Save to Pinterest A fun, customizable tray of kid-friendly meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit, perfect for easy packed lunches or snacks.
These DIY Lunchables trays started as a way to get my kids involved in building their own lunch. They love choosing their favorites from the options—plus it saves time for me in the morning.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 100 g sliced turkey breast, 100 g sliced ham, 100 g mild cheddar cheese (sliced), 100 g mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- Carbohydrates: 24 whole wheat crackers, 2 mini pita breads (cut into wedges, optional)
- Fruits & Vegetables: 1 cup seedless grapes, 1 cup baby carrots, 1 cup cucumber slices
- Treat (optional): 4 mini chocolate squares or 4 small cookies
Instructions
- Prepare Trays:
- Arrange equal portions of turkey, ham, cheddar, and mozzarella in four compartmentalized containers or lunchboxes.
- Add Crackers & Pita:
- Add 6 crackers and a few pita wedges (if using) to each tray.
- Pack Fruits & Veggies:
- Divide grapes, carrots, and cucumber slices evenly among the trays.
- Add Treat:
- Add a mini chocolate square or cookie as a treat, if desired.
- Refrigerate:
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Consume within 3 days for best freshness.
Save to Pinterest This is now a staple in our weekly lunch routine—my youngest especially likes helping layer the cheeses and pick their fruit. I love seeing their creativity each time.
Required Tools
Cutting board, sharp knife, and lunchboxes or compartmentalized containers make assembly easy and neat.
Nutritional Information
Each tray (without treat) provides about 310 calories, 12 g fat, 29 g carbohydrates, and 20 g protein.
Tips for Customizing
Swap meats and cheeses to match your family's tastes or dietary needs; try adding cherry tomatoes or apple slices for more variety.
Save to Pinterest Keep everything fresh with an ice pack and enjoy hassle-free lunches the whole week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does the tray stay fresh?
Stored covered in the refrigerator, the tray stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- → Can I substitute different meats or cheeses?
Yes, feel free to swap turkey and ham with roast chicken or other deli meats, and cheeses like Swiss or provolone.
- → Are there vegetarian options for this tray?
You can replace meats with hummus, hard-boiled eggs, or plant-based deli slices for a vegetarian-friendly tray.
- → What are some good side additions to include?
Adding cherry tomatoes, apple slices, or a small yogurt can complement this tray well.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this tray?
A cutting board, sharp knife, and compartmentalized containers or lunchboxes are all you need to assemble the tray.
- → Are there any allergen concerns?
This tray contains milk, wheat, and possibly soy. Always check packaging for nut traces.