Vegetarian School Lunch Ideas
on Jan 18, 2022, Updated Aug 09, 2025
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Make packing school lunches easier with these delicious vegetarian lunchbox ideas kids will love. Includes packing tips and lunchbox hacks to keep meals fresh, fun, and stress-free!
Packing school lunches can feel like a daily challenge, especially when you want something that’s tasty, healthy, and easy to throw together. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas that happen to be vegetarian, I’ve got you covered. These lunchbox ideas are simple, fun, and perfect for keeping your kiddo happy and energized all day long without needing meat!
If you need help picking out the best lunchbox for your little one, make sure to check out my top picks of the best lunchboxes for kids!
Table of Contents
- 1. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
- 2. French Toast Brunch Box
- 3. Make Your Own Mini Pizzas
- 4. Hummus and Naan Bread
- 5. Grilled Cheese Waffle Sandwich
- 6. Waffle Brunch Box
- 7. Strawberry Cream Cheese Quesadillas
- 8. Avocado Egg Salad Empanadas
- 9. Peanut Butter Banana “Sushi”
- 10. Savory Veggie Muffins
- 11. Cream Cheese Bagels
- 12. Granola Butter Roll-Ups
- 13. Mini Corn Muffins
- Lunchbox Packing Tips
- Lunchbox FAQs
1. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
A classic! Creamy peanut butter pairs perfectly with sweet jelly for a sandwich that kids love. Use whole grain bread for extra fiber, and cut it into fun shapes with cookie cutters to make it more fun! You can also make it into these fun peanut butter jelly rollups for a fun twist. For nut-free schools, swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter.
Lunchbox Shown: Yumbox Panino Lunchbox
2. French Toast Brunch Box
Who says breakfast is just for mornings? Pack bite-sized pieces of French toast, a small container of syrup for dipping, and fresh fruit like berries or melon for the perfect midday lunch. You can make the French toast ahead of time (these peanut butter and jelly French toast sticks are perfect for dipping), store it in the fridge, and serve it chilled.
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo Chill Lunchbox
3. Make Your Own Mini Pizzas
Pack mini pita breads, a small container of pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and toppings like diced peppers, olives, or mushrooms, or my son’s favorite, “broccoli sprinkles!” Kids can assemble their own pizzas at school, no oven needed.
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo Chill Lunchbox
4. Hummus and Naan Bread
Creamy hummus with soft naan bread is a filling and protein-packed lunchbox favorite. Add sides like mini bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, or pretzels on the side for dipping. For variety, try different hummus flavors like roasted red pepper or garlic.
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo 5-Compartment Lunchbox
5. Grilled Cheese Waffle Sandwich
Put a fun twist on a grilled cheese by making it in a waffle maker! This gives it crispy edges and a cute waffle pattern. Slice into strips or triangles for easy eating. It’s delicious and can be served warm or cold!
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo 5 Compartment Lunchbox
6. Waffle Brunch Box
Pack mini waffles (homemade or store-bought) with sides like fresh fruit, yogurt, boiled eggs, and a small drizzle of syrup or nut butter for dipping. These eggless waffles and blueberry banana waffles are perfect to batch make and freeze. This sweet-and-savory box makes lunchtime feel like a special treat.
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo Chill Lunchbox
7. Strawberry Cream Cheese Quesadillas
Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, layer with sliced strawberries, fold in half, and lightly toast. Slice into wedges and pack with a side of fruit and a crunchy snack like carrots and pretzels. This one is creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy, a great alternative to PB&J.
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo 5-Compartment Lunchbox
8. Avocado Egg Salad Empanadas
Avocados are such a great source of healthy fats, and eggs are a great source of protein, so combining the two makes for a filling, nutrient-dense meal. This avocado egg salad is so simple to make and is great to serve cold or warm. These are easy to hold, mess-free, and full of protein and healthy fats.
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo 5-Compartment Lunchbox
9. Peanut Butter Banana “Sushi”
These little peanut butter banana sushi rolls look like little sushi rolls and make a fun, handheld lunchbox snack. They’re simple to make with a banana, peanut butter, and a tortilla or flattened bread. Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo Chill Lunchbox
10. Savory Veggie Muffins
These savory vegetable muffins are packed with veggies and cheese for a grab-and-go lunchbox option. They’re soft, flavorful, perfect for pairing with fruit, and great served warm or cold.
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo 5-Compartment Lunchbox
11. Cream Cheese Bagels
A mini or half bagel spread with smooth, creamy cream cheese makes a quick and satisfying lunchbox option. Pair it with fresh fruit and veggie sticks for a balanced meal that’s ready in minutes. You can use store-bought bagels or make these simple mini cinnamon and raisin bagels!
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo Chill Lunchbox
12. Granola Butter Roll-Ups
Spread sweet, nutty granola butter over flattened bread slices, roll it up, and slice into bite-sized pinwheels. These little swirls are fun to eat and pack in flavor and healthy fats for lasting energy. You can sprinkle some hemp hearts on top for a nutritional boost!
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo Chill Lunchbox
13. Mini Corn Muffins
Soft, slightly sweet mini cornbread muffins are perfect for little hands and make a great side to fruit or yogurt. They’re freezer-friendly, so you can make a batch ahead for quick grab-and-go lunches.
Lunchbox Shown: Bentgo Chill Lunchbox
Lunchbox Packing Tips
- To keep lunches fresh and safe, use an insulated lunchbox with an ice pack.
- Test the meals at home so your child gets used to eating them at the same temperature they’ll experience at school.
Lunchbox FAQs
Absolutely! Many of these recipes, like savory veggie muffins, mini waffles, or French toast sticks, can be made in big batches and stored in the fridge or freezer. Just pack them chilled in the morning with an ice pack, and they’ll be ready by lunchtime.
An insulated lunchbox with a good ice pack is your best friend. If you’re packing something warm that’s meant to be eaten at room temperature, let it cool completely before packing so it doesn’t steam up and get soggy. If you prefer to pack warm foods, you can use a lunchbox with a built-in thermos like this Omie lunchbox!
It’s a good idea to practice at home first. Serve some of these meals straight from the fridge so your child can get used to the different temperature and texture before school starts.
Healthy, tasty, and full of protein, these vegetarian lunchbox ideas prove you don’t need meat to make a meal your kids will love. Hope they make your lunch-packing a little easier!
