11 Plant-Based School Meals the Whole Family Will Enjoy This Back-to-School Season

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Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad is a nutritious and satisfying dish that combines whole grains with protein-rich beans and fresh vegetables. This vibrant salad is not only perfect for school meals but also a great option for lunch or dinner. Packed with flavor and texture, it’s an excellent plant-based choice that promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then cook it according to package instructions (typically, boil 2 cups of water, add 1 cup of quinoa, cover and simmer for 15 minutes).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, corn, avocado, and cilantro.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy your healthy and delicious Quinoa and Black Bean Salad!

Vegetable Sushi Rolls

Vegetable Sushi Rolls are a fun and healthy dish that can be easily prepared at home, making them a fantastic addition to plant-based school meals. These colorful rolls are filled with fresh vegetables and served with soy sauce for dipping, offering a delightful way to encourage kids to enjoy a wide variety of veggies while also exploring different flavors.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions and mix in rice vinegar after cooking.
2. Place a sheet of nori 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 the julienned cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and avocado in a line on top of the rice, along with some vegan cream cheese if desired.
5. Starting at the bottom, roll the sushi tightly using the mat, pressing gently to keep the roll compact.
6. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with soy sauce for dipping. Enjoy your invigorating Vegetable Sushi Rolls!

Lentil Tacos With Avocado

Lentil Tacos with Avocado are a nutritious and satisfying plant-based meal that offers a wholesome alternative to traditional meat tacos. Packed with protein-rich lentils and topped with creamy avocado, these tacos are both delicious and easy to prepare, making them an excellent addition to school meal programs. Kids will love the vibrant flavors and customizable toppings, encouraging them to enjoy healthy eating.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the cooked lentils along with taco seasoning over medium heat until warmed through.
2. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until soft and pliable.
3. Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with the lentil mixture, followed by diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
4. Season with salt and pepper, squeeze lime juice on top, and serve immediately. Enjoy your hearty Lentil Tacos with Avocado!

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Chickpea Salad Sandwiches are a delicious and nutritious plant-based alternative to traditional sandwiches. Loaded with protein-rich chickpeas and a mix of crunchy veggies, this hearty filling is perfect for lunches or snacks in school meal programs. The flavors are vibrant, and it can easily be customized with your favorite herbs and spices, making it a fun and healthy choice that kids will enjoy.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until slightly chunky.
2. Add the diced celery, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
3. Toast the whole grain bread if desired.
4. Spread the chickpea salad mixture onto slices of bread to create sandwiches. Cut in half and serve. Enjoy your tasty Chickpea Salad Sandwich!

Sweet Potato and Kale Fritters

Sweet Potato and Kale Fritters are a fantastic plant-based dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of kale. These fritters are packed with nutrients and make a great addition to school meals, either served as a main dish or alongside other items. They’re easy to make and can be dipped in a flavorful sauce for added taste.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the grated sweet potatoes, chopped kale, flour, chickpea flour, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Form the sweet potato mixture into small patties and place them in the skillet.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato and Kale Fritters!

Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza

Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza is a wholesome and delicious plant-based dish that brings together a variety of colorful vegetables on a nutritious whole wheat crust. This pizza is perfect for school meals, as it provides essential nutrients while appealing to young taste buds. You can customize the toppings based on seasonal vegetables or personal preferences, making it a versatile option for any lunch menu.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the whole wheat pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
4. In a bowl, toss the bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, and red onion with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Distribute the vegetable mixture evenly over the pizza sauce.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the vegetables are tender.
7. Optional: Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top before serving for a cheesy flavor. Slice and enjoy your Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza!

Hummus and Veggie Wraps

Hummus and Veggie Wraps are a delightful and nutritious plant-based option perfect for school meals. These wraps are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and essential nutrients. Filled with a vibrant array of fresh vegetables and protein-rich hummus, they make for a satisfying lunch that will keep kids energized throughout the day.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Spread a generous layer of hummus evenly over each whole grain wrap.
2. Top with cucumber slices, grated carrots, bell pepper strips, spinach or lettuce, and avocado slices if using.
3. Drizzle lemon juice over the vegetables, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
4. Roll each wrap tightly from one end to the other, tucking in the sides as you go.
5. Slice the wraps in half, and serve immediately or wrap them in foil for later. Enjoy your Hummus and Veggie Wraps!

Zucchini Noodles With Marinara Sauce

Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce is a delicious and nutritious plant-based meal that offers a light yet satisfying alternative to traditional pasta dishes. This recipe features spiralized zucchini, also known as “zoodles,” paired with a rich marinara sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s an excellent option for school meals, providing essential vitamins and minerals while keeping children energized and focused.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Spiralize the zucchini using a spiralizer to create noodles and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the zucchini noodles to the sauce and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until they are just tender.
5. Stir in fresh basil and serve hot, topped with nutritional yeast if desired. Enjoy your Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce!

Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles

Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles is a flavorful and satisfying plant-based dish that combines the richness of peanut butter with the heat of chili sauce. This recipe is quick to prepare and is perfect for school meals, offering a great balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep kids energized throughout the day.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Cook the whole wheat noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, maple syrup, and lime juice until smooth.
3. Add the cooked noodles to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the peanut sauce.
4. Stir in the shredded carrot, green onions, and sesame seeds until well combined.
5. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles!

Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry

Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry is a hearty and aromatic plant-based dish that features tender cauliflower and protein-rich chickpeas simmered in a fragrant coconut milk and spice sauce. This curry is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent addition to school meals. It’s easy to prepare and can be served with rice or bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin; cook for another minute.
3. Add the cauliflower florets and canned chickpeas to the pot, followed by the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted; season with salt to taste.
6. Serve the curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry!

Berry and Spinach Smoothie Bowl

Berry and Spinach Smoothie Bowl is a delicious and nutritious plant-based dish perfect for school meals. This vibrant bowl combines the sweetness of berries with the health benefits of spinach, creating a revitalizing meal that students will love. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it an excellent option for breakfast or a snack.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine fresh spinach, mixed berries, banana, plant-based milk, and chia seeds. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl.
3. Top with granola, fresh fruit slices, and a drizzle of nut butter if desired.
4. Enjoy your revitalizing Berry and Spinach Smoothie Bowl!