Hi all! It is time to head back to school. It is an exciting time but also brings some stress to parents who want to provide healthy lunches that the kiddos will actually EAT! I have been planning meals for my family for several years and I would love to share some of my favorite menus and recipes that you can try with your family.

Fall Lunch Bento Box Menu – Week 1
garlicky greek chicken

Garlicky Greek Chicken

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 lb. chicken thighs
  • kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. Add chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover bowl and marinate in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours.
  • When ready to cook the chicken, preheat oven to 425°. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining tablespoon olive oil. Season both sides of marinated chicken with salt and pepper, then add chicken skin-side down and pour in the remaining marinade.
  • Sear until the skin becomes golden and crispy, about 10 minutes. Flip chicken.
  • Move oven-proof pan to oven and cook until the chicken is cooked to 165°F, about 15 minutes.
Keyword garlic Greek Chicken
did you make this recipe?Please rate and leave a comment! Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram at @berriesandoats1 to let me know how it was!

Creamy Pasta Shells With Peas

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Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound small pasta shells or elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 5 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • One 10-ounce package frozen peas
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced country ham or prosciutto coarsely chopped
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain the shells, return them to the pot and toss with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat until golden, about 4 minutes. Add the peas and ham and cook until the peas are hot and the ham is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the cream and stock and simmer over moderate heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir the cream sauce into the shells. Add the Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls.
Keyword bento box recipe
did you make this recipe?Please rate and leave a comment! Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram at @berriesandoats1 to let me know how it was!
black beans

Caribbean Black Beans and Rice

Caribbean Black Beans and Rice is an easy-to-make side dish that's packed with protein flavor, and fiber! Try this with your favorite latin dish as a side or as a vegetarian meal during the week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked brown rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper cored, seeded and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 14.5-ounce can coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock
  • 2 15.0-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed, or 3 cups cooked
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Chopped fresh cilantro optional
  • 1 lime cut into wedges (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook rice according to package directions. I love cooking rice in an instant pot or rice cooker.
  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add onions and cook until just soft, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add peppers, garlic and chili powder and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add coconut milk and stock and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Stir in beans, then simmer until flavors are melded, about 5 minutes more; season with salt and pepper.
  • Spoon beans over rice, garnish with cilantro and lime wedges and serve.
did you make this recipe?Please rate and leave a comment! Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram at @berriesandoats1 to let me know how it was!
black bean salad

Black Bean Salad with Corn, Avocado and Lime Dressing

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Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans black beans, 15 oz rinsed and drained
  • 3 fresh cooked corn kernels cut off the cob
  • 2 red bell peppers diced
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallots from one medium shallot
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 9 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 Hass avocados chopped
  • ½ jalapeno, seeded finely diced (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, scallions, shallots, cilantro, lime zest, and sugar. Mix in beans, corn, and red bell pepper.
  • Add avocado and gently toss
  • Season with salt, if desired.
did you make this recipe?Please rate and leave a comment! Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram at @berriesandoats1 to let me know how it was!

Grape and Feta Salad

Grape and Feta Salad
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Ingredients
  

Salad Dressing:

  • 1 tablespoon hazelnut oil or any other nut oil or olive oil
  • Juice from 1 Meyer lemon or regular lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • A few rounds of freshly ground black pepper

Salad:

  • 2 cups of baby spinach
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1 cup seedless grapes sliced
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds optional
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, add the hazelnut oil, lemon juice, salt and black pepper. Whisk until combined.
  • In a large bowl, add the spinach, arugula, grapes and sliced almonds. Toss until the leaves are evenly coated with the dressing. Garnish extra sliced almonds and feta, then serve.

Notes

Credit: https://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/grape-feta-salad/
 
did you make this recipe?Please rate and leave a comment! Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram at @berriesandoats1 to let me know how it was!

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