17 Cold Lunch Ideas For Kids

Ignacio's Super Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Take the classic PB&J sandwich up a notch with this triple-layered twist. A slice of toasted bread in the middle seems like a small addition, but it makes all the difference. For a nut-free alternative, try sunflower seed butter.

Basic Chicken Salad

Use your leftover chicken to create this make-ahead sandwich filling that'll please even the pickiest of eaters. Recipe creator Jackie M. suggests using thighs or breasts, but rotisserie chicken works well too.

Ranch, Bacon, and Parmesan Pasta Salad

Here's a filling meal or side dish that lovers of ranch dressing will ask for again and again. Plus, it's an easy way to sneak in colorful veggies like peas, carrots, and onions.

California Club Turkey Sandwich

If you can't decide what to pack in your child's lunch box, a simple turkey sandwich is always a safe bet. This elevated version is easy to customize with your little one's favorite toppings and condiments.

Bento Box Turkey Roll-Ups with Caprese Salad

This well-rounded meal (which consists of turkey roll-ups, caprese salad, almonds or an allergy-friendly alternative, and sugar snap peas served with a balsamic dressing) will fit perfectly into your kid's bento box.

BLT Wraps

It couldn't be easier to make this basic BLT wrap with just bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, Cheddar cheese, and flour tortillas.

Waldorf Chicken Salad Wrap Bento Box

This delicious lunch has "the flavor of a Waldorf salad, but as a chicken salad wrap, separated into a bento box to keep it from getting soggy," according to recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar fabeveryday.

PBJ 'Sushi' Kid's Bento Box

How fun is this kid-friendly "sushi" that tastes suspiciously like peanut butter and jelly? Your child will love it served with chocolate sauce and fresh fruit.

Sweet Ham Roll-Ups

Apples add welcome sweetness to these ham wraps with cream cheese, Cheddar, and mustard. Reviewer Kristy Hopkins suggests adding diced red bell peppers into this mix for extra color and flavor.

Lunch Box Pita Pockets

It doesn't get simpler or more satisfying than this 5-ingredient pita pocket stuffed with ham, lettuce, carrots, and ranch dressing.

Chicken Club Pasta Salad

Reviewer Elvira Silva, who added romaine lettuce and thinly sliced red onions, says this is a "delicious and easy one-dish meal."

Kid-Approved Bento Toolbox Lunch

"Eating healthy was never more fun," recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar bd.weld says of this adorable packed lunch that is sure to spark creativity.

Ants on a Log

You can't go wrong with a tried-and-true favorite like ants on a log! Pair this 3-ingredient snack with your child's favorite sandwich for a well-rounded lunch.

Better Peanut Butter Sandwich

What sets this 3-ingredient nut or seed butter sandwich apart from the rest? It's made with applesauce instead of jelly. Kids will love this simple substitute.

Queenie's Tomato Bagel Sandwich

This caprese salad-inspired bagel sandwich — made with sliced tomatoes, basil, and cream cheese — is easy to prepare and "totally portable," according to recipe creator PATTQUEEN.

Delicious Egg Salad for Sandwiches

Almost 2,000 happy home cooks have given this top-rated recipe rave reviews. "This recipe is a prime example of how the most basic ingredients can make something filling and comforting," says reviewer Sarah Jo.

Amazingly Good and Healthy Tuna Salad

"My kids hated tuna....until this," reviewer Lisa Moose Cagle-Opre says of this healthy twist on a classic dish. "Great blend of flavors."

More Inspiration

Try one of Our 50 Best Cold Lunch Ideas to Pack for Work. Plus, explore our entire collection of Lunch Recipes.

• Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken and Sesame
• Green Gazpacho
• Chef John's Fresh Spring Rolls