11 Easy Meal Preps for Teens Going Back to School

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Overnight Oats With Fruits and Nuts

Overnight oats with fruits and nuts is a healthy and convenient breakfast option for busy teens heading back to school. This dish allows for easy preparation the night before and provides a nutritious start to the day with fiber-rich oats, fresh fruits, and crunchy nuts. It can be customized based on personal preferences, making it a versatile choice.

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, and Greek yogurt. Stir well.
2. Add honey or maple syrup, and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Fold in chopped fruits, mixed nuts, and chia seeds if using.
4. Spoon the mixture into jars or bowls, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
5. In the morning, give the oats a good stir and enjoy cold or heat them up if preferred.

Veggie-Packed Breakfast Burritos

Veggie-packed breakfast burritos are a delicious and nutritious way for teens to kickstart their day. Packed with colorful vegetables, protein-rich eggs, and wrapped in a soft tortilla, these burritos are not only satisfying but also easy to make ahead of time, allowing for a quick grab-and-go breakfast during busy school mornings.

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the skillet, scrambling them with the veggies until fully cooked.
3. Lay a tortilla flat and spoon the egg and veggie mixture down the center. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Roll up the tortilla, folding in the sides to secure the filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
5. Optionally, wrap in foil and refrigerate for up to five days. To serve, simply reheat in the microwave or on a skillet until warmed through. Enjoy with salsa if desired.

Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Greek yogurt parfaits are a delightful and nutritious option for busy teens trying to balance school mornings with a healthy breakfast. These parfaits are layered with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola, providing a perfect combination of protein, vitamins, and fiber to keep energy levels high throughout the day. Best of all, they can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient grab-and-go meal.

Instructions:

1. In a glass or bowl, start by adding a layer of Greek yogurt at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of mixed berries on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle a layer of granola over the berries.
4. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of your glass or bowl, finishing with a layer of berries and a drizzle of honey if desired.
5. If using, sprinkle chia seeds and nuts on the top for added texture.
6. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold!

Quinoa Salad With Chickpeas and Veggies

Quinoa salad with chickpeas and veggies is a vibrant and wholesome dish that makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner option for busy teens. Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is not only nutritious but also versatile and easy to customize with seasonal vegetables. It can be prepared in advance, making it a perfect meal prep option to energize students throughout their busy school week.

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa under cool water and cook according to package instructions (usually 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa).
2. While the quinoa is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and chopped veggies.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper; then pour over the quinoa salad.
5. Toss everything together until well mixed and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy cold or at room temperature!

DIY Sushi Rolls

DIY sushi rolls are a fun and interactive meal prep option that allow teens to get creative in the kitchen. Making sushi at home not only saves money compared to dining out, but it also encourages healthy eating by allowing students to choose their favorite fillings. Whether using traditional ingredients or experimenting with unique combinations, these sushi rolls can be customized to suit individual tastes and make a great lunch or snack for a busy school week.

Instructions:

1. Rinse sushi rice under cool water until the water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions.
2. In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt; heat gently until dissolved. Mix this with the cooked rice and let it cool.
3. Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat, shiny side down. Wet hands to prevent sticking, and spread a layer of rice on the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Add your desired fillings in a line across the rice, then roll tightly using the mat, sealing the edge with a little water.
5. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife, and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Enjoy!

Baked Chicken Fajitas

Baked chicken fajitas are a nutritious and flavorful meal perfect for teens on the go. This one-pan dish combines tender marinated chicken with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all baked together for a deliciously easy preparation that can be enjoyed in tortillas or over rice. Great for meal prep, chicken fajitas are both satisfying and versatile, making them an excellent option for busy school nights.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion, tossing until well coated.
3. Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
5. Serve the baked chicken fajitas in warm tortillas with optional toppings such as cheese, salsa, or avocado. Enjoy!

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto pasta salad is a vibrant and invigorating dish that’s perfect for teens looking for a quick, nutritious meal. Packed with colorful vegetables, hearty pasta, and zesty pesto, this salad is easy to prepare and can be made in advance for busy school days. It’s great for lunchboxes or as a side dish for dinner, providing a delicious way to fuel up for the day ahead.

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers.
3. Add pesto sauce and olive oil, tossing everything to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then mix in grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Mini Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Mini turkey meatloaf muffins are a fun and nutritious option for teens who want a hearty meal without the fuss. These bite-sized meatloaves are packed with protein and can be easily customized with different seasonings or veggies. They are perfect for meal prepping, as they can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week, either as a main dish or as a quick snack.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix the ingredients well until fully combined, then evenly distribute the mixture into the muffin tin cups.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through and lightly browned on top.
5. Allow them to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Fruit and Nut Energy Bites

Fruit and nut energy bites are a fantastic no-bake snack that provides teens with a quick energy boost for their busy school days. These small snacks are packed with wholesome ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, making them an excellent addition to a lunchbox or a quick after-school treat. Plus, they’re easy to make in batches and can be customized with various flavor combinations.

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, ground flaxseed, chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Mix the ingredients until well combined and sticky.
3. Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls.
4. Place the energy bites on a parchment-lined baking tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Once set, transfer the energy bites to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy them as a quick grab-and-go snack!

Smoothie Packs for Quick Blending

Smoothie packs are a convenient and healthy option for busy teens who want to enjoy a nutritious breakfast or snack on the go. By pre-packaging smoothie ingredients, all they’ll need to do is blend them with their choice of liquid for a quick and easy treat. These packs can be customized with their favorite fruits and veggies, making it easy for them to get essential nutrients in just a few minutes.

Instructions:

1. In a freezer-safe bag or container, layer the spinach or kale, banana, mixed berries, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds.
2. Seal the bag or container tightly, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
3. Store the smoothie packs in the freezer until ready to use.
4. When ready to make a smoothie, pour the contents of the pack into a blender, add almond milk or coconut water, and blend until smooth.
5. Enjoy immediately or serve in a to-go cup for a nutritious snack or breakfast on the way to school!

Homemade Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are a fantastic grab-and-go snack for busy teens heading back to school. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits, these bars provide a nutritious boost of energy and can be easily customized to suit personal tastes or dietary needs. Making granola bars at home also allows for a healthier alternative to store-bought options, free from preservatives and excessive sugars.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, chopped nuts, dried fruits, ground flaxseed, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
6. Store in an airtight container for easy snacking throughout the week!