15 Perfect Snack Recipes for Back-to-School Lunches

Recipes
A young girl with an apple, packing a healthy lunch with a sandwich and tomatoes - Une jeune fille avec une pomme, préparant un lunch sain avec un sandwich et des tomates

Back-to-school season is just around the corner, and with it comes the return of packed lunches. But let’s be honest—preparing snacks that please both kids and adults while being nutritious can quickly become a challenge. Whether you’re a parent, worker, or student, don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of 15 recipes that combine taste and health to make your life easier. No more searching for inspiration—these ideas are here to save the day!

Cookies and Muffins: Versatile Healthy Snacks

1. Oat, Zucchini, and Apple Cookies

Two zucchini cookies with raisins on a white plate, accompanied by a glass of milk, a green teapot, and an apple.

Cookies that sneak in veggies and fruit for a sweet, fibre-packed snack.

2. Iron-Rich Sweet Potato Muffins

A stack of sweet potato and iron-rich muffins on a wooden board, with scattered pumpkin seeds and a cup of coffee in the background.

Soft and packed with iron, these muffins are a great way to add essential nutrients to your snacks.

3. Blueberry, Almond, and Dark Chocolate Cookies

A stack of blueberry almond chocolate cookies on a glass plate, with a glass of milk and fresh blueberries in the background.

A winning trio for cookies that are both delicious and healthy. Perfect for every lunchbox!

4. Carrot and Lentil Muffins

A plate with carrot and lentil muffins topped with cream, with additional muffins displayed on a cake stand in the background.

These nutritious muffins offer a touch of sweetness and a good dose of protein, ideal for small appetites.

Dips and Spreads: To Enjoy with Veggies or Crackers

5. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip

A hand dipping a carrot stick into a black bowl of Greek yogurt ranch dip, surrounded by celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, and whole-grain crackers.

A light and protein-rich version of the classic Ranch dip, perfect for accompanying raw veggies.

6. Roasted Red Pepper Lentil and Chickpea Hummus

A bowl of red pepper hummus garnished with roasted red pepper pieces, served alongside chickpeas, pita chips, a lemon wedge, and garlic cloves.

A flavourful, nutrient-rich hummus that’s perfect with veggies or carbs like pita, crackers, or bread.

7. Three Almost-Veggie Tuna Spreads

A platter featuring three bowls of different tuna spreads, garnished with vegetables and served with sliced cucumbers, red peppers, and broccoli.

Three delicious options to mix things up while adding a good dose of protein to your meals.

8. Fruit Dip

A bowl of creamy yogurt dip with fresh apple slices on the side, placed next to a yellow tulip on a wooden surface.

Add a gourmet touch to your fresh fruit with this dip that’s both delicious and healthy.

Protein-Packed Snacks: For Lasting Energy

*These snacks are particularly suitable for older teenagers and adults. Their high protein content may be too filling for young children.

9. Protein Banana Bread

Sliced protein banana bread on a baking tray with a cup of coffee, ready to be served.

A comforting snack with a protein boost, perfect to keep you going until your next meal.

10. Protein Rice Krispie Squares

A stack of protein Rice Krispies squares on a marble-patterned plate, with a glass baking dish containing additional squares in the background.

A classic with a twist that will give you a quick energy boost.

11. Protein Blueberry Clusters

Chocolate clusters with blueberries and hazelnuts arranged on a white serving platter.

Protein- and antioxidant-rich bites, ideal for a quick snack.

12. Protein Chia Pudding

A bowl of chia pudding topped with fresh strawberry slices and chia seeds, accompanied by a bowl of mixed berries.

This easy-to-make pudding is a perfect option for a protein- and fibre-rich snack that’s also creamy and delicious.

Savoury Options: To Mix Things Up

13. Crispy Mexican Black Beans

A wooden bowl filled with roasted black beans, placed on a colorful striped mat.

These spicy, crispy black beans add a kick to your snack breaks.

14. Low-FODMAP Sweet and Spicy Chili Trail Mix

A baking tray filled with a variety of trail mix ingredients, including pretzels, nuts, and seeds, freshly baked and lightly browned.

A balanced mix of sweet and salty flavours, suitable for sensitive stomachs.

15. Salmon Rolls

Close-up of cucumber slices rolled with smoked salmon and cream cheese, secured with toothpicks, presented on a white plate.

Fresh and light rolls rich in omega-3s, perfect for a snack or light lunch.

Quick Combos for Busy Days

Even with a busy schedule, it’s possible to prepare balanced snacks that keep you energized all day. A sustaining snack should include both protein to keep you full and carbs to provide quick energy. Here are 15 quick combo ideas that combine these two essential elements:

  • Cheese + Grapes
  • Greek Yogurt + Granola
  • Hummus + Carrots
  • Hard-Boiled Egg + Whole Wheat Crackers
  • Turkey Slices + Apple Slices
  • Cottage Cheese + Pineapple
  • Avocado Slices + Rice Cakes
  • Ricotta + Strawberries
  • Mixed Nuts + Dried Apricots
  • Tofu Spread + Cucumber
  • Bocconcini Cheese + Cherry Tomatoes
  • Soft-Boiled Egg + Bell Pepper Sticks

Get Energized for Back-to-School!

These 15 recipes and quick combos will help you start the school year with healthy and delicious snacks. Try them out and incorporate them into your routine for busy days without compromising on healthy eating. For personalized support and advice tailored to your needs, book an appointment with one of our registered dietitian nutritionists.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Halifax, Nova Scotia