Vegetarian School Lunches for Kids
It’s back to school season and busy moms and dads have to kick-off the yearly tradition of trying to guess what their kids will actually want to eat when they get to school. No kid is created the same and that also goes for what they like to eat. If your child happens to be vegetarian, it may be difficult to find quick, simple lunch items that not only taste good but that are also nutritious. In today’s day and age, we’re currently in a meat eater’s world and many vegetarians often have to get creative when it comes to crafting the perfect meal for themselves, especially if the ready-made options don’t have anything they can eat. In addition to just having options that are vegetarian-friendly, the foods should be something satisfying! It’s back to school time and most parents are getting back into the swing of prepping school lunches for their kids. If you’re working on finding some fresh new recipes for this school year, and your child is vegetarian, here are some vegetarian school lunch ideas for kids:
Vegetarian Mains
Veggie Wrap
- Whole wheat tortilla, any spread, your choice of veggies, cheese (optional);
- Spread: guacamole, pesto, honey-mustard, blue cheese/buffalo, or any other salad dressing
- For the Veggies: carrots, spinach, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, broccoli or other veggies.
- Regular Naan bread or garlic Naan bread
- Tomato sauce, vodka sauce, pizza sauce or other choices
- Mozzarella or vegan shredded cheese
- Add the veggies and herbs or seasonings you like. Some common toppings can be mushroom, black olive, peppers, basil, tomatoes or other choices
- Whole wheat tortilla, any spread, your choice of veggies, cheese (optional)
- Common fillings can be black beans, mushrooms, peppers, guacamole, pico de gallo, and cheese
Vegetarian Snacks and Sides
- Hard Boiled Eggs + paprika, pepper, slight salt or any other seasoning your child loves.
- Deviled eggs
- Cheese cubes, strings or slices
- Veggies: carrots or celery + ranch or blue cheese; cooked green beans (Try exciting approaches to the seasoning, like garlic, white wine and butter sauteed green beans or thai chili sauce green beans; cooked and lightly salted edamame;
- Baked potato + sour cream, butter and chives
- Baked Sweet potato (can be served by itself or with butter, cinnamon and nutmeg seasonings, depending on preference)
- Fresh fruits like watermelon, berries, apple slices, oranges, tangerines, peaches, plums, grapes or any other fruits your child enjoys.
- Veggies: cooked, fresh, or beans
- Baked Sides like bran muffins, granola or oatmeal bars
- Dips: nut butter, hummus, sauces, salsa
- Whole Grain Foods: pretzels, rice cakes, crackers, or tortilla chips
- Nuts
- Yogurt
- Sweet plantains
- Salty fried plantains
