Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads – Simple, Cheap, and Tasty!

🍝 15-Minute Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad 🍕🥗

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 2

📋 Ingredients:

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  • 3 cups cooked rotini pasta 🍝
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni slices 🍕
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubes 🧀
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing 🥣
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, mini pepperoni slices, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese cubes, black olives, and diced green bell pepper.

3️⃣ Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and sprinkle in the dried oregano.

4️⃣ Toss everything together until well coated.

5️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ You can add other toppings like red onion, fresh basil, or even swap out the pepperoni for diced ham or chicken.

◻️ This pasta salad makes a great meal prep option. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🥗 5-Ingredient Chicken Caesar Salad 🍗🧀

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 3

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded 🍗
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped 🥬
  • 1 cup Caesar dressing 🥣
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
  • 1 cup croutons 🥖

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and cooked chicken breast.

2️⃣ Pour the Caesar dressing over the lettuce and chicken.

3️⃣ Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad.

4️⃣ Add the croutons on top.

5️⃣ Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.

6️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like cherry tomatoes, bacon bits, or avocado slices for additional flavor and texture.

◻️ This salad is perfect for meal prep. Simply store the components separately and toss together just before eating.

🌮 Taco Tuesday Salad 🥗✨

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 4

📋 Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey 🌮
  • 1 packet taco seasoning 🌽
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped 🥬
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 🫘
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) 🌽
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced 🧅
  • 1 avocado, sliced 🥑
  • 1/2 cup sour cream 🥣
  • 1/2 cup salsa 🍅
  • 1 cup crunchy tortilla strips 🥨

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

2️⃣ Add the taco seasoning to the meat along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir well and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3️⃣ In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, corn, and red onion.

4️⃣ Add the cooked taco meat to the salad and toss everything together.

5️⃣ Top the salad with sliced avocado, sour cream, and salsa.

6️⃣ Sprinkle the crunchy tortilla strips on top just before serving.

7️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to customize this salad with other toppings like jalapeños, olives, or fresh cilantro.

◻️ This salad can be made ahead of time. Just keep the tortilla strips separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain their crunch.

🍏 Sweet & Tangy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad 🍗🌰

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 5

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded 🍗
  • 1 large apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works great) 🍏
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped 🌰
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced 🥒
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise 🥛
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 🌟
  • 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
  • Lettuce leaves for serving 🥬

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced apple, chopped walnuts, and diced celery.

2️⃣ In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3️⃣ Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4️⃣ Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5️⃣ Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce leaves or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ You can add other ingredients like dried cranberries, red grapes, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

◻️ This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🥓 Loaded BLT Pasta Salad 🍅🥗

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 6

📋 Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked rotini pasta 🍝
  • 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped 🥬
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing 🥣
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese.

3️⃣ Pour the ranch dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.

4️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like avocado, diced red onion, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

◻️ This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🥗 Easy Greek Salad Bowls 🍅🧀

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 7

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1 large cucumber, diced 🥒
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled 🧀
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 🍷
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and pitted Kalamata olives.

2️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

3️⃣ Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

4️⃣ Add the crumbled feta cheese on top and gently toss to mix.

5️⃣ Serve immediately in bowls and enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, avocado, or grilled chicken for added protein and flavor.

◻️ This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🥔 Creamy Ranch Bacon Potato Salad 🥓🥗

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 8

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed 🥔
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓
  • 1 cup ranch dressing 🥣
  • 1/2 cup sour cream 🥄
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions 🧅
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large pot, bring the cubed potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled potatoes, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.

3️⃣ In a separate bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and sour cream until well combined.

4️⃣ Pour the dressing mixture over the potato mixture and toss gently to coat.

5️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6️⃣ Chill the potato salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

7️⃣ Serve cold and enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ You can add extras like shredded cheddar cheese, diced celery, or a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.

◻️ This potato salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🌯 Buffalo Chicken Salad Wraps 🍗🔥

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 9

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced 🍗
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce 🌶️
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing 🥣
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced 🥒
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
  • 4 large flour tortillas 🌾
  • Optional: Lettuce leaves for added crunch 🥬

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, diced celery, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.

2️⃣ Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface.

3️⃣ If using, place a few lettuce leaves in the center of each tortilla.

4️⃣ Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly onto the center of each tortilla.

5️⃣ Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly to form a wrap.

6️⃣ Cut the wraps in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ You can add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or a sprinkle of blue cheese for more flavor.

◻️ These wraps are great for meal prep. Store the buffalo chicken mixture separately in the fridge and assemble the wraps just before eating.

🥗 Zesty Southwest Quinoa Salad 🌽🌶️

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 10

📋 Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked 🍚
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) 🌽
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
  • 1 avocado, diced 🥑

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice 🍋
  • 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin 🌿
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro.

2️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3️⃣ Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.

4️⃣ Gently fold in the diced avocado.

5️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add other ingredients like jalapeños, shredded cheese, or even grilled chicken for extra protein.

◻️ This salad is great for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🥒 Cool Cucumber Dill Salad 🌿🥗

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 11

📋 Ingredients:

  • 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced 🥒
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped 🌿
  • 1/2 cup sour cream 🥛
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Place them in a large bowl.

2️⃣ Add the chopped fresh dill to the bowl.

3️⃣ In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4️⃣ Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5️⃣ Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

6️⃣ Serve cold and enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ You can add extras like cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.

◻️ This salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or as a light side dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

🥗 Crunchy Asian Slaw 🌟

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 12

📋 Ingredients:

  • 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple) 🥬
  • 1 cup shredded carrots 🥕
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 🌶️
  • 1 cup snap peas, sliced 🟢
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 🌿
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions 🧅
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds or chopped peanuts 🥜 (optional for extra crunch)

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce 🥣
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 🍚
  • 2 tablespoons honey 🍯
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil 🟡
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 🌿
  • 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, chopped cilantro, and green onions.

2️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.

3️⃣ Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4️⃣ Sprinkle slivered almonds or chopped peanuts on top for an extra crunch if desired.

5️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add other ingredients like sliced avocado, edamame, or mandarin oranges for added flavor and texture.

◻️ This slaw is great as a side dish, but also makes a fantastic topping for tacos, sandwiches, or even as a base for a healthy bowl.

🥗 Mediterranean Chickpea Salad 🍅🧀

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 13

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1 cucumber, diced 🥒
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled 🧀
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 🌿

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 🍷
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.

2️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

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3️⃣ Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add other ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or a sprinkle of pine nuts for added flavor and texture.

◻️ This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🥗 Quick & Easy Tuna Salad Cups 🐟💚

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 14

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained 🐟
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise 🥛
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 🌟
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced 🥒
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
  • 8 large lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce) 🥬

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and lemon juice.

2️⃣ Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3️⃣ Spoon the tuna salad mixture into the center of each large lettuce leaf.

4️⃣ Roll or fold the lettuce around the tuna salad if desired, or serve open-faced.

5️⃣ Arrange the tuna salad cups on a platter and serve immediately. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like diced pickles, chopped fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika for additional flavor.

◻️ These tuna salad cups are perfect for meal prep. Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and assemble the lettuce cups just before eating.

🍅 20-Minute Caprese Pasta Salad 🧀🌿

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 15

📋 Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked rotini pasta 🍝
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved 🧀
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 🌿
  • 1/4 cup balsamic glaze or reduction 🍇
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and halved mozzarella balls.

3️⃣ Drizzle the olive oil over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.

4️⃣ Add the torn basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently.

5️⃣ Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.

6️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh and delicious pasta salad!

📝 Notes:

◻️ You can add other ingredients like sliced avocado, grilled chicken, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and protein.

◻️ This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the balsamic glaze just before serving to keep it fresh.

🥑 Simple Avocado Corn Salad 🌽🥗

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 16

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 large avocados, diced 🥑
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained 🌽
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
  • 1 lime, juiced 🍋
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, drained corn, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.

2️⃣ Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salad.

3️⃣ Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well combined.

4️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like diced jalapeños for a bit of heat, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.

◻️ This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.

🍗 Chicken Waldorf Salad 🍏🌰

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 17

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded 🍗
  • 1 apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works great) 🍏
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped 🌰
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced 🥒
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise 🥛
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 🥄
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, diced apple, chopped walnuts, and diced celery.

2️⃣ In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3️⃣ Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4️⃣ Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

5️⃣ Serve the chicken Waldorf salad as a sandwich filling, on a bed of lettuce, or as a side dish. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add other ingredients like grapes, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

◻️ This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🌽 Tex-Mex Bean Salad 🥑

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 18

📋 Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained 🌽
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1 avocado, diced 🥑
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
  • 1/4 cup lime juice 🍋
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin 🌿
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.

2️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3️⃣ Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor and texture.

◻️ This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🍜 Easy Asian Noodle Salad 🥒🥕

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 19

📋 Ingredients:

  • 8 oz rice noodles or spaghetti 🍝
  • 1 cup shredded carrots 🥕
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers 🥒
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 🌶️
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 🌿
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions 🧅
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional) 🌾

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce 🥣
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 🍚
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil 🟡
  • 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 🌿
  • 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the rice noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.

3️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.

4️⃣ Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5️⃣ Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.

6️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh and flavorful noodle salad!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like shredded chicken, edamame, or crushed peanuts for added protein and crunch.

◻️ This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.

🍓 5-Ingredient Strawberry Spinach Salad 🥗

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 20

📋 Ingredients:

  • 6 cups fresh spinach leaves 🥬
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced 🍓
  • 1/2 cup nuts (sliced almonds or walnuts) 🌰
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette 🥣
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) 🧀

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves and sliced strawberries.

2️⃣ Sprinkle the nuts over the top of the salad.

3️⃣ Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.

4️⃣ If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.

5️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like grilled chicken, avocado slices, or red onion for more flavor and texture.

◻️ This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

🥔 Classic American Potato Salad 🥗✨

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 21

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed 🥔
  • 3 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped 🥚
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced 🥒
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1 cup mayonnaise 🥛
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard 🌟
  • 2 tablespoons sweet relish 🥄
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 🍏
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
  • Optional: paprika for garnish 🌶️

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large pot, bring the cubed potatoes to a boil in salted water. Cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion.

3️⃣ In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, sweet relish, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4️⃣ Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and toss gently to coat.

5️⃣ Chill the potato salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

6️⃣ Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve cold and enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped pickles, bacon bits, or fresh herbs for added flavor.

◻️ This potato salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a side dish for any meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🍋 Zippy Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad 🌿🍚

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 22

📋 Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked 🍚
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1 cucumber, diced 🥒
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped 🌱

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice 🍋
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest 🍋
  • 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Let cool.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

3️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4️⃣ Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like crumbled feta cheese, avocado, or toasted nuts for added flavor and texture.

◻️ This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🥗 Simple Cobb Salad Wraps 🌯🍗

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 23

📋 Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced 🍗
  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓
  • 1 avocado, diced 🥑
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 🥚
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles 🧀 (optional)
  • 4 large flour tortillas 🌾
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing 🥣

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.

2️⃣ If using, add the blue cheese crumbles and gently toss everything together.

3️⃣ Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface.

4️⃣ Spoon a generous amount of the Cobb salad mixture onto the center of each tortilla.

5️⃣ Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad mixture.

6️⃣ Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly to form a wrap.

7️⃣ Cut the wraps in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like lettuce, spinach, or red onion for more crunch and flavor.

◻️ These wraps are great for meal prep. Store the Cobb salad mixture separately in the fridge and assemble the wraps just before eating.

🌿 Peppy Pesto Pasta Salad 🍝🥗

Pack a Punch with These 23 School Lunch Salads - Simple, Cheap, and Tasty! 24

📋 Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne works great) 🍝
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls 🧀
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional) 🌰
  • 1 cup fresh basil pesto 🌿
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

📝 Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, sliced black olives, and finely chopped red onion.

3️⃣ In a small bowl, mix the fresh basil pesto with lemon juice.

4️⃣ Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5️⃣ If using, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top.

6️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7️⃣ Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy!

📝 Notes:

◻️ Feel free to add extras like diced avocado, shredded chicken, or fresh spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

◻️ This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Sara Taylor

Sara Taylor

Sara is a freelance writer from the Midwest. As a mom of 3 boys, she knows how much abuse a stroller can take.