Build a Better Lunchbox

Back to school means back to packing lunches. To ease your lunch packing pain, I’ve rounded up my top tips for packing lunches that: 1) your kids will actually eat, 2) take only minutes to make, and 3) ensure your little ones are getting the nutrition they need. Head over to Modern Mom to read my sanity-saving tips to keep your lunches at the top of the class list: Healthy Lunch Ideas.

Now for the recipes! These healthy lunch recipes are regulars on our menu because they are fast, healthy, and delicious!

Nut-Free Basil Pesto Pizza Bites

Pizza can be healthy too! This yummy nut-free basil pesto pizza is made with a whole-wheat crust and dressed up with pesto and pops of cherry tomato. I serve it bite-size for my kids’ lunches.

Get the recipe: Nut-Free Basil Pesto Pizza Bites
Watch the video: Nut-Free Basil Pesto Pizza on Jessica Alba’s Honest Company

Stir Fried Chicken with Bok Choy

This simple recipe is an easy version of one of my favorite Asian comfort foods: clay-pot chicken. This recipe delivers a big, cozy umami flavor with very little effort. It’s one of my go-to weeknight recipes because it’s easy to prepare, tastes delicious, and can make an encore appearance in my kids’ lunchboxes the next day.

Get the recipe: Stir Fried Chicken with Bok Choy

Baked Apple Chips

These crunchy chips make a great lunchbox snack. Bonus: they’re an easy way to wean your kids off packaged snacks. Keep a big batch of these chips in a glass jar in your pantry to make it easy for you and your kids to grab when hunger strikes!

Get the recipe: Baked Apple Chips

No Bake Cookies Without Peanut Butter

Nut-free + no-bake = A+ lunch snack. These no-bake cookies are made with sunflower butter. They are great as a lunchbox snack, after-school bite, or post-game energy recharger. Bonus: they are easy and fun for your kids to make. You don’t need to be exact with the measurements, which means you can give lots of creative freedom to your kids.

Get the recipe: No Bake Cookies Without Peanut Butter

Homemade Granola Bars

School lunches can be the worst offenders when it comes to processed and over packaged foods. Pick one category, like snack bars, and make them at home. You’ll find it’s a boost for your budget too. Homemade Granola Bars are a great place to start because you can make a big batch on the weekend and freeze them.

Get the recipe: Homemade Granola Bars

For more healthy lunch ideas, check out my book, The 52 New Foods Challenge. It’s packed with a year’s worth of recipes and ideas to make feeding your family less stressful and way more fun.