School Lunch Ideas Fifth Grade: Fun and Easy Options Your Kids Will Love!

School Lunch Ideas Fifth Grade: Fun and Easy Options Your Kids Will Love!

By Sara Taylor

School Lunch Ideas Fifth Grade: Fun and Easy Options Your Kids Will Love!

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
•
Recipes

By fifth grade, kids have developed preferences for lunch. A sad squished sandwich wasn’t cutting it. These ideas are fun, filling, and grown-up enough to feel cool at the lunch table. Most of these lunches even come together in minutes, so the morning chaos stays manageable.

Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus a little encouragement and inspiration from me, straight to your inbox.

1) Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

turkey and cheese roll-up pinwheels arranged cut-side up on a plate, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a marble counter with cherry tomatoes nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These no-bread roll-ups are my go to lunchbox shortcut on the craziest mornings.

ONE LIST
Five simple dinners. One grocery list.

Five simple dinners. One grocery list.

No recipe hunting, no messy shopping notes, no complicated chef projects. Just family dinners that fit real weeks.

Get This Week's Plan
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
turkey and cheese roll-up pinwheels arranged cut-side up on a plate, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a marble counter with cherry tomatoes nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Roll ups with turkey & cheese have a lot of protein and require little effort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 flour tortillas
  • 3 tbsp cream cheese softened
  • 6 slices deli turkey
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese

Method
 

  1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over each tortilla.
  2. Layer the turkey and cheddar slices evenly across the surface.
  3. Roll each tortilla up tightly into a log.
  4. Slice into bite-sized pinwheels.
  5. Pack in a container with a cold pack.

Notes

Add a few baby spinach leaves for a pop of color.

2) Veggie and Hummus Wrap

a veggie hummus wrap sliced in half to show colorful carrots and cucumber inside, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden board with extra veggies nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The combination of crunchy vegetables and smooth hummus used in the wrap ensures it is not a wrap that gets swapped.

a veggie hummus wrap sliced in half to show colorful carrots and cucumber inside, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden board with extra veggies nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Veggie and Hummus Wrap

A crunchy veggie wrap with a rich layer of creamy hummus.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 wrap
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole wheat tortilla
  • 3 tbsp hummus
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup cucumber thinly sliced

Method
 

  1. Spread the hummus evenly across the tortilla.
  2. Scatter the shredded carrots and cucumber slices over the hummus.
  3. Add a small handful of greens if you like.
  4. Roll the tortilla up snugly.
  5. Slice in half and wrap for the lunchbox.

Notes

Pat the cucumber dry so the wrap doesn't get soggy.

3) Chicken Caesar Salad

a chicken Caesar salad with crisp romaine, diced chicken, and shredded parmesan in a bowl, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a kitchen table with a lemon wedge nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The mini Caesar salad packed in a jar is a sophisticated lunch my fifth grader will be excited to open.

a chicken Caesar salad with crisp romaine, diced chicken, and shredded parmesan in a bowl, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a kitchen table with a lemon wedge nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Caesar Salad

Enjoy this Chicken Caesar Salad with its juicy chicken and creamy, light dressing!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cooked chicken diced
  • 3 tbsp Caesar dressing
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Toss the chopped romaine with the Caesar dressing until lightly coated.
  2. Add the diced chicken and toss again.
  3. Sprinkle the parmesan over the top.
  4. Pack the dressing separately if you want crisper greens at lunch.
  5. Seal and keep chilled until ready to eat.

Notes

Layer dressing on the bottom of a jar to keep lettuce crisp.

4) Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

a colorful rotini pasta salad with tomatoes and mozzarella in a bowl, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a picnic table with a serving spoon nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cold pasta salad is the hero of our weeknight lunch prep as it can be made ahead of time.

Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus a little encouragement and inspiration from me, straight to your inbox.

a colorful rotini pasta salad with tomatoes and mozzarella in a bowl, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a picnic table with a serving spoon nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Colorful pasta salad with zesty Italian dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1/3 cup Italian dressing
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup diced mozzarella

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta until tender, then drain and rinse under cool water.
  2. Transfer the pasta to a bowl and pour over the Italian dressing.
  3. Fold in the cherry tomatoes and diced mozzarella.
  4. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before packing.

Notes

Make a big batch on Sunday for grab-and-go lunches all week.

5) SunButter and Jelly Sandwich

a sunflower butter and jelly sandwich cut diagonally to show the layers, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a plate over a bright table with a jar of jelly nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This nut-free version of the classic recipe soothes worried lunchroom allergies and fills hungry bellies.

a sunflower butter and jelly sandwich cut diagonally to show the layers, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a plate over a bright table with a jar of jelly nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

SunButter and Jelly Sandwich

Classroom safe SunButter and jelly sandwich.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 sandwich
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices sandwich bread
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seed butter
  • 1 tbsp grape jelly

Method
 

  1. Spread the sunflower seed butter over one slice of bread.
  2. Spread the jelly over the other slice.
  3. Press the slices together gently.
  4. Cut into halves or fun shapes with a cookie cutter.
  5. Wrap and pack for a nut-free lunch.

Notes

Spread SunButter to the edges so the jelly doesn't leak out.

6) Mini Bagel with Cream Cheese & Smoked Salmon

a mini bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and cucumber, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a slate board with a lemon wedge nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A fancy deli-style bagel makes my kid feel so special at the lunch table.

a mini bagel topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and cucumber, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a slate board with a lemon wedge nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mini Bagel with Cream Cheese & Smoked Salmon

An upgraded lunch idea is a mini bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 mini bagel halved
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • 2 oz smoked salmon
  • 1 tbsp cucumber thinly sliced

Method
 

  1. Spread cream cheese over both halves of the mini bagel.
  2. Layer the smoked salmon over the cream cheese.
  3. Top with a few thin cucumber slices.
  4. Press the halves together or pack open-faced.
  5. Keep chilled with a cold pack until lunch.

Notes

A squeeze of lemon over the salmon adds a bright finish.

7) Homemade Pizza Bagel

homemade pizza bagels with bubbly melted cheese and pepperoni on a baking sheet, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a kitchen counter with a sprinkle of oregano nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

School lunches are about to get a whole lot better with these broiled pizza bagels.

homemade pizza bagels with bubbly melted cheese and pepperoni on a baking sheet, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a kitchen counter with a sprinkle of oregano nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Homemade Pizza Bagel

Homemade pizza bagels filled with the cheesy goodness of pizza!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 bagels halved
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 slices pepperoni

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F and place the bagel halves on a baking sheet.
  2. Spread pizza sauce over each half.
  3. Sprinkle with mozzarella and top with pepperoni slices.
  4. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  5. Let cool slightly, then wrap once cooled for the lunchbox.

Notes

Pack at room temperature; they taste great even when not hot.

8) Greek Yogurt with Granola and Berries

a jar of thick Greek yogurt topped with granola and fresh berries, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a bright counter with a drizzle of honey nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

My child requests this for lunch again because it is sweet, crunchy, and creamy.

a jar of thick Greek yogurt topped with granola and fresh berries, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a bright counter with a drizzle of honey nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Greek Yogurt with Granola and Berries

Thick Greek yogurt with crunchy granola and fresh berries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup granola
  • 1/2 cup mixed berries
  • 1 tbsp honey

Method
 

  1. Spoon the Greek yogurt into a container or jar.
  2. Scatter the fresh berries over the yogurt.
  3. Drizzle with honey.
  4. Pack the granola in a separate little container so it stays crunchy.
  5. Sprinkle the granola on at lunchtime.

Notes

Keeping granola separate is the secret to avoiding sogginess.

9) Hard-Boiled Eggs with Carrot Sticks

peeled hard-boiled eggs halved beside fresh carrot sticks on a plate, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden table with a small dish of salt nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Protein packed foods are my no-cook morning lifesavers when I prepare them the night before.

peeled hard-boiled eggs halved beside fresh carrot sticks on a plate, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a wooden table with a small dish of salt nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Hard-Boiled Eggs with Carrot Sticks

An easy lunch option is hard-boiled eggs with carrot sticks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 eggs
  • 3 carrots cut into sticks
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 12 minutes.
  3. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath, then peel once cool.
  4. Cut the carrots into easy-to-grab sticks.
  5. Pack the eggs and carrots together with a tiny pinch of salt on the side.

Notes

Boil a batch of eggs on Sunday for grab-and-go lunches all week.

10) Cheese and Crackers with Grapes

a snack lunch with cheddar cubes, whole grain crackers, and fresh grapes in a divided container, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a bright counter with extra grapes nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

One of the more enjoyable parts of the lunchbox experience for my fifth grader, is the "create-your-own snack plate" activity.

a snack lunch with cheddar cubes, whole grain crackers, and fresh grapes in a divided container, shown in a wide horizontal shot on a bright counter with extra grapes nearby, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheese and Crackers with Grapes

Cheese and crackers paired with sweet grapes make a delightful and uncomplicated snack-style lunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz cheddar cheese cubed
  • 12 whole grain crackers
  • 1 cup grapes

Method
 

  1. Cut the cheddar into small, easy-to-stack cubes.
  2. Wash and pat the grapes dry.
  3. Arrange the cheese, crackers, and grapes in a divided container.
  4. Keep the crackers separate from the cheese so they stay crisp.
  5. Add a cold pack and seal for lunch.

Notes

Halve the grapes for younger kids to be safe.
Privacy Policy Your Privacy Choices Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Accessibility Widget