School lunches don’t have to be boring or repetitive! With these 30 delicious and easy lunch ideas, teens can enjoy a variety of flavors and options that are both tasty and quick to prepare. From wraps to salads and everything in between, these meals will keep lunchtime exciting and satisfying while fitting perfectly into the busy school schedule.
Contents
- 1. Turkey and Cheese Wraps
- 2. Caprese Salad Skewers
- 3. Mini Quiches
- 4. Pasta Salad with Pesto
- 5. Chicken Caesar Salad
- 6. Veggie Hummus Bento Box
- 7. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
- 8. Taco Salad Cups
- 9. Egg Salad Sandwiches
- 10. Homemade Pizza Bagels
- 11. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
- 12. Sushi Rolls with Veggies
- 13. Cheese and Crackers Platter
- 14. Vegetable Stir-Fry
- 15. Apple Slices with Almond Butter
- 16. Chickpea Salad
- 17. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
- 18. Zucchini Fritters
- 19. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- 20. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
- 21. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
- 22. Stuffed Bell Peppers
- 23. Cucumber Sandwiches
- 24. Smoothie Bowl
- 25. Overnight Oats with Berries
- 26. Turkey Pinwheels with Cream Cheese and Spinach
- 27. BBQ Chicken Sliders
- 28. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad in Pita Pockets
- 29. Edamame and Rice Bowl with Soy Drizzle
- 30. Ham and Cheese Muffins
1. Turkey and Cheese Wraps
Turkey and cheese wraps are a quick and tasty lunch option for busy teens. Just roll up some turkey, cheese, and your favorite veggies in a tortilla for a satisfying meal. These wraps are not only easy to make but also perfect for packing in a lunchbox!
2. Caprese Salad Skewers
Caprese salad skewers are a fun and tasty lunch option. Just stack cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on a stick for a quick bite. They’re fresh, colorful, and perfect for a school lunch!
3. Mini Quiches
Mini quiches are a fun and easy lunch option for teens. They are packed with flavor and can be filled with all sorts of ingredients like cheese, veggies, and meats. Plus, they are easy to make ahead and perfect for on-the-go eating!
4. Pasta Salad with Pesto
Pasta salad with pesto is a quick and tasty lunch option for teens. Tossed with cherry tomatoes and olives, it’s colorful and packed with flavor. This dish is easy to make ahead and perfect for school lunches!
5. Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar Salad is a tasty and filling option for lunch. It combines grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and fresh greens, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy school days.
6. Veggie Hummus Bento Box
A veggie hummus bento box is a fun and healthy lunch option for teens. Packed with fresh veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes, it’s colorful and appealing. Dip those crunchy veggies in creamy hummus for a tasty treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for school!
7. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
A fruit and yogurt parfait is a tasty and healthy lunch option for teens. Layer yogurt with fresh berries and crunchy granola for a fun treat. It’s quick to make and perfect for packing in a lunchbox!
8. Taco Salad Cups
Taco salad cups are a fun and tasty lunch option for teens. These crunchy tortilla bowls are filled with seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and topped with zesty salsa. They’re easy to make and perfect for packing in a lunchbox!
9. Egg Salad Sandwiches
Egg salad sandwiches are a classic lunch option that never disappoints. They’re easy to make and can be packed with flavor, making them perfect for school. Pair them with some crunchy pickles on the side for a tasty treat!
10. Homemade Pizza Bagels
Homemade pizza bagels are a fun and tasty lunch option for teens. Just grab some bagels, spread on your favorite pizza sauce, and top with cheese and pepperoni. They’re quick to make and perfect for satisfying those midday cravings!
11. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
A peanut butter and banana sandwich is a classic choice for a quick lunch. Just spread some creamy or crunchy peanut butter on bread and add sliced bananas for a tasty twist. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for busy teens on the go!
12. Sushi Rolls with Veggies
Sushi rolls are a fun and tasty lunch option for teens. You can fill them with colorful veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots for a crunchy bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for packing in a lunchbox!
13. Cheese and Crackers Platter
A cheese and crackers platter is a fun and easy lunch option for teens. Load it up with different cheeses, crackers, and some fresh fruit for a tasty mix. It’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo during a busy school day!
14. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Vegetable stir-fry is a colorful and tasty option for lunch. You can mix your favorite veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots with some rice or noodles. It’s quick to make and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for busy teens!
15. Apple Slices with Almond Butter
Apple slices with almond butter make a tasty and healthy lunch option for teens. The crunch of the apples pairs perfectly with the creamy almond butter, creating a satisfying snack. It’s easy to pack and perfect for a quick bite between classes!
16. Chickpea Salad
This chickpea salad is a tasty and healthy option for lunch. It’s packed with fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes, making it colorful and fun to eat. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, so you can whip it up in no time!
17. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Tuna salad lettuce wraps are a fun and healthy lunch option for teens. Just mix up some tuna with your favorite ingredients and scoop it into crisp lettuce leaves. Add a few cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor and you’re good to go!
18. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are a fun and tasty lunch option for teens. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a hit in any lunchbox. Serve them with a dollop of yogurt or your favorite dip for an extra kick!
19. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthy option for lunch. They are easy to make and packed with flavor. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a fun twist!
20. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
This quinoa and black bean bowl is a tasty and healthy lunch option for teens. Packed with protein and fiber, it keeps you full and energized for the day. Top it with some avocado and fresh cilantro for extra flavor!
21. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a fun and tasty treat for lunch. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends. Just dip fresh strawberries in melted chocolate, let them cool, and enjoy!
22. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a fun and colorful lunch option for teens. You can fill them with rice, veggies, or even some protein for a tasty meal. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for packing in a lunchbox!
23. Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber sandwiches are a refreshing choice for lunch. They are easy to make and taste great. Just layer some cream cheese and cucumber between slices of bread for a quick snack!
24. Smoothie Bowl
Smoothie bowls are a fun and tasty lunch option for teens. They are easy to make and packed with fruits, yogurt, and toppings like granola and nuts. Just blend your favorite fruits, pour it into a bowl, and top it off with whatever you like for a colorful and nutritious meal!
25. Overnight Oats with Berries
Overnight oats with berries are a tasty and easy lunch option for teens. Just mix oats, yogurt, and your favorite berries in a jar, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, grab it and go for a healthy meal that’s ready in no time!
26. Turkey Pinwheels with Cream Cheese and Spinach
Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, layer with sliced turkey and fresh spinach, then roll it up and slice into bite-sized pinwheels. These are fun to eat, easy to pack, and offer a balanced mix of protein and greens. Perfect for teens who like finger foods with flavor.
27. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Use leftover shredded chicken, toss it in barbecue sauce, and stuff it into mini slider buns. Wrap individually or pack two in a container for a protein-packed lunch. Add a pickle spear or coleslaw on the side for extra crunch.
28. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad in Pita Pockets
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt in your chicken salad for a lighter twist. Spoon it into whole wheat pita halves with lettuce and tomato. It’s creamy, tangy, and filling without feeling heavy.
29. Edamame and Rice Bowl with Soy Drizzle
Combine cooked white or brown rice with shelled edamame, shredded carrots, and a light drizzle of soy sauce. Serve cold or at room temp, making it ideal for school lunches. It’s plant-based, colorful, and super satisfying.
30. Ham and Cheese Muffins
These savory muffins are made with diced ham, shredded cheese, and a simple egg batter. Bake a batch ahead of time for grab-and-go lunchbox additions. They’re hearty, portable, and taste great warm or cold.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
