75 Easy Healthy Indian Kids Lunch Box Recipes (Quick & Kid-Approved)

Veg Mayonnaise Sandwich + Sauteed Paneer + Kiwi Fruit

Veg mayonnaise sandwich paired with spiced, protein-rich sautéed paneer (sautéed in a little olive oil, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt) and kiwi slices.

Meal Prep Tip: Chop the veggies and mix the mayo filling 1-2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and assemble in the morning.

Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwich + Air Fryer Paneer & Cauliflower + Mango Chia Pudding

Cream cheese and cucumber sandwich served with air-fryer roasted cauliflower, and Mango chia pudding.

• Meal Prep Tip: Make the herbed cream cheese mixture and mango chia pudding the night before and refrigerate.
• Assembly Tip: Assemble the sandwich fresh in the morning, and air-fry the cauliflower while you prepare the lunchbox.

Paneer Bhurji Sandwich + Sprouted Moong Corn Salad + Apple

Paneer Bhurji Sandwich with Sprouted Moong Salad and Apple slices.

• Meal Prep Tip: Make the paneer bhurji and sprout the moong beans 1 day in advance, then refrigerate.
• Assembly Tip: Toss the sprouts with your child's favorite veggies and assemble the sandwich fresh in the morning using the leftover bhurji.

Cucumber Chutney Sandwich + Steamed Edamame + Mango

Cucumber Chutney Sandwich with Steamed Edamame and Mango

Meal Prep Tips: I usually prepare mint coriander chutney the night before making the sandwiches. I also like to keep some chutney frozen in ice cube trays, so it's ready to use whenever I need it.

Avocado Chutney Sandwich + Roasted Chana + Fruits

Avocado chutney sandwich with store-bought Roasted Chana and blueberries.

• Easy Variations: You can easily swap the coriander mint chutney for basil pesto, or use hearty sourdough bread for added texture and gut-friendly fiber.
• Meal Prep Tip: Blend the green coriander-mint chutney the night before and store it in an airtight glass jar in the fridge.

Beetroot Carrot Sandwich + Peri Peri Makhana + Orange

Beetroot carrot sandwich with peri peri makhana and orange

Meal Prep Tips: You can shred beets and carrots and prepare the sandwich filling the night before. You can also make peri peri makhana ahead, as they can be stored for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

Pav Bhaji + Masala Makhana

Pav bhaji with spicy masala makhana.

• Meal Prep Tip: Make the spicy masala makhana up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container for a quick, nut-free crunch. You can also cook the bhaji for dinner the night before and simply reheat it in the morning.
• Packing Tip: You may also pack the hot bhaji in an insulated food jar (thermos) to keep it warm until lunchtime, and lightly toast the pav rolls with butter so they stay soft

Veggie Burger + Chips + Guacamole

Veggie Burger with guacamole and tortilla chips

• Prep & Assembly Tip: Toast frozen veggie patties (like Trader Joe's, our favorite patties) and burger buns on a tawa. Place a slice of toasted burger bun, smear some mayo + ketchup mixture (or sriracha mayo), add lettuce, and top it with a veggie patty, cheese slice, and bun. Lettuce helps to prevent burgers from turning soggy.
• Packing Tip: Squeeze extra lemon or lime juice over the guacamole before packing to keep it fresh and prevent browning.

Creamy Tomato Pasta + Chocolate & Nut Berry Seeds Mix + Blackberries

Creamy tomato pasta, nuts, chocolate, and fruit (blackberries).

I have used Instant Pot to make this easy tomato pasta recipe using store-bought pasta sauce. It's quick, one pot, and no monitoring. You can add other veggies to the pasta too.

Meal Prep Tips: If you are making tomato pasta using the stovetop, then you can boil the pasta the previous day and use it the next day to prepare the dish.

White Sauce Pasta + Cucumber + Hummus

White sauce pasta, cucumber sticks, and store-bought hummus for dipping.

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the veggies, Boil the penne pasta, cool it down, and refrigerate. If you are using homemade hummus, you can prepare it 1-2 days ahead and use it.

Creamy Gochujang Pasta + Masala Makhana & Strawberries

Creamy gochujang pasta with masala makhana and strawberries

This Korean-inspired gochujang pasta is super easy to make with store-bought gochujang paste. You can add small cubes of air fryer paneer or air fryer tofu to boost the protein intake.

Meal Prep Tips: Boil the pasta the previous night and store it in the fridge. You can make masala makhana and store it for up to 1 week.

Creamy Spinach Pasta + Caramel Makhana + Raspberries

Spinach pasta, caramel makhana, and fruit (raspberries).

This spinach pasta is loaded with spinach and super tasty. The sauce can also be made with a mix of spinach and basil. To increase the protein content, you can blend spinach with cottage cheese, paneer, or tofu. I have tried it, its super delicious.

Meal Prep Tips: Boil the pasta and prepare the spinach puree the previous night and store it in the fridge. You can also prep caramel makhana ahead of time and store it for up to a week in an airtight container.

Mac & Cheese + Mint Makhana + Red Grapes

Mac and cheese, mint makhana, and fruit (grapes).

This is an easy, one-pot Instant Pot Mac and cheese recipe, which takes less than 20 minutes to make.

Meal Prep Tips: You can prep mint makhana ahead of time and store it for up to a week in an airtight container.

Butternut Squash Pasta + Dry Grapes + Orange

Butternut squash pasta with raisins and fruit (orange).

Meal Prep Tips: Boil the pasta and butternut squash the previous night and make the pasta in the morning.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta + Persimmon + Banana Chips

Pumpkin pasta with paneer, banana chips, and persimmon fruit.

• Meal Prep Tips: You can make the pumpkin sauce and boil the pasta the previous day.
• Packing Tips: The pasta sauce can thicken over time, so keep it slightly runny while cooking, that way, it stays fresh and creamy by the time your kid eats it. I generally pack it in a thermos so it's hot when my kid eats in school. I used store-bought banana chips, but you can also make air fryer banana chips at home.

Mayonnaise Veggie Pasta + Strawberries + Peanut Chikki

Mayo Veggie Pasta with peanut chikki and fruit (strawberries). For a nut-free snack, you can replace peanut chikki with any healthy sweet treat.

Mayonnaise Veg Pasta is a delicious pasta recipe that includes veggies, mayonnaise, and cheese. It is quick and easy to make, and you can use any type of pasta, such as macaroni or penne.

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the veggies. Boil the pasta, cool it down, and refrigerate the previous day.

Thai Peanut Noodles + Blueberries + Banana Chips

Thai peanut noodles, banana chips, and fruit (blueberries).

This noodle is a one-pot instant pot recipe, easy and quick to prepare. For nut-free schools, skip this.

Meal Prep Tips: You can prep the veggies the previous night.

Veg Hakka Noodles + Steamed Edamame + Orange

Vegetable hakka noodles with steamed edamame (from Costco) and orange.

Veg Hakka Noodles - I have prepared these Hakka noodles in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, and also shared the stovetop method.

Meal Prep Tips: You can chop the veggies and cook the noodles the previous night.

Masala Pasta + Rice Krispies + Apple

Masala pasta with Rice Krispies and fruit (apple cut in a heart shape using the cutter).

This masala pasta is a one-pot recipe made in the Instant Pot. It's quick and easy to make under 15 minutes when you are running out of time during busy mornings.

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the veggies, and refrigerate.

Zucchini Carrot Paratha + Boondi Raita + Dates

Zucchini carrot paratha with boondi raita and dates.

Zucchini and carrot paratha are delicious and can be eaten with raita or curry. If you don't have zucchini, replace it with lauki or beetroot. For extra protein, you may add some cooked dal or shredded paneer.

Meal Prep Tips: Shred the carrots and store them. Do not prepare the dough the previous day; zucchini releases a lot of water, making the dough soft and runny.

Palak Poori + Paneer Capsicum Stir Fry + Cookie & Pistachios

Palak poori with paneer jalfrezi, cookies, and nuts.

Kids love poori, and adding spinach puree to the regular poori makes it not only nutritious but also tasty. You can also make it with beetroot puree.

Meal Prep Tips: You can prepare the paneer capsicum stir fry the previous night. You can also prepare the poori dough the previous night. Make sure it's soft and tight. Else the poori will not puff up and soak up more oil.

Mini Poori + Potato Sagu + Pears

Mini poori paired with potato saagu (curry) and fruit (pears).

I create mini round pooris or other shaped puris to make them look attractive to my daughter. I first made a large chapati, cut it into a round shape using a cutter, and deep-fried it.

She always gets thrilled whenever I include them in her lunch box. I served it with Potato Curry. Puris also goes well with vegetable kurma or veg sagu.

Meal Prep Tips: You can prepare the poori dough the previous night. Make sure the dough is smooth and tight else the pooris will not puff.

Paneer Paratha + Cucumber + Fruits

Paneer paratha with cucumber slices and fruits (green grapes, strawberries).

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the dough, and paneer filling the night before, and roll the parathas in the morning.

Ajwain Paratha + Paneer Bhurji + Carrot & Cucumber

Ajwain Paratha with paneer bhurji and veggies (cucumber & carrot sticks).

My daughter loves paneer bhurji, I usually pair it with different kinds of parathas, make a wrap or paneer bhurji sandwich out of it. If your kid is bored of regular paneer bhurji, try my broccoli paneer bhurji or tofu bhurji.

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the dough the previous night and roll the parathas in the morning. You can also prepare paneer bhurji the previous night and store it in the refrigerator.

Palak Chapati + Jeera Aloo + Orange

Palak chapati with jeera aloo sabji and fruit (orange).

It is a great way to sneak some greens into your kid's diet. I always try to make vegetable purees like spinach, beetroot, carrots, and pumpkin and add them to the chapati dough for extra nutrition.

For aloo jeera, I tossed the boiled potatoes with some cumin seeds (jeera), spices like turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and amchur powder.

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the dough and boil the potatoes in the instant pot the previous day.

Flax Seeds Paratha + Rajma Masala + Apple

Flax seeds paratha with rajma masala and apple.

Flax seeds have a number of health benefits, so I like to include them in our diet. In this paratha recipe, I have mixed flax seeds powder (or flax seed meal) with whole wheat flour while kneading the dough.

How to make flax seed powder: Dry roast the flax seeds in a pan on low flame for 2-3 minutes, cool them, and grind them to a smooth powder. Store them in the freezer, as they will turn rancid very soon.

Meal Prep Tips: You can prep the dough and the rajma curry the previous night.

Palak Paneer Paratha + Ketchup + Blueberries

Palak paneer paratha with tomato ketchup, and fruit (blueberries).

Sweet Potato Paratha & Yogurt + Banana Chips + Peach

Sweet potato paratha with homemade yogurt, air fryer banana chips, and fruit (peach slices).

Meal Prep Tip: Boil or steam the sweet potatoes and knead the paratha dough the night before to save time during busy mornings.

Aloo Masala Puri + Aamras + Grapes

Aloo masala poori with aamas and fruit (red grapes).

• Meal Prep Tip: Boil the potatoes the night before and store them in the fridge. You can also prepare the fresh aamras 1-2 days in advance and keep it chilled.
• Packing Tip: Let the pooris cool on a paper towel before packing to prevent steam from making them soggy in the bento box.

Beetroot Paratha + Yogurt + Pear

Beetroot paratha with yogurt and fruit (pear slices).

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the dough the previous evening and roll the parathas in the morning.

Tofu Paratha + Strawberry Chia Jam + Mixed Nuts

Tofu paratha with homemade strawberry chia jam, and nuts.

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the dough the previous night and roll the parathas in the morning.

Chapati Noodles + Makhana Raita + Pomegranate

Chapati noodles with leftover roti, makhana raita, and fruit (pomegranate).

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the veggies the previous day. Roast the makhana in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Makhana Paratha + Potato Sagu + Mixed Nuts

Makhana paratha with potato saagu (curry) and nuts.

Makhana parathas are super easy to make and very nutritious. A great way to give it to your kids.

Meal Prep Tips: You can roast the makhana, crush them, prepare the paratha dough the previous night, and store it in the refrigerator.

Flaxseed Roti + Beetroot and Chickpea Stir Fry + Green Grapes

Flaxseed roti with beetroot chickpea stir fry and fruit (green grapes).

Many moms like me are constantly looking for healthy lunch box ideas for their kids. Here is one easy recipe with flax seeds, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

I just mixed some flaxseed meal while kneading the chapati/roti dough. If you don't have a flaxseed meal, don't worry; dry roast the flax seeds on a pan on low flame for 2-3 minutes, cool them and grind them to a smooth powder. Store them in the freezer as they turn rancid very soon.

Meal Prep Tips: You can boil the chickpeas in an Instant Pot, grate the beetroot, and prep the roti/chapati dough the previous night.

Lauki Paratha + Ketchup + Beetroot Tikki

Lauki paratha with tomato ketchup and beetroot tikki.

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare and shape the beetroot tikki mixture the night before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. In the morning, air-fry or shallow-fry them until crisp.

Important Dough Tip: Do not knead the lauki paratha dough in advance. Bottle gourd releases a lot of water over time, which will make the dough sticky and runny by morning.

Drumstick Leaves Paratha + Aloo Gobi + Mixed Nuts

Drumstick leaves paratha with aloo gobi, and Nuts. Replace roasted nuts with any healthy snack for a nut-free option.

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the dough the prior day. Also, chop the veggies like cauliflower ahead.

Plain Paratha + Cabbage Stir Fry + Sauteed Paneer + Fruit

Plain paratha with cabbage peas stir fry, Sauteed Paneer, and Orange.

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the dough, chop the cabbage and paneer, and store it in the refrigerator a day before.

Aloo Paratha + Yogurt + Fruits

Aloo paratha with homemade yogurt, and strawberries.

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the dough. Boil the potatoes and prepare the aloo paratha filling a day before.

Pizza Paratha + Carrot + Crispy Tofu

Pizza Paratha, crispy air fryer tofu, and baby carrots.

Potato Spinach Pancakes + Sprouted Moong & Corn Salad+ Red Grapes

Potato Spinach Pancakes (or aloo palak cheela), sprouted moong salad, and red grapes.

Potato Spinach Pancakes are simple, and delicious breakfast recipe. You can call these cheelas an Indian version of potato hash browns. I am sure your kid will love this.

Recipe: In a bowl, take 1 cup of raw shredded potatoes (squeezed), ½ cup spinach, onions, green chilies, 2-3 tablespoons besan (gram flour), turmeric, garam masala, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.

Heat one teaspoon of oil in a shallow, non-stick, or iron pan, spread one portion of the potato mixture on the pan thinly [square or round shape], and cook, turning both sides, till crisp.

Meal Prep Tips: Sprout moong beans 1-2 days ahead and store them in the fridge. Steam them before using them in salads.

Avocado Parathas + Beetroot Kurma + Mini Pretzels

Avocado paratha with Beetroot kurma and store-bought pretzels.

Meal Prep Tips: You can prep the beetroot curry the previous night. However, I do not recommend making the dough the previous day, as the avocados can brown it.

Chole Paratha + Onion Raita + Mixed Fruits

Chole paratha with onion tomato raita, and fruits (apple, pomegranate).

• Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the dough and the chana filling the night before and roll the parathas in the morning.
• Packing Tips: To prevent the apple from browning, immerse it in cold water with a teaspoon of lemon juice for 10 minutes.

Broccoli Paneer Paratha + Pistachios & Raisins + Veggie Straws

Broccoli paneer paratha, nuts & raisins, and snacks.

Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the dough and the broccoli paneer filling the previous day and store it in the refrigerator.

Methi Paratha + Ketchup + Moong Sprouts & Pomegranate Salad + Dates

Methi paratha with sprouted moong salad and dates.

Meal Prep Tips: Clean and chop the methi leaves. Prepare the paratha dough the previous night and store it in the refrigerator. Also, you can sprout moong beans 1-2 days ahead and store them in the fridge.

Dal Paratha + Pineapple Raita + Carrot Sticks

Dal paratha with Pineapple raita, and Carrot sticks.

These Dal parathas are so yummy, nutritious, and always a hit at my house. You can make dal parathas with freshly cooked dal or leftover dal tadka. The best part is you can use any variety of dal. Try this today; you will thank me later.

Meal Prep Tips: You can cook the dal, and prepare the dough the previous evening.

Butternut Squash Paratha + Mint Raita + Grapes

Butternut squash paratha with mint raita and fruit (red grapes).

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the dough the night before, and roll the parathas in the morning. If you dont have butternut squash, use pumpkin puree to make the dough.

Mini Paneer Uttapam + Tomato Ketchup + Carrot Sticks

Mini paneer uttapam (soft savory uttapam/pancakes topped up with grated paneer, carrots, onion, and coriander), tomato ketchup, and carrot sticks.

Meal Prep Tips: I usually make uttapam from leftover idli/dosa batter. Shred the paneer, veggies the previous night and store them in the fridge.

Vegetable Paniyaram + Onion Chutney + Orange

Vegetable paniyaram with onion chutney and fruit (Orange).

I like to make Vegetable paniyaram with leftover dosa batter. It really goes well with onion chutney, If your kid doesn't like it then pair it with coconut chutney or tomato onion chutney.

Meal Prep Tip: Make the onion chutney ahead as it can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 days.

Vegetable Fried Idli + Bourbon Biscuit + Grapes

Vegetable fried idli with bourbon biscuit and fruit (red grapes).

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the veggies. You can also prepare idli the previous night or use leftover idli.

Zucchini Paneer Cheela/Pancake + Yogurt + Fruits

Zucchini Paneer Cheela with homemade yogurt and fruit (green grapes and blueberry skewers).

Recipe for Zucchini Paneer Cheela (Zucchini Paneer Chickpea Flour Pancake)

In a bowl, add 1 cup shredded zucchini, ¼ cup shredded Paneer (cottage cheese), ½ cup besan/gram flour (or chickpea flour), 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, ¼ cup water or as needed. Mix everything to get pancake consistency, and cook on the Tawa with some ghee or oil.

Rava Idli + Coconut Chutney + Dates & Apricot

Rava Idli with coriander coconut chutney, medjool dates, and dried apricots.

I prefer preparing mini idlis (also known as cocktail idli) for lunch boxes as they are appealing and bite-sized. Pair them with chutney.

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the idli batter the previous day and keep it for fermentation.

Instant Rava Paddu + Coconut Chutney + Peanut Butter Makhana

Easy instant rava paddu paired with coriander coconut chutney and peanut butter makhana.

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the peanut butter makhana 1-2 days ahead. Prep the veggies for paddu.

Neer Dosa + Coconut Chutney + Fruits

Neer dosa with coriander coconut chutney, and red cherries.

Meal Prep Tips: Soak the rice in water the night before. The next day, grind it and make dosas.

Podi Idli + Yogurt + Grapes

Podi idli paired with plain greek yogurt and fruit (green grapes).

Spinach Idli + Peanut Chutney + Potato Chips

Spinach Idli with peanut chutney and chips. You can replace peanut chutney with onion tomato chutney for a nut-free option.

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the peanut chutney the night before. You can also puree the spinach and store it in the fridge. Prepare the idli batter and keep it for fermentation a day before.

Lemon Idli + Yogurt + Strawberry

Lemon Idli with homemade yogurt and fruit (strawberries).

Spinach Coin Dosa + Peanut Chutney + Pineapple

Spinach coin dosa with peanut chutney and fruit (pineapple chunks).

Spinach Coin Dosa is a healthy, delicious, and simple way to make your kids eat veggies and greens. Coin Dosa are bite-sized and easy for your kids to eat and mess-free. I have added ½ cup of blanched spinach puree to 1 cup of dosa batter.

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the dosa batter one day before and keep it for fermentation, or use leftover idli/dosa batter. You can also prepare the peanut chutney one day before, it stays good for 1-2 days when refrigerated.

Carrot Rice + Cucumber + Fruittella

Carrot rice, cucumber (cut in star shapes using a cutter), and sweet treat.

• Meal Prep Tips: You can prepare the rice and shred the carrot the previous night.
• Packing Tips: Let the rice cool a bit before packing it in the box.

Paneer Fried Rice + Mixed Nuts + Biscuit

Paneer fried rice with ketchup, roasted nuts, and little heart biscuits. For a nut-free option, you can replace nuts with any healthy snack.

Paneer Fried Rice is a quick and healthy rice recipe made with paneer and mixed vegetables. I have also added tomato ketchup to a small container. If your kid doesn't like paneer, use crumbled paneer instead.

These Little Heart Biscuits used to be one of my favorite in my childhood and my daughter loves them too.

Meal Prep Tips: Chop the veggies and paneer the previous night. You can also prepare instant pot basmati rice the previous night or use leftover rice.

Vegetable Quinoa Pulao & Yogurt + Roasted Makhana + Blueberries

Vegetable quinoa pulao, homemade curd, with roasted makhana, and fruit (blueberries).

I have made this quick quinoa pulao in the Instant Pot. It's super easy and takes under 15 minutes to make.

Meal Prep Tips: Make the plain roasted makhana or spicy masala makhana in advance and store up to a week in an airtight container.

Masale Bhaat + Chickpea Sundal + Orange

Masale Bhaat, chickpea sundal, and orange.

This is an easy, one-pot pressure cooker recipe, which takes less than 20 minutes to make.

Meal Prep Tips: You can cut the veggies and boil the chickpeas in the Instant Pot the day before.

Cabbage Pulao & Yogurt + Potato Chips + Strawberries & Blueberries

Cabbage rice with homemade yogurt, potato wafers, and fruit (strawberries and blueberries).

Meal Prep Tips: Chop the cabbage, and refrigerate the previous day.

Mushroom Fried Rice + Fryums + Orange

Mushroom fried rice, fryums, and fruit (orange).

Meal Prep Tips: Cook the basmati rice, cool it down, and store it in the refrigerator. You can also use leftover rice.

Capsicum Rice + Yogurt + Protein Bar

Capsicum rice with homemade yogurt and protein bar.

Meal Prep Tips: Chop the bell peppers the night before. Leftover rice works well.

Beetroot Rice + Yogurt + Dates and Nut Ladoo + Cherries

Beetroot rice, homemade yogurt, dates ladoo, and fruit (cherries).

This beetroot pulao is a one-pot recipe that can be easily made in the pressure cooker in under 20 minutes. Colorful and delicious. I have packed dates and nut ladoo; for a nut-free option, skip it.

Meal Prep Tips: Shred or chop the beetroot the previous night.

Pineapple Fried Rice + Fryums + Blueberries

Colorful vegetable fried rice with pineapple with fryums and fruit (blueberries).

This pineapple fried rice recipe is one of my favorites for busy days! Super easy, healthy, and yummy. Plus, it's SO colorful!

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare the veggies and pineapple. Cook the rice, cool it down, and refrigerate the night before.

Veg Vermicelli Upma + Peanut Sundal + Mango

Veg vermicelli upma with Peanut sundal and fruit (mango). For a nut-free option, replace peanut sundal with chickpea sundal, or any bean sundal like edamame sundal for extra protein.

Vermicelli Upma is a Kids friendly recipe. It makes for a good tiffin or a lunch box for both kids and adults. Kids love it because they think it's kind of pasta or noodles. Vermicelli is made from either rice or wheat. I usually use wheat semiya of either Bambino or MTR Brand. For rice semiya please follow the packet instruction to cook the dish.

Peanut Sundal is a South Indian recipe ideal for festivals like Navaratri. Boiled Peanuts are stir-fried with red chilies, curry leaves, grated coconut, and a few spices, giving them an amazing aroma and flavor.

Meal Prep Tips: You can finely chop the veggies, boil the peanuts a day before, and store them in the refrigerator.

Tomato Rice using Coconut Milk + Carrot Raita + Red Grapes

Tomato rice with carrot raita and fruit (red grapes).

Tomato rice is another family favorite dish. I used coconut milk in this recipe. But feel free to omit it and use water instead. It goes well with any kind of raita.

How to Make Carrot Raita: Whisk fresh yogurt (curd) until smooth, then fold in grated carrots, roasted cumin (jeera) powder, salt, and black pepper.

Chole & Jeera Rice + Cucumber Carrot Salad + Kale Chips

Jeera rice with chana masala, kale chips, and carrot cucumber kosambari (salad).

My daughter loves the combination of Jeera rice with chana masala. You can also pair it with paneer butter masala or dal fry.

Meal Prep Tips: You can prepare the chickpea curry the previous night and reheat it before packing.

Paneer Biryani + Onion Tomato Raita + Orange

Paneer Biryani with onion-tomato raita and fruit (orange).

I prepared fresh biryani in the morning. You can always cube the paneer and store.

Beetroot Rice Ball + Guacamole + Tortilla Chips

Beetroot rice ball, guacamole with tortilla chips to dip in.

I mixed beetroot stir-fry, steamed basmati rice, homemade ghee, into bite-sized balls. So it's easier for the kids to eat without any mess. You can do a similar way for rice and sambar. My friend Shwetha Hullur shared this idea.

Packing Tips: Use fresh, soft, hot rice to make this beetroot rice ball. When rice is hot, mash it a bit so that when mixed with beetroot sabji, it can be made into a ball and does not break. If the rice is dry, then you can't make a ball.

Mushroom Biryani & Yogurt + Besan Ladoo + Cucumber

Mushroom biryani, besan ladoo, and cucumber slices.

I made this one-pot easy pressure cooker mushroom biryani recipe for her lunch box. You can adjust the spices according to your kids' taste.

Curd Rice + Apple + French Macaroon

Curd rice, store-bought macaroons, and fruit (apple cut in star shapes using the cutter).

I generally don't pack curd rice for school, but when my daughter asks for simple food for her box during hot summers, I pack curd rice loaded with veggies like carrots or beetroot and fruits like pomegranate or grapes.

Cut the fruits and veggies into different shapes, the kids will be super excited to see them.

Rajma Chawal + Yogurt & Chia Seeds + Orange

Rajma Chawal with yogurt topped with chia seeds and fruit (orange).

I prepared fresh basmati rice in the morning and used the leftover rajma to pack for the lunch box. Easy and healthy.

Masala Rice + Lauki Raita + Broccoli Smileys

Masala rice with lauki raita and broccoli smileys.

Peas Pulao + Boondi Raita + Orange

Green peas pulao (matar pulao) with boondi raita and fruit (orange).

This green pea pulao is super delicious and easy to make. It's a one-pot pressure cooker recipe that can be made in under 15 minutes with very few ingredients. You can also pair it with the curry of the kids' choice.

Corn Fried Rice + Cucumber + Murukku

Corn fried rice with cucumber slices and murukku snacks.

Meal Prep Tips: Chop the vegetables, cook the basmati rice, cool it down, and refrigerate.

Lemon Rice + Yogurt + Carrot & Cucumber

Easy lemon rice paired with Yogurt and veggies (carrot and cucumber sticks).

Lemon rice is one of the easiest rice recipes to pack for a lunch box when you have some leftover rice. It can be made in under 10 minutes. Skip peanuts for a nut-free option. You can also make one-pot lemon rice in the Instant Pot.

Meal Prep Ideas: You can prepare the rice the previous night.

Vegetable Pulao + Chocolate + Fruits

Vegetable pulao, chocolate, and fruits (orange and green grapes).

This simple vegetable pulao can be made in under 15 minutes and is perfect for busy mornings.

Meal Prep Tips: Chop the veggies the previous day.

Chickpea Rice + Greek Yogurt + Mango+ Salad

Chickpea rice with plain greek yogurt, veggies (cucumber & grape tomatoes), and fruit (mango chunks).

My daughter loves chickpeas in any form, so this one-pot easy chickpeas rice is always a hit. You can also use canned chickpeas or boiled black chickpeas for this recipe.

Meal Prep Tips: I soaked and boiled the chickpeas in an Instant Pot the previous night.

Burnt Garlic Fried Rice + Ketchup + Cherries

Burnt garlic fried rice with tomato ketchup and fruit (red cherries).

Meal Prep Tips: Prep the veggies, cook the rice, cool it down, and refrigerate.

Paneer Pulao + Raita + Fruits

Paneer pulao with onion tomato raita, and chopped mangoes.

Spinach Corn Rice + Yogurt + Grapes + Chocolate Brownie

Spinach corn rice with homemade yogurt, grapes, and chocolate brownie.

Spinach corn rice is a healthy and perfect lunch for your kid and family. You can also try my other spinach rice variety without pureeing the spinach. Sometimes, it's good to treat kids with cakes or brownies. I packed store-bought brownies.

• Meal Prep Tips: You can clean the spinach, grapes the previous night.
• Packing Tips: Add a few teaspoons of milk to yogurt, especially in summer, to prevent it from turning sour by lunchtime.

Peanut Rice + Carrot & Cucumber sticks + Chocolate Makhana

Peanut rice, chocolate makhana, and veggies (carrot and cucumber sticks).

Methi Pulao + Onion Tomato Raita + Mango Cucumber Salad

Menthya Bhath with Onion Tomato Raita and Mango Beans Salad.

Favorite Lunch Box Packing Tools

• Lunch Box: bento-style stainless steel tiffin box called Lunchbots, Bosedsang, which is Eco-Friendly, dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free.
• Thermos: retains the temperature of hot or cold meals. Great for soup, pasta, or a cold snack.
• Insulated thermal bags: help to keep the food warm or cold.
• Small Dip Containers: Great for packing snacks, desserts, dips, sauces, yogurt, and raita.
• Silicone Muffin Liners: These are ideal as snack holders to keep food separate in your divided container.
• LunchBots Silicone Bento Cups Set: Keeps liquids from seeping into other sections, so your snacks, like cookies and crackers, stay crisp.
• Small Cutters: These are great for cutting out fruits, vegetables, and cheese, into different shapes.
• Sandwich Shape Cutters: help to turn any sandwich into a fun shape, bringing joy to your children.
• Ice Pack: helps to keep the lunches cold.
• Water Bottle: to send water cold or warm for lunch.

My Other Favorite Kitchen Gadgets

• Instant Pot: electric pressure cooker used for cooking rice, lentils, pasta, soups, and steamed veggies.
• Air Fryer: used for roasted veggies, cookies, and more.
• Panini Press: used for grilling sandwiches, burgers, etc.

Do not use plastic lunch boxes for your kids. They are toxic.