Healthy Kids Lunch Box Ideas
If you’re in desperate need of some lunchbox inspiration, look no further! I have scoured the internet and of course TikTok, to bring you the healthiest lunches around. There’s no reason why fruit and veg have to be boring which is why I’ve found some fun ways to make even the fussiest of eaters consume their five a day. The best part is, they’re fun to make as well!
Healthy Kids Lunch Box Ideas: Strawberries and watermelon
You can thank Jessica Woo for this one, a TikToker and mum who has turned making lunchboxes into an art form! Start by thinly slicing cucumber horizontally. Then use a heart-shaped mould or whatever funky shape you have at your disposal, to cut out little shapes within the cucumber.
Next is the pasta salad with bell peppers, olives, tomatoes, onions and artichokes. Place this into your container and then put the cucumber on top!
You then need to grab your strawberries, cut a V shape on top, removing the stalk in the process, and then cut them in half. This creates a cute heart-shape! Simply do the same with watermelon, using a knife to carve out heart shapes that are the same size as the strawberries. Place them on a stick and you’re good to go!
Tah-dah, you have officially created one of the most aesthetically pleasing yet Healthy Kids Lunch Box Ideas ever!
Healthy Kids Lunch Box Ideas: Baked feta pasta & shrimps
If you have even so much as glanced at TikTok recently, you will have seen the viral food sensation that is baked feta pasta. It is created simply by placing a generous amount of cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, on a baking tray topped with a drizzle of olive oil. Place in the oven at 400° for around 40-45 minutes, or until tomatoes are bursting and feta is golden on top.
While this is happening, cook some pasta accordingly, saving a small amount of pasta water before draining.
It’s then as simple as adding the tomatoes and feta to the pasta and combining. Add the remaining pasta water and some lemon zest and garnish with some basil if you’re feeling extra fancy. Top tip! Make more than you need and spread it over a couple of days!
As for the garlic bread, homemade is always healthier. Place 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and some garlic and parsley in a food processor and blend to make a rough paste. Spread a thin layer over some sliced bread, place on a baking tray and cook for five minutes in the oven or until golden brown.
Lastly, we have shrimps on a stick. Simply cook the shrimps and season with salt, pepper and garlic, then skewer them onto cocktail sticks and voila! Some sweet chilli dipping sauce wouldn’t go amiss here either!
Healthy Kids Lunch Box Ideas: Hummus Pitta bread
Taking some inspiration from our friends over in Greece, this fun healthy kids lunchbox idea is sure to prove a hit! It’s also super easy to make. Simply cut up some pitta bread into pizza-shaped slices and add a small pot of hummus on the side.
Then cut the tomatoes, cucumbers and orange slices into fun shapes and add them to the box. Simple yet tasty!
Healthy Kids Lunch Box Ideas: Ham + cheese sandwich + fruit salad
Now, this list wouldn’t be complete without the humble ham and cheese sandwich. A favourite among even the most fastidious of eaters, renown for its simplicity. Choose whichever ham and cheese they like and add to their favourite bread (I recommend whole grain), and add some mustard for extra flavouring if they enjoy it.
Another classic up next, the fruit salad. It ensures your child gets their five a day and it also tastes super delicious. Win-win! Cut up some mango, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, and orange in the most inventive way possible. Alternatively, let the bright colours do the talking and let them be. Either way, this is a great way to get some Vitamin C down them!
Healthy Kids Lunch Box Ideas: Chicken Caesar pitas + yoghurt pot
A fun twist on the classic chicken caesar salad, this is sure to score tens across the board!
Start by setting your oven to broil. Lightly brush both sides of the chicken with a tablespoon Caesar dressing and sprinkler with pepper.
Place on a rack in broiler pan for around 12-15 minutes, turning once. Stop when the centre of the chicken is clear. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before thinly slicing.
In a medium-sized bowl, toss the lettuce, carrot and parmesan with some dressing until fully coated.
Slice your pita in half and fill it with the lettuce mixture and the chicken.
Next up is the granola yoghurt pot. Feel free to add any fruit or yoghurt of your choosing. The end result will always be delicious! I recommend Yogurt + Granola + Raspberries + Blackberries + Strawberries.