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10 Easy Lunch Recipes Kids Will Actually Eat

Posted by Jenny Tang on August 22, 2018

Think of school lunches and images of boring sandwiches, sugar-filled cookies and uneaten apples come to mind. But it doesn’t have to be! From a simple but tasty Italian Chicken Pasta Salad to Kale Mac and Cheese Cups, these recipes and more will inspire you to think outside the lunch box.

  • Italian Chicken Pasta Salad
     
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    Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

    <p>This pasta salad may look simple but it’s full of Italian-inspired flavours that the little ones will enjoy at lunch time. To make it even simpler, start with store-bought, or leftover rotisserie chicken.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/italian-chicken-pasta-salad/21366/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Italian Chicken Pasta Salad</a></p>
  • Sandwiches on a Stick
     
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    Sandwiches on a Stick

    <p>This lunchtime treat is not only fun to eat, but it’s also fully customizable—have the little ones help by letting them choose their favourite sandwich fillers and helping with lunch prep. Swap out wooden sticks for flexible plastic skewers for save eating.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sandwiches-on-a-stick/16762/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sandwiches on a Stick</a></p>
  • Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps
     
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    Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps

    <p>Having grilled eggplant for dinner? Grill up an extra one for this Middle Eastern-inspired wrap that’s sure to wake up taste buds.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-eggplant-chickpea-wraps/20148/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps</a></p>
  • Ham, Apple and Cheese Quesadilla
     
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    Ham, Apple and Cheese Quesadilla

    <p>Ham and crispy apples are already a winning combo. When folded between a whole wheat tortilla and melty Swiss cheese, you get an unbeatable sandwich that kids will devour. Slice into pieces for easy eating and lunchbox packing.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ham-apple-and-cheese-quesadilla/18736/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ham, Apple and Cheese Quesadilla</a></p>
  • Kale Mac and Cheese Cups
     
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    Kale Mac and Cheese Cups

    <p>Who can say “no” to mac and cheese? We’ve added leafy kale for a splash of colour and a health boost. These cheesy bites are baked in a muffin tin, making them easy to pack and even easier for little ones to eat.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/love-your-lunch/recipe/kale-mac-and-cheese-cups/20649/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kale Mac and Cheese Cups</a></p>
  • Caesar Club Sandwich
     
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    Caesar Club Sandwich

    <p>Take lunchtime to the next level with a Caesar Club Sandwich. From the homemade caesar dressing to crispy pancetta to juicy chicken, we promise this sandwich won’t last very long.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/caesar-club-sandwich/15419/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Caesar Club Sandwich</a></p>
  • Chicken Taco Salad
     
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    Chicken Taco Salad

    <p>This crunchy salad is loaded with all the taco fixings that kids love, include pepper-jack cheese and creamy avocado. Pan-fried chicken makes this salad a filling lunch.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-taco-salad/15509/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chicken Taco Salad</a></p>
  • Tuna Sushi
     
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    Tuna Sushi

    <p>Switch things up with sushi! These tasty little rolls are filled with fresh veggies, tuna, tangy pickles, and creamy avocado, but feel free to experiment with your favourite flavour combination. Just don’t forget a kid-friendly dipping sauce like mayo or soy sauce.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sushi-2/8026/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tuna Sushi</a></p>
  • Take-to-School Taco Bar
     
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    Take-to-School Taco Bar

    <p> There’s no need to wait for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-taco-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taco Tuesday</a> for your family to indulge in this DIY lunch. Pack all the essentials with some quickie homemade guacamole and salsa before sending your kid off to school. We guarantee they’ll be the envy of all their classmates that day. </p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/take-to-school-taco-bar/21348/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Take-to-School Taco Bar</a></strong> </p>
  • Pesto Goat Cheese Croissants
     
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    Pesto Goat Cheese Croissants

    <p>It’s a rare dish that manages to be kid-friendly (yes, really!) yet sophisticated, while also being surprisingly easy to make. These pesto-and-goat-cheese croissants using puff pastry definitely check all the boxes when it comes to a terrific lunchtime solution that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/cooking-with-kids/blog/family-fun-pesto-goat-cheese-croissants-1643/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Pesto Goat Cheese Croissants</strong></a></p>
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