect snack or light meal for kids and adults alike. You can customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing your ingredients; wash the berries and slice the banana.
2. In a glass or bowl, layer 1/3 of the Greek yogurt at the bottom.
3. Add a layer of granola (1/3) followed by a layer of mixed berries and banana slices.
4. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of yogurt on top.
5. Drizzle with honey if desired and sprinkle chopped nuts over the top.
6. Garnish with a few mint leaves for added freshness. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Enjoy!

Quinoa Salad Jars

Quinoa salad jars are a versatile and nutritious option perfect for back-to-school summer lunches. These portable salads are packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of colorful vegetables, making them a wholesome and satisfying meal for kids on the go. By layering the ingredients in a jar, you can keep everything fresh and crisp until it’s time to eat.

Instructions:

1. Rinse and cook the quinoa in water according to package instructions; let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black beans, and corn.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper; pour over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Layer the quinoa salad into jars, starting with the heavier ingredients on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
5. Seal the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled!

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Turkey and cheese roll-ups are a quick and simple lunch option perfect for back-to-school summer lunches. These protein-packed roll-ups are delicious, easy to prepare, and can be customized to suit your child’s taste preferences, making them great for a nutritious meal on the go.

Instructions:

1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or hummus over each tortilla.
2. Layer the turkey slices and cheese slices on top of the spread.
3. Add a few baby spinach leaves, sliced cucumbers, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Roll each tortilla tightly and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
5. Secure with toothpicks if desired, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Hummus and Veggie Bento Box

Hummus and veggie bento boxes are a fun and healthy lunch option for back-to-school summer lunches. These colorful and nutritious boxes can be easily assembled and allow kids to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables and creamy hummus for dipping. They are perfect for packing in advance and provide a balanced meal that kids will love.

Instructions:

1. Start by dividing the hummus into small, portable containers or mini cups.
2. Prepare the vegetables by washing and cutting them into sticks or slices as needed.
3. Arrange the vegetable sticks, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas in the bento box next to the hummus.
4. Include whole grain pita or crackers in the box for dipping.
5. Drizzle a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper if desired. Close the lid securely and pack for lunch. Enjoy!

Savory Muffin-tin Frittatas

Savory muffin-tin frittatas are a delightful and protein-packed lunch option that is perfect for back-to-school summer lunches. These mini frittatas can be customized with your child’s favorite ingredients, are easy to make, and can be made in advance for a quick grab-and-go meal. They’re great for adding variety to lunchboxes while providing essential nutrients to keep kids energized throughout the school day.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin with olive oil.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together until well combined.
3. Stir in the spinach, bell pepper, onion, cheese, and optional cooked sausage or bacon until evenly mixed.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the frittatas are puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin.
6. Pack them in lunchboxes or refrigerate for up to a week, reheating as needed. Enjoy!

Whole Grain Sushi Rolls

Whole grain sushi rolls are a fun and nutritious lunch option that kids will love! These rolls are easy to make, customizable, and packed with healthy ingredients. Using whole grain wraps means they offer additional fiber and nutrients, making them a great addition to any lunchbox!

Instructions:

1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or hummus onto each whole grain tortilla.
2. Evenly distribute the cooked rice over the tortillas, leaving a small border at the edges.
3. Layer the cucumber, carrot, and avocado in the center of each tortilla.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly, starting from one edge and tucking in the filling as you go.
5. Slice the rolled tortillas into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
6. Serve with soy sauce for dipping, and pack them in a lunchbox for a delightful meal!

Cheesy Cauliflower Bites

Cheesy cauliflower bites are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish that kids will enjoy as part of their back-to-school lunch. Packed with flavor and a crispy texture, these veggie-packed bites are simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time for an easy lunch option.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, then finely chop or pulse in a food processor to create a rice-like texture.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped cauliflower, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Form the mixture into small bite-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Allow to cool before packing them in lunchboxes for a tasty and nutritious treat!

Nut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Nut Butter and Banana Sandwiches are a simple yet nutritious option for back-to-school lunches that kids will love. This delightful combination of creamy nut butter and sweet banana nestled between slices of whole-grain bread provides a perfect balance of protein and healthy carbohydrates, making it an energizing meal for busy school days.

Instructions:

1. Spread nut butter evenly onto one slice of bread.
2. Slice the banana and layer the slices on top of the nut butter.
3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle cinnamon if desired.
4. Top with the second slice of bread and press down gently.
5. Cut the sandwich in half or quarters for easy packing in lunchboxes. Enjoy!

Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers are a revitalizing and colorful lunch option that combines the classic Italian flavors of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. These bite-sized appetizers are not only easy to make but also packed with vitamins and nutrients, making them a perfect addition to any back-to-school lunch. They can be assembled quickly and are fun for kids to eat!

Instructions:

1. Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil under cold water; pat dry.
2. On a skewer or toothpick, thread one cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf, and then a mozzarella ball. Repeat until the skewer is filled.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil, if desired, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange the skewers on a plate or in a lunchbox, and enjoy!