Nutritious and Easy Lunch Box Ideas for Kids

lunch box ideas for kids seaweed recipes

Did you know that one pack of seaweed equals a whole vegetable serving? These easy lunch box ideas for kids are not only yummy but nutritious!

Read on below for 3 fun ways on how you can add seaweed to your kiddo’s next lunchbox meal!

3 Non-Sushi Easy Lunchbox Ideas for Kids That Still Include Seaweed!

One of the most popular ways to include seaweed in a lunchbox is in sushi! But we are thinking outside the bento-box with 3 unique ways to add this nutritious vegetable in your kiddo’s next meal! From rice balls, to seaweed sandwiches, these are easy to make and yummy to eat!

If you’ve been following along you know that I have one VERY picky eater and this is one of the only green things he happily enjoys eating! Knowing he is getting his essential veggies, plus an excellent source of vitamin B12, K, and iodine makes my mama heart happy!

Skills:

Ages: 2 Years +

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

How to Make the Dishes!

In this video, you’ll see just how easy it is to make these sushi-alternative, easy lunch box ideas for kids that include seaweed! This light, crispy, melt-in-your mouth seaweed is so super nutritious it has been a staple in my kid’s lunchboxes for years so I wanted to share 3 fun ways we incorporate it in school lunches that aren’t the typical sushi rolls!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

How to Make the Dishes!

In this video, you’ll see just how easy it is to make these sushi-alternative, easy lunch box ideas for kids that include seaweed! This light, crispy, melt-in-your mouth seaweed is so super nutritious it has been a staple in my kid’s lunchboxes for years so I wanted to share 3 fun ways we incorporate it in school lunches that aren’t the typical sushi rolls!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

#1 Make a Seaweed Sandwich!

Swap out bread for seaweed and make a seaweed sandwich! The combinations are endless, but it is great to start with a base of sushi nori and white rice. For the pictured sandwich, I combined white rice with cream cheese and spread it out on a layer of sushi nori. Then, I put slices of avocado and smoked salmon. Finally, I folded it in half and sliced it in the middle!

Listen, I’m all about the traditional sandwich. But this is a fun easy lunchbox idea that mixes things up! If you have leftover white rice the process doesn’t take any longer than the traditional way either!

Here are some more items that can be included in a seaweed sandwich: cucumber, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, carrots, crab, shrimp, roe, egg, and tuna!

#2 Seaweed Rice Balls

This is one of the easiest lunchbox ideas ever! Just crunch up a big sheet of seaweed or several of the small sheets and mix with white rice. Mold rice into balls using your damp hands or get a handy rice ball mold like we have!

We love our rice ball mold because it is easy to use and creates perfect rice balls in seconds! Rice can get sticky so this little tool keeps things less messy!

They are such awesome finger foods for kids! And you can make the size as big or small as you like, considering the age of your child!

Just like the seaweed sandwich, you can add lots of things to rice balls in addition to seaweed, like bits of cucumber, carrots, and sesame seeds!

#3 Build Your Own Temaki Bar

If the last two ideas weren’t adaptable enough, this one wins in terms of customizing! Providing a build-your-own temaki bar is not only easy to prepare, but such a fun way for kids to show independence while eating!

Just place a packet of seaweed snacks in a lunchbox along with different types of fillings! Pictured, I included rice, shredded carrot, cucumber, and edamame, but you could personalize based on your preferences! Think: avocado, tuna fish, tofu, and crab to name a few!

When packing the lunch, it’s best to keep the seaweed in the packaging so it stays crisp and fresh!