Quick and Easy Packable Lunch Ideas

Brierley Horton, M.S., RD is a dietitian nutritionist, content creator and strategist, and avid mental health advocate. She is co-host and co-creator of the Happy Eating podcast, which breaks down the connection between food and mental wellness.

It’s officially back to school! And for some, it feels like more of a new year reset than when the calendar year changes in January (btw, I’m over here raising my hand enthusiastically).

Wherever you fall (pun intended!), a new season is a great time to reset a few habits—and top of my list this time of year is healthy lunches! If your kids are like mine, they prefer a homemade lunch versus school lunch, so I am always looking for easy lunch ideas for kids. Ideally those ideas are also easy, healthy, and packable lunches. Yes, I’m asking a lot.

There’s another perk to refreshing my kids’ lunchboxes—I get plenty of inspo for my own packed lunch (which saves me both time and money on the days I go into the office).

To break away from the same old lunches I’ve been packing, I got together with my friends at Cabot and we pulled together some fresh ideas for quick, easy, and packable lunches that your kids will actually eat!

Charcuterie Lunchbox

Just like adults love a charcuterie and cheese board, your kids will really enjoy the variety of an individual one customized for them! Another perk to a charcuterie lunchbox is that it’s pretty easy to make it a healthy lunch. Feel free to swap out items that you know your child doesn’t like. Overall, aim to always include foods that deliver protein (cheese and nuts in this box) and fiber (fruit and pretzels)—both of which will fill your kid up and keep them going until it’s after-school snacktime.

Turkey & Cheese Bento Box

Despite my best efforts, my kids still won’t eat a turkey sandwich—or any deli meat sandwiched between two pieces for bread for that matter. But turkey (or ham) rolled up is always a winner. This bento box combines the elements of a turkey sandwich, but in separate components (deli meat, crackers, Cabot cheese). If your child does like sandwiches, they could easily build themselves one using the meat, cheese, and crackers. This easy lunch also doubles down on veggies and includes two sweet treats. Feel free to swap in any veggies that your child likes. You could also use the small center compartment for a dip for the celery. 

Protein-Packed Kids Bento Box

If your kiddo won’t give up their beloved PB&J, this bento box lunch idea is for you! Pair a mini (and crustless!) PB&J with a healthy serving of produce (cute cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and red grapes), Cabot Cheddar cheese (pre-sliced to make your life simpler!), and some trail mix for some crunch and a little sweet treat.

Quick & Easy Cheesy Quesadilla Bento Box

I saved the best for last year, friends! My whole house loves a mini cheese quesadilla for lunch and using Cabot’s pre-sliced cheeses makes my life infinitely easier prepping them. I might skip the trail mix in the middle compartment and instead fill it with some pre-made guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. If strawberries aren’t in season, swap in any other fruit there—fresh, dried, or freeze-dried. 

Making healthy lunches your kids will love doesn’t have to be complicated, sometimes you just need a little fresh inspiration! If you're looking to get your kids involved in the kitchen, we've got some great tips and recipes to work on those age-appropriate cooking skills.