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30+ Non-Sandwich Lunch Ideas

Keeping lunch ideas fresh for the kids has always been challenging (PB& or Egg Salad?).  Putting together tasty and healthy lunches for all my kiddos is tough, so I’ve been working to add variety to their lunches. I together this list of 30+ Non-Sandwich Lunch Ideas.

30+ Non-Sandwich Lunch Ideas / by Busy Mom's Helper

We still do sandwiches in our lunchboxes sometimes, but how can I make my kids do the same stuff all the time if even I get sick of the repetition? That’s why we need some good non-sandwich ideas to get us through the coming school year.

Chicken Salad with Grapes from Add a Pinch

Chicken Salad with Grapes / by Add a Pinch / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

A delicious and healthy (don’t tell your kids) lunch that’s easy to make.  A balanced lunch idea that checks all the nutritional needs. This is especially tasty with our jimmy johns bread recipe

Pizza Bombs from Spend with Pennies

Pizza Bombs / by Spend with Pennies / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Everyone loves pizza and yummy alternative to the stale Hot Pocket lunch other kids are forced to eat.

Chef Salad on a Stick by Pocket Change Gourmet

Chef Salad on a Stick / by Pocket Change Gourmet / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

This one falls under the “great ideas” category and allows you to mix-and-match your kids favorite flavors.  Super easy to make and a great lunch option when the kiddos need something different.

Easy Pasta Salad from Saving Room for Dessert

Easy Pasta Salad / by Saving Room for Dessert / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Packed with flavor and deliciousness, this idea will be a sure winner with the kids.

Apple Zucchini Muffins from Two Peas and Their Pod

Apple Zucchini Muffins / by Two Peas and Their Pod / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Running late every morning?  Here’s a great on-the-go option that’s healthy…and delicious!  Feel free to add your favorite toppings to take this to the next level!

Tortilla Hot Dog Wraps from BS in the Kitchen

Tortilla Hot Dog Wraps / by BS in the Kitchen/ Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

A great non sandwich option that’s quick and easy.  We love to dip these in some Ranch from Red Robin!

Crescent Sloppy Joes from Pillsbury

Crescent Sloppy Joes / Pillsbury / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

All the benefits of a Sloppy Joe without the mess!  An easy lunch idea to get you out of the “lunchbox rut”.

Baked Spaghetti by The Girl Who Ate Everything

Baked Spaghetti / by The Girl Who Ate Everything / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

One of my favorite non sandwich lunches to make.  Pro tip: make it the night before as it always tastes better the next day. 

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas from Damn Delicious

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas / by Damn Delicious / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

A yummy, new lunch idea for moms whose kids LOVE pizza.  Easy to make and provides endless options by allowing the kids to add their favorite toppings.

Mango Chicken Tacos by Busy Mom’s Helper

Mango Chicken Tacos by Busy Mom's Helper

A great lunch option, especially if you’re looking to add extra protein.  Made with simple ingredients and a delicious alternative to the normal sandwich.  Add black beans to enhance the overall flavor.

Chicken Egg Rolls by Life in the Lofthouse

Chicken Egg Rolls / by Life in the Lofthouse / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Don’t be intimidated by egg roles. Super easy to make and one my kids love. We love to dip them in the sweet soy glaze!

Tomato and Mozzarella Croissants by Tasty Kitchen

Tasty, warm treats the kids will love.

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese by Shugary Sweets

Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese / by Shugary Sweets / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Made with simple ingredients and extremely kid friendly.  Paired with our creamy tomato soup, what a cozy meal! 

Easy Deviled Eggs by Six Sisters’ Stuff

Easy Deviled Eggs / by Six Sisters' Stuff / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

An easy lunch idea everyone will love.  Add some fresh parsley and the kids will wonder if they’re on the set of the Food Network.

BLT Pasta Salad by Center Cut Cook

BLT Pasta Salad / by Center Cut Cook / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

You had me at Bacon.  A delicious fresh pasta salad option for the family.

Corn Dog Muffins by The Pioneer Woman

Corn Dog Muffins / by The Pioneer Woman / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

All the yummy goodness of corn dogs in bite-size portions.

Spiralized Zucchini with Roasted Tomatoes

Spiralized Zucchini with Roasted Tomatoes / by Steph in Thyme for Busy Mom's Helper

A healthy alternative to pasta without sacrificing flavor.

Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes from Crazy for Crust

Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes / by Crazy for Crust / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

What’s better than breakfast for dinner?  Breakfast for lunch!  Easy to make lunch idea and changing up the toppings provides never-ending variety.

Ham Fried Rice from The Recipe Critic

Ham Fried Rice / by The Recipe Critic / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Way better than take out and you can add your favorite flavors.

Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Parfait by Iowa Girl Eats

Make-ahead Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits / by Iowa Girl Eats / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

A great on-the-go option packed with fresh fruit and whatever else you want.

Chicken Tostadas by Cooking Classy

Chicken Tostadas / by Cooking Classy / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

A great slow cooker option that packs a ton of flavor for the whole family.  Feel free to make a big batch for yummy leftovers.  

Blueberry French Toast Sticks by Busy Mom’s Helper

Blueberry French Toast Sticks / by Busy Mom's Helper

A favorite in our house with all of the kids.  Go with your own favorite fresh fruit choice to add variety for the whole family.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pita by The Jenny Evolution

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pita / by The Jenny Evolution / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Chocolate?  Yep.  Peanut butter? Yep.  And bananas?  If this is a dream, don’t pinch me.

Chicken Fajita Quesadillas by Jo CooksChicken Fajita Quesadillas / by Jo Cooks / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Easy meal prep (also provides a gluten free option) that’s kid friendly.

Lunch Box Tips by Good Life Eats

Lunchbox Tips for the New Year

Great ideas when you have “lunch box block”. 

Better than Chipotle Steak Burrito Bowls by Gimme Delicious

Better than Chipotle Steak Burrito Bowls / by Gimme Delicious / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

A perfect option for picky eaters or those who need gluten free choices. Pile high with your favorite toppings and sour cream.

BBQ Chicken Pockets by King Arthur Flour

BBQ Chicken Pockets / by King Arthur Flour / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Our kids love these BBQ Chicken Pockets.  Customize the flavor for each and you’re sure to keep everyone at the table happy.

Heirloom Tomato Caprese Bruschetta by Busy Mom’s Helper

Heirloom Tomato Caprese Bruschetta / by Busy Mom's Helper

Fresh, yummy flavors burst from this amazing idea.

Broccoli Cheese Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes by Good Life Eats

Broccoli Cheese Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes / by Good Life Eats / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

A great non sandwich idea!  Mix things up by adding your favorite cheeses!

Baked Garlic Popcorn Chicken by The Cozy Apron

Baked Garlic Popcorn Chicken / by The Cozy Apron / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

Super easy and clean option for chicken. Baking these yummy treats in the oven saves the mess of having to fry in oil.

Chicken Apple Wraps by Just a Pinch

Chicken Apple Wraps / by Just a Pinch / Round up by Busy Mom's Helper

A yummy gluten free option, or great if you’re keeping things extra healthy.

Mini Biscuit Pot Pies by Busy Mom’s Helper

Mini Biscuit Pot Pies / by Busy Mom's Helper

My kids are suckers for a good pot pie. We love making different tiny versions for each to add variety.

We love to use our leftover Chili Mac for lunch we we have extra, check it out if you have not tried it yet, it’s delicious! 

FAQ

What to feed kids that don’t like sandwich?

Pasta salads, pizza, or any frequent choices from their favorite restaurants.

What can I replace lunch with?

Other meal alternatives that are just as easy include portable fruit (apples, bananas), 100% fruit juice, low-fat cheese, crackers, bagels, yogurts, peanut butter, nuts, dry cereal, graham crackers, cereal, or granola bars.

What should I pack for lunch for a picky eater?

Turkey and Cheese Tortilla Wrap.
Ham and Cheese Bagel.
Peanut Butter (or Almond Butter) and Honey Sandwich.
Cream Cheese and Cucumber Finger Sandwiches.
Cream Cheese and Jelly Tortilla Wrap.
Chicken Nuggets and Dipping Sauces.
Pasta – Ravioli, Tortellini, or Spaghetti with Sauce of Choice.

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