25+ Easy, Kid-Friendly Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters
Do you have a picky eater at home? Are you struggling to come up with ideas for healthy and delicious lunches that your child will actually eat? You are not alone! Many parents face this challenge every day. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, I’m sharing 25 different easy, kid-friendly lunch ideas for picky eaters.
If you have a child who is a picky eater, you know how hard it can be to come up with ideas for their lunch. They want something different every day, and they are always changing their mind about what they want to eat. It can be frustrating!
I know it can be tough to come up with new and interesting ideas for kid’s lunches. If your child is a picky eater, it can seem downright impossible! From simple sandwiches to fun and creative recipes, we have something for everyone! So get ready to be inspired, and start packing some delicious and nutritious lunches for your little ones!
10 Favorite Lunches Picky Kids Love
Before we get into these amazing recipes below, let’s just talk about some old standards that even picky eaters usually approve of. These simple lunch ideas are hard to beat for ease and taste!
#1 Peanut butter and jelly sandwich: This classic will never go out of style. It’s easy to make, and most kids love it!
#2 Cheese sandwich: Another lunchbox staple that is sure to please. You can mix things up by using different types of cheese or bread.
#3 Turkey and cheese sandwich: Another great option for those who are looking for something a little different.
#4 Grilled cheese sandwich: A delicious and easy to make classic. Even served cold, kids love these! You can mix things up by adding different types of cheese or bread.
#5 Chicken salad sandwich: A great way to use up leftover chicken, and a tasty lunch option for kids!
#6 Egg salad sandwich: Another great way to use up leftover eggs, and a tasty lunch option for kids! Not ever kid loves these, but a lot of picky eaters love eggs.
related: How to Boil Eggs Perfectly Every Time
#7 Macaroni and cheese: A classic kid favorite that is perfect for lunchtime. You can make your own or use a box mix. Heat the mac and cheese and add it to a pre-heated thermos!
#8 Peanbut butter on celery sticks: A fun and healthy twist on the classic sandwich.
#9 Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches or cream cheese and olive sandwiches: A delicious and easy-to-make option that is perfect for lunchtime.
#10 Vegetable or Chicken Noodle soup: A healthy and delicious option that is perfect for chilly days. These are classic kid favorites that are perfect for lunchtime. Pack the soup in a Thermos and include a grilled cheese sandwich!
These are just some simple lunch ideas to get you started. But if you’re looking for something a little more creative, we’ve got you covered with 16 kid-friendly lunch ideas that will please even the pickiest of eaters!
Keep reading for all the delicious details!
16 Kid-Friendly Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters
DIY Homemade Uncrustables [Freezer Friendly]
Make your picky eater happy with these easy DIY Uncrustables. Completely customizable you can make these with their favorite fillings and bread. Perfect for kiddos with allergies too.
The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
This is the best Chicken Soup Recipe to for Picky Eater Preschool and Kindergarten Kids. Made with bone-in chicken thighs simmered into a flavorful broth and filled with tender onions, carrots, celery, and juicy shredded chicken, fill up a thermos and be amazed when it comes back empty after school.
Pie Maker Quiche
If there is a kitchen gadget that makes the most delicious quiche, it is the pie maker. And today we are showing you how to make the best pie maker quiche with or without pastry.
Healthy Chicken Muffins
These healthy chicken muffins are made with lean chicken breast, bell peppers, and cheese as the main ingredients. Tasty and easy-to-make recipe for the whole family.
Honey Peanut Butter Balls Recipe (Video)
These honey peanut butter balls are the perfect snack to take on the go or to pack in lunch boxes. They’re naturally sweetened with honey and so easy to make.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (from scratch)
These crispy and internally soft snacks are the best fit for any lunch box for picky eaters.
Meatball Pita Pockets
These 5 ingredient Meatballs Pita Pockets, made with pantry staples, are the perfect easy back to school eat, family dinner, appetizer, or snack.
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
These easy to make Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are super tasty and totally kid-friendly!
PB&J Pinwheel Sandwich Kabobs
Classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are reinvented as easy roll-ups, then skewered together with gorgeous fresh fruit (with allergy-friendly, nut-free suggestions, too). Super easy, but they look really enticing and fun!
Dino Nuggets Air Fryer Recipe (Dino Buddies Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets)
Make those picky eaters happy with this simple air fryer dino nuggets recipe. Don't forget the dip!
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls (with Lavash Bread)
So easy to make, these cucumber and cream cheese roll up sandwiches are devoured by even the pickiest eaters!
No-Bake Fruit “Pizzas”
If your kids love Lunchables but you’d like something a little healthier, then this super-flexible idea is for you! Makes a perfect bento box lunch kit! Fast, easy and so yummy!
Lunch Box Side Dish Ideas for Picky Eaters
In addition to the main dish, every good lunch needs a tasty side (or two!). These lunch box side dish ideas are perfect for picky eaters. They are all simple and easy to make, and most importantly, they are all kid-friendly!
Some favorite ideas include:
- Fruit: apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, etc.
- Veggies: carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, etc.
- Cheese: string cheese, cubed cheese, crackers with cheese spread, etc.
- Yogurt: plain yogurt or yogurt cups with fruit or granola mixed in
- Bread: pretzels, crackers, breadsticks, mini bagels, etc.
- Dips: ranch dressing, honey mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, etc.
The possibilities are endless! Just mix and match to create the perfect lunch box side dish for your picky eater.
I hope you found this list of kid-friendly lunch ideas helpful. Do you have any favorite lunch ideas for picky eaters? Share them with us in the comments below!
