15 Healthy School Lunch Ideas for Teens (Ready to Eat)

It feels like I became the parent of not 1, but 2 teenagers overnight. I don't know how this happened so fast, but here we are. And although they are making their own lunches a lot of the time, lunches are still a challenge.

With this in mind and with the help of my fellow food bloggers, I have pulled together a list of 15 healthy school lunch ideas for teens. And not only are they healthy lunches, but several of these lunches are also healthier versions of meals that teens love, like tacos, pizza, fried rice, Ceasar salad, and sushi. Even picky eaters will love these lunches!

These easy lunch ideas are also ready to eat (none require heating and can be eaten COLD) and many can be made ahead or take only a few minutes to put together. And the best part is these simple recipes are easy - teenagers can even make them on their own!

There was a period of time at my kids' school when heating up lunches was not an option. They no longer had access to a microwave so I had to get creative.

Unfortunately for me, I had always relied on frozen meals (A LOT more than I'd like to admit) and other lunch ideas for teens that require reheating. And for some weird reason, my kids refuse to use a thermos these days- I guess it's no longer "cool."

Plus, they were pretty clear they didn't want to spend a big chunk of their lunch break standing in line for a microwave. And I can't blame them because I wouldn't want to do that either.

So... I found myself scrambling to ensure we have lots of ideas for cold lunches and trying to decide what to make for lunches that they'll like, that are healthy, I can eat myself, don't require reheating, and won't take a ton of time!

If you find yourself in the same boat, with a hungry teen, you'll love these ready-to-eat school lunch ideas for teens.

When I look back at what I ate for lunch as a teenager, that's when I get concerned. Let's just say I wasn't eating a lot of fresh fruit or healthy foods.

I probably ate more fries and gravy at the cafeteria than any person should have. Let's face it, getting your kids to eat a nutritious lunch during the teenage years is a hurdle!

Fortunately, all the years we nagged our kids (aka tried to instill healthy eating habits in them) seem to be paying off.

My teenagers are both pretty health-conscious now and love the idea of eating healthier versions of the junk food they love! So without further adieu...here is a collection of delicious school lunch ideas.

Healthy Pizza Dippers

Teenagers LOVE their pizza and these Healthy Pizza Dippers are not only a teenager's dream lunch, they are a parent's. They are quick and easy to make with 2 ingredient dough (Greek yogurt and flour) and can be made ahead, frozen, heated or eaten cold, making them the perfect lunch box meal because they are ready to eat. Younger kids can help make them and older teens can make them on their own with the easy step by step directions included in the recipe!

Check out this Healthy Pizza Dippers recipe!

Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap

This Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap will take you 5 minutes to throw together. Make it with leftover turkey or deli meat. Either way, this tortilla wrap recipe makes a great lunch box meal for kids and adults alike. Teens can easily make this turkey sandwich with fresh vegetables (carrots and lettuce or spinach) on their own, as this recipe uses pre-cooked bacon (heated in microwave)!

Check out this Healthy Turkey Bacon Wrap Recipe!

Taco Salad Meal Prep (Taco Bowls)

These Taco Salad Meal Prep Taco Bowls are made with healthy ground turkey and filled with black beans, sweet corn, shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, and all your favorite toppings. Enjoy these delicious Taco Bowls for dinner and repurpose the leftovers into perfectly portioned make-ahead meal prep lun…

Check out this Taco Bowl recipe!

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich

This tasty, Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad sandwich is made in 15 minutes with frozen breaded chicken, pickle relish, celery, eggs, and mayo. What’s not to love about this iconic salad? Teens can easily make this on their own!

Check out this Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe!

Muffin Tin Sushi Cups

These Muffin Tin Sushi Cups are super easy to make, so adorable, full of healthy goodness and a great way for teens to get their sushi fix! Naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Check out this Sushi Cup recipe!

Italian Chicken Salad

This Italian Chicken Salad is loaded with mozzarella, tomatoes, black olives and pesto. A fun twist on a classic flavor!

Check out this recipe

Lunchbox Fried Rice Salad

Who doesn't love fried rice?! I know my teenagers are fried rice crazy - my 15 year old always wants to make it. And it doesn't get better than healthy fried rice salad! This lunchbox fried rice salad takes the boring out of your lunchbox! Best served cold.

Check out this Fried Rice recipe!

Cuban Deviled Ham Sandwiches (Pasta de Bocaditos)

Pasta de Bocaditos {Cuban Deviled Ham Sandwiches} are little bites of deliciousness. Filled with ham, cream cheese and roasted red peppers. You won't be able to stop at one!

Check out this Deviled Ham Sandwich recipe!

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a simple dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Romaine lettuce, fresh pasta (or leftover pasta), chicken, and Parmesan cheese are tossed in a creamy caesar dressing that’s full of flavor. Light, yet filling, this easy dish makes a delicious weeknight meal with leftovers for lunch the next day. I know my teens would go crazy for this as leftovers for lunch!

Check out this Caesar Pasta Salad recipe!

🍱 Ukrainian Bento Box Recipe

This bento box idea is a quick and easy Ukrainian lunch. A cold meal of Ukrainian sausage (kubasa/kielbasa), cubed cheddar cheese, sliced dill pickles, rye bread, crackers, mustard and baby carrots, it's just like the late night snack you'd have at a social!

Check out this Ukrainian Bento Box recipe!

Freezable Homemade Uncrustables

My kids may be teenagers, but I'm pretty sure they'd take the crustless sandwich over the one with crust. That's why these Homemade uncrustables are perfect for a teen's lunch box. Made with peanut butter and jam, they are a quick, freezable, kid-friendly option for easy school lunches! You control the ingredients, and they are healthier and generally come out cheaper than their store-bought counterparts.

Check out this Uncrustables recipe!

Lunchables

No matter how old kids are, they still love lunchables! Homemade lunchables are a popular trend all kids love! These are made with store-bought phyllo cups and can be filled with any savory or sweet filling including leftovers making them fun and delicious!

Check out this Lunchables recipe!

Light Reuben Wrap

Who doesn't love a good Reuben sandwich, especially when it's healthy! I know my teens do. A simple and easy light Reuben wrap sandwich recipe made with sliced deli roast beef, baby Swiss cheese, red cabbage, homemade thousand island dressing rolled up in a high fiber wrap. This protein-packed recipe is perfect for lunch meal prep!

Check out this Reuben Wrap recipe!

Chinese Mandarin Pasta Salad Bento Box

Chinese chicken salad goes plant-based with this delicious vegan recipe. This pasta salad is packed with mini sweet peppers, mandarins, green onions, spinach and carrots, then tossed with a sesame ginger dressing and topped with Chow Mein noodles for added crunch!

Check out this Pasta Salad Bento Box recipe!

Ranch Cream Cheese Ham Roll Ups

Ham Roll Ups will be your favorite back to school lunch solution! Super quick and easy to make, these tasty ranch ham and cream cheese roll ups are totally teen-approved.

Check out this Ham Roll Ups recipe!

🍽Equipment

You'll need lunchboxes (affiliate link) and according to my teenage daughter, this lunch bag is not only NOT embarrassing, but it's also insulated, reusable, durable, waterproof, and leakproof. It's the ideal lunch box for teens, but also kids and adults.

🍪Healthy Desserts for a packed lunch

Store-bought granola bars may seem like a quick and easy solution, but they are loaded with sugar and fat. These healthy desserts can all be made in advance and frozen for quick lunchbox desserts:

• Chocolate hummus and fruit (shown below)
• Healthy Chocolate Chip Spinach Cookies
• No Bake Healthy Rocky Road Bars
• Healthy Blueberry Cornbread
• Healthy Applesauce & Spinach Brownies

Whether you have middle schoolers or high schoolers, there is a healthy lunch option for everyone. And not only will teens love these healthy lunch ideas, but so will parents!

More School Lunch Ideas (ready to eat)