10 Back-to-School Lunches High School Kids Will Actually Eat
Back-to-school season always feels like a marathon. Between sports schedules, late-night homework, and endless laundry, packing a healthy lunch can feel impossible. As a mom, I want quick, nourishing meals my boys will actually eat and (more importantly) I can pack the night before.
1. Turkey + Hummus Wraps
Whole grain tortillas with turkey slices, hummus, spinach, and shredded carrots. Roll, slice, wrap in foil.
Prep Tip: Make 2–3 at a time to last a few days.
2. DIY Taco Box
Ground beef or shredded chicken (prepped ahead), shredded cheese, salsa, and whole grain chips. Add guac or sliced peppers.
Prep Tip: Use bento-style containers to keep chips crisp.
3. Pasta Salad Bowls
Whole grain pasta tossed with olive oil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, cucumbers, and pepperoni or chicken.
Prep Tip: Best made in a big batch for grab-and-go.
4. Greek Yogurt Parfait Jars
Layer Greek yogurt, berries, and granola in a mason jar. Pair with turkey jerky or nuts for extra protein.
Prep Tip: Keep granola separate until morning for crunch.
5. Chicken + Rice Bento
Chicken, rice, broccoli, and a soy or teriyaki drizzle.
Prep Tip: Make once, portion out 2–3 lunches at a time.
6. Caprese Sandwich
Ciabatta bread layered with mozzarella, tomato, basil, and turkey or chicken.
Prep Tip: Toast bread lightly to prevent sogginess.
7. Protein Snack Lunch
Boiled eggs, cheese cubes, crackers, apple slices, and nut butter. Think “grown-up Lunchable.”
Prep Tip: Assemble in a bento tray for variety.
8. Mini Quesadillas
Make quesadillas the night before, slice, and store in foil. Delicious warm or cold.
Prep Tip: Sneak in beans or spinach for extra nutrition.
9. Mediterranean Pita Pockets
Pita stuffed with hummus, cucumber, tomato, feta, and chicken.
Prep Tip: Wrap tightly in foil so fillings stay in place.
10. Leftover Remix
Turn dinner into tomorrow’s lunch. Tacos → taco salad. Stir-fry → rice bowls. Chicken → wraps.
Prep Tip: Always make a little extra dinner so lunch is ready.
Closing
Let’s shake up the old lunch ideas and give these kids a fresh take on school lunches! Use these 10 Back-to-School Lunches High School Kids Will Actually Eat! Packing lunch doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little prep the night before, your teen can enjoy quick, healthy meals that keep them fueled for practice, homework, and late nights.
If you want some high protein snack ideas that pack easily in their bag, here are Wellthy Soul’s favorite HIGH PROTEIN SNACKS!