Old-fashioned things always seem to circle back into popularity, and that's true for food, too! These side dishes are ones your grandma might've made, and they're perfect for a cold-packed school lunch today.
28 Grandma-Approved Sides Perfect for a School Lunch
Updated on Dec. 08, 2023
Ambrosia Salad
During last-minute menu planning, I often include this classic ambrosia salad recipe because I keep the ingredients on hand. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
1/28
2/28
Skillet Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 600 calories, 37g fat (23g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
3/28
Slow-Cooker Applesauce
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
12 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My sweet and chunky applesauce is a perfect snack or side dish with your favorite entree. Because it's prepared in the slow cooker, you can fix it and forget it before you and the family head out for some fun. —Susanne Wasson, Montgomery, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/28
Rainbow Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my children were young, I would often dress up fresh fruit in this easy salad. Decades later, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren still love digging in to the fruity layers. The salad goes well with barbecued meats or cold sandwiches. —Jonnie Adams Sisler, Stevensville, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 123 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
5/28
Grape Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
6/28
Marinated Three Bean Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh herbs and cayenne pepper provide the fantastic flavor in this marinated salad featuring fresh veggies and canned beans. —Carol Tucker, Wooster, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 184 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein.
7/28
Pizza Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun summer dish, this is a different salad that tastes as good as it looks. I love to take it to parties—the wonderful zesty flavor really complements a barbecue! —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 362 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
8/28
Mac and Cheese Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
9/28
Pea Salad with Bacon
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So I decided to combine the two, and it was perfect! This salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecues. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 218 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
10/28
Homemade Potato Chips
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Forget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 176 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
11/28
Cherry Waldorf Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We combine apples with tart cherries and dried cranberries to give an autumn twist to classic Waldorf salad. —Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 181 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
12/28
Macaroni Coleslaw
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Peggy brought this coleslaw to one of our picnics, and everyone liked it so much, we all had to have the recipe. —Sandra Matteson, Westhope, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
13/28
Tangy Baked Seven Beans
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
18 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone needs a go-to side dish for school events, picnics and potlucks. Here's mine. Freeze leftovers for future outings. —Rod Lundwall, Tooele, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 369 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 1126mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
14/28
Black-Eyed Pea Tomato Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spending time in the kitchen with my late aunt was so much fun because she was an amazing cook and teacher. This black-eyed pea salad was one of her specialties. It is easy to make and is a nice alternative to pasta or potato salad. Add cooked cubed chicken breast to make it a meal on its own. —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 242 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
15/28
Summer Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for fun ways to use the fresh veggies that come in my Community Supported Agriculture box, and this summer orzo salad is one of my favorite creations. I like to improvise with whatever I have on hand, so feel free to do the same here! —Shayna Marmar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 291 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
16/28
Cranberry Waldorf Gelatin
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy this easy-to-make salad in the fall when apples are in season. Their crisp freshness adds so much to a favorite dish. — Debbie Short, Carlisle, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 156 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
17/28
Citrus Fruit Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh pineapple with yogurt and pecans is a merry update of the classic ambrosia salad. We stir it up for breakfast, a snack or as a bright side. —Heather Rivers, Boise, ID
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 176 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
18/28
Green Bean Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve up those green beans in a whole new way–with a green bean salad recipe! The tangy flavors and crunch of these balsamic green beans complement any special meal or holiday potluck. —Megan Spencer, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 77 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
19/28
Colorful Corn ‘n’ Bean Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (1/2 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick recipe couldn’t be easier…the liquid from the corn relish becomes a ready-made dressing! And because there’s no mayo, it’s a perfect salad to bring along on summer outings.—TerryAnn Moore, Vineland, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 80 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
20/28
Apple Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy fruit salad was a favorite of my great-grandmother’s. My family always enjoys it, and I’m happy knowing it’s good for them, too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 140 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
21/28
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
22/28
Fruit with Poppy Seed Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cool, colorful and easy to prepare, this refreshing, good-for-you fruit salad is a springtime favorite. —Peggy Mills, Texarkana, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 129 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 fruit.
23/28
Sweet Macaroni Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people don't like it, and it still tastes great. —Idalee Scholz, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 400 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
24/28
Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This homemade potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that you find nowadays. But Mama made it the way her mother did, and that's the way I still make it today. Try it and see if it isn't one of the best-tasting potato salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
25/28
Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom's ambrosia salad, with its tasty combination of fresh fruits and creamy yogurt, is a family favorite, and a great addition to a backyard barbecue. —Colleen Belbey, Warwick, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
26/28
Lemon Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over cool orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 259 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
27/28
Sweet-Tart Cucumber Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A dear friend showed me how to use up cucumbers in a tangy salad. The longer it chills, the deeper the flavor. Look for lemon or pickling cucumbers. —Dian Jorgensen, Santa Rosa, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 139 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 744mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
28/28
Cranberry Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. —Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 200 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
