11 Plant-Based Bento Box Meals for School Lunches

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Chickpea Salad Wraps

Chickpea Salad Wraps are a healthy and delicious plant-based lunch option that is both satisfying and easy to make. Packed with protein from chickpeas and loaded with fresh vegetables, these wraps provide a flavorful and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed on the go or at home.

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then mash them lightly in a bowl.
2. Add the diced bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Mix well to combine.
3. Place a generous portion of the chickpea salad on each whole grain wrap, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly.
4. Cut the wraps in half and serve immediately, or wrap them in foil or parchment paper for easy transport. Enjoy!

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowls

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowls are a nutritious and filling plant-based meal perfect for lunch or dinner. This dish combines protein-rich quinoa with hearty black beans and an array of colorful vegetables, making it both satisfying and wholesome. It’s easy to customize and can be made in advance for meal prep or enjoyed fresh.

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water, then combine with water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is fluffy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with drained black beans, bell pepper, corn, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.
3. Drizzle lime juice and olive oil over the mixture, add cumin, salt, and black pepper, then toss until evenly combined.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for meal prep. Enjoy!

Veggie Sushi Rolls

Veggie Sushi Rolls are a fun and interactive plant-based meal that highlights fresh vegetables wrapped in flavorful sushi rice and seaweed. These rolls are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making them a perfect choice for a light lunch or snack. You can personalize them with your favorite vegetables and dipping sauces for an extra kick.

1. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions, using the 1 1/4 cups of water. After cooking, let it cool slightly and mix in rice vinegar.
2. Place a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat or a clean surface, shiny side down.
3. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Arrange cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, and avocado in a line along the center of the rice.
5. Tightly roll the sushi from the bottom to the top, using the mat to help create a firm roll. Seal the edge with a little water.
6. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve with soy sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Hummus and Veggie Bento Boxes

Hummus and Veggie Bento Boxes are a delightful and healthy way to enjoy a plant-based lunch. This dish features a variety of fresh, colorful vegetables paired with creamy hummus for dipping, all neatly arranged in a bento-style box. It’s not only nutritious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect option for both kids and adults on-the-go.

1. Start by washing and cutting all the vegetables into sticks or bite-sized pieces.
2. In each compartment of the bento box, arrange a serving of hummus along with the prepared vegetables neatly.
3. Add whole grain crackers to the box for a crunchy element.
4. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil on the vegetables and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor. Serve and enjoy your delicious Hummus and Veggie Bento Box!

Mini Veggie Frittatas

Mini Veggie Frittatas are a versatile and nutritious plant-based option perfect for lunchboxes. Packed with assorted vegetables and made with chickpea flour for a protein boost, these little frittatas can be customized with your favorite ingredients. They are easy to prepare and can be served warm or cold, making them an ideal candidate for a grab-and-go lunch.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, water, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and baking powder to create a smooth batter.
3. Fold in the chopped vegetables (spinach, bell pepper, zucchini, and onion) until evenly distributed.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Enjoy your Mini Veggie Frittatas warm or packed for lunch!

Nut Butter and Banana Rice Cakes

Nut Butter and Banana Rice Cakes are a delicious and nutritious snack that makes for an excellent lunchbox meal. They combine the wholesome crunch of rice cakes with the creamy richness of nut butter and the natural sweetness of bananas. This simple yet satisfying option is perfect for kids and adults alike, providing a balanced mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein to keep you energized throughout the day.

1. Spread the nut butter evenly over each rice cake.
2. Layer the banana slices on top of the nut butter.
3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
4. Serve immediately or pack in a lunchbox for a tasty on-the-go meal!

Lentil Soup in a Thermos

Lentil Soup in a Thermos is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for a plant-based lunchbox. Packed with protein, fiber, and various vitamins, this soup is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite veggies and spices. It’s easily made in large batches and is a great option for meal prep, guaranteeing a warm and filling meal when packed in a thermos.

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf and blend the soup slightly if you prefer a smoother texture.
5. Allow the soup to cool slightly, then pour it into a thermos for a warm, nutritious lunch on the go!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a fun and colorful plant-based dish that makes for a satisfying lunchbox meal. They are filled with a delightful mixture of grains, beans, and vegetables, creating a balanced and nutrient-rich option that’s both visually appealing and delicious. These peppers can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or batch cooking.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the quinoa (or rice), black beans, corn, half of the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and heat through.
4. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture and top with the remaining tomato sauce.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to slightly char the tops.
7. Allow to cool before packing in lunchboxes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving if desired. Enjoy!

Whole Wheat Pita Pockets With Falafel

Whole Wheat Pita Pockets with Falafel are a flavorful and nutritious plant-based meal that makes for an excellent lunchbox option. These pockets are packed with crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and a delicious tahini or yogurt dressing, making them satisfying and energizing for any midday break. Plus, they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing for quick assembly before heading out to work or school.

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed.
2. Form the mixture into small balls or patties and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
3. While the falafel cooks, prepare the veggies by chopping the lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.
4. Once the falafel is done, assemble the pita pockets by stuffing them with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, cucumber, and 2-3 falafel balls.
5. Drizzle tahini or yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of lemon juice before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty pita pockets!

Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadillas

Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadillas are a simple, nutritious, and delicious plant-based lunchbox meal that can be easily enjoyed on the go. These quesadillas feature a savory filling of roasted sweet potatoes and fresh spinach, crisped to perfection in a tortilla. They’re not only satisfying but also packed with vitamins, making them a great midday meal.

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Mix in the roasted sweet potatoes and stir to combine.
3. Place a tortilla in a pan over medium heat, add a portion of the sweet potato and spinach mixture, and sprinkle vegan cheese on top (if using). Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve warm or pack them in a lunchbox for a tasty meal on the go!

Fruit and Nut Energy Balls

Fruit and Nut Energy Balls are a quick, wholesome, and satisfying snack that serves as an excellent addition to your plant-based lunchbox. These bite-sized treats are packed with natural sweetness from dried fruits, combined with the healthy fats and protein from nuts and seeds, making them perfect for an energy boost during your busy day.

1. In a food processor, blend the pitted dates until they form a sticky paste.
2. Add the almonds, rolled oats, chia seeds, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend until well combined; the mixture should be sticky and easily hold together.
3. Mix in the dark chocolate chips and coconut flakes, if using, by hand until evenly distributed.
4. Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Enjoy immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.