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We’re going on 3 years of having at least one of our kids in peanut-free classrooms, and in that time, we’ve actually had fun and embraced the challenge of finding simple, healthy alternatives to our favorite PB&J sandwich.
If you’re looking for some nut-free lunch solutions, or are just stuck in a peanut butter rut, these ideas are sure to get your juices flowing! They are all finger foods that can be eaten cold – perfect for packing in the school lunch bag!
Sandwiches
1. Cucumber sandwiches: These were a big hit with my girls last year. We would change it up between cucumbers with cream cheese and cucumbers with Miracle Whip.
2. Salami and cream cheese sandwich: Meat and cheese sandwiches are great alternatives to PB&Js. The trick is finding out which meat and cheese combos your kids love. Right now their favorite is Black Forrest Ham with Smoked Gouda.
3. Tomato and mozzarella sandwich
4. Cream cheese and jelly sandwich: Another favorite around here. My kids would eat these everyday if I let them!
5. Turkey and cranberry sandwich: These are great around the holidays, and the cranberries give the sandwich a delicious tangy sweetness. You can find a simple recipe for homemade cranberry sauce here.
Roll-Ups and Wraps
6. Turkey and cream cheese roll-ups: These often show up as appetizers at parties, but they’re just as at home in your kiddo’s lunchbox!
8. Healthy hummus wrap: I was so surprised when I learned that my picky eaters like hummus. Use it wrapped with veggies for a lunch that’s healthy and tasty.
9. Pizza roll-ups: There aren’t very many foods that both of my kids like, but pizza is definitely one of them. Try this variation of the famous kid-pleaser
10. Sushi sandwich with cream cheese: This is a fun, non-fishy way to pack your bento with sushi
11. Lettuce wraps: Wrap chicken salad or egg salad in lettuce and keep the forks at home!
12. Sushi sandwich with tuna: Tuna salad is a lot more fun dressed up as sushi
Leftovers
These recipes easily go from the dinner table to the lunch box the next day!
13. Quesadillas: Keep ’em simple with just cheese, or add chicken and veggies to squeeze a little more nutrition between the layers!
14. Frittatas: Eggs, cheese, and veggies are much more portable as a frittata.
15. Veggie pizza: Add your little one’s favorite veggies and I promise, he will love this!
16. Baked chicken fingers: Perfect for dinner with the kids, then add the leftovers right to the lunch box for the next morning.
17. Heart-shaped empanadas: Send your love to school with these tasty leftovers. (Here is a recipe for “make ahead”mini empanadas)
18. Healthier-Pigs-in-a-Blanket: The “pigs” in this recipe are actually turkey dogs. Add some cheese and they will be an instant favorite.
19. Mini Quiches: Make muffin tin quiches for easy lunch-time eating (recipe for mini-quiches).
