Lunch ideas for kids heading back to school – and parents going back to work
We know how busy and intense the transition from lazy summer days at the pool to adjusting back to the 5am wake-up calls can be, so we thought we would help out by sharing unique and easy lunchbox ideas that you and the family can try this year.
For the kids
Mini frittatas
You can eat the frittata straight out of the oven, but part of its appeal is that it is delicious at room temperature.
You can cut it into small cubes, separate with a toothpick, and it will be perfect for nibbling. Or you can slice it into wedges and pair it with a salad. Put most simply, a frittata is a jumble of vegetables and/or meat mixed into a bowlful of beaten eggs and cooked until done.
Homemade mac and cheese
A big pot of macaroni and cheese for dinner goes a long way. Take your leftovers out of the fridge in the morning and heat them up in the microwave before school.
Nut butter and jam sandwich
An oldie, but a goodie. This is the lunch that will give your kid some major nostalgia vibes later in life.
Muffins
Who doesn’t enjoy fresh-baked muffins?
Muffins, which come in various flavours, are popular among children. Often confused with cupcakes, they can be savoury or sweet in flavour and do not require any frosting. They are best served hot and eaten as snacks or desserts.
Kebabs
Kids love anything on a skewer, so shake up the classic sandwich and kebab-it. This is a great idea for kids who don’t like sandwiches or for those who get tired of the same old sandwich day after day. Pair the kebabs with a sauce or dressing for dipping – it adds extra flavour and kids love to dip.
Sweet potato chips
A good lunch has a little crunch. Slice the sweet potatoes into paper-thin rounds, and coat them with oil and salt. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp.
Fish sticks
Adding fish sticks to healthy lunches for kids is a good way of sneaking in their source of protein. Make a yummy dip, and add vegetables and fruits to make their lunch fun and colourful to eat.
Smoothies
Smoothies offer an amazing way to boost one’s immune system and replenish important vitamins.
For maximum benefit, don’t forget to add seasonal vegetables. It is easy to load up on fruit, as it is sweet and delicious, but for variety and health, vegetables are a must, too.
Things such as carrots, avocados, and spinach can be added to smoothies, and they add a whole lot of goodness. Another tip for making smoothies – you should always check the serving size. Don’t throw in two bananas, a whole mango and a tub of yoghurt, and then expect the young one to drink it all.
For the adults
Roast potatoes
Making perfect roast potatoes is a key component of any lunch and the best ones are crisp on the outside but fluffy on the inside. The trick to getting your potatoes to stay crisp is making sure the fat or oil is hot before combining it with the potatoes so it is not absorbed.
Biryani
Whoever said no to biryani? A delicious biryani made with minced meat, almonds, raisins, yoghurt, onions, garlic, ginger, and milk is one of those dishes which does not just make your lunch table look good but also leaves the office smelling fabulous.
Tacos
Make the most of Monday dinner leftovers by turning them into a taco Tuesday lunch. Shred whatever meat was had last night and pack it along with corn tortillas, rice, lettuce, salsa fresca and pumpkin seeds for a complete meal.
Chickpeas
Research has shown that eating plant-based proteins has incredible health benefits, and chickpeas are no exception. Chickpeas are a tasty and versatile addition to lunch because they provide satisfying plant-based protein, fibre, and other nutrients. Swop them for meat in casseroles, soups, salads, and pasta dishes for meatless options. The possibilities are practically endless.
Pasta salad
If you made pasta last night and you have some leftovers, you can turn it into a delicious salad. If you made roast vegetables last night and have some leftovers, you can add pasta and turn it into a tasty vegetable pasta salad. Make leftovers into a new dish by adding a different dressing.
Grain bowls
Grain bowls are a go-to for many meal preparation enthusiasts because they are easy to make and extremely versatile. Start by cooking a large amount of grain of your choice, such as brown rice, quinoa or buckwheat. Then prepare other fiber- or protein-rich ingredients to create a delicious bowl that you can take to work.