11 Vegan Lunch Ideas for School Days

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Colorful Veggie Wraps

Colorful veggie wraps are a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your child’s day at school. Packed with vibrant vegetables and a tasty spread, these wraps are not only easy to prepare but also fun for kids to eat. Plus, they can be customized with a variety of fillings to suit any taste!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Lay a whole wheat tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. Spread a generous layer of hummus over the tortilla, leaving some space around the edges.
3. Layer the sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, spinach leaves, sliced cucumber, and avocado on top of the hummus.
4. Drizzle lemon juice over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
5. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly, starting from one end and moving to the other, ensuring the filling stays intact.
6. Slice each wrap in half diagonally and wrap in parchment paper or foil for easy packing. Enjoy!

2. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Chickpea salad sandwiches are a hearty and satisfying vegan lunch option that is both nutritious and easy to prepare. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, these sandwiches are perfect for school lunches, providing energy and flavor that kids will love. They can be served on whole grain or gluten-free bread, making them easily adaptable for dietary preferences.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas, then place them in a mixing bowl and mash them lightly with a fork.
2. Add the diced celery, red onion, and red bell pepper to the bowl with the mashed chickpeas.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the dressing with the chickpea mixture until well incorporated.
5. Spread the chickpea salad between slices of bread, cut in half, and pack for lunch. Enjoy!

3. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowls

Quinoa and black bean bowls are a nutritious and filling vegan meal option that’s perfect for school lunches. This dish is not only rich in plant-based protein and fiber, but it’s also incredibly versatile. With a base of fluffy quinoa, tender black beans, and a variety of colorful vegetables, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that kids will enjoy, while giving them sustained energy throughout the day.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then combine it with vegetable broth or water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, drained black beans, cherry tomatoes, and corn.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir until well mixed.
4. Serve the quinoa and black bean mixture in bowls, topped with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro for garnish. Enjoy!

4. Smoothie Packs

Smoothie packs are a convenient and nutritious vegan lunch option that allows kids to enjoy a delicious smoothie on-the-go. They are easy to prepare in advance and can be customized with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and add-ins, making them a perfect way to fuel up for a busy day at school.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine spinach, banana (peeled and chopped), frozen mixed berries, and avocado (peeled and pitted).
2. Divide the mixture into individual freezer bags or containers and add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to each pack.
3. Seal the bags and store them in the freezer until ready to use.
4. To prepare a smoothie, blend the contents of one pack with half a cup of almond milk (and protein powder if using) until smooth. Enjoy!

5. Pasta Salad With Fresh Veggies

Pasta salad with fresh veggies is a vibrant and nutritious meal perfect for busy school days. This dish not only showcases a variety of colorful vegetables but also packs in wholesome grains. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be served cold, making it an ideal on-the-go lunch option for kids.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Cook the whole grain pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
2. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and fresh basil.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use!

6. Hummus and Veggie Bento Box

Hummus and Veggie Bento Box is a delicious and colorful lunch option that is not only healthy but also fun to prepare. This bento box features creamy hummus paired with a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables. It’s perfect for kids returning to school, offering a balance of fibers and nutrients, while being easy to pack and portion.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables by washing and cutting them into sticks or bite-sized pieces.
2. In a small bowl, mix the hummus with olive oil and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Arrange the vegetables and hummus in the bento box, placing the pita bread on the side.
4. Pack and refrigerate until ready to serve!

7. Lentil Tacos

Lentil tacos are a hearty and nutritious plant-based twist on the traditional taco. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, these tacos make a satisfying meal for kids and adults alike. They’re easy to prepare and can be customized with various toppings, making them a fun and flexible lunch option for back to school.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add cooked lentils and taco seasoning. Stir until heated through and well combined.
2. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan, or microwave them for a few seconds until pliable.
3. Assemble the tacos by placing a generous spoonful of the lentil mixture on each tortilla.
4. Top with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa.
5. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added zesty flavor!

8. Cauliflower Pizza Bites

Cauliflower Pizza Bites are a delicious and fun twist on traditional pizza, making them a perfect choice for a back-to-school lunch. These bite-sized snacks are packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, making them a guilt-free option that kids will love. They are easy to prepare and can be customized with various toppings, ensuring that every bite is a tasty adventure.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the cauliflower florets until they resemble rice. Steam the cauliflower for about 5 minutes, then let it cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled cauliflower, almond flour, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Form small bite-sized portions of the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and top each bite with a spoonful of tomato sauce and vegan cheese.
6. Return the bites to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy!

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a vibrant and nutritious option for back-to-school lunches that can be made ahead of time and easily packed. These colorful peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that kids will love. They are not only visually appealing but also packed with essential nutrients, making them a perfect choice for lunchboxes.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and then cook it in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Fill each pepper with the quinoa mixture and gently press down to pack it in.
5. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and slightly browned.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and enjoy as a nutritious lunch option!

10. Sweet Potato and Spinach Fritters

Sweet Potato and Spinach Fritters are a delicious and nutritious option for back-to-school lunches. These fritters are not only packed with vitamins and minerals from sweet potatoes and spinach, but they also offer a fun and tasty way for kids to enjoy their veggies. They can be made in advance and are perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as a snack throughout the day.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine grated sweet potatoes, chopped spinach, flour, chia seeds, nutritional yeast, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Scoop small portions of the fritter mixture into the skillet, flattening them slightly. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
5. Allow the fritters to cool before packing them for lunch or enjoying immediately.

11. Fruit and Nut Energy Balls

Fruit and Nut Energy Balls are a quick and nutritious snack ideal for back-to-school lunches. These bite-sized treats are packed with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, making them an excellent source of energy for kids. They’re easy to prepare, can be customized with your favorite ingredients, and are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a sweet treat in lunchboxes.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine pitted Medjool dates and nuts; pulse until finely chopped.
2. Add rolled oats, chia seeds, peanut butter, dried cranberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; blend until the mixture is well combined.
3. Use your hands to form small balls from the mixture, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Once chilled, pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy as a snack anytime.