Non-Sandwich Lunch Ideas

Some schools in the country have started already and others are getting ready to start next week. Charlie starts Kindergarten on Thursday and we are super excited! This year, he’ll be full-day, which means that he actually has to eat lunch at school. And… it’s in the cafeteria! Eating in the cafeteria is probably one of the top things he’s looking forward to.

While he does love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, we cannot do that 5 days a week for the entire school year. I’m pretty sure he’d be sandwiched out before Thanksgiving.

I’m thinking ahead and coming up with some non-sandwich lunch ideas that I know he’ll love!

We made some Tuna Sushi earlier this year when I discovered Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore. Now, it’s the only tuna I’ll buy! With a firm texture, light color and fresh taste – Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore is the perfect ingredient to deliciously enhance almost any recipe, adding a variety of nutrients – including lean protein, healthy fat and important vitamins and minerals. (*see their website for full nutritional facts) Some of our favorite non-sandwich lunches this year are definitely going to include tuna!

First up, we have a Tuna Pasta Salad. It’s so simple, just some cooked pasta tossed with Italian dressing, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, and topped with some Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore. I love that it’s actual steaky chunks and not that sloppy mess that is often associated with canned tuna.

For something fun and different, we’re packing waffles for lunch! I lightly toasted some mini waffles and paired them with peanut butter and grapes.

I love using silicone cups for separating lunch items in a larger container (often a sandwich holder). A hard-boiled egg is great paired with some crackers and fruit.

You can still have ham and cheese without a sandwich! Just roll your lunch meat around a cheese stick. Some fresh fruit (we used sliced apples this time) and crackers makes for a well-rounded lunch.

Because Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore is thick and stays in actual chunks, it’s perfect to pack in the lunch box! I put some in a silicone cup and added raisins, apple slices, and bagel chips to make a lunch any kid would love.

I’ve put together 5 great non-sandwich lunch ideas to get you through a week of school, but here are some more tasty ideas for the kids (or grown-up)!