For the next two weeks, we are focusing on getting back to the basics for kids lunch box recipes and meal plans. Mostly, we are focusing on incorporating the USDA MyPlate guidelines into the meal plans. Talk to your kiddos about these meal plans, and see what recipes they would like to try.
When planning lunch boxes, it is important to think of color, texture, and taste. Start with protein and add items that help complement the main star of lunch. Download the file below for ideas.
Lunch box recipes can be what you send to school, camp, or lunch at home. When planning, it is best to get your children involved in grocery shopping, recipe selection, and preparing meals. Here are some of my kids' favorite recipes.
Best Hummus Recipe
Try this hummus recipe once, and you'll never go back to buying it at the store! Served with fresh veggies and pita, it's a delicious appetizer, snack or include in your kiddo's school lunch.
Equipment
- 1 Blender optional
- 1 Food processor optional
Ingredients
- 1½ cups cooked chickpeas PEELED, drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup smooth tahini (I prefer Trader Joe's organic tahini or Soom)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice more to taste
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 5 tablespoons water or as needed to blend
- paprika red pepper flakes, or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Peel the chickpeas. (This step takes a long time, but it is worth it.)
- In a blender or food processor, place the chickpeas, tahini olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Continue to blend until smooth, adding water as needed to blend, and/or to reach your desired consistency.
- Transfer to a serving plate, top with a bit more olive oil and desired garnishes. Serve with toasted pita bread and your favorite veggies, as desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Kid-Friendly Guacamole
Made with just four simple and fresh ingredients, this kid-friendly guacamole can be ready in just 5 minutes. We promise, it will be your next go-to for school lunches, taco salads or when hosting a crowd on game day!
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl
Ingredients
- 3 avocados
- 2 cloves of garlic finely minced
- juice of 1 lime about 2 tablespoons
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine peeled and pitted avocados, minced garlic and lime juice to a large bowl
- Mash avocado, garlic, and lime well with a fork or food masher until it reaches your desired consistency
- Add ½-¾ teaspoon of salt and mix well. Ad more salt if desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad
This kid-friendly pasta salad is packed with lots of fresh veggies and pasta, which makes it a healthy, filling, colorful and delicious pasta salad that your child will love!
Ingredients
- ½ cup uncooked rotini pasta or 1 cup of other fun pasta shape
- ¼ cup steamed fresh peas or frozen
- 1 carrot peeled and diced
- ½ cucumber peeled and diced
- ½ red bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup steamed corn kernels
- For The Dressing
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta with remaining ingredients and serve at room temperature or cold.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Yummy Protein Balls
These Yummy Protein Balls recipe is easy to make, no-bake, full of simple ingredients, and so delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ⅔ cup toasted shredded coconut sweetened or unsweetened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter or swap with sun butter for a nut-free option
- ½ cup ground flaxseed
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is chilled.
- Roll into mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Serve. Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Leave a Reply