It’s back-to-school season, and if you’re wondering what to pack for your vegan kids and teens, you’re not alone. I get this question all the time: “What do vegans eat for lunch?” So, I’ve rounded up my favorite vegan lunchbox ideas and after-school snacks — all easy, kid-approved, and perfect for school days. 🙂
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
Well, the same thing that non-vegans enjoy: soups, salads, sandwiches, sweet treats, all those things. It’s as simple as that 🙂
If you think preparing a vegan lunch to-go might seem like a struggle, let me just tell you: it’s actually no more challenging than making any other lunch.
Vegan lunches can be just as convenient and kid-friendly as any other packed meal, with the bonus of being naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. By planning ahead and mixing up textures and flavors, you can create meals that fuel energy for the entire school day.
I’m talking creamy vegan egg sandwiches, buffalo wraps, vegan gyros… all that delish stuff. If these ideas appeal to you, keep reading! In this guide, I’ll share 13 vegan lunchbox recipes that check all the boxes: nutritious, portable, and quick to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a kindergartener or a teen with a big appetite, these ideas will help you send them off with a lunchbox they’ll actually look forward to opening.
Creamy vegan egg salad sandwiches
If you loved egg salad before going plant-based, you don’t have to abandon it! This tofu-powered recipe will win you over. Crumbled extra-firm tofu takes on the classic texture, while fresh dill, parsley, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of black salt create that familiar flavor. All without a single egg. Toss it all in creamy vegan mayo; layer it between toasted whole-grain bread with crisp greens and juicy tomatoes; and you’ve got a protein-packed lunch that’s ready in minutes. It’s make-ahead friendly, so you can prep it the night before and pop it straight into the lunchbox in the morning.
Recipe »
Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower Wraps
Spice up lunchtime with these zesty wraps! They’re loaded with oven-roasted Buffalo cauliflower, crisp romaine, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes. Everything gets wrapped in a soft gluten-free tortilla for a satisfying bite. The cauliflower bakes until tender and slightly charred, then gets tossed in homemade Buffalo sauce for that irresistible tangyheat. Perfect for meal prep; just store the components separately and assemble in minutes for one of the best kid-friendly vegan lunches.
Recipe »
Best-Ever Vegan Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Bring a taste of the Mediterranean to the lunchbox with these hearty vegan gyros. Seasoned soy curls—marinated in herbs and spices—are sauteed until golden and piled into warm pita bread with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. A generous drizzle of creamy plant-based tzatziki ties it all together with fresh dill and garlic zing. These gyros are quick to prep, high in protein, and perfect for making ahead; just store the fillings separately and assemble when it’s time to eat for the freshest flavor.
Recipe »
Teriyaki mushroom lettuce wraps
Light, fresh, and packed with flavor. These lettuce wraps make lunchtime feel special. Tender button mushrooms are sauteed with red pepper, onion, pineapple, and roasted cashews, then tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce for a sweet-savory bite. Everything gets tucked into crisp butter lettuce leaves for a gluten-free, hand-held lunch that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Prep the filling ahead of time, and all you’ll need to do in the morning is reheat and wrap for a healthy meal.
Recipe »
Vegan spring rolls with sweet potato noodles
These fresh Vietnamese-style spring rolls swap traditional vermicelli for spiralized sweet potato noodles. They are filled with crisp veggies, fragrant basil and mint, and crispy ginger-peanut tempeh, and are wrapped in delicate rice paper and served with creamy Thai peanut sauce for dipping. Light yet satisfying, these rolls make a perfect gluten-free lunch that’s easy to customize. Just prep the fillings in advance and roll them fresh for a lunchbox-friendly meal.
Recipe »
Loaded vegan quesadilla
Crispy on the outside and full of flavor on the inside, these quesadillas are a lunchtime winner! Fajita-style onions, peppers, and mushrooms are sauteed with smoky spices, then layered with creamy homemade guacamole and hearty black beans inside soft gluten-free tortillas. Pan-seared until golden, they’re finished with fresh cilantro, jalapenos, and some hot sauce for those who like a kick. They’re easy to prep in under 20minutes, making them perfect for a quick school lunch or a make-ahead meal that still tastes fresh when reheated.
Recipe »
Easy Vegan Pasta Salad with Crunchy Veggies
This colorful pasta salad is quick to make, easy to pack (it is, in fact, one of my top packable vegan meals), and full of flavor. Tender rotini pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, crisp red onion, and fresh parsley, all coated in a red wine vinaigrette. Cubes of vegan mozzarella add a creamy touch, making it both light and satisfying. Perfect for prepping ahead—just let it chill so the flavors meld—this salad holds up well in the lunchbox and doubles as a great picnic or potluck dish 😋
Recipe »
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Take your kid/teen right into the Mediterranean as they enjoy their lunch break! This orzo salad packs all the flavors of the Mediterranean into one easy dish. Tender orzo pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fresh parsley, and crunchy pine nuts. A creamy tahini vinaigrette ties it all together with a nutty taste. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect chilled in a lunchbox or served as a light main. Make it ahead for the week; this is one of the meatless school lunches that will stay flavorful for days.
Recipe »
Classic Vegan Tuna Salad Sandwich
This plant-based version of a classic swaps' tuna for protein-rich tempeh. But it delivers the same hearty texture in a healthier way. 😁 It’s mixed with crisp celery, onion, dill pickles, fresh dill, capers, vegan mayo, and a touch of mustard for a tangy filling that’s satisfying and kid-approved. Pile it onto whole grain bread with lettuce and tomato for a lunch that travels well and stays fresh, or pack it with crackers and veggies for a fun, deconstructed version. Since it keeps in the fridge for days, it makes for one of the best make-ahead vegan lunches.
Recipe »
Easy Vegan Taco Salad
This one’s a hearty back-to-school lunch! Crisp romaine forms the base and is topped with savory lentil and walnut “taco meat”, black beans, cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips. A zesty avocado salsa dressing brings it all together for a meal that’s satisfying and nutrient-rich. Prep the components ahead of time, store them separately, and assemble in the morning for a lunchbox salad that stays fresh until it’s time to eat.
Recipe »
Vegan Tofu Banh Mi
This flavor-packed sandwich brings a Vietnamese classic to the lunchbox. I think it’s perfect for back-to-school meals that feel anything but boring. Smoky, marinated tofu is pan-fried until crispy, then layered onto a crusty baguette with creamy Banh Mi sauce, quick-pickled carrots and cucumbers, fresh cilantro, and jalapeno. The pickled veggies and sauce can be made ahead, so all you have to do in the morning is assemble for a fresh lunch that holds up until the bell rings.
Recipe »
Vegan Falafel Pita
Perfect for busy school days, this protein-packed lunch wraps crispy falafel in soft pita bread with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and creamy vegan tzatziki. The falafel—made from soaked chickpeas, herbs, and spices—can be baked, fried, or air-fried ahead of time, then stored in the fridge for quick lunchbox assembly. Pair it with a side of hummus or a small salad, and you’ve got a nutrient-rich back-to-school lunch.
Recipe »
Vegan Chicken Salad Sandwiches
This plant-based chicken salad uses tender, shredded jackfruit mixed with crunchy celery, red onion, and tangy dill pickles. Tossed in creamy vegan mayo with fresh dill and a hint of mustard, it’s flavorful, light, and perfect for packing into a sandwich or pita. The salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making it an ideal grab-and-go back-to-school lunch that’s satisfying; plus, it's soy- and gluten-free.
Recipe »
Honorable mentions
Back to School Wrap Up
Packing healthy lunches doesn’t have to be stressful, and that’s what I wanted to achieve with this list of vegan school lunch ideas 😁 From vegan wraps and sandwiches to crunchy salads, these ideas prove that plant-based eating is anything but boring. With a little planning, you can fill lunchboxes with meals that are nourishing, delicious, and school-day ready. So, mix and match; try something new; and make lunchtime a highlight of the day 😊
If you give this recipe recipe a try, snap a photo and share it on Instagram. Make sure to tag @mydarlingvegan so I can see your creations!
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a 14-year (and counting) vegan, professionally trained photographer, former pastry chef, founder of My Darling Vegan, and author of the
Leave a Reply