What Goes With PBJ for a Creative and Balanced Lunch?

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 survey by Smucker's, the average American will have eaten approximately 2,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the time they graduate from high school. While the classic is a comforting favorite, figuring out what goes with PBJ for lunch can elevate the simple sandwich into a complete and exciting meal.

Quick Summary

Explore a variety of delicious and nutritious pairings to serve with your peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Find simple solutions for adding fruits, vegetables, and protein to create a balanced meal for both children and adults. Get inspired to go beyond the basics with classic and creative side dishes.

Key Points

Fresh Fruits and Veggies: Apples, bananas, carrots with hummus, and berries add essential vitamins and fiber to any PBJ lunch.
Dairy and Protein: Yogurt, cheese cubes, hard-boiled eggs, or roasted chickpeas boost protein for a more filling and balanced meal.
Crunchy and Savory Sides: Pretzels, nut and seed mixes, or homemade apple chips offer a satisfying texture contrast and salty flavor.
Gourmet Twists: Elevate a PBJ with sides like a Greek salad, spicy cucumbers, or a grilled version for an adult-friendly, complex flavor profile.
Balanced Meal Strategy: Combining different food groups with a PBJ enhances flavor, texture, and nutritional value, moving beyond a simple sandwich.
Creative Packing: Use bento boxes or separate containers to keep moist items like berries or yogurt from making the sandwich soggy.

Creative and Healthy Sides for a PBJ Lunch

Moving beyond a simple bag of chips is the first step to making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich a more balanced and satisfying meal. The key is to add different food groups, textures, and flavors to complement the creamy, sweet, and savory elements of the classic sandwich. These pairings can transform a routine lunch into something much more appealing and nutritious for all ages.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh produce offers a simple and healthy solution for rounding out a PBJ lunch. Fruits provide natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the jam, while vegetables offer a fresh, crunchy contrast. Think about combinations that are easy to pack and eat.

Apple Slices: A classic pairing that adds a crisp, refreshing bite. Serving with a small cup of yogurt or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add extra flavor.
Banana: Sliced bananas can be served alongside the sandwich or even placed inside for a softer, sweeter texture and a boost of potassium.
Carrot Sticks with Hummus: For a savory option, pair crunchy carrot sticks with a small serving of hummus. This combination adds fiber, vitamins, and protein.
Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries are colorful, nutrient-dense, and perfect for packing in a separate container.
Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter: Why not complement your PBJ with more peanut butter? Celery sticks filled with a thin layer of peanut butter offer a delicious and familiar textural contrast.

Dairy and Protein Options

Adding a source of dairy or extra protein helps make the meal more filling and balanced. These options are particularly great for active individuals or growing kids who need more energy to power through their day.

Yogurt: A cup of plain or Greek yogurt can balance the sweetness of the PBJ with its tangy flavor. For a crunch, sprinkle some granola or dried fruit on top.
Cheese Cubes or String Cheese: The salty and savory notes of cheese, like cheddar or Colby jack, are an excellent counterpoint to the sweet jam.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: An easy, protein-packed addition. Pack a pre-peeled egg for an effortless and nutritious side.
Roasted Chickpeas: A satisfying, crunchy snack that’s high in protein and fiber. Season them with a pinch of salt and paprika for an extra kick.

Crunchy and Salty Snacks

Sometimes, you just need a salty, crunchy element to complete the meal. Instead of reaching for a standard bag of chips, consider these more interesting alternatives.

Pretzels: A classic for a reason, pretzels offer a satisfying crunch and salty flavor that contrasts well with the soft, sweet sandwich.
Nut and Seed Mix: A handful of nuts and seeds adds healthy fats, protein, and a hearty crunch. Mix in some dried fruit for extra sweetness.
Homemade Apple Cinnamon Chips: A healthier alternative to fried chips, these are easy to make and offer a sweet, crunchy side that complements the apple undertones in many jellies.

Grown-Up and Gourmet Twists

For those looking to elevate the classic sandwich into a more sophisticated lunch, these grown-up pairings offer exciting flavor combinations. Consider adding these gourmet touches for a more adventurous palate.

Side Salad with Vinaigrette: A small Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a fresh, tangy component that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.
Grilled PBJ: Pan-frying or grilling your PBJ with a little butter can create a warm, gooey, and crispy version of the classic. Serve it with a simple side salad.
Spicy Sides: For a more adventurous pairing, consider a side of spicy, marinated cucumber slices or a light Thai peanut salad to balance the sweetness of the jam with a savory, spicy kick.

Comparison Table: Best PBJ Lunch Pairings


Pairing Category	Best For	Flavor Profile	Nutritional Benefit	Texture Contrast
Fresh Fruit	Kids' Lunchboxes	Sweet, refreshing	Vitamins, fiber	Soft vs. Crisp
Veggies + Dip	Healthy Adults	Savory, crunchy	Vitamins, fiber, protein	Crunchy vs. Soft
Yogurt + Granola	Balanced Energy	Tangy, crunchy	Protein, probiotics	Creamy vs. Crunchy
Roasted Chickpeas	High-Protein Boost	Savory, salty	Protein, fiber	Crunchy vs. Soft
Gourmet Sides	Adventurous Adults	Complex, spicy	Vitamins, fresh	Crisp vs. Gooey

Conclusion

While the humble peanut butter and jelly sandwich can stand on its own, it truly shines when paired with complementary sides that add nutritional balance, interesting textures, and exciting flavors. Whether you're packing a lunch for a child or creating a satisfying meal for yourself, the options are plentiful. From the simplicity of fresh fruit and crunchy vegetables to the protein boost of yogurt or the adventurous kick of a gourmet side, there are countless ways to answer the question, "What goes with PBJ for lunch?" By thinking creatively about pairings, you can transform a lunchtime staple into a delicious, complete, and satisfying meal every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Healthy fruits like apple slices, bananas, and a variety of fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) are excellent choices. They add natural sweetness, vitamins, and fiber to the meal.

Beyond chips, you can serve veggies with dip (like carrots and hummus), yogurt with granola, cheese cubes, or roasted chickpeas. These options add more nutritional value and variety in texture.

To make a PBJ lunch more filling, add sources of protein and fiber. Consider sides like hard-boiled eggs, a handful of nuts, or a cup of Greek yogurt. These help sustain energy longer.

Savory sides can include cheese cubes, pretzels, roasted chickpeas, or a small side salad. These salty and savory flavors balance out the sweetness of the jelly.

To prevent sogginess, pack moist sides like berries or wet vegetables in a separate container. You can also spread peanut butter on both slices of bread before adding the jelly to act as a barrier.

Yes, for a more adult take, try pairing your PBJ with a small Greek salad, spicy marinated cucumber slices, or grilling the sandwich for a warm, melty texture. Consider using unique jellies or artisan breads for extra flavor.

You can add more protein by including a hard-boiled egg, cheese cubes, a side of Greek yogurt, or roasted chickpeas. Spreading a higher-protein nut butter, or adding chia or flax seeds, also works well.