Send ‘Em Packing: 8 Easy, Healthy, Delish Back to School Lunch Ideas

It’s time to go back to school, so why not send your kids back with a fresh, new lunch menu? Ditch those tired ham and cheese sandwiches and pacakged snack mixes and get your kids excited about opening up their lunchbox! Here, registered dietitian and cookbook author Lourdes Castro offers up fun options that are not only healthier for kids; they’re packed with bold flavors as well. Trust us, your kids won’t be trading these lunches in the cafeteria.  

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Black Bean Dip with Fresh veggies and Whole Grain Crackers

“Think outside the box when it comes to using your ingredients,” says Castro. She recommends using hummus as an inspiration for a black bean dip. “Your kids will love the interaction of dipping baby carrots, green beans, and whole grain crackers into this yummy and nutritious dip,” she says. Find Castro’s recipe on the next page! 

Puree of Calabaza Soup

“Use your thermos for more than just beverages,” says Castro. “A warm soup is not only comforting, it is nutritious as well. And what kid (or adult) doesn’t love soup!” The best part? Soups can be made in advance and frozen until you are ready to defrost, heat, and place in the thermos.  

Rice and Beans Mason Jar

“Your child will definitely be the envy of the lunch room with this one,” says Castro. “Simply layer rice, beans, tomatoes, corn, and avocado, then top with a small amount of crunchy plantain or tortilla chips. A glass mason jar is easily portable and, it allows kids to see the yummy lunch that awaits them!”

Salad Skewers

Black Bean Dip 

• 2 cans low sodium black beans, reserve water
• 2 scallions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• juice of 2 limes

Get the full recipe.