Toddler Lunch Ideas | Fun and Healthy Meals

Toddler lunch ideas can be both fun and challenging as you strive to serve colourful, healthy meals, with courses that children can pick up and chew.

Toddler lunch ideas are a blend of balanced nutrition and creativity, featuring bite-sized pieces of fruit, vegetables, protein, and whole grain food.

Whether you’re preparing a plate at home or filling your daycare lunch box, the key to satisfying young eaters–and making them happy to eat again another time–is variation and showmanship. With just a modicum of guidance, a child’s lunchtime can bring lots of nourishing and wholesome enjoyment.

Toddler Lunch Ideas

Here’s a big list — 55+ Toddler Lunch Ideas — to keep little ones happy, healthy, and excited about mealtime:

Sandwiches & Wraps

1. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
2. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
3. Hummus and Cucumber Wrap
4. Grilled Cheese Triangles
5. Chicken Salad Mini Pitas
6. Egg Salad Sandwich
7. SunButter and Jelly Sandwich
8. Turkey and Avocado Roll-Ups
9. Mini Ham and Cheese Sliders
10. Cream Cheese and Strawberry Wrap

Finger Foods

1. Mini Quesadillas (cheese or veggie)
2. Chicken Nuggets with Veggie Sticks
3. Homemade Fish Sticks
4. Mini Turkey Meatballs
5. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
6. Cheese Cubes and Crackers
7. Hard-Boiled Egg with Fruit
8. Mini Pita and Hummus Dippers
9. Zucchini Tots
10. Mini Veggie Muffins

Pasta & Noodles

1. Macaroni and Cheese (classic or hidden veggie)
2. Buttered Noodles with Peas
3. Pasta Salad with Tiny Veggies
4. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (cut into short strands)
5. Alphabet Pasta Soup
6. Cheesy Broccoli Pasta
7. Bowtie Pasta with Olive Oil and Parmesan
8. Toddler Lasagna Cups
9. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
10. Chicken and Noodle Soup

Rice & Grains

1. Chicken and Rice Bowl
2. Veggie Fried Rice
3. Mini Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter
4. Quinoa and Veggie Patties
5. Rice and Bean Burrito Bites
6. Cheesy Rice with Broccoli
7. Brown Rice and Avocado Bowls
8. Coconut Rice with Mango Chunks
9. Oatmeal and Banana Bites
10. Mini Sushi Rolls (cucumber, avocado)

Egg-Based Meals

1. Scrambled Eggs with Toast Soldiers
2. Mini Egg Muffins with Veggies
3. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Tiny Crackers
4. Egg and Cheese Breakfast Burrito
5. Deviled Egg Boats (mild and kid-friendly)
6. Omelet Strips (spinach, cheese, mild veggies)
7. Egg Salad on Crackers
8. Cheese and Spinach Frittata
9. French Toast Sticks
10. Eggy Rice with Peas

Toddler-Friendly Bowls

1. Yogurt Parfait (with granola and berries)
2. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple Bowl
3. Mini Smoothie Bowls
4. Banana and Nut Butter Bowl
5. Avocado and Tuna Mash Bowl
6. Hummus and Veggie Snack Plate
7. Mashed Sweet Potato and Chicken Bowl
8. Oatmeal with Applesauce and Cinnamon
9. Greek Yogurt and Fruit Dippers

Would you like me to also give you a sample 1-week toddler lunch plan to make it even easier for you to mix and match?

Recipes for Toddler Lunch Ideas

1. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe

A quick and easy snack that combines turkey and cheese into a delicious, low-carb wrap.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of deli turkey
• 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon mustard or mayo (optional)
• Fresh spinach or lettuce (optional)

Instructions:

1. On a clean surface or plate, flatten the turkey slices out.
2. Each slice of turkey will get its slice of cheese placed on top.
3. If so desired, add a thin layer of mustard or mayonnaise.
4. For extra crunch, add spinach or lettuce if you like.
5. Roll up the turkey slice with the cheese slice closely.
6. Either slice in half or take it as it comes, it makes for a tasty snack or a light lunch.

2. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich Recipe

A classic, nutritious sandwich with the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of whole-grain bread
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1 ripe banana
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spread some peanut butter on one slice of bread evenly.
2. Slice the banana up into thin rounds and put them on top of the peanut butter.
3. If you want the bananas to be sweeter than what they already are, then drizzle the top with a little honey.
4. Put on the top slice of bread and then gently press down.
5. Take a long knife and cut it in half or quarters to eat.

3. Hummus and Cucumber Wrap Recipe

A light and refreshing wrap with creamy hummus and crisp cucumber.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole wheat tortilla or wrap
• 2 tablespoons hummus
• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons shredded carrots (optional)
• A few leaves of lettuce or spinach (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spread hummus across the center of the tortilla evenly.
2. On top of the hummus, layer several cucumber slices.
3. Throw in shredded carrots and some leafy greens if you like.
4. Roll up the tortilla tightly, and if needed, cut it into smaller sections.
5. Chill before serving, after which it becomes a snack that’s as refreshing as it is filling.

4. Grilled Cheese Triangles Recipe

A warm, melty classic favorite with golden, crispy bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread lightly.
2. Fold the cheese slices between the two unbuttered sides of a sandwich.
3. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
4. Using the skillet, grilled sandwich on the buttered side down until it is golden brown about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Then flip and grill the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden.
6. Cool briefly, then slice on the diagonal.
7. Serve hot with some tomato sauce or a favorite dipping sauce on the side.

5. Chicken Salad Mini Pitas Recipe

A healthy and flavorful chicken salad served in soft pita pockets.

Ingredients:

• 2 small whole wheat pita pockets
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or mayo)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lettuce leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, green yogurt, mustard, celery, and red onion.
2. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Take the pita pockets and slice them in half so that there is a small opening.
4. For each pita, load it with the chicken salad mixture.
5. Feel free to add fresh lettuce leaves if you want extra crunch.
6. Eat straight away as a light lunch or snack.

6. Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe

A creamy, satisfying sandwich with egg salad filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or your choice)
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, and parsley.
2. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Taste the mixture before spreading it evenly onto a slice of bread.
4. Place a second slice of bread on top and gently press it down.
5. Cut the sandwich in half or into quarters, and then serve cold.

7. SunButter and Jelly Sandwich Recipe

A nut-free version of the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, using SunButter.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread (whole wheat, white, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons SunButter (sunflower seed butter)
• 2 tablespoons jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or your choice)

Instructions:

1. Spread SunButter evenly onto one slice of bread.
2. Spread jelly or jam on the other slice of bread.
3. Then press the two slices of bread together, and there are two pieces of bread.
4. After that, cut it into two or three more pieces and enjoy it!

8. Turkey and Avocado Roll-Ups Recipe

A healthy and satisfying wrap with turkey and creamy avocado.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of deli turkey
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or mustard (optional)
• A few leaves of spinach or lettuce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Lay the turkey slices flat on a clean surfaceTopop each turkey slice with avocado slices.
2. A thin layer of mayonnaise or mustard, depending on your preference.
3. Spinach or lettuce can also be added for additional crunch.
4. Roll the turkey and avocado slices tightly into roll-ups.
5. Serve as is or slice into smaller pieces.

9. Mini Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe

Small, savory ham and cheese sandwiches with melted goodness.

Ingredients:

• 6 small slider buns
• 6 slices of deli ham
• 6 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Those buns from the slider type popular pre-sliced! Place the bottom halves of them on a baking sheet.
3. Each bun is layered with a slice of ham, a slice of cheese
4. Place the top halves of the buns on the sandwiches.
5. Dijon mustard and melted butter, which melt the poppy seed sandwich:
6. If you’d like, sprinkle poppy seeds over the buns.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly at about 375°f (190°C).
8. This makes a perfect snack with just the right amount of créme and cheese for a cool night party appetizer.

10. Cream Cheese and Strawberry Wrap Recipe

A refreshing treat that is sweet and creamy with fresh strawberries and cream cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole wheat tortilla or wrap
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Coat the center of the tortilla evenly with cream cheese.
2. Put the sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese.
3. A little honey drizzle for added sweetness (optional).
4. Roll the tortilla as tightly as you can, and then slice smaller sections off it if needed.
5. Serve at once for a refreshing, sweet snack.

11. Mini Quesadillas (cheese or veggie) Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas (4- to 5-inch size)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped vegetables (optional — bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, etc.)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oil or cooking spray
• Salsa or guacamole, for serving

Instructions

1. Present the filling: In a small bowl, mix chopped cheese with chopped vegetables, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Gather Quesadillas: Take out the Mini Tortilus. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling on one half of each tortilla, then bend to make a half moon shape. Press gently to seal.
3. Cook: Heat a pan on medium heat and add a little oil or spray. Cook the cheese for 2-3 minutes per side until the cheese melts and the tortillas turn golden brown. Work in batches when needed.
4. Serve: Let it cool slightly, then cut it into wedges when desired. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for the noodles.