School Lunch Ideas Sixth Grade: Fun and Easy Options to Keep Kids Happy!

School Lunch Ideas Sixth Grade: Fun and Easy Options to Keep Kids Happy!

By Sara Taylor

School Lunch Ideas Sixth Grade: Fun and Easy Options to Keep Kids Happy!

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
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Recipes

Packing a lunch for a sixth grader can indeed be a tricky business. They have their own Opinions on what they want (and what they absolutely will not eat), the lunch period is a mere ten minutes long, and you want to make sure they have something other than crackers to eat. These ten ideas will keep kids of all ages happy, and most will take you less time to put together than it takes to brew a pot of coffee.

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1) Turkey and Cheese Roll-ups

turkey and cheese roll-ups in a wide horizontal shot, sliced pinwheels arranged in a bento lunch box beside cherry tomatoes, set on a bright kitchen counter, cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The no-bread lunch solution for the child who removes the crust from every sandwich.

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turkey and cheese roll-ups in a wide horizontal shot, sliced pinwheels arranged in a bento lunch box beside cherry tomatoes, set on a bright kitchen counter, cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Turkey and Cheese Roll-ups

Grab and go bites have cheese sticks and soft turkey slices that are rolled up around them.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices deli turkey
  • 2 sticks cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp cream cheese
  • 4 cherry tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Lay the turkey slices flat on a cutting board.
  2. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over each slice.
  3. Place a cheese stick at one edge and roll the turkey up around it.
  4. Cut each roll in half if you like smaller bites.
  5. Pack with a few cherry tomatoes on the side.

Notes

Secure each roll with a toothpick if it won't stay closed, then remove before packing for younger eaters.

2) Veggie and Hummus Wrap

a veggie hummus wrap sliced in half in a wide horizontal shot, colorful layers of carrot, cucumber, and pepper visible, packed in a lunch container with apple slices, bright cheerful light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A wrap that's crunchy, colorful, and makes veggies feel like a snack!

a veggie hummus wrap sliced in half in a wide horizontal shot, colorful layers of carrot, cucumber, and pepper visible, packed in a lunch container with apple slices, bright cheerful light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Veggie and Hummus Wrap

A soft tortilla slathered with creamy hummus and packed with crisp vegetables in all the colors of the rainbow.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 flour tortilla
  • 3 tbsp hummus
  • 1/4 cup carrot shredded
  • 1/4 cucumber sliced
  • 1/4 bell pepper sliced
  • 2 tbsp spinach

Method
 

  1. Lay the tortilla flat and spread the hummus evenly to the edges.
  2. Layer the shredded carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, and spinach down the center.
  3. Fold in the sides, then roll the tortilla up tightly.
  4. Slice in half on the diagonal.
  5. Wrap snugly in parchment so it holds together until lunchtime.

Notes

Spread hummus all the way to the edges so it acts like glue and keeps the wrap from unrolling.

3) Chicken Caesar Salad

a chicken Caesar salad in a wide horizontal shot, crisp romaine topped with diced chicken, shaved parmesan, and golden croutons in a clear container, a small dressing cup beside it, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Little Caesars are a great traveling meal, just be sure to pack your dressing separately!

a chicken Caesar salad in a wide horizontal shot, crisp romaine topped with diced chicken, shaved parmesan, and golden croutons in a clear container, a small dressing cup beside it, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Caesar Salad

Crispy romaine combined with juicy chicken, savory parmesan, and crunchy croutons makes a delicious salad for the lunchbox.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken diced
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup croutons
  • 2 tbsp Caesar dressing

Method
 

  1. Chop the romaine and add it to a lunch container.
  2. Top with the diced cooked chicken and grated parmesan.
  3. Pack the croutons in a separate small bag so they stay crunchy.
  4. Add the Caesar dressing in a little leakproof cup on the side.
  5. At lunch, drizzle on the dressing, add croutons, and toss.

Notes

Keep dressing and croutons separate until lunchtime so nothing goes soggy.

4) Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

a fruit and yogurt parfait in a wide horizontal shot, creamy layers with bright berries in a clear jar beside a small bag of granola, set on a sunny counter, fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Real fruit is snuck into this dessert-like layered parfait.

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a fruit and yogurt parfait in a wide horizontal shot, creamy layers with bright berries in a clear jar beside a small bag of granola, set on a sunny counter, fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

Yogurt mixed with berries and granola makes for a great lunch option!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup mixed berries
  • 1/4 cup granola
  • 1 tsp honey

Method
 

  1. Spoon a layer of yogurt into the bottom of a small lidded container or jar.
  2. Add a layer of mixed berries.
  3. Repeat with another layer of yogurt and berries.
  4. Drizzle a little honey over the top.
  5. Pack the granola separately and sprinkle it on right before eating.

Notes

Keep granola in its own bag so it stays crunchy instead of going soft in the yogurt.

5) Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

ham and cheese pinwheels in a wide horizontal shot, neat spirals showing ham, cheese, and green spinach arranged in a bento box with grapes, set on a bright counter, cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cute spiraled pinwheels vanish quickly at the lunch table.

ham and cheese pinwheels in a wide horizontal shot, neat spirals showing ham, cheese, and green spinach arranged in a bento box with grapes, set on a bright counter, cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

A tortilla is rolled up with ham, cheese, and cream cheese, and then cut into neat little spirals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 flour tortilla
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • 3 slices deli ham
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp spinach chopped

Method
 

  1. Spread the cream cheese evenly over the entire tortilla.
  2. Layer the ham and cheese slices over the cream cheese.
  3. Scatter on the chopped spinach.
  4. Roll the tortilla up tightly into a log.
  5. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and pack.

Notes

Chill the rolled log for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner pinwheels.

6) Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

tuna salad lettuce wraps in a wide horizontal shot, creamy tuna nestled in crisp green lettuce cups arranged in a lunch container with crackers, set on a kitchen counter, bright fresh light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Enjoy a tuna salad with a lighter and crunchier flavor and won't make your backpack smell.

tuna salad lettuce wraps in a wide horizontal shot, creamy tuna nestled in crisp green lettuce cups arranged in a lunch container with crackers, set on a kitchen counter, bright fresh light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Creamy tuna salad is easy to prepare and great for hand-held lunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can tuna drained
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp celery finely diced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 4 leaves butter lettuce
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Flake the drained tuna into a bowl.
  2. Stir in the mayonnaise, diced celery, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Spoon the tuna salad into each butter lettuce leaf.
  4. Roll or fold the leaves gently around the filling.
  5. Pack with an ice pack to keep everything cool until lunch.

Notes

Send an ice pack along since this one needs to stay chilled.

7) Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

pasta salad in a wide horizontal shot, spiral pasta tossed with bright cherry tomatoes and mozzarella in a clear container, flecked with herbs, set on a sunny counter, fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pasta salad you can make ahead, and tastes even better the next day!

pasta salad in a wide horizontal shot, spiral pasta tossed with bright cherry tomatoes and mozzarella in a clear container, flecked with herbs, set on a sunny counter, fresh natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Small pasta combined with sweet cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a tasty Italian dressing.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup Italian dressing
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Add the cooled pasta to a bowl with the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
  3. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss to coat.
  4. Sprinkle in the parmesan and a pinch of salt and toss again.
  5. Chill, then pack into a lidded container.

Notes

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

8) Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

a peanut butter and banana sandwich cut in half in a wide horizontal shot, banana slices and creamy filling visible, packed in a lunch box with a handful of pretzels, set on a bright counter, cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The classic combination that gives children energy for a long afternoon.

a peanut butter and banana sandwich cut in half in a wide horizontal shot, banana slices and creamy filling visible, packed in a lunch box with a handful of pretzels, set on a bright counter, cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Soft bread makes for a favorite kids sandwich, it has creamy peanut butter and sweet banana slices.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices whole wheat bread
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 banana sliced
  • 1 tsp honey

Method
 

  1. Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread.
  2. Arrange the banana slices over one slice.
  3. Drizzle a little honey over the bananas.
  4. Press the second slice on top to close the sandwich.
  5. Cut in half and pack.

Notes

A thin layer of peanut butter on both slices keeps the banana from sliding out.

9) Apple Slices with Almond Butter

crisp apple slices fanned beside a small dish of almond butter in a wide horizontal shot, a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top, arranged in a bento lunch box, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A great snack-lunch combo is crunchy apples, creamy almond butter, and dip.

crisp apple slices fanned beside a small dish of almond butter in a wide horizontal shot, a sprinkle of chocolate chips on top, arranged in a bento lunch box, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Apple Slices with Almond Butter

Crisp apple slices with creamy almond butter for dipping make a sweet and crunchy snack.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 apple sliced
  • 2 tbsp almond butter
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips

Method
 

  1. Core the apple and slice it into wedges.
  2. Toss the slices with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
  3. Spoon the almond butter into a small dip container.
  4. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips into the almond butter for a fun touch.
  5. Pack the apples and dip side by side in the lunch box.

Notes

A quick toss in lemon juice keeps the apple slices looking fresh by lunchtime.

10) Mini Quiche Muffins

mini quiche egg muffins in a wide horizontal shot, golden cups flecked with red pepper and green spinach cooling on a wire rack beside a lunch box, bright kitchen light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mini omelets can be made in advance to help pack protein rich lunch.

mini quiche egg muffins in a wide horizontal shot, golden cups flecked with red pepper and green spinach cooling on a wire rack beside a lunch box, bright kitchen light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mini Quiche Muffins

Light and airy baked egg cups filled with cheese and veggies. Great size for little hands!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
  • 1/4 cup bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup spinach chopped
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a muffin tin.
  2. Whisk the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt together in a bowl.
  3. Stir in the cheddar, bell pepper, and spinach.
  4. Pour the mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
  5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until set, then cool before packing.

Notes

Make a batch on the weekend and refrigerate; they reheat or pack cold beautifully all week.
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