10 Sandwich-Free Lunch Ideas for Kids

10 Sandwich-Free Kids' Lunch Ideas...

Or, you know, sandwich-free lunch ideas for anyone. Because I don't know anyone who, deep down, doesn't want food on a stick at some point.

P.S. All 10 ideas are nut-free, to correspond to many schools' preferences that school lunches omit potentially allergenic foods. You're welcome.

1. Food on Sticks

Think chicken satays, beef skewers, or sausage kebabs, packed on lunchbox-sized sticks for kids. Because everything is more fun on a stick. (For young kids, use flat, blunt-edged bamboo sticks, not the stabby toothpick-like kind.)

Get a recipe: Yellow Chicken with Broccoli and Peanut Sauce at Hogwash, my blog. (Obviously, leave the peanut sauce off if packing a nut-free lunch or if your kid is in a peanut-free classroom.) Also, Grilled Smoked Sausage Skewers.
Pack with: Rice, sliced cucumbers, sliced mango, yogurt-covered pretzels

2. Quesadillas

They're kid favorites for a reason — and contrary to our adult biases, they don't need to be piping hot to be delicious.

Get a recipe: How To Make the Best Cheesy Quesadillas, The Avodilla
Pack with: Avocado slices or guacamole, jicama sticks, pineapple chunks, pumpkin seeds, or tortilla chips

3. Spring Rolls

Rice paper wrappers or large lettuce leaves make great rolled-up meals that are fun to eat. Fill them with tofu, pork, or shrimp; try our rainbow rolls; or let your kids branch out using their own ideas.

Get a recipe: Rainbow Vegetable Spring Rolls
Pack with: Cubed meat or cheese, sliced red bell peppers, blueberries, chocolate square.