Back in the day, my Bionic Woman lunchbox felt like the coolest thing ever. Larissa had a Hardy Boys lunchbox and she was equally obsessed. While the lunchboxes themselves were iconic, the food inside…well, let’s just say we’ve come a long way from bologna sandwiches and PB&J.
These days, packing vegetarian lunches for kids is a fun challenge. It’s a chance to get a little creative, especially if your kid’s idea of “trying new things” means eating half a baby carrot.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We’ve heard from plenty of members in our Peas and Carrots Society who are juggling picky eaters, nut allergies, and time-crunched mornings. This list is for you.
We’ve rounded up 25 kid-approved vegetarian lunches—some vegan, some easily adaptable—that are tasty, packable, and even (gasp!) lunchbox-trade-worthy.
From batch-prepped pasta salads to bento-friendly bites kids can pack themselves (with a little help), there’s plenty here to make lunchtime easier and more fun. Let’s get packing!
If you’d prefer to listen to us talk about vegetarian kids lunches, check out episode 166 of our podcast here. Please note, this article has been updated since the recording of the podcast so the information in the audio may vary.
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Cold Vegetarian Lunches for Kids (Great for the Lunch Box)
Some kids like their lunches simple, which usually means no heating required. These cold vegetarian lunch ideas are easy to make ahead, pack beautifully in a lunchbox or bento, and are full of flavor (without being fussy). They’re also perfect for batch prep if you’ve got more than one lunchbox to fill.
1. Hummus Wraps with Carrot and Red Pepper Sticks
Creamy hummus, shredded carrots, and thin strips of red bell pepper wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. It’s colorful, crunchy, and easy to customize. Add a sprinkle of feta (or vegan feta) or a few baby spinach leaves, corn, or whatever veggies your little one likes for extra flavor.
2. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Sometimes called mock tuna, this simple lunch is made from mashed chickpeas mixed with a little mayo (vegan if you like), mustard, celery, and a pinch of garlic powder. Serve it between whole grain sandwich bread or stuffed into a pita pocket. Here’s our recipe for a fabulous chickpea salad sandwich.
3. Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Cold pasta, basil pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, and cubes of mozzarella or vegan cheese are all you need for this delicious lunch. Toss them together and serve in a thermos or a chilled container.
4. Avocado Pasta with Peas
Cook short pasta (like rotini or elbows) and mix with creamy mashed avocado, lemon juice, and a handful of cooked sweet green peas. Serve cold with a sprinkle of grated cheese or hemp seeds for protein.
5. Mini Greek Yogurt and Granola Parfaits
Layer plant-based Greek yogurt and fruit (like blueberries or sliced strawberries) in a small container. To keep the granola crunchy until lunchtime, pack it in a separate small container and add it just before eating.
6. Sweet Potato Wedges with Apple Slices and Cheddar Cubes
For a no-fuss lunch that feels more like a snack tray, pack roasted sweet potato wedges, fresh apple slices, and bite-sized cubes of cheddar (or a dairy-free version) in a bento box with compartments.
Warm (Thermos-Friendly) Vegetarian Lunches
For kids who prefer something warm and cozy, these vegetarian lunch ideas are perfect for packing in a thermos or reheating in the morning before school and wrapping in foil until lunchtime. They’re comforting, kid-friendly, and ideal for cooler days or heartier appetites. Many of these can be made ahead in batches to save time during busy school weeks.
7. Vegan Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese makes for a creamy, super satisfying lunch. Use your favorite plant-based recipe or try our go-to version from Nora Cooks. It holds up well in a thermos and always gets rave reviews.
8. Bean and Cheese Quesadillas
It doesn’t get much easier than quesadillas—a simple combo of refried beans and shredded cheese melted inside a whole wheat tortilla. Cut the finished quesadilla into strips for easy eating and wrap in foil. You can swap in vegan cheese or add mild salsa for extra flavor.
9. Lentil or Veggie Chili
Packed with protein and fiber, a warm thermos of chili makes a filling lunch. Load it up with beans, corn, and bell peppers—or keep it smooth and mild for picky eaters.
10. Baked Tofu Nuggets with Dipping Sauce
Crispy on the outside, tender inside—these baked tofu bites are great for dipping in ketchup, BBQ sauce, or even a vegan ranch. Pack them with a side of fruit or veggies.
11. Vegan Schnitzel Strips
Pan-fried or baked, vegan schnitzel is crispy, savory, and fun to eat. Slice it into strips for easy packing and pair with mustard or hummus on the side. Here’s a great recipe for vegan schnitzel from Plant You.
12. Mini Pizza Bites with Hidden Veggie Sauce
Make mini pizzas using biscuit dough or pita rounds topped with sauce blended with carrots or spinach. Add cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) and bake in batches. These freeze and reheat beautifully.
Bento Box Lunch Ideas for Vegetarian Kids
Bento lunches are perfect for kids who like a little variety (and for parents who like a little structure). These mix-and-match style meals are colorful, fun to eat, and easy to pack in divided containers. Plus, they’re a great way to introduce new foods alongside familiar favorites.
13. DIY Veggie Sushi Rolls
Use sushi rice, nori sheets, and fillings like cucumber, avocado, or tofu. If you’ve never rolled sushi before, don’t worry — imperfect rolls still taste great. Include a small container of soy sauce for dipping.
14. Hard-Boiled Eggs, Cucumber Coins, and a Mini Muffin
This high-protein option balances savory and sweet. Add some cherry tomatoes or baby carrots for extra crunch.
15. Veggie Patties, Melon Cubes, and Pretzels
Homemade or store-bought veggie patties sliced into bite-sized pieces pair well with fresh melon cubes and a handful of whole grain pretzels.
16. Strawberry Muffins, Plant-Based Yogurt, and Berries
A slightly sweet lunch that still packs in fiber and protein. Use muffin recipes that avoid refined sugar if you like, and keep the granola or toppings in a separate compartment to keep them crunchy.
17. Pita Triangles, Hummus, Salad Veggies, and Olives
This Mediterranean-style lunch is simple but flavorful. Add bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices to dip in hummus.
18. Egg Cups (Quiches) with Spinach and Cheese
Mini quiches baked with veggies and a little shredded cheese store well in the fridge and taste great warm or cold.
Pack-It-Themselves Ideas (With a Little Help!)
Giving kids a bit of lunch-packing independence can make them more excited to eat what’s in the box. These ideas are simple enough for young helpers to assemble with minimal supervision — just lay out the options, offer a little guidance, and let them build their own lunch.
19. Build-Your-Own Sandwich Kit
Pack sandwich bread or mini rolls, a few spreads (like nut-free sunflower seed butter or hummus), and fillings like sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or cheddar cheese. Packing everything separately is a great way to keep sogginess at bay and let kids choose what goes on their sandwich.
20. Snack Board in a Box
Think of this as a kid-friendly charcuterie: a handful of crackers, some plant-based deli slices or cheese cubes, baby carrots, fruit, and a small treat (like a few chocolate chips or a mini cookie).
21. Little Lunches Mix-and-Match Grid
Set up a grid of options: one protein (tofu, beans, nut butter), one carb (pita, pasta, rice), one fruit, one veggie, and one dip or treat. Kids can pick one from each row to create their own bento-style lunch.
22. Smoothie Pack + Measuring Cup
Freeze
23. Pasta Salad Jar
Layer pasta salad in small jars or containers for grab-and-go lunches. Kids can shake it up before eating. Add chickpeas, chopped veggies, and a drizzle of vinaigrette or pesto for extra flavor.
Smart Lunchbox Packing Tips for Busy Mornings
Even the best lunch ideas can fall apart if they’re soggy, warm when they should be cold (or vice versa), or packed in a rush. Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help keep your kid-friendly vegetarian lunches fresh, safe, and stress-free on school mornings.
Keep Hot Foods Hot, Cold Foods Cold
A good-quality thermos can keep mac and cheese or soup warm until lunchtime. For cold items like yogurt, smoothies, or veggie sticks, include an ice pack and use an insulated lunch bag.
Embrace Batch Cooking
Prepping a few staples on the weekend—like baked tofu, pasta salad, or muffins—makes weekday packing so much easier. Portion lunches into containers ahead of time for quick grab-and-go options.
Use Allergy-Aware Swaps
For nut-free schools, opt for sunflower seed butter, hummus, or mashed avocado as sandwich spreads. Swap dairy-based yogurt or cheese for plant-based alternatives if needed.
Bento Boxes and Lunch Gear We Love
Having the right container can make all the difference. Divided bento boxes help keep food separate (and more appealing to picky eaters). Leak-proof containers are a must for dips and sauces.
You can check out some of our favorite lunch-packing gear on Amazon or Thrive Market — we’ve tested and used many of them ourselves.
Try a Meal Planning Tool
If mornings are especially hectic, using a tool like Plan to Eat can help you map out lunches for the week. You can even build a reusable “Little Lunches” rotation that everyone in the house helps plan.
14 Day Free Trial!
Final Thoughts: Simple, Satisfying Vegetarian Lunches for Kids
Packing vegetarian lunches for kids doesn’t have to mean endless PB&Js or pasta every day (although hey, we’re not knocking a good pesto pasta salad). With a little variety, some batch prep, and a touch of help from your young kitchen crew, lunch can actually be something everyone looks forward to—even picky eaters.
We hope this list gives you some fresh inspiration for the school year ahead. Whether you’re trying out bento boxes for the first time or just looking to make mornings a little smoother, there’s something here to fit your routine.
Got a favorite go-to vegetarian lunch or a Little Lunches win to share? We’d love to hear from you in our Peas and Carrots Society on Facebook — it’s a judgment-free zone full of support and great ideas.
Love these ideas? Check out our full collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes for more! You can also find more on our Kid-Friendly Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes board on Pinterest.
FAQ: Vegetarian Lunches for Kids
What are some high-protein vegetarian lunches for kids?
Some easy plant-based protein options include lentil chili, chickpea salad sandwiches, baked tofu nuggets, and hard-boiled eggs. You can also use Greek yogurt, nut-free seed butters, and whole grains like quinoa or whole wheat pasta to boost protein in your child’s lunch.
How can I make vegetarian school lunches nut-free?
Swap out nut butters with sunflower seed butter or hummus, and use plant-based yogurts and cheeses that don’t contain nut ingredients. Be sure to double-check labels, especially for snack items or pre-made foods. Many schools now require fully nut-free lunchboxes, so sticking to simple whole foods can help avoid issues.
What vegetarian lunches are good for picky eaters?
Stick with familiar textures and flavors. Pasta with butter or pesto, mini quesadillas, veggie-packed muffins, and snack-style lunches (like fruit, cheese, and crackers) tend to work well. Bento-style boxes also help because kids can try small portions of different foods without feeling overwhelmed.
Can I meal prep vegetarian lunches for the whole week?
Absolutely. Dishes like pasta salad, egg cups, baked tofu, and muffins hold up well in the fridge. You can portion meals into containers over the weekend, and even freeze extras. Using a tool like Plan to Eat can help you organize recipes and create a weekly lunch rotation.
What are good vegetarian options for a lunch thermos?
Warm meals that work well in a thermos include mac and cheese (vegan or dairy-based), lentil soup, veggie chili, rice and beans, or vegan schnitzel strips. Pack them hot and seal tightly to keep them warm until lunchtime.