Some schools are starting classes in just a few weeks, while other children will still be attending classes online. In either scenario, the routine of daily life will be changing again. With everything else there is to think about before kids start school, the last thing we need to worry about is how to make sure they’re getting enough nutrition everyday. 

How do you create lunch recipes that are easy on you and fun for the kids? Here are some of our favorite healthy lunches for back to school that are full of nutrition and simple to make. 

Whether going to classes or attending virtually, these recipes are kid-approved so they will keep your family healthy while staying within a well-balanced routine.

Healthy Recipe Ideas for School Lunches

Easy Overnight Chicken + Veggies

With a Crock-Pot or slow cooker you can make lunch for the next day overnight! Before you go to bed, cut some hearty vegetables into big chunks (such as carrots, onion, sweet potatoes, zucchini, etc) and put them into a lightly oiled slow cooker. Using kitchen scissors, cut boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized chunks (about 1-2”). Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkling of True Lemon Pepper. Add about 1 cup of chicken broth or water, to just cover the ingredients. Set on low for 6-8 hours just before you go to bed (put a note on your alarm to turn off the slow cooker the moment you get up). Scoop chicken and veggies over pre-cooked rice or quinoa and lunch is ready to go! 

Italian Sandwich Roll-Ups

In a whole wheat tortilla spread a dollop of Dijon mustard. Add a slice of salami, a slice of ham, provolone cheese, and a dill pickle spear. Gently roll or fold in half, and arrange them side by side in a container. For extra crunch (and nutrition), add a small handful of shredded romaine lettuce too. 

Layered Bean Lunch

Similar to refried bean dip but with a healthy twist! Fill a container with a layer of black beans, fresh or frozen corn, low-sugar or sugar-free tomato salsa, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of True Lime Garlic & Cilantro. Pack with a side of butter lettuce leaves or soft corn tortillas for scooping. 

Super Tuna Scoopers

Mix one can of tuna fish with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt, a generous sprinkle of True Lemon Pepper, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix well to combine. Add dried chives and/or raisins if you have them on hand. Package the tuna salad with a baggie filled with an array of fresh sliced crunchy veggies like cucumber, sliced red peppers, baby carrots, and celery. Kids can scoop up the tuna and enjoy! 

Here are some more delicious lunch recipes you can find on our website to make for school lunches: 

• True Orange Fruit Salad
  Easy to throw together the day before, and perfect alongside a simple sandwich for added nutritional value. 
• Savory Melon Salad
  Have a watermelon already sliced up? This is easy to assemble and is another delicious side salad with a refreshing twist. 
• Chicken Taco Mason Jars
  Who knew salads could be so much fun! It’s a breeze to prep a few jars at the beginning of the week and have these ready to grab. With the dressing at the bottom and the lettuce at the top of each jar, nothing gets soggy. You’ll probably love them for lunch yourself, too. 
• Avocado, Cucumber, and Ham Wraps
  These are also great to prep before the start of the week, as they hold up well when tightly wrapped in the fridge. Just be sure that any moist ingredients (such as sliced veggies or tomatoes) stay in the center and away from the tortilla. 

Remember to add a special treat, along with a sweet note to accompany it.

True Citrus products are made with simple, non-GMO, clean ingredients without any artificial sweeteners or preservatives. When you choose True Citrus as a kids drink (instead of kids juice boxes or sugary sodas) you can be confident that you're making a truly healthy decision. 

Add each of these packets to your kid’s lunch bag (or water bottle) along with a fun personal note: 

• True Lime Black Cherry Limeade - "You're all that, and a cherry on top!"
• True Lime Original Limeade - "Lime yours!"
• True Lemon Strawberry Lemonade - "Hope you have a berry-good day!"
• True Lemon Peach Iced Tea - "You're a peach!"
• True Lemon Wildberry Lemonade -"I love you berry, berry much!"

Kids attending school from home? Create an easy scavenger hunt with clues! Each healthy food item leads them to another snack hidden around the house or yard. They can’t get to the next clue until they finish each fruit or vegetable. It’s a fun game that will keep them occupied during lunch time and encourage them to eat up their healthy goodies.  

Reduce stress during your week by creating some of these easy and healthy back-to-school lunches. Whether the kids are attending classes online or at school, these recipes are both fun and creative as well as healthy and delicious!