11 Nutritious Bento Box Meals for Back-to-School

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Veggie-Packed Hummus and Pita Lunch

Bento box meals are a delightful way to enjoy a balanced and visually appealing lunch, and a veggie-packed hummus and pita lunch fits the bill perfectly. This dish combines creamy, flavorful hummus with fresh, crunchy vegetables and soft pita bread, making it a delicious, nutritious option for any meal. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized with your favorite veggies.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cut the pita bread into wedges and lightly toast if desired for added texture.
2. Arrange the hummus in a small container within the bento box.
3. Prepare and wash all the vegetables, slicing them into sticks or rounds as needed.
4. Fill the bento box with the prepared vegetables alongside the hummus and pita wedges.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper if desired before serving.

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Turkey and cheese roll-ups are a delicious and convenient lunch option that packs protein and flavor into a neat little bite. Perfect for bento boxes, these roll-ups combine slices of turkey and cheese for a satisfying snack or meal that is easy to prepare and customizable with various spreads and add-ins.

Cooking Steps:

1. Lay a slice of turkey on a flat surface and spread a thin layer of mustard or mayonnaise if desired.
2. Place a slice of cheese on top of the turkey.
3. Add a lettuce leaf and a pickle slice if using.
4. Roll the turkey and cheese tightly from one end to the other, securing the filling inside.
5. Slice the roll-ups in half or leave them whole and place in your bento box for a delightful presentation.

Quinoa Salad With Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumber

Quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber is a revitalizing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for bento boxes. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, this salad can be served cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal meal prep option. It’s also highly customizable – feel free to add your favorite veggies, nuts, or herbs for extra taste and texture.

Cooking Steps:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and water or vegetable broth; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, then divide the salad into your bento box for a healthy and colorful meal.

Mini Pancakes With Fresh Berries and Maple Syrup

Mini pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup are a delightful and bite-sized breakfast option that can easily fit into a bento box. These fluffy pancakes are not only fun to eat but also versatile, allowing you to mix and match various toppings, making them suitable for any palate. The addition of fresh berries brings a burst of flavor and color, while a drizzle of maple syrup enhances the sweetness of this satisfying meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
5. Pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet to form mini pancakes (about 2-3 inches in diameter) and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve the mini pancakes warm in your bento box, topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Greek Yogurt Parfait With Granola and Fruit

Greek yogurt parfait with granola and fruit is a delicious and nutritious option for a bento box meal. This simple yet satisfying dish layers creamy Greek yogurt with crunchy granola and fresh, colorful fruits, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal way to start the day or serve as a healthy snack, making it a versatile addition to any bento box.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a bento box or a glass, start by spooning a layer of Greek yogurt at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of granola on top of the yogurt.
3. Layer a selection of fresh fruits over the granola.
4. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the container, finishing with fruits.
5. Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top, and sprinkle chia seeds if desired.
6. Close the bento box and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Colorful Sushi Rolls With Avocado and Carrots

Colorful sushi rolls with avocado and carrots are a vibrant and healthy addition to any bento box meal. These sushi rolls are not only visually appealing, but they also offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the crunchy carrots, making them a revitalizing option for lunch or a snack.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions and mix with rice vinegar once cooked.
2. Place a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat, shiny side down.
3. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Arrange slices of avocado, julienned carrots, and cucumber in a line across the rice.
5. Using the mat, tightly roll the sushi away from you, sealing the edge with a little water.
6. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
7. Pack the sushi rolls in your bento box with soy sauce on the side for dipping.

Chicken Caesar Wraps

Chicken Caesar wraps are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Caesar salad in a portable form. Perfect for lunch or a picnic, these wraps combine tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese, all securely wrapped in a soft tortilla for an easy, satisfying meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced chicken, chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until well mixed.
2. Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface.
3. Divide the chicken Caesar mixture evenly between the tortillas.
4. If desired, sprinkle croutons over the filling for added crunch.
5. Fold in the sides of the tortillas and roll them up tightly from the bottom to the top.
6. Slice the wraps in half and secure with toothpicks if needed, then pack into your bento box for a delicious lunch on the go.

Homemade Trail Mix With Nuts and Dried Fruit

Homemade trail mix is a versatile and nutritious snack that combines the crunch of nuts with the sweetness of dried fruit. It’s perfect for a quick boost of energy during the day or an easy addition to a bento box meal. You can customize your trail mix to include your favorite ingredients, making it a fun and healthy choice for any occasion.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients: mixed nuts, dried cranberries, dried apricots, almonds, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chips, and coconut flakes if using.
2. Gently toss the mixture until all components are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container or pack it into your bento box for a nutritious snack option. Enjoy!

Caprese Skewers With Mozzarella and Basil

Caprese skewers are a delicious and visually appealing appetizer or snack that embodies the classic Italian flavors of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. They are incredibly easy to assemble, making them a perfect addition to your bento box meal or an invigorating dish for gatherings.

Cooking Steps:

1. Begin by washing the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cool water. Pat dry.
2. On each skewer, thread one cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf, and then a mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is filled.
3. Once all skewers are assembled, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Arrange the skewers on a platter or pack them into your bento box. Enjoy your fresh Caprese skewers!

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos are a hearty and nutritious meal option that is perfect for a bento box. Packed with fiber and protein, these burritos combine the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with savory black beans, making them an ideal dish for lunch or dinner. They are versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings or spices.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then toss them with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with black beans and mix well.
3. Warm the tortillas slightly in a skillet or microwave. Spoon the sweet potato and black bean mixture onto each tortilla.
4. Add avocado slices if desired, then roll up the tortillas tightly to form burritos.
5. Cut them in half for easier packing and arrange in your bento box, accompanied by salsa and fresh cilantro for garnish. Enjoy!

Apple Slices With Almond Butter and Granola

Apple Slices with Almond Butter and Granola are a deliciously satisfying snack that makes a perfect addition to a bento box. This simple yet nutritious dish combines crisp apple slices with creamy almond butter and crunchy granola, providing a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it an ideal choice for a healthy and energizing meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. Core and slice the apples into wedges. If desired, drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Spread a generous layer of almond butter onto each apple slice.
3. Sprinkle granola over the almond butter for added crunch and flavor.
4. Arrange the apple slices in your bento box, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Enjoy your healthy snack!