Some kids are starting to gear up for back to school, and some may still have a few weeks left of summer break. Whether you’re getting ready to head back to the classroom or you’re heading out for another outdoor adventure, here are some snacks that are perfect for a picnic or school lunch. Give them a try and let us know what your go-to snacks are!

 

PB&J Bites

The classic – peanut butter and jelly. The peanut butter offers a little protein and the jelly offers a tasty flavor. You could go with the usual method of delivery – sandwich style – or you could create bite size peanut butter and jelly snacks using crackers as your base. Grab a box of your favorite crackers (Ritz, Saltines, or any other kind you like), and spread a thin layer of peanut butter on top of one cracker. Then add a thin layer of jelly and top with another cracker. You don’t need as much of the peanut butter or jelly when making them on crackers because they’ll spill out the sides.

 

Trail Mix

This is the perfect snack for outdoor adventures or the classroom because it’s quick and easy to make and portable. Make your favorite trail mix combination. Some classic ingredients include: peanuts, M&Ms, pretzels, raisins, almonds, dried fruit, and yogurt bites. If you’re taking it to school for a snack, check with the teacher to make sure it’s okay for you to have peanuts in the classroom — fellow students may have a nut allergy to be aware of.

 

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Grab a tortilla and spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on it. Then put a layer of pepperoni on top of the sauce. Put a mozzarella cheese stick on one end of the tortilla and start to roll the tortilla from the end with the cheese stick to the other end. The cheese stick should end up in the middle of your “pizza roll.” These are super fast to make and can give you the feeling of eating pizza even though it’s not a full pie.

 

Pasta Salad

A cold pasta salad is a refreshing meal for a hot summer day, and it packs well for a school lunch. Cook up the pasta of your choice (bowtie pasta is fun), rinse with cold water, and drain. Then wash and chop some of your favorite vegetables — everyone’s pasta salad is different but some ideas include peas, red peppers, broccoli bits, or even corn. Chop the veggies small so they mix in well with the pasta. If you like to add some cold deli meat like pepperoni or salami you can do that. Top with your preferred dressing such as Italian dressing, and add some shredded parmesan cheese.

 

Kabobs

Take your favorite lunch meat, cheese, and veggies and put them on sticks kabob style. You can do this with fruit too. Melon pieces, grapes, and strawberries are great choices for a fruit kabob. Wrap them in foil and pack them in your picnic basket or lunch box.

 

Hummus & Veggies

A little bit of protein and a lot of healthy. Wash and chop carrots, celery, cucumber, and peppers into slices. You can make your own hummus if you prefer, but there are lots of great options at the store too such as roasted red pepper, garlic, and more! Pick up a couple of flavors and see which one you like best.

 

Turkey Bagel

Everyone has had a turkey sandwich before, but have you ever had a turkey bagel? Grab a bagel (toast it if you like it crispy), spread cream cheese on it, and add your cheese and lunch meat (turkey or other) as you would do on a normal sandwich. Top with veggies like lettuce or tomato, and then add your second bagel to the top. It’s a delicious way to mix up the traditional sandwich.

Packing for picnics or school lunches doesn’t have to be hard or unhealthy. With a little bit of planning you can have a snack that tastes great and is also healthy!