Does the thought of going back to your formative years send shivers down your spine? Between dreadful school lunches and relentless bullies, it’s no wonder that so many would rather not relive these years. 

School lunches tend to run the gauntlet from terribly unhealthy to ‘straight into the trash.’ Lunchtime can seem like a lot of work if you don’t know where to start. An easy tip is that herbs instantly improve the flavor – add some to your favorite dips for kids to dip their veggies in. If you find yourself struggling to find tasty school lunch ideas for your kids, here’s a few healthy ideas taken straight from the garden.  

 

Easy Lunchbox Ideas

To make your preparation easier, consider growing herbs right in your kitchen using these nifty herb planters, which utilizes an internal wicking system to help you regulate watering with ease. Bento boxes, a concept derived from Japan, have also experienced a surge in popularity due to their packaged convenience and ability to divide meals into compartments. Traditional bento boxes often feature sushi and rice, but they can easily be interchanged for more kid-friendly ideas such as fresh fruits and veggies, crackers, and sandwiches.

Best Vegetables for Picky Eaters: Peas, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, corn, shredded lettuce

 

Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese

Kids are more likely to try their vegetables if offered a dip. Amend your boring cream cheese by blending in fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. Boost the flavor with the addition of garlic or onion powder – staple ingredients in many recipes. Better than the store-bought variety, this homemade cream cheese can be applied to bagels, crackers, or even served as dips.  

Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 tbsp finely chopped celery or leek

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

• 2 tbsp finely chopped carrot

• 2 tbsp chopped red bell pepper

• Pinch of salt and pepper

1. Combine ingredients in bowl.

2. Blend cream cheese until desired consistency.

3. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe:  https://www.mysanfranciscokitchen.com/garden-vegetable-cream-cheese/

 

Zucchini Pancakes

Deviations from the usual sweet pancakes, layered with dollops of whipped cream, are unusual, but not unheard of. Although best served straight from the frying pan, these zucchini pancakes will still hold up by lunchtime. A traditional Chinese recipe, these are a great meal option for picky eaters that eschew their vegetables. Unlike zucchini noodles, which sound rather unappetizing, these zucchini pancakes are savory and crispy enough that even the most selective eaters will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil for frying the pancakes

Pancake Batter

• 1/2 pound fresh shredded zucchini

• 1 egg

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/3 tsp. salt

• 1/3 tsp. black peppercorn

• 1 tbsp. sesame oil

Recipe: https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/zucchini-pancakes-chinese-style/   

 

Viral Turkish Pasta

 Put your abundance of cherry tomatoes with this viral TikTok recipe, based on Turkish manti, a traditional dish. Infused with bold flavors and an irresistibly garlicky taste, it’s a simple recipe that even those not culinarily inclined won’t mess up. Ground cumin can be a bit astringent, so start sparingly until you’re sure that you like the taste.

Ingredients

·         Pasta (bow-tie recommended)

• Ground beef

• Yellow Onion

• Spices

• Fresh Garlic

• Tomato paste

Recipe: https://foolproofliving.com/turkish-pasta/

 

Pesto Pasta Salad with Mozzarella

 Anything with pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes are safe options for picky eaters. This classic dish, which can be made in minutes, is perfect for nights when you really don’t feel like cooking. With fresh ingredients that you can taste, it’s a meal that even adults can enjoy. Serve in this salad serving bowl for a matching, harmonious display.

·         Pasta (rotini preferred although any type works)

• Cherry tomatoes 

• Mozzarella

• Red onion

• Fresh basil  

• Parmesan cheese

• Pesto

1. Cook the pasta.

2. Once your pasta has cooled, toss all the ingredients in the bowl.

3. Pour in pesto and toss until evenly coated.

4. Sprinkle in extra parmesan cheese and basil. Serve immediately or keep in refrigerator until ready.

Recipe: https://kaleforniakravings.com/pesto-pasta-salad-with-tomatoes-mozzarella/

        

Carrot Fries

Raw carrots are often squeezed into lunch boxes as an afterthought, but their tough crunchiness and repugnant flavor cause many kids to loathe them. Even when paired with dips, their taste only becomes somewhat palatable. However, when baked into fries, the bitter taste fades, and their inherent sweetness is complemented.

Recipe: https://hostthetoast.com/crispy-baked-carrot-fries/

 

Pizza Muffins

While pizza is undoubtedly a fan favorite of kids, pizza slices are often difficult to pack. Instead, opt for those pizza muffins, which contain the signature pizza flavor but are much more compact. Substitute grated carrots with sundried tomatoes for a more Mediterranean flair.

Recipe: https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/pizza-muffins/

 

Pasta with Peas

 By the time many kids open their lunches, their food will have congealed into an unpalatable goop. Avert this crisis with this recipe, which can be conveniently made with frozen peas, although fresh peas from the garden will add a certain je ne sais quoi. It’s budget friendly, requires only five simple ingredients, and most importantly, designed to pass taste tests. Protein such as pancetta or diced ham can be added for taste.

Recipe: https://theclevermeal.com/pasta-with-peas/

 

Chickpea Cookie Dough

Cookie dough has long been a nostalgic childhood treat, yet it’s not always the healthiest option. Get your kids to eat their vegetables with this high-protein cookie dough – a variation of dessert hummus. Made with pureed chickpeas, nut butter, oat flour, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract, this delicious dip comes to life.

Recipe: https://frommybowl.com/chickpea-cookie-dough/

 

Watermelon Skewers

Not only does this quench thirst during the hotter months, but also engages kids’ senses. To achieve the rounded balls of watermelon, prepare the skewers using a watermelon scoop. If you or your child aren’t fond of feta cheese, substitute with mozzarella balls.

Recipe: https://saltandbaker.com/watermelon-skewers/