Back to School Lunch Box Ideas: Part 2 – Healthy & Easy Recipes for Kids
Hey Meet the Vegans community!
Welcome to Part 2 of our Back to School series, where we’re continuing to share healthy, delicious, and fun lunch box ideas for your little ones. In this edition, we’re excited to introduce a balanced and tasty lunch box concept featuring pesto pasta and banana muffins as the star of the meal. Paired with fresh fruits like cut-up kiwi and strawberries, plus savory sides like cooked edamame beans and baby tomatoes, this lunch box is designed to keep your kids fueled and happy throughout the school day.
Our Pesto Pasta is a fresh, flavorful dish made with a vibrant basil pesto that’s packed with nutrients. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying lunch that your kids will love.
And for a sweet treat, our Banana Muffins are fluffy, delicious, and made with wholesome ingredients. These muffins are perfect for packing in lunch boxes or enjoying as a snack.
Here are five reasons why this lunch box series is helpful for mums and dads:
Time-Saving: Our lunch box ideas are designed to be quick and easy to prepare, helping busy parents save valuable time in the morning.
Nutritionally Balanced: Each recipe is carefully crafted to provide a balanced mix of nutrients, ensuring your kids get the energy they need to stay focused and active throughout the day.
Kid-Friendly: The recipes are not only healthy but also tailored to be appealing to kids, making it easier to ensure they enjoy their meals and eat well.
Versatile and Customizable: The ideas we share can be easily adapted to suit your child’s preferences, dietary needs, and what you have on hand, giving you flexibility in meal planning.
Stress-Free Mornings: By offering simple, make-ahead options, we help reduce the stress of last-minute lunch prep, making your mornings smoother and more manageable.
Check out the recipes
Ingredients
Pesto Pasta
This Pesto Pasta is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh basil, sunflower seeds, and a squeeze of lemon, this pesto is vibrant, nutty, and easy to whip up in minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
Ingredients
For the Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well)
- Salt for boiling water
- Optional: Extra basil leaves and sunflower seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, sunflower seeds, and lemon juice. Pulse a few times to start breaking down the ingredients.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy pesto. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend again briefly to mix the seasoning evenly. Set the pesto aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto:
- In a large bowl, toss the hot pasta with the prepared pesto. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too thick, and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.
- Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Serve:
- Serve the pesto pasta warm, garnished with extra basil leaves and sunflower seeds if desired.
- Enjoy:
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to bring it back to life.
Notes
- Sunflower Seeds: These add a nutty flavor and are a great alternative to pine nuts traditionally used in pesto.
- Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and balances the richness of the olive oil. Adjust to taste.
- Pasta Water: This starchy water helps the pesto cling to the pasta and makes the sauce silky.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
Responses