Packing a lunch box that is both delicious and nutritious can sometimes feel like a daunting task for parents and caregivers. But fear not! We’ve come up with a list of lunch box recipe ideas that are not only easy to prepare but also guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!
Mini Veggie Wraps:
Ingredients:
- Whole grain tortillas
- Hummus or cream cheese
- Sliced cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, and avocado
- Baby spinach or lettuce leaves
Spread a layer of hummus or cream cheese on a whole grain tortilla, then layer with sliced vegetables and baby spinach or lettuce leaves. Roll tightly and cut into bite-sized pieces for a colourful and nutritious snack.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers:
Ingredients:
- Assorted fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, grapes, and kiwi
- Skewers or bamboo sticks
Thread a variety of colourful fruits onto skewers to create vibrant rainbow fruit skewers. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also provide a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
Protein-Packed Pasta Salad:
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat pasta
- Cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and bell peppers
- Cooked chickpeas or black beans
- Feta cheese or cubed tofu (optional)
- Olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning for dressing
Cook whole wheat pasta according to package instructions and let it cool. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with diced vegetables, chickpeas or black beans, and feta cheese or tofu if using. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, then toss to coat. Divide into lunch containers for a satisfying and protein-rich meal.
Cheesy Veggie Muffins:
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Finely chopped vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, and spinach
- Eggs, milk, and olive oil
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, shredded cheese, and chopped vegetables. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and olive oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Spoon the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. These cheesy veggie muffins are perfect for little hands and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
DIY Snack Boxes:
Ingredients:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Sliced cheese or cheese cubes
- Whole grain crackers or rice cakes
- Baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices
- Grapes or berries
Assemble a variety of bite-sized snacks into individual compartments of a lunch box to create a DIY snack box. Mix and match different options to cater to your child’s preferences and ensure a balanced meal.
With these simple and delicious recipe ideas, you can ensure that your little learners are fuelled for a day of fun and learning at Arden Early Learning. Happy packing!
If you need some more lunch box inspiration check out our Guide to Healthy Eating at Daycare.
