If packing lunch feels like rolling the dice, these 19 lunch ideas might actually keep the complaints to a minimum. They’re the kind of meals that don’t get traded away or sneakily left in backpacks for three days. Even the pickiest ones somehow end up finishing them—and asking for more. It’s not magic, but it’s close enough for a weekday win.
Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
When you’re craving something hearty, this soup is all you need. It’s rich and filling, and somehow, it’s just perfect. Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup is a comfort meal that gets everyone excited to eat. Your kids won’t mind finishing off their bowl.
Get the Recipe: Copycat La Madeleine Country Potato Soup
A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie
If you’re looking for a dish that’s a little different, A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie is a great choice. It’s simple yet fulfilling, and the kids will enjoy every bite. It’s just the right mix of flavors to please even the pickiest eaters. You won’t find a better combination of comfort and taste.
Get the Recipe: A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie
The Backyard Table
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Buy Now!Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
This pasta salad brings all the fun of a classic dish in one bowl. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is light but packed with flavor, making it a go-to lunch idea that’s easy to keep in rotation. Kids can’t resist the creamy texture and the bit of crunch that comes with every bite. It holds up well in the fridge too, so it works for lunchboxes, snacks, or quick dinners.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
For a meal that feels like a treat, try Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. It’s got that mix of juicy chicken and rice that hits the spot without trying too hard. The extra flavor from the corn makes it more than just your average bowl. It’s quick, easy, kid-approved, and something you’ll probably end up adding to your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Cabbage and Bean Soup
This is one of those meals that just gets better the longer it sits. Cabbage and Bean Soup is a go-to for busy days, especially when you want something hearty but easy. It’s perfect for lunch when you need a quick fix that everyone can enjoy. Kids will ask for seconds without even realizing they’re eating their veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Bean Soup
BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Who doesn’t love bacon in a pasta salad? BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon! takes everything you love about a classic BLT and turns it into a pasta bowl. It’s a great way to sneak in a little extra crunch while keeping it light. Kids will happily dig in without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
With Grandma’s Salmon Cakes, you get all the comfort of homemade cooking in one bite. It’s a simple yet fulfilling meal that everyone can agree on. Even kids who aren’t usually fans of fish will enjoy these crispy cakes. It’s a throwback meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes
Horiatiki Salad
When you need something fresh and healthy, Horiatiki Salad is the answer. It’s bright, crunchy, and packs a punch with every bite. Kids love the mix of textures, and it’s an easy way to sneak in some extra veggies. You’ll find this salad making its way onto your lunch table all the time.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Turkey & Apple Panini
If you want something simple yet delicious, try Turkey & Apple Panini. It’s got just the right amount of sweetness and savory goodness, all pressed between crispy bread. Your kids won’t even realize they’re eating something a little different. It’s a quick, easy lunch that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a fresh, light option that’s still filling enough to keep you satisfied. It’s a simple dish with big impact, and it’s perfect for lunches at home or packed to-go. Kids will enjoy the different textures and flavors, making it an easy favorite. It’s a healthy choice without being boring.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Sometimes you just need a good sandwich, and Pastrami Reuben Sandwich hits the spot every time. It’s packed with flavor in every bite and will leave you full and satisfied. Kids love how simple yet tasty it is, making it a lunch that’s always a hit. It’s a quick fix that still feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
A twist on the classic, this salad combines crispy lettuce with a tangy dressing and just the right crunch. The blend of flavors makes it fun without being over the top. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad brings a fresh approach that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy. It’s a quick option that packs enough punch to keep everyone satisfied without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying sandwich, this one does the job. Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich combines soft bread with layered goodness that keeps things simple. It’s not just filling, it’s easy to eat, making it a favorite when there’s little time to spare. Everyone’s likely to grab a second bite without even realizing it.
Get the Recipe: Firehouse NY Steamer Sandwich
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
A refreshing, yet hearty salad that’s perfect for those who love a mix of textures. With the added twist of smoked tomatoes, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings a new level to a classic. It’s light, but still leaves you feeling full enough for the next part of the day. Kids might even find it fun to pick through and enjoy the different flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Reuben Quesadillas
Imagine your favorite Reuben, but in a crispy, easy-to-eat quesadilla form. Reuben Quesadillas is a simple, go-to meal that’s just as satisfying as it is quick. With the right amount of cheese and a little bit of everything in each bite, it’s a win for lunch. Even picky eaters will find this one a hit without much trouble.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Quesadillas
Cucumber Salad with Feta
For a lighter side that packs a punch, Cucumber Salad with Feta does the job without feeling heavy. It’s a cool and crisp option that adds a refreshing touch to any meal. Even though it’s simple, the feta adds a nice depth that keeps things interesting. It’s one of those salads you can make quickly, yet it feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Texas BLT
Sometimes, you need a classic that hits the spot and fills you up right. Texas BLT is a twist on the usual, delivering everything you want from a BLT but with a bit more punch. It’s packed with crisp bacon, and everything comes together in a bite-sized format that’s easy for kids to handle. No one’s going to turn this one down when it’s on the table.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
When you’re looking for a side that adds flavor without complicating things, this potato salad delivers. Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic brings fresh herbs that keep things from feeling too heavy. It’s the type of dish that complements anything else on the plate while still being interesting. Even kids, who usually aren’t fans of salads, may find themselves coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad with Herbs & Green Garlic
Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich
Sometimes a sandwich that’s packed with juicy meat and a savory dip is all you need to get through lunch. Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich brings all the comfort of the original, without needing to leave home. The dipping sauce just pulls everything together, making each bite even better. Perfect for the days when you need something hearty and easy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cole’s French Dip Sandwich