Both of my son’s daughters would prefer a salad over a hamburger on any given day, but recently one of my granddaughters has decided that she doesn’t want to eat meat. This change in her eating habits made me realize that I had fallen into a bit of a rut when it comes to the kid’s lunches… a sandwich, bag of chips, a piece of fruit… you get the picture. I’ve had to become more creative and seek out vegetarian lunch ideas for the kids from places like Pinterest and kid’s cookbooks, and have come up with some pretty delicious and healthy ideas.
Vegetarian Lunch Ideas for Kids
Cheese Quesadilla has fast become a lunchtime favorite of ours,and takes no more time to make than a typical sandwich. All you need are two tortillas, about 1/2 cup of grated Cheddar cheese, and cooking spray. I try to keep things colorful and healthy by adding foods like cherry tomatoes, olives, and zucchini flowers to the lunchbox.
To make the zucchini flowers, simply slice the zucchini into 1/4 inch pieces. Use a small flower shaped cutter to cut out shapes.
For school lunch I’ll add to the above a carton of shelf safe milk, and something like applesauce.
Here are some more vegetarian lunchbox ideas for kids:
Proteins:
hard boiled eggs
peanut butter sandwiches made with graham crackers
baked tofu
beans or bean salad
hummus
bean burrito
Dairy:
cheese cubes
cottage cheese
yogurt
string cheese
Fruits:
grapes
apple slices
bananas
berries
melon chunks
dried fruit
Veggies:
sliced cucumber
carrot sticks
bell pepper strips
edamame
sugar snap peas
celery sticks
For the pickiest of eaters, there is always a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! What suggestions do you have for children who don’t eat meat? I’d love to hear them!
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THIS IS A REAL GOOD IDEAL-HAPPY SATURDAY!!!!!!
creative ideas! i like the zucchini cutter idea too
Cute idea. I must say that it’s nice to read about children who actually eat their vegetables when it’s so hard to convince them so!
That looks like one yummy lunch! Reminds me that I should mix up my typical sandwich lunch more often.
Love it! The only meat my kids eat by choice are hotdogs and bacon (I know, right?).
We eat a lot of orzo – great for hot or cold salads – quinoa, and other grains mixed with their favorite veggies. Usually with a simple sauce like lemon or teriyaki.
I just started back to work last week, so I have to pack my lunch now. I like your list, because it gives me ideas for my lunch.
I’m going to print it and put it on my frig. Thanks!
Keeping it creative is definitely the key to get kids to eat.
I’m pretty sure my son could eat cheese quesadillas every single day! And he also really likes almond butter and jelly sandwiches. I’m thinking of maybe trying a pb&j type thing on celery instead of on bread to try to get him to eat more veggies.
You are very creative.I love your ideas for me.I’m trying to eart less meat too.
Great ideas! Thank you!