recipes

11 Quick and Easy Summer Camp Lunches

Here are 15 camp lunches that kids will love, from cold noodle salad to spinach dip.
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It's summer camp season! It's probably a huge relief to send your kids off to swim, run, do arts and crafts, and other good ole'-fashioned fun stuff. But there's one problem that plagues parents during the school year and in the weeks of camp alike: What the heck do you make them for lunch? The meal has to do well in a thermos or cooler lunch box. It has to be palatable to a youngin'. It can't involve a knife. What do you pack?

Don't worry! We're here to help. We've come up with 11 portable, kid-friendly summer camp lunch ideas that your little ones can eat under the shade of a tree or at a picnic table. From a cold noodle-y salad to a spinach dip with lots of veggies, these recipes will fuel your children for an afternoon of fun. Don't be afraid to tweak each dish depending on your kids' tastes, either—after all, mama (or papa!) knows best.

  • Image may contain Burger Food and Sandwich
    Danny Kim
    1/11

    Egg Sandwiches: Not Just for Breakfast

    No, this isn't your local bagel spot's egg sandwich. Instead of scrambled or fried eggs, a frittata will hold its shape well in a sandwich. Plus, it's way more pleasant to eat a frittata at room-temperature. This sandwich is slicked with an olive salad, but leave it out if your kiddo prefers a plain egg sandwich. Don't be afraid to add a little cheese, if you please.

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  • 2/11

    Healthy-Up a Classic

    This chicken salad is a healthy alternative to the classic, swapping in yogurt for heavy mayo. The peas give a nice crunch, too, but you can substitute in some dried fruit if your little one has a sweet tooth.

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  • 3/11

    Go Vegetarian

    Sometimes vegetarian sandwiches can be super boring, but this one is livened up by feta, cucumbers, and protein-packed hummus.

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  • 4/11

    Bank on Beans

    Speaking of protein-packed, this three-bean salad is loaded with the good stuff. It's also easy to pack in a container. Try putting in some feta to make it even more palatable.

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  • 5/11

    A Slaw is a Sandwich's Best Friend

    Another vegetarian sandwich that your kid will love, this egg sandwich has a tangy, crunchy green-bean slaw. Experiment with different slaws on sandwiches to pack more veggies into your camper's lunch.

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  • 6/11

    Try a Cold, Noodle-y Salad

    Noodles are an easy way to get some veggies and protein into your kid midday. Pack some chopsticks for a little extra lunchtime fun.

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  • Danny Kim
    7/11

    Just Dip It

    Dip: Just another way to get your camper to eat his or her veggies. We love this spinach-yogurt dip because it's made with entirely healthy ingredients, and your little one will have a blast dipping the rainbow of raw veggies you've packed for them, too.

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  • Photo By We Are The Rhoads
    8/11

    Pack Some Panzanella

    Bread, cheese, veggies, and salami? It's a "sandwich salad!" Or so you'll tell your kids...

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  • 9/11

    Couscous with Clementines, Chickpeas, Olives, and Dates

    This couscous is tossed with sweet and salty ingredients; perfect for your youngin's palate.

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  • 10/11

    Try a Frittata

    Remember what we said about frittatas? They're just as great on their own as they are in a sandwich. Fill them with your kid's favorite meats, veggies, and cheese, and send them to camp with a slice and some greens. The best part? You can make this baby on Sunday night.

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  • 11/11

    Don't Fear the Salad

    Chicken, bacon, and avocado are some of kids' favorite ingredients—so turn them into a salad! Use heartier greens like baby kale so the salad won't wilt—or, if your child is old enough, pack the dressing on the side. He or she will have fun drizzling the dressing on top.

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