Packing lunches doesn’t have to be complicated. Try creating a few versatile lunchbox staples that can be mixed and matched throughout the week. Turkey and cheese pinwheels with a hummus spread can be customized with different meats, cheeses, veggies, or flavored hummus. Homemade Lunchables let you swap in crackers, cheeses, proteins, fruits, and veggies based on what you have on hand. And don’t overlook dinner leftovers, they’re an easy, budget-friendly way to turn last night’s meal into a fresh and satisfying lunch the next day.

Turkey Hummus Pinwheels

• Deli meat of choice
• Cheese of choice
• Hummus
• Lettuce
• Burrito size flour tortillas
• Any other sandwich additions your kids love!

Place the tortilla down on a plate. Spread the hummus on the tortilla all the way to the edges. Then place the cheese, turkey (or deli meat of choice), lettuce and any other toppings you would like. Tuck in one edge and roll the tortilla into a log. Slice into 4-6 even pieces to create the pinwheel shape. Enjoy! Can be prepped up to two days ahead.

Homemade Lunchables

• Classic: Whole-grain crackers, cheddar cheese cubes, turkey or ham slices, grapes, and cucumber rounds.
• Pizza Lunchable: Mini naan or pita, pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni or turkey pepperoni, and cherry tomatoes.
• Mediterranean: Pita wedges, hummus, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, feta cheese, and berries.
• Protein Box: Hard-boiled egg, cheese cubes, whole-grain crackers, apple slices, and almonds or pistachios (if nut-safe).
• Taco Box: Tortilla chips, shredded chicken or taco meat, shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sliced peppers.
• Breakfast Lunchable: Mini pancakes or waffles, turkey sausage, Greek yogurt for dipping, strawberries, and blueberries.
• Veggie & Dip: Carrots, snap peas, cucumbers, bell peppers, ranch or hummus, cheese cubes, crackers, and mandarin oranges.
• Caprese Box: Mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, whole-grain crackers, and fresh fruit.
• PB&J Box (or SunButter): Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, whole-grain crackers, banana slices, and berries.
• DIY Charcuterie Box: Salami or turkey, assorted cheeses, crackers, grapes, apple slices, pickles, and a small square of dark chocolate.

Tip: Build each Lunchable with four simple components:

• Protein: Turkey, chicken, ham, eggs, cheese, hummus, yogurt
• Whole grain: Crackers, pita, pretzels, tortilla chips, mini bagels
• Fruits & veggies: Grapes, berries, apples, carrots, cucumbers, peppers
• Fun extra: Dark chocolate, trail mix, popcorn, or a favorite dip

Using this formula makes it easy to create different combinations each week without buying a completely new set of ingredients.

Leftover Lunch

Turn last night’s dinner into today’s lunch! Simply pack up the leftovers, add your child’s favorite fruit and a cookie or homemade granola bar, and you’ve got a quick, balanced lunch with almost no extra effort.