Coming up with creative and nutritious lunch ideas for kids can be a challenge, especially when sandwiches are off the table. Whether due to dietary restrictions, picky eaters, or simply the need for variety, finding alternatives to the classic sandwich is essential. This collection of 80 Non-Sandwich Lunch Ideas for Kids offers a diverse array of delicious and gluten-free recipes that will keep your little ones excited about lunchtime.
From bento box inspirations and hearty salads to fun finger foods and hot meals, these recipes are designed to be both easy to prepare and kid-approved.
Tips for Packing Lunch for Kids
These healthy lunch ideas for kids offer options for at home, school or on the go lunches. Regardless of where your little one is eating, these tips can be extremely helpful for parents!
- Include a balance of nutrients by ensuring protein, color and healthy fats fill the plate (or lunch box!). These nutrients help keep kids nourished and fueled. One of my favorite kids’ lunch ideas is canned chicken quesadillas with watermelon, cucumber slices and a side of guacamole. Then, serve with water and something sweet like a piece of candy to round out this balanced meal.
- Make it fun by using colorful produce, cookie cutters for cool shapes or including a note for a surprise. The notes are special for kids that may be eating lunch away from home either at school or summer camp. I promise they will brighten their day!
- Consider packing in an insulated lunchbox and using ice packs to keep the lunch fresh when on-the-go. A frozen water bottle is also a great option instead of an ice pack if looking to encourage hydration.
As a mom that has been packing lunches for many years, my favorite tip is to prepare the lunch the night before. This saves so much time in the morning. Even better, consider choosing one of these hot lunch box ideas to make for dinner then pack leftovers to serve for lunch the next day.
Non Sandwich Lunch Ideas for Kids
Our Steak Quesadilla Recipe is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover steak. This recipe takes tender and juicy steak and combines it with peppers and onions for a flavorful and filling meal. The melted cheese and crispy tortilla make this dish the perfect comfort food that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with our Salmon Bites – a super-easy, skillet-seared dinner for busy moms and their little ones! Juicy salmon is cooked to perfection and jazzed up with a honey, rice vinegar, and ginger dressing.
Our salmon sushi roll is not your ordinary sushi – they’re designed with kids in mind. We’re turning the rice inside out, making it the outer layer to create a unique and appetizing lunch or dinner. Our star ingredient? Canned salmon, packed with flavor and easy to use. Whether you’re a sushi-making novice or a seasoned pro, our step-by-step guide will help you make these delicious sushi rolls with ease.
Our Cucumber Sushi Rolls feature the rich flavors of canned salmon and the creamy goodness of cream cheese. This delightful twist on traditional sushi combines the ease of canned salmon paired with sushi rice and cream cheese, wrapped in cucumber rather than nori seaweed.
Broiled hamburgers are the fastest and most delicious way to cook burgers in the oven. In just 6 minutes you’ll have juicy hamburgers ready for the dinner table.
Air fryer potato skins are a simple and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for game days or parties. Cooked potatoes are cut in half, the flesh is scooped out, it’s brushed with oil, air fried, then cheese is added and melted. We topped with sour cream, guacamole, and red pepper flakes but you swap for your favorite toppings. Gluten-free.
Looking to make homemade frozen pizzas? Learn how to make par-baked pizza with a homemade whole wheat pizza crust that’s simple to make and freezes great! You can even double the dough in this recipe and makes up to 8 thin-crust pizzas that save a ton of money and stock your freezer for quick meals! Gluten-free.
Our loaded nacho fries are just like Taco Bell – but better! Ground beef nacho fries are loaded with lean ground beef, cheese sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes. A fun dinner that can be served right on the baking tray. Gluten-free.
Wondering what to do with leftover taco meat? We suggest making a Taco Quesadilla! This ground beef quesadilla recipe is made in the oven on a baking pan so you can cook the quesadillas all at one time!
A Crunch Wrap Supreme Recipe that’s just like Taco Bell. This Crunchwrap recipe uses extra-large tortillas, Greek yogurt, and plenty of cheese making this a simple but delicious recipe! Gluten-free.
Our ground beef and bean burrito is a kid-approved delight that caters to both simplicity and taste! Crafted with a blend of savory ground beef, hearty refried beans, and a generous layer of cheese, it’s an easy-to-make dinner that fits seamlessly into various occasions.
Indulge your little campers with a speedy and delectable Canned Chicken Quesadilla—a kid-friendly delight made with canned chicken, refried beans, and heaps of cheese. This effortless camping meal or quick lunch option is not only a time-saver but also gluten-free.
Check out our take on classic chicken kabobs in the oven made quickly by using microwaveable potatoes, colorful peppers, and savory onions, seasoned in a dry ranch dressing and oil marinade. This easy-bake dinner brings the convenience of sheet pan cooking to your dinner table, while the ranch kick adds a tasty twist.
Learn how to make brats in the air fryer in just 12 minutes! Air frying brats saves time and results in the same crispy outside that you’d get from grilling.
Our chicken cutlet sandwich is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Thinly sliced chicken is breaded then dipped in an egg wash then cooked in your air fryer or on the stovetop. Similar to the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, it’s a kid favorite!
These gluten-free chicken wings are seasoned, baked, and coated in a tasty garlic butter sauce. Perfect for game days or hanging out with friends, and they’re dairy-free too!
Our salmon buddha bowl recipe uses frozen salmon baked with brown sugar and tamari glaze, which perfectly complements the rice and veggies in our kid-friendly buddha bowl. Gluten-free.
Baked chicken burgers are tender and delicious and take just 30 minutes from start to serving! Our oven-baked burgers are seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, pickle relish, and seasonings for flavor-packed burgers kids love! Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free.
Our homemade gluten free chicken nuggets will quickly become a favorite lunch. Made with ground chicken and seasonings, coated with gluten free Bisquick then baked into baked chicken nuggets just like McDonalds.
Learn how to make homemade lunchables quickly. These healthy lunchables save money and are more nutritious for your kids! It’s easy to make several in very little time to stack in the fridge for grab-and-go meals, picnics, or school lunches.
Our kid-friendly meatloaf is stuffed with mashed potatoes and baked. These meatloaf cupcakes are baked in a muffin tin for individual servings that kids love. Gluten-free.
Rectangle pizza is a sheet pan pizza that feeds a lot of kids. Using pre-made pizza dough, tons of cheese, then loaded with pepperoni, it is a kid favorite! Gluten-free instructions.
Cook frozen chicken tenderloins in just 10 minutes in your instant pot. No need to freeze chicken tenderloins individually, you can cook them from frozen even if they stacked together!
Ground turkey nuggets in the air fryer are a kid favorite! These simple nuggets can be made with ground turkey or ground chicken and are super easy to make. Using an air fryer crisps outside just like the store-bought variety without the fat and calories. Gluten-free.
Our Veggie Nuggets are a tasty and healthy snack or meal option. Made with broccoli and carrots these delicious bite-sized nuggets are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them the perfect choice for both kids and adults. They’re easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nacho Bowls are a healthy dinner idea that’s also a fun family recipe to make – and even more fun to eat! Packed with beans, veggies, cheese, and salsa this is a dinner everyone can individualize to their liking. Gluten-free.
Boil in bag omelets are a fun and mess-free breakfast for your next camping trip. Prep at home then simply boil at the campsite. These omelets are made in just 15 minutes. Gluten-free.
Whip up a fuss-free dinner with our Chicken Tostada Recipe —easy, fun, and good for you! Packed with ground chicken and refried beans, these tostadas put a tasty spin on regular tacos. Feeling wild? Swap chicken for beef or pork, or switch up refried for black beans.
Our homemade gluten-free spaghetti O’s recipe is the next best thing for kids! They don’t have to miss out on this kid favorite dish as all the flavors have been transformed into a gluten-free version that is just as tasty.
Our oven-baked chicken tenders are juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Each tenderloin is perfectly seasoned with a homemade seasoning mix and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before baking. The best part? No breading required!
Delicious and easy gluten free sausage rolls! This recipe makes 12 mini sausage rolls. These are so simply to make.
These mini gluten free pizzas are the best recipe for kids, parties or lunchboxes! Doughy pizza bases topped with cheese and tomato (or the toppings of you choice). This recipe makes 12 pizzas.
This is an easy leftover hot dog recipe. We love making hot dog fried rice because it quickly turns leftovers into a tasty family dinner that the kids love.
These gluten-free baked chicken meatballs are easy to make and freezer-friendly! These delicious, tender meatballs can be made ahead and are perfect for quick weeknight dinners the whole family will love.
The recipe I'm sharing today for a millet bowl with black beans and pico de gallo is a good beginners millet recipe. It's a pretty traditional grain bowl topped with spicy, garlicky black beans. and an easy pico. It's a super budget friendly dish too, especially if you get your millet from the bulk aisle of the grocery store. It's also a great recipe for batch cooking!
Satisfy your pizza cravings with gluten free pizza muffins! Easy to make and delicious, these muffins are the perfect snack or meal any time of day.
Our Cheese Curd Burger will be the best thing you put on the grill this summer! One bite of a cheese stuffed burger and you will be wondering why you ever put the cheese on top. Gluten Free.
Our Cheeseburger Tacos takes two kid favorites and blends them together. Taco-seasoned lean ground beef seared right on a soft taco, topped with melty cheese. Throw in some crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and Thousand Island dressing – and voila!
Air fryer chicken cordon bleu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with chicken breasts pounded thinly, sliced ham, and cheese baked to golden perfection in the air fryer.
Our gluten-free salmon cakes can be made with canned or fresh salmon, blended with gluten-free breadcrumbs, mayo, celery, and seasonings. Serves as is with your favorite dipping sauce or on a salad, sandwich, or in a wrap. Dairy-free.
A gluten-free breakfast sandwich that freezes well. Perfect to make ahead of time and keep frozen for quick breakfasts or lunches. Kid-approved!
Our gluten free crab cake recipe is the best around! Made with lump crab meat, chopped celery, and gluten-free bread crumbs, this recipe is simple to make and makes a great lunch, appetizer, or dinner meal. Dairy-Free.
Looking for an easy homemade turkey burgers in the oven? This simple kid-friendly baked turkey burger is flavor-packed with lean ground turkey, parmesan cheese, and sneaks in some chopped spinach for an extra nutrient boost! Gluten-free.
Air Fryer Salmon Patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with canned salmon and packed with flavor. Kids love dipping them in their favorite sauce!
Air fryer coconut shrimp is breaded and then air fried for perfectly crispy coconut shrimp that your family will love. Shrimp is coated in seasoned flour, dipped in egg, then coated in panko blended with sweetened coconut. It’s coated with cooking spray and then air fried for just 10 minutes. Gluten-free.
Cod Fish Tacos with guacamole is perfect for a flavor-packed quick and easy dinner. The tender and flaky cod is broiled to perfection, creating a juicy and flavorful filling for the tacos. The star of this recipe is the refreshing and fruity mango guacamole, which adds a tropical twist to the classic avocado dip.
Gluten-free granola is a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack option. Packed with nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, this granola is not only delicious but also perfect for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Cottage Cheese Smoothie is a healthy and delicious breakfast option for your family. This kid-friendly smoothie is packed with all the good stuff your family needs to start their day off right. Cottage cheese provides protein to keep little bellies full, while blueberries and spinach offer important antioxidants and nutrients.
Our easy healthy High Fiber Smoothie recipe is made with blueberries, leafy greens, and bananas. This fruit smoothie is a superfood powerhouse that is the perfect way to get high-fiber ingredients into your family’s diet. It’s a great addition with wholesome ingredients to add to your daily routine.
Learn how to make Pan Fried Chicken Tenders which are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a great way to enjoy juicy and flavorful chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an after-school snack, these chicken tenders are sure to please.
Learn how to make Pan Fried Chicken Tenders which are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a great way to enjoy juicy and flavorful chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an after-school snack, these chicken tenders are sure to please.
Our Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Tender drumsticks are coated in a flavor-packed marinade and baked to golden perfection.
Learn how to make Broiled fish in the oven which is a quick and easy way to prepare any kind of fish. Glazed with melted butter, tamari, and brown sugar we feature salmon, but you can use cod, tilapia, or your favorite fish fillets.
Learn how to make boiled shrimp quickly and easily. This is our preferred way to prep shrimp for anything from shrimp cocktail to shrimp tacos. This no-fail method results in perfectly cooked shrimp each time.
Spaghetti cups with meatballs are a simple dinner or school lunch idea that everyone will love. This baked spaghetti with meatballs is super easy to make with pasta, marinara, cheese, and meatballs are baked into a fun handheld dinner kids love. Gluten-free.
Our gluten-free pasta salad is simple to make and features simple ingredients kids love. Made with an easy mayo-based dressing this pasta salad is also dairy-free.
Gluten-free chicken meatballs are made with gluten-free breadcrumbs and get lots of flavor from minced onions, garlic, and fresh basil. Pair with marinara and gluten-free pasta, toss in bbq sauce or serve on toothpicks as an appetizer.
Our buffalo chicken drumsticks are seasoned, baked, coated in your favorite buffalo sauce, then broiled to perfection. With just 4 ingredients these are a simple dinner that kids love. Gluten-free.
If your family loves instant Top Ramen noodles but you’re looking for a lower sodium option, you’ve got to try our homemade low sodium ramen noodles. This 3 ingredient healthy ramen recipe is packed with veggies, is gluten free, and super flavorful without all the extra salt.
Homemade gluten free uncrustables are really easy to make. Swap out traditional pb&j for ham and cheese. Can be made with gluten-free bread. Make in bulk then freeze in individual ziplock bags to make packing lunchboxes a breeze.
Our steak nachos recipe utilizes leftover steak for a super speedy dinner perfect for busy nights. Made with canned beans, canned corn, and plenty of cheese. Let kids select the toppings to make it customized to their liking.
A gluten-free crock pot mac and cheese recipe that’s creamy and delicious. This simple no-boil pasta is super creamy made with evaporated milk, chicken broth, and loads of cheese. It cooks in just 1 1/2 hours and is a great lunch option for kids.
Our Camping chili mac casserole is made with just a few ingredients that come together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for camping or for dinner any night of the week! Gluten-free.
Eggs in the Oven, prepared in a muffin tin, offer a fun breakfast experience for kids. It’s a fantastic family activity, encouraging children to actively participate in the kitchen – from cracking eggs to choosing their favorite toppings.
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these gluten-free Sheet Pan Pancakes From Mix! This delicious twist on traditional pancakes is not only a time-saver but also a fun change for kids. By baking your pancake batter in a sheet pan, you’ll achieve perfectly fluffy pancakes with a crispy edge in no time.
Sheet Pan Eggs is a quick, healthy breakfast that combines the wholesome flavors of tender spinach, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked eggs, all conveniently prepared on a single sheet pan.
Chipped beef on toast, a beloved classic dating back to WWII and the depression era, continues to grace dinner tables with its timeless appeal. This gluten-free rendition is perfect for families seeking a comforting meal. Crafted with thinly sliced dried beef in a delicious cream sauce, this dish is an enduring favorite.
Learn how to make over hard eggs in just a few simple steps. Use over hard eggs as is, on a gluten-free English muffin, or on avocado toast.
Our gluten-free French toast is super simple and tastes amazing. With just 5 ingredients you likely have on hand you’ll have a hot breakfast served easily. Dairy-Free.
Our gluten and dairy free waffles recipe is easy to make and cooks in just 5 minutes. Made with gluten-free flour, coconut flour, and soy milk you can mix the dry ingredients and store them for later, adding the wet ingredients once ready to make.
Looking for ideas to put on your toast? These four toppings for toast will spice up your breakfast (or lunch!), are quick and easy, and kids enjoy them too!
Our avocado toast is perfect for kids. We’ve included 3 different ideas that even toddlers love including avocado toast with scrambled eggs, fried eggs, avocado cheese toast, and the kid-favorite – avocado toast with bacon, lettuce, and tomato! Gluten-Free.
French Toast Muffins are glazed with powdered sugar icing. A quick and easy no-fail method for making French toast. Gluten-free.
Ground turkey sloppy joes are a fantastic dinner choice that kids adore. Crafted from simple pantry staples, this gluten-free meal comes together in just 15 minutes!
Looking for easy RV meals this summer? These simple, no mess Egg and Cheese McMuffins make a great RV recipe or an easy camping breakfast. The eggs are baked in the oven on a gluten-free English muffin.
Flatbread Pizza is the go-to option for anyone seeking a quick and enjoyable dinner recipe. These personal-sized pizzas can be effortlessly prepared in less than 10 minutes, making them the ultimate choice for a laid-back and delicious meal.
This avocado roll recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll have velvety slices of ripe, creamy avocado nestled within perfectly seasoned sushi rice, all bundled up in seaweed.
Make your summer cookouts even more delicious with this Gluten-Free Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe! Simply toss your favorite gluten-free pasta with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and pine nuts.
There are many ways to offer delicious and nutritious lunches to kids. Have questions about packing lunches? Email me at jodi@createkidsclub.com!
If you enjoyed any of the recipes make sure to leave a comment below! Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!
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