Looking to shake up your kids’ lunch routine? It’s time to ditch the “wich”! While sandwiches are a classic go-to, there’s a whole world of creative and delicious lunch options that go beyond the bread. Whether your little ones are craving something warm, packed with veggies (hey, you never know!), or a fun finger food, this recipe roundup is full of ideas that are just as easy to pack as a sandwich—but way more exciting. Say goodbye to the same old PB&J and hello to a variety of lunchbox delights that will keep your kids fueled and happy throughout the school day. Let’s explore some tasty, sandwich-free lunches your kids will actually look forward to!

Before diving into these fun and flavorful lunch ideas, it’s important to remember to follow your child’s school allergen policy. Many schools have strict guidelines to keep all students safe, so be sure to double-check what’s allowed before packing anything new. Additionally, when preparing these lunch options, keep choking hazards in mind, especially for younger children. Cut foods like grapes, cherry tomatoes, and hot dogs into small, bite-sized pieces, and avoid items that are too hard or difficult to chew.

1. Tuna and Salad Lunch Platter by Chaya Piatt

In Israel, sheet pan lunches or “magash” (meaning tray), are popular. There’s a well known cafe in Tel Aviv where everyone seems to go to that is especially known for this style. I’m not certain of whether they are kashrut certified, but their food sure looks great. I tried to copy their style at home.

2. Pizza Calzones by Sara and Yossi Goldstein

Pizza calzones are a fun treat to make with your family. The dough is a great basic thin crust recipe that you can use any time. Stay cozy!

3. Omelet Muffins by Tova Lowenthal

This recipe is a double winner. My kids were so excited when they were served muffins for lunch. I was equally happy when they came back for seconds!

4. Cheese-Olive Muffins by Leah Leora

Easy and delicious, these savory muffins filled with olives and cheese are great for a picnic or lunch on the go.

5. Caprese Pasta by Chayie Schlisselfeld

6. Italian Chicken Salad Lunch by Sylvia Fallas

This Italian Chicken Salad is a wonderful pack-ahead lunch that can be easily prepped the night before or earlier in the week (see note). Adding the lemon juice right before serving prevents the salad from turning to mush.

7. Honey-Pepper-Feta Dip or Pasta Sauce by Sima Kazarnovsky

Feel free to pile this dip onto a salad, scoop it up with crackers or cut-up vegetables for an after-school snack, or toss with a warm pasta to be eaten later. The versatility of this cheesy mixture makes it an ideal recipe to keep in your fridge for the various meal emergencies that arise when you’re a hungry person and the one in charge of feeding hungry people.

8. Pastrami Pinwheels by Mirel Freylich

The thought of these is absolutely mouthwatering!

9. Turkey Rollup by Rorie Weisberg

It is essential that people with metabolic and blood sugar issues not skip meals. Sitting down to a balanced meal 3–4 times a day is ideal but like everyone sometimes we need something on the go. Finding meals that are quick and easy and hit the spot is challenging when most standard snack foods are not the best fit. This turkey rollup really fits the bill for a snack or meal idea that’s quick, easy, portable, and filling. It has protein, fat, fiber, and minimal carbs all rolled into one. The best part is you can enjoy it on the go. It doesn’t need mixing, heating, or even a fork!  

10. Personal Pesto Pasta by Sharon Matten

I am always rushing during the day and am lucky if I can put a healthy lunch together (cheese puffs are not considered a healthy lunch). I found that with pre-frozen herb cubes I can put together a super healthy lunch in under five minutes!! Awesome, right? The herbs are fresh frozen so they are packed with nutrients, and by adding a small amount of healthy olive oil and omega-3 packed walnuts you make your lunch even healthier.

11. Pizza Pasta Muffins by Mirel Freylich

So quick to put together, these muffins take pasta to a whole new level.

12. Pizza Gnocchi by Esther Libby Brieger

Any recipe with the word “pizza” in it is immediately gonna be one of my kids’ favorites. My 5-year-old son recently discovered gnocchi and he has been asking me to make it on repeat.

So coming up with creative and different ways to make gnocchi an easy and filling meal has been my summer task. Enter “pizza gnocchi.” This is the easiest recipe you will find for gnocchi out there because it’s made with three ingredients and takes about 10 minutes to put together. Your kids will lick their plates clean, so you’re welcome.

13. Creamy Pesto Ravioli by Pessi Piller

This dish comes together in no time yet tastes like it took loads of time to prepare.

14. Faked Ziti by Esty Wolbe

This is my Faked Ziti (“Baked Ziti”). There’s no draining and no baking and the easiest thing to make for dinner. It’s super quick and you can do it all with one hand, because when it’s supper-o’clock you’re probably doing something else with the other. Watch the video!   

15. Quinoa Wraps (Gluten Free) by Gila Guzman

These delicious gluten free wraps are high in fiber, protein, and are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

16. Pizza Swirls by Chayie Schlisselfeld