11 Meal Prep Bowls for School-Friendly Lunches

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Rainbow Veggie and Quinoa Bowl

The Rainbow Veggie and Quinoa Bowl is a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Packed with colorful vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, this bowl is not only visually appealing but also offers a variety of textures and flavors. It’s an ideal option for lunches during the school week, making it easy to maintain a healthy diet.

Cooking Steps:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, steam the broccoli until tender and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, and steamed broccoli.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
5. Divide the mixture into meal prep containers and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Seal and refrigerate until ready to enjoy!

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl

The Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl is a delightful and quick meal prep option that’s perfect for busy families. Featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy rice and accompanied by fresh vegetables, this dish is not only flavorful but also a great way to keep your kids excited about healthy eating. It’s an easy make-ahead meal that can be enjoyed at home or on the go.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the jasmine rice: Rinse under cold water, then combine with water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add the sesame oil and diced chicken. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet, and let simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
4. Add the sliced bell pepper, snow peas, and julienned carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Assemble the rice bowls: Begin with a layer of rice, then top with the teriyaki chicken and vegetable mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Divide into meal prep containers and refrigerate until ready to serve!

Taco Salad Prep Bowl

The Taco Salad Prep Bowl is a fun and versatile meal option that’s perfect for busy families and kids who love a build-your-own style meal! Packed with flavors and textures, this dish features seasoned ground beef or turkey on a bed of fresh greens, topped with colorful veggies, cheese, and your choice of toppings. It is a great way to encourage kids to eat vegetables and gives them the freedom to customize their own bowls.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, cooking until heated through and well combined.
3. In meal prep containers, layer chopped romaine lettuce as the base.
4. Top with the cooked taco meat, black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced avocado.
5. Serve with salsa and a dollop of sour cream on the side, along with tortilla chips if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve!

Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl

The Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl is a vibrant and nutritious meal option that’s perfect for kids and families looking for a healthy and satisfying dish. This bowl is filled with protein-rich chickpeas, colorful vegetables, and delicious Mediterranean flavors, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch or dinner. The build-your-own style allows kids to mix and match ingredients according to their preferences, ensuring that everyone enjoys their meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice. Pour over the salad mixture and toss to combine.
4. In meal prep containers, layer chilled quinoa at the bottom and top with the chickpea salad.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve!

Mini Meatball and Pasta Bowl

The Mini Meatball and Pasta Bowl is a fun and hearty dish that kids will love, perfect for busy weeknights or school lunches. This meal features tender mini meatballs served over a bed of pasta, topped with a delicious tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a customizable dish that allows kids to enjoy their favorite ingredients, making mealtime both enjoyable and nutritious.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
5. In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat and add the baked meatballs.
6. Drain the pasta and combine it with the meatball and sauce mixture.
7. Serve the meatball and pasta bowl in individual servings, topped with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

Pita Bread Pizza Bowl

The Pita Bread Pizza Bowl is a fun and interactive meal perfect for kids who love to customize their own pizzas. This dish features warm pita bread as a base, topped with a variety of sauces, cheeses, and toppings, allowing children to express their creativity while enjoying a healthy and balanced meal. It’s simple to make and great for lunchboxes or a quick dinner option!

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the pita bread on a baking sheet and spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on each.
3. Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the desired toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
4. Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

Fruity Yogurt Parfait Bowl

The Fruity Yogurt Parfait Bowl is a delightful and nutritious meal option that kids can enjoy for breakfast or snack time. This colorful and layered dish features creamy yogurt, a variety of fresh fruits, and crunchy granola which not only makes it visually appealing but also boosts energy levels with essential nutrients. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it can be stored in containers for grab-and-go convenience!

Cooking Steps:

1. In a clear bowl or jar, layer half of the Greek yogurt as the base.
2. Add a layer of mixed berries and sliced banana on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle half of the granola over the fruit layer.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining yogurt, fruit, and granola.
5. Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top if desired, and garnish with chopped nuts and mint leaves. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later. Enjoy!

DIY Sushi Bowl

The DIY Sushi Bowl is a fun and customizable meal that introduces kids to the wonderful flavors of sushi in a deconstructed form. Packed with colorful veggies, protein-rich ingredients, and a delicious sauce, this bowl not only makes for a healthy lunch option but also encourages children to explore their culinary creativity. Perfect for meal prep, each bowl can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week!

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions and let it cool slightly.
2. Stir in rice vinegar into the cooked rice to give it flavor.
3. In a bowl, layer a generous scoop of sushi rice as the base.
4. Arrange the sliced cucumber, shredded carrot, and avocado nicely on top of the rice.
5. Add cooked shrimp or crab (or tofu) to the bowl.
6. Cut nori sheets into strips and sprinkle sesame seeds over the entire bowl.
7. Drizzle with soy sauce or tamari and serve with pickled ginger and wasabi if desired. Enjoy your sushi bowl!

Nut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bowl

The Nut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bowl is a nutritious and wholesome breakfast option that combines the creaminess of oats with the rich flavors of nut butter and the natural sweetness of bananas. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for kids, providing them with sustained energy to kick-start their day. Plus, it can be quickly prepped in advance!

Cooking Steps:

1. In a pot, combine rolled oats and water or milk; bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until the oats are cooked to your desired consistency.
3. While the oats are cooking, slice the banana.
4. Once the oats are ready, stir in nut butter, honey or maple syrup (if using), and cinnamon.
5. Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl, top with sliced banana, nuts or seeds, and fresh fruit if desired. Enjoy!

Savory Breakfast Bowl

The Savory Breakfast Bowl is a hearty and nutritious meal that combines fluffy scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, and whole grains to create a filling dish, perfect for busy mornings. This versatile bowl can be customized with your kids’ favorite veggies and toppings, making it a fun breakfast option that fuels their day ahead.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add diced bell pepper and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft.
2. Add spinach and diced tomato to the skillet, cooking until the spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs with salt and pepper, then pour over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet.
4. Cook until the eggs are scrambled and just set, stirring occasionally (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Serve the egg mixture over whole grain bread or cooked quinoa, and top with cheese and avocado if desired. Enjoy your savory breakfast bowl!

Taco-Inspired Rice Bowl

The Taco-Inspired Rice Bowl is a fun and flavorful meal that combines all the delicious tastes of a taco in a convenient bowl form, making it perfect for kids and easy for parents to prepare. Packed with seasoned protein, colorful veggies, and wholesome rice, this dish is versatile and can easily be customized to suit your family’s preferences.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add ground turkey or beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined.
3. In bowls, layer cooked rice, seasoned meat, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Top with shredded cheese, avocado slices, salsa, and garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve and enjoy!