25 Healthy Sandwich Ideas for Kids: Best Recipes for a Nutritious School Lunch

When it comes to packing school lunches, sandwiches are a tried-and-true favorite—easy to make, easy to eat, and incredibly versatile. But not all sandwiches are created equal, especially when nutrition is top priority. Healthy sandwiches can offer the perfect balance of whole grains, proteins, veggies, and healthy fats—all in one fun, handheld package.

Whether you're dealing with picky eaters, planning for a vegetarian household, or just trying to mix up the lunchbox routine, these 25 healthy sandwich ideas for kids tick all the right boxes. From protein-packed fillings to colorful veggie-loaded bites and fun shapes that make lunchtime exciting, there's something here for every little taste bud.

 

1. Green Goddess Sandwich

 

Fresh herbs, mashed avocado, spinach, cucumber, and a touch of Greek yogurt come together to create a healthy sandwich for kids that's a nutrient-packed green delight.

Ingredients:
• 2 slices whole grain bread
• ¼ avocado, mashed
• 3–4 cucumber slices
• Handful of spinach
• 2–3 basil leaves
• 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Toast the bread lightly if your child prefers a crunch.
2. Spread mashed avocado on one slice.
3. On the other slice, spread a layer of Greek yogurt.
4. Add cucumber slices over the avocado.
5. Layer spinach and fresh basil on top.
6. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

 

 

2. Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich 

 

 

A classic energy-boosting combo. Sunflower seed or almond butter makes a great peanut-free swap.

Ingredients:
• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• 2 tbsp peanut butter or sunflower seed butter
• 1 banana, thinly sliced

Directions:
1. Spread nut or seed butter evenly on both bread slices.
2. Arrange banana slices on one slice so they’re evenly spaced.
3. Press the other slice on top.
4. Slice into halves or triangles.

3. BLAT Sandwich (Bacon-Lettuce-Avocado-Tomato)

 

 

A healthier twist on the BLT with avocado for creamy texture and extra good fats.

Ingredients:
• 2 slices multigrain bread
• 2 strips cooked turkey bacon
• 2 lettuce leaves
• 2 tomato slices
• ¼ avocado, sliced
• 1 tsp light mayonnaise

Directions:
1. Cook turkey bacon until crispy and set aside.
2. Toast bread slightly.
3. Spread mayo on one slice.
4. Layer with lettuce, tomato, turkey bacon, and avocado slices.
5. Top with the second slice of bread.
6. Press down gently and slice.

 

 

4. Egg Salad with Whole Wheat Bread

 

 

Light on mayo, rich in protein, and perfect for little ones who enjoy creamy textures, this is one of the easiest sandwich recipes for kids to whip up.

Ingredients:
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or light mayo
• Salt and pepper
• 2 slices whole wheat bread

Directions:
1. Peel and mash the boiled eggs in a bowl.
2. Mix with yogurt/mayo and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture on one slice of bread.
4. Top with the second slice and cut into halves.

 

5. Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich

 

 

Avocado replaces some (or all) of the mayo for a fiber and nutrient boost.

Ingredients:
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• ½ ripe avocado, mashed
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• 2 slices whole wheat bread

Directions:
1. In a bowl, mix chopped eggs and mashed avocado.
2. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
3. Spread generously on one slice of bread.
4. Top with the second slice and cut.

 

6. Turkey & Cheese with Spinach

 

 

Simple and satisfying with lean protein and greens. Lean turkey, low-fat cheese, and fresh spinach on multigrain bread = balanced and delicious.

Ingredients:
• 2 slices turkey breast
• 1 slice cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella)
• Handful of spinach
• 2 slices whole grain bread
• 1 tsp mustard (optional)

Directions:
1. Lay turkey slices on one slice of bread.
2. Add cheese and a layer of spinach.
3. Spread mustard on the second slice if using.
4. Close, press, and cut.

7. Caprese Sandwich

 

 

A fresh, Italian-inspired option that's perfect for healthy sandwich meals—juicy tomato, creamy mozzarella, basil, and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze, all served in kid-sized portions.

Ingredients:
• Fresh mozzarella slices
• Tomato slices
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• 1 sandwich roll or baguette

Directions:
1. Slice the roll open.
2. Place tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil in layers.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
4. Close and press gently.

 

8. Tuna and Avocado Spread

 

Full of good fats and protein, great for growing kids. Omega-3 rich tuna mixed with creamy avocado makes a heart-healthy filling.

Ingredients:
• 1 small can tuna (drained)
• ½ avocado
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 slices whole wheat bread

Directions:
1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mashed avocado, and lemon juice.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Spread on bread and close the sandwich.

 

9. Chicken Pesto Panini

 

 

Grilled chicken, mozzarella, and a smear of pesto—lightly pressed for a warm, melty sandwich.

Ingredients:
• Grilled chicken strips
• 1 tbsp pesto
• 1 slice mozzarella
• Sandwich roll

Directions:
1. Slice roll open and spread pesto on both sides.
2. Add chicken and mozzarella.
3. Press in a panini maker or toast in a skillet until warm and melty.

 

10. Classic Cucumber & Cream Cheese

 

 

Simple, crunchy, and mild enough to please the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:
• Cream cheese
• Thin cucumber slices
• Soft bread (white or whole wheat)

Directions:
1. Spread cream cheese on both slices.
2. Layer cucumber slices evenly.
3. Press and slice into quarters or fun shapes.

 

11. Cucumber Sandwich

 

 

A refreshing and light sandwich, perfect for warm school days.

Ingredients:
• Whole wheat or multigrain bread
• Greek yogurt
• Thinly sliced cucumbers
• Salt & pepper
• Dill (optional)

Directions:
1. Spread Greek yogurt on both slices of bread.
2. Layer thin cucumber slices evenly over one side.
3. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dill if using.
4. Press the slices together and trim crusts if desired.
5. Cut into triangles or fun shapes.

 

12. Grilled Chicken & Hummus

 

A protein-rich, flavorful sandwich that satisfies hunger and taste buds.

Ingredients:
•  Grilled chicken breast slices
• Whole wheat bread or wrap
• Hummus
• Spinach or lettuce
• Grated carrots (optional)

Directions:
1. Spread hummus generously on bread or wrap.
2. Add grilled chicken slices and spinach.
3. Layer grated carrots for crunch.
4. Fold the wrap or close the sandwich.
5. Cut in half and pack.

 

13. Loaded Cucumber & Avocado Sandwich

 

 

Creamy, crisp, and nutritious—great for veggie lovers.

Ingredients:
• Multigrain bread
• Ripe avocado
• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Lettuce or baby spinach
• Lemon juice

Directions:
1. Mash avocado with lemon juice.
2. Spread avocado mash on one slice of bread.
3. Layer cucumber slices and greens.
4. Top with second slice and press gently.
5. Slice and serve.

 

14. Scrambled Egg & Cheddar

 

 

A breakfast-style sandwich full of protein and warmth, this is one of those fun sandwich ideas for kids that makes mornings a little more exciting.

Ingredients:
• 2 eggs
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Bread or English muffin
• Butter or oil
• Salt & pepper

Directions:
1. Scramble eggs in a pan with salt and pepper.
2. Toast bread or muffin halves.
3. Add scrambled eggs and top with cheddar.
4. Close the sandwich.
5. Let cool slightly before packing.

 

15. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

 

 

A tasty, plant-based alternative to tuna or egg salad.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup mashed chickpeas
• 1 tbsp mayo or yogurt
• Chopped celery & onion
• Bread or bun
• Salt & pepper

Directions:
1. Mix chickpeas with mayo, celery, onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread mixture on bread or inside a bun.
3. Add lettuce if desired.
4. Top with second slice or bun.
5. Slice and wrap.

 

16. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese

 

 

A classic deli combo made kid-sized and delicious.

Ingredients:
• Whole grain bread or mini bagel
• Cream cheese
• Smoked salmon
• Thin cucumber slices
• Dill (optional)

Directions:
1. Spread cream cheese on bread or bagel.
2. Layer salmon and cucumbers.
3. Add a sprinkle of dill if using.
4. Top with second slice or bagel half.
5. Cut into quarters.

 

17. 10-Minute Tuna Melt

 

 

Warm, cheesy, and comforting — perfect on cooler days.

Ingredients:
• Canned tuna
• Mayo
• Whole wheat bread
• Shredded cheese
• Butter

Directions:
1. Mix tuna with mayo.
2. Spread onto bread and sprinkle cheese on top.
3. Top with second slice.
4. Butter outer sides and grill until golden.
5. Cool slightly and pack.

 

18. Rainbow Veggie Sandwich

 

 

A colorful and crunchy creation packed with nutrients, this is one of the easiest vegan sandwich ideas for kids to enjoy at lunchtime.

Ingredients:
• Hummus
• Whole grain bread
• Red bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, spinach
• Shredded purple cabbage

Directions:
1. Spread hummus on both bread slices.
2. Layer veggies by color to make a rainbow.
3. Close sandwich carefully.
4. Press lightly to hold shape.
5. Slice diagonally.

 

19. Chicken & Cucumber Pita Sandwiches with Yogurt Sauce

 

A cool, creamy sandwich with a Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients:
• Whole wheat pita
• Cooked chicken pieces
• Sliced cucumber
• Yogurt
• Mint or parsley

Directions:
1. Mix yogurt with mint/parsley to make sauce.
2. Stuff pita with chicken and cucumbers.
3. Add a spoon of yogurt sauce.
4. Fold pita in half.
5. Wrap for mess-free lunch.

 

 

20. Star-Shaped Peanut Butter & Jelly

 

 

A playful twist on the classic PB&J, shaped for fun.

Ingredients:
• Whole wheat bread
• Peanut butter or seed butter
• Fruit jam or jelly

Directions:
1. Spread butter on one slice, jelly on the other.
2. Press slices together.
3. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter.
4. Pack the sandwich stars.
5. Include the crusts as bonus snacks.

 

21. Mini Sandwich Skewers

 

Bite-sized and fun to eat — great for little hands!

Ingredients:
• Bread slices
• Cheese
• Deli meat or veggies
• Cherry tomatoes

Directions:
1. Cut bread, cheese, and fillings into small squares.
2. Stack onto toothpicks or kid-safe skewers.
3. Alternate layers like a kabob.
4. Wrap and pack securely.
5. Serve with dip if desired.

 

22. Lettuce Wrap Sandwiches

 

A low-carb, crunchy wrap alternative for light lunches.

Ingredients:
• Large lettuce leaves
• Turkey or tofu slices
• Sliced cheese
• Hummus or mustard

Directions:
1. Lay out lettuce leaves flat.
2. Spread hummus or mustard.
3. Add meat/tofu and cheese.
4. Roll tightly into a wrap.
5. Cut in half and secure with a toothpick

 

23. Roasted Eggplant Veggie Burgers

 

A hearty, plant-based option for adventurous eaters.

Ingredients:
• Roasted eggplant rounds
• Whole grain bun
• Tomato slices
• Lettuce
• Hummus or tahini

Directions:
1. Roast eggplant with olive oil and seasonings.
2. Spread hummus on bun.
3. Add eggplant, tomato, and lettuce.
4. Close the bun.
5. Wrap snugly for the lunchbox.

 

24. Apple Slice Sandwich with Nut Butter

 

A sweet, crunchy, and nutritious no-bread sandwich.

Ingredients:
• Apple
• Peanut or almond butter
• Granola or raisins (optional)

Directions:
1. Core and slice apple into rounds.
2. Spread nut butter on one slice.
3. Sprinkle granola/raisins.
4. Top with another slice.
5. Wrap with parchment to prevent browning

 

25. Hummus & Roasted Veggies

 

 

A warm and cozy sandwich packed with fiber and flavor.

Ingredients:
• Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots
• Whole grain bread
• Hummus

Directions:
1. Roast veggies with olive oil and seasoning.
2. Spread hummus on bread.
3. Layer roasted veggies.
4. Close and press gently.
5. Cut and wrap.

 

Meal Prep Tips for Busy Parents

 

• Prep in Advance: Pre-make sandwich fillings like egg salad, chicken pesto, or hummus the night before. Assemble in the morning or freeze some sandwiches for future lunches.

• Storage Tips: Wrap sandwiches tightly in beeswax wraps or reusable containers. Avoid soggy bread by placing lettuce between moist fillings and the bread.

• Lunchbox Variety: Include a mix of sandwich halves, fruits, veggie sticks, and a small sweet to keep lunch exciting. Bento-style boxes are great for packing diverse meals.

 

Conclusion

Healthy sandwiches don’t have to be boring or repetitive. With these 25 tasty ideas, school lunches can be both nourishing and exciting—fueling your little ones with energy, flavor, and fun every single day.