Vegetarian Lunch Ideas for Kids

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

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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!