21 Unique & Healthy Bento Box Lunch Ideas for Kids

For many parents, the hardest thing about preparing school lunches is getting ideas of what to pack. Well, that and not having much time at the end of an already busy day. Thankfully, these 21 bento box lunch ideas for kids take care of those two problems. They’re a great source of inspiration for your little one’s meals and are incredibly easy (and quick) to prepare.

21 bento box lunch ideas for kids you need to try

No kid will be able to resist these 21 bento box lunches. Follow our suggestions to a tee or mix and match your favorite ones:

1. Mediterranean salad box

This bento box is inspired by Greek and Lebanese cuisines. Simple and deconstructed, the chopped lettuce, chickpeas, egg, cherry tomato, rice, and even baked falafel balls are the perfect mid-day lunch.

2. Spaghetti and meatball meal

What kid doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs? Mix wholewheat pasta, beef meatballs, and a tomato-based pasta sauce. Top with shredded cheese and serve alongside a salad or cut-up fruits.

3. Chicken and pesto wraps

Spread a generous helping of pesto on a flour tortilla and top with chunks of cooked chicken, then cut in half. Then, add a handful or two of spinach, strawberries, and blueberries to the snack bento box.

4. Toasted chickpea “tuna” sandwich

Mix mashed chickpeas, diced celery, mayo, and lemon juice to make a plant-based tuna salad. Then spread the mixture on wholegrain soft bread and pack. Don’t forget a side of cut-up cantaloupe!

5. Red pesto pasta salad

Cook 2 handfuls of wholewheat pasta and coat it in red pesto. Add your child’s favorite steamed veggies, a helping of rocket, and a fresh summer fruits salad.

6. Fresh and healthy poke bowl

Cook short-grain rice and pack it into a bento box. Next, display a protein (for example, grilled tempeh) and some veggies (such as cucumbers, edamame, and carrots) on top. Finally, drizzle with soy sauce.

7. Veggie-packed sushi burrito

If your kid loves sushi, this is the box for them. Lay white sushi rice on a seaweed sheet and top with your child’s favorite ingredients (leave out the raw fish for food safety reasons). Then, wrap like you would a tortilla and pack it!

8. Mexican-inspired quesadilla box

Quickly make a black bean and cheddar quesadilla in the oven. Then, prepare a side salad with iceberg lettuce, fresh corn, chopped tomatoes, and cut-up avocado. Pack fruit for dessert.

9. Saucy summery noodle salad

Cook buckwheat soba noodles and coat in peanut butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil sauce. Add snap peas, raw tofu cubes, and grated carrot. Lastly, pack a handful of mixed berries for dessert.

10. Easy prep vegetarian taco salad

Make a bed of iceberg lettuce and top it with black beans, tempeh, fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and shredded cheese. Then, on the side, pack tortilla chips and sour cream in a separate container.

11. Bunny Themed Lunch Box

Take advantage of all the fresh produce abundant during the season to make this delicious bento box.

12. Savory rice paper rolls

Kids love colorful foods, so these rice paper rolls are bound to be a success. Stuff them with zoodles, shredded carrots, sweet corn, cucumber, and chicken. Then offer your child a small container with peanut butter and soy sauce dipping sauce. Yum!

13. Black bean patties, veggies, and dipping sauces

Cut black bean patties into strips and the veggies into sticks. Then pack two dressing containers: one with ranch, the other with hummus. This box is all about letting your child experiment with different flavor combinations.

14. Ham and cheese pinwheels

Tight wrap slices of ham and cheese in a flour tortilla. Cut into 1in pieces and pack into a bento box. For extra nutrition, prepare a side salad coated in a creamy avocado dressing.

15. Chicken and waffles with fruits

Pack one waffle and one cut-up chicken breast. Instead of drizzling maple syrup on top, serve up a toned-down salsa verde in a separate container for dipping. Offer cut-up pineapple and mango as a dessert.

16. Huot dogs & multigrain sandwich

If your child loves mini hotdogs, make a cute face out of this classic lunch. Make their favorite multi-grain sandwich, add vegetables as facial features, and then stuff the outside with mini hotdogs to represent the character’s hair.

17. Chicken and zoodle Caprese box

Spiralize 1 zucchini (or buy ready-made zoodles) and add cut-up chicken breast, grape tomatoes, and mini mozzarella balls. Then, season with olive oil, oregano, sliced basil, and a hint of lemon juice.

18. Chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella skewers

First, display chicken cubes, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella chunks on a wooden skewer. Grill them on the stovetop until the chicken is golden and pack in the bento box. A quinoa, corn, and spinach salad goes well as a side.

19. Tuna salad sandwich with fruit snacks

Make a simple tuna salad sandwich on your child’s favorite bread, then cut into two triangles. On the side, offer apple and pear slices with a small serving of peanut butter.

20. Lentil energy bites with veggie sticks and ranch

Pack small lentil “meatballs” and veggie sticks (carrots, celery, and bell peppers are great choices) in the main compartment of the bento box. Then, include a sauce container with ranch to encourage your kid to be engaged with his lunch. And don’t forget a fruit snack on the side!

21. Cottage cheese and strawberry sandwich

Spread cottage cheese on a slice of your child’s favorite wholegrain bread. Next, lay cut-up strawberries on top and close the sandwich. The sweet and savory flavors keep your toddler’s lunch healthy and interesting. You can also serve baby carrots and steamed broccoli in a separate bento compartment.

Take your child’s lunch boxes to the next level

Are you inspired yet? Even if these combinations haven’t won you over, you can come up with your own. Browse through Instacart to see what fresh ingredients are available at your favorite grocery store. Then, add to your cart what sounds good, and you’ll have your order at your doorstep in under 2 hours, thanks to same-day delivery! The sky is the limit with bento boxes, so why not get creative?

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