Mexican Mom’s Weekly Lunch Ideas: Delicious and Nutritious Meals for Kids

Español When I was a child in Mexico, fast food was off-limits at our elementary school, so lunchtime was all about enjoying natural, homemade meals. Sandwiches and tortas were a big part of our school lunches.

A torta is a traditional Mexican sandwich made with bolillo bread, filled with ham, and slathered with mayonnaise. There are countless variations, but the “tortas de Jamón del Chavo” were the most popular to bring to school.

Along with a sandwich, my mom always packed freshly cut pieces of cucumber, jicama, or carrot in our lunch bags, along with lime and chili powder. We would squeeze the lime on top of the veggies right before eating and then add the chili. The freshness and crunchiness of the veggies were fantastic, and they’re still one of my favorite snacks today!

Now, as a Mexican mom living in Chicago, I love keeping this tradition alive with my own children. I make sure they have nutritious, homemade sandwiches that blend our Mexican favorites with the popular lunchbox options their American classmates enjoy. This is the magic of being raised in a bicultural home—embracing the best of both worlds!

Here are my go-to lunch ideas for each day of the week. They combine easy preparation with flavors that kids will love.

Monday: Tuna Sandwich with a Mexican Twist

My kids and I love tuna salad, and this tuna sandwich can easily be swapped out of the tuna for turkey, ham, beef, or chicken. Add mixed veggies, mayo, lime juice, and a little prickled jalapeno juice for the perfect filling!

Ingredients (Makes 2 Tuna Sandwiches):

• 1 Tuna Can
• 1/4 cup veggies (corn, carrots, peas—canned or frozen)
• 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tbsp Lime Juice
• Pepper to taste
• 2 Slices of Whole Wheat Bread
• 1 cup Lettuce

For the Lunchbox:

• Cucumber sticks
• Carrot sticks
• 1/2 Lime
• Chili powder (I love Tajín)
• 1 Banana

How to Make It:

1. Drain the tuna and place it in a bowl. Add the pre-cooked veggies, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and pepper. Stir everything together.
2. Spread a little mayonnaise on the slices of bread. Pile on the tuna mixture, add some lettuce, and assemble your sandwich.
3. Pack the sandwich in a container, and add cucumber and carrot sticks, half of a lime, chili powder, and a banana.

Tuesday: Classic Mexican Torta de Jamón

In Mexico, tortas are a lunchtime staple, with most kids bringing one to school daily. You can even find street vendors selling these delicious sandwiches right outside the school gates, passing them to eager kids through the fence.

Ingredients (Makes 2 Lunchboxes):

• 2 bolillo or telera rolls
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/2 avocado
• Lettuce
• 4 slices of ham
• 2 slices of your favorite cheese

How to Make It:

1. Slice the bolillo rolls lengthwise. Spread mayonnaise on the inside of both halves, then add mustard on one side.
2. Spread the avocado on the other side, then layer ham, lettuce, and cheese in the middle.
3. As any true Mexican knows, a couple of pickled jalapeño slices are a must, even for kids—after all, we practically grow up eating chili!

For the Lunchbox:

• Melon slices
• Cucumber sticks with lime and chili powder

Wednesday: Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls

When it comes to lunch, presentation is everything! Instead of the usual sandwich, why not make Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls? These fun little bites will make lunchtime more exciting. You can get creative with decorations or include a sweet note to brighten your child’s day.

Ingredients:

• 2 Slices of Whole Wheat Bread
• Peanut Butter
• Honey or Jelly (Optional)

For the Lunchbox:

• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Jicama sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Chili powder (Tajín)
• 1/2 Lime
• 1/3 cup goldfish (my six-year-old loves them)

How to Make It:

1. Remove the crusts from the bread slices and flatten them with a rolling pin.
2. Spread peanut butter on each slice, add honey or jelly, and then roll them up.
3. Pack the rolls with jicama and carrot sticks, grapes, strawberries, lime, and chili powder.

Thursday: Chicken Apple Salad and Crackers

Salads are a great cold lunch idea, and the possibilities are endless! This Chicken Apple Salad is one of my favorites—it might seem like an unusual combination, but the apple adds a delicious sweetness that I’m sure your family will love. This is a great option for kids who aren’t into sandwiches.

Ingredients (Makes 2 Lunchboxes):

• 1 cup Shredded Chicken (a rotisserie chicken makes it easy)
• 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp Yogurt
• 1 Apple, Chopped
• Celery, Finely Chopped
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp Jalapeño Juice (Optional)
• 1 cup Lettuce

For the Lunchbox:

• Crackers
• Grapes
• Melon or your favorite fruit

How to Make It:

1. Place the shredded chicken in a bowl and add mayonnaise, yogurt, chopped apple, finely chopped lettuce, and celery. Stir everything together.
2. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can add jalapeño juice for an extra kick.
3. Pack the salad with crackers, grapes, and melon.

Friday: Ham Sandwich and Crunchy Veggies

Fri-yay! Let’s keep it simple with a classic Ham Sandwich. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to make your kids smile.

Ingredients:

• 2 Bread Slices
• 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
• 2 Slices Turkey Ham
• 1 Slice Cheese
• 1/4 cup Lettuce

For the Lunchbox:

• Cucumber sticks
• Carrot sticks
• 1/4 Lime
• Chili powder
• 1 Apple

How to Make It:

1. Spread mayonnaise on the bread slices, then layer with turkey ham, cheese, and lettuce.
2. Pack the sandwich with cucumber and carrot sticks, lime, and an apple.

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With these lunch ideas, your kids will have a week full of delicious, nutritious meals that celebrate their Mexican heritage and American upbringing. Enjoy!