When it comes to summer camp lunch recipes, simplicity is the key. You want meals that are easy to pack, filling, quick to make, and, of course, tasty.
These are the 10 best summer camp lunch recipes to use right away:
When it comes to summer camp lunches, simplicity and portability are key. You want meals that are easy to pack, filling, quick to make, and, of course, tasty.
These are the 10 best summer camp lunch recipes to use right away:
1. DIY Wrap Bar
Wraps are portable, mess-free, and an all-time favorite among summer camp lunch recipes. A DIY wrap bar is a hit among kiddos because it lets them get creative.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Deli meats (turkey, ham, chicken)
- Shredded cheese
- Lettuce, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots
- Condiments: ranch, hummus, or mustard
Instructions:
- Lay out all ingredients buffet-style so kids can assemble their wraps.
- Spread condiments on a tortilla, add fillings, and roll tightly.
- Wrap in foil for easy transport and keep cool in an insulated lunch bag.
Perfect for picky eaters, this customizable option is one of the most flexible summer camp lunch recipes you can make.
2. Cold Pasta Salad
When the summer heat is in full swing, a cold pasta salad is a refreshing option. It’s also easy to make in big batches and keeps well in a cooler. You can even sneak in some extra greens like spinach or kale for a healthy twist.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- ½ cup cubed cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- ½ cup Italian dressing
Instructions:
- Cook and cool the pasta.
- Combine pasta, veggies, and cheese in a big bowl.
- Toss with Italian dressing until evenly coated.
- Divide into individual containers and refrigerate until ready to serve.
This refreshing dish is light, colorful, and one of the most crowd-pleasing summer camp lunch recipes.
3. Homemade Pizza Pockets
Skip the store-bought versions and make your own pizza pockets using refrigerated biscuit dough. These are a fun, hand-held option that satisfies picky eaters and are guaranteed to earn a spot in the hall of fame for summer camp lunch recipes.
Ingredients:
- Refrigerated biscuit dough
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Pepperoni slices
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Roll out each biscuit into a circle.
- Spoon marinara sauce onto half of the circle, then add cheese and pepperoni.
- Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Easy to pack and even easier to eat, these pizza pockets are a guaranteed hit.
4. Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels
Turkey and cheese pinwheels are a classic, crowd-pleasing option that’s as simple to make as it is fun to eat. Pack them in a container with some fresh fruit or veggie sticks on the side for a balanced, satisfying addition to your summer camp lunch recipes!
Ingredients:
- Large flour tortillas
- Sliced turkey
- Cheese slices (cheddar or Swiss)
- Cream cheese or hummus
Instructions:
- Spread cream cheese or hummus over the entire tortilla.
- Layer turkey and cheese slices evenly.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly and slice it into 1-inch pieces.
- Secure with toothpicks, if needed, and pack in a container.
Pinwheels are bite-sized, fun, and one of the easiest summer camp lunch recipes to prep.
5. Veggie-Packed Mini Muffins
These little bites are packed with grated zucchini and carrots, making them a sneaky way to add veggies to a kid’s diet. Mini muffins are easy to make in bulk, store well, and are a fun finger-food option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
- Combine and fold in grated veggies.
- Spoon batter into the muffin tin and bake for 15-18 minutes.
These savory muffins are a sneaky way to get more veggies into a camper’s diet.
6. Chicken Salad Pita Pockets
Light and satisfying, these pita pockets are filled with a simple chicken salad. They’re perfect for little hands and easy to eat without making a mess, making them ideal for busy camp days.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup halved grapes
- Whole wheat pita bread
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix chicken, yogurt, celery, and grapes.
- Cut pitas in half and gently open the pockets.
- Fill each pita half with chicken salad.
A creamy and satisfying lunch, this recipe is great for kids who like a little crunch and sweetness.
7. Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a fun, no-cook option that looks fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make. These skewers are refreshing, healthy, and a unique addition to your lineup of summer camp lunch recipes.
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
- Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving or pack separately to avoid sogginess.
These skewers are not only nutritious but also a visually fun addition to any camp lunchbox.
8. Peanut Butter & Banana Roll-Ups
This sweet and satisfying roll-up is a breeze to put together. Packed with protein and natural sweetness, these roll-ups are great for keeping kids energized all afternoon.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative)
- Bananas
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter over the tortilla.
- Place a whole banana near one edge and roll the tortilla tightly around it.
- Slice into 1-inch pieces and pack in a container.
This healthy recipe is an easy win for kids with a sweet tooth.
9. Trail Mix Snack Packs
Trail mix is a versatile and filling option that doubles as a snack or side. These are perfect for pairing with other summer camp lunch recipes, giving kids something crunchy and fun to munch on throughout the day.
Ingredients:
- Pretzels
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Nuts or seeds (if allowed)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Portion into individual snack-sized bags or containers.
Trail mix doubles as a snack and lunch filler, making it a must-have addition to your rotation of summer camp lunch recipes.
10. Hummus and Veggie Dippers
This fresh and healthy option is a hit with kids who love to dip. It’s colorful, nutritious, and easy to eat on the go, making it one of the simplest summer camp lunch recipes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Baby carrots
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Cherry tomatoes
- Individual hummus cups
Instructions:
- Wash and chop vegetables into snackable portions.
- Pack a variety of veggies with a hummus cup in a lunchbox or bag.
This healthy, crunchy option is refreshing and pairs perfectly with other summer camp lunch recipes.
Wrapping It Up
With these 10 summer camp lunch recipes, you’ll have no problem keeping kids fed, happy, and energized throughout their camp days. Try rotating these ideas throughout the week to keep things interesting and give campers something to look forward to every day!
If you’re still looking for the best summer camps in DFW, check out our Camp Directory or consider attending our DFW Camp Expo.
Parents can discover the many camps available in the DFW region, meet organization leaders, snag some freebies, find out about event deals, and plan the best spring and summer ever for their kids!
Get your Free DFW Camp Expo Tickets while supplies last.
