10 Simple and Nutritious Lunch Ideas For Even the Pickiest Eaters

These shrimp quesadillas are as versatile as they are delicious. Add or subtract any veggies, or chop them very fine to sneak them underneath that delicious cheesiness. We recommend adding in black beans for an added protein kick, while shrimp offers DHA omega-3 fatty acids to one's diet. (Although, of course, the protein can be swapped out for those not into shrimp.)

Turkey meatballs are a great alternative to traditional beef meatballs, as they contain less fat while still offering high amounts of protein. These meatballs are made with onion and garlic, which not all picky eaters love, but once baked, these flavors meld nicely and aren't nearly as potent for picky eaters.

Really, you can't go wrong with potatoes. These mashed potato cakes are made with simple ingredients, including a single egg (which provides choline) as well as parmesan cheese for that added calcium kick. If your picky eater is up for it, sprinkle chives on top for an added green. If not, you can rest assured knowing that this wholesome and satisfying meal contains vitamin C, potassium, and more.

Hummus has become MVP among picky eaters all across America's cafeterias due to its versatility - make it as plain or full of pizzazz as you please - and nutritional value. These hummus sandwiches can really be tailored to your any palette, with or without additions like sprouts, cucumber, or even grilled chicken. Serve it up on whatever bread you've got on hand; even a hamburger bun or pita pocket will do.

This mac and cheese recipe is labeled keto, but before you question us, we're not here to encourage your child to follow a keto diet. Instead, we recommend this recipe because, instead of noodles, it calls for delicious cauliflower that can pack some serious protein, potassium, and choline into your child's favorite dish. Under all that calcium-rich cheese, it's possible that your picky eater won't even notice the difference.

This honey sesame chicken makes the perfect lunchbox protein, and when made with reduced sodium soy sauce and chicken stock, bypasses the high sodium levels that can come with takeout or restaurant leftovers. Add snow peas, broccoli, or another veggie your child will reach for, and serve with white rice for the ultimate rounded meal.

Can you go wrong with pizza? The answer is almost always no. These two-ingredient pizza dough pockets require only self-rising flour and fat-free Greek yogurt for the perfect dough. From there, you can stuff the pockets with whichever favorites. For a healthier option, opt for leaner meats such as chicken or lean ground beef over the likes of pepperoni and salami, and try to sneak in a veggie or two, like peppers, for an added nutritional boost.

Egg muffins don't have to be just for breakfast. Eggs are a great source of protein and choline, and these egg muffins can be made in a variety of sizes to satisfy different appetites. Add some sautéed veggies to these little powerhouses to fill nutritional gaps and consider switching to turkey sausage as it contains less saturated fats that may make little ones in particular feel groggy later in the day.

These ham and cheese sliders are perfect for both adults and kids alike, as they require minimal prep time and are easy to scarf down before recess. Swiss cheese offers a great calcium boost while poppy seeds have been shown to benefit bone health due to their high concentration of manganese.

These meat and cheese kabobs are the perfect option for picky eaters and can be made in a cinch. Although this particular recipe calls for ham and grapes, you can easily substitute for chicken or shrimp while adding fruits like mangoes, honeydew, or pears. Really, this recipe is a blank slate to include favorites while ensuring variety across all different food groups.

If you're planning on making these for your kid, however, just make sure their school is OK with you sending in skewers; some have rules against pointy objects.