5 Easy Back to School Lunches You Can Make Ahead of Time!

We all want to make sure our kids are getting a nutritious meal even when they’re away from the house, but trying to prepare something to pack for lunch in the morning, while also getting yourself and everyone else dressed and ready to go can seem like an impossible routine to maintain.

That’s why we’ve gathered 5 easy to prepare lunches, that can be made over the weekend so you just need to throw them in a lunchbox and go! These meals aren’t just easy and nutritious, but they’re tasty enough that you can even take them to work yourself!

1. Turkey and Avocado Wraps:

   • Spread a tortilla with cream cheese or hummus.

   • Add sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato.

   • Roll up the tortilla and cut it into pinwheels.

   • Wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap for easy packing.

     • Try tofu for a vegetarian option! You can flavor it differently depending on your taste preferences to have a different tasting wrap each week!

2. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches:

   • Spread peanut butter (or almond butter for a nut-free option) on whole-grain bread.

   • Add banana slices.

   • Optionally, drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon.

   • Slice the sandwich in half and store it in a sandwich container.

3. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps:

   • Mix cooked and shredded chicken with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, diced celery, and grapes (halved).

   • Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice.

   • Spoon the chicken salad into lettuce leaves to create wraps.

   • Store the wraps in airtight containers.

     • For a pescatarian option, use tuna. Or use seitan for a vegetarian substitution! You can also substitute lactose free sour cream or yogurt if you have a lactose allergy.

4. Mini Caprese Skewers:

   • Thread cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella cheese balls (bocconcini), and fresh basil leaves onto small skewers.

   • Drizzle with balsamic glaze or a vinaigrette dressing.

   • Place the skewers in a container or bento box.

     • If you have a lactose allergy, try using a goat cheese or a feta instead and eat with a fork like a salad instead of on a skewer!

5. Vegetarian Pasta Salad:

   • Cook your choice of pasta (e.g., rotini, penne) and let it cool.

   • Toss the pasta with chopped vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers), black olives, and feta cheese.

   • Dress with Italian dressing or a simple vinaigrette.

   • Divide the pasta salad into individual containers.

Try adding different seasonings or dressings to these recipes to recycle and enjoy again later the same month!