(BPT) – It’s that time again — kids are heading back to school, and you’ve got a million things to do. Near the top of the list is shopping and planning for healthy, easy-to-fix lunches that your children might actually eat. Thankfully, there are convenient, tasty lunchbox ideas to help make back-to-school a breeze, thanks to Laura Fuentes, five-time cookbook author and founder of MOMables.com. Fuentes helps families eat better and healthier through meal plans, recipes, cooking videos and more.
Check out these bento box recipe ideas from MOMables to help you get started on a new school year full of lunchtime goodness. They’re so easy to put together that your kids can even help you make them!
1. Mediterranean Bento Box
You can make this yummy Mediterranean-inspired combo of finger foods your own by swapping out one of the fruits or veggies with your child’s favorites or a good quality seasonal pick. Using single-serve Good Foods Plant Based Tzatziki Style Dip makes it easy for your kids to enjoy flavorful and convenient dipping for veggies, whole-grain crackers and more (available at Target or another store near you).
Ingredients:
- Good Foods Plant Based Tzatziki Dip
- Sliced grilled chicken
- Grape tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Pita wedges
- Grapes
Directions:
Slice grilled chicken breasts into 1/2-inch strips and place inside the bento lunch box. Place the other ingredients inside the bento lunch box or inside another portable lunch container.
2. Ham & Cheese Apple Wrap Bento Box
This kid-friendly favorite is a fun way for kids to enjoy crunchy, sweet sugar snap peas while also getting good servings of fruit, plus additional protein from ham and cheese.
Ingredients:
- Sliced ham
- Sliced Colby Jack cheese
- Green apple slices
- Blueberries
- Sugar snap peas
Directions:
Fold a slice of ham in half lengthwise and wrap it around an apple slice and a cheese slice. Repeat the process with as many wraps as desired. Pack the wraps inside a bento lunch box paired with your child’s favorite fruits and veggies.
3. Chips & Queso Bento Box
A little flare makes this assortment both colorful and appealing to a variety of taste buds. Good Foods Plant Based Queso Dip single-serves have an incredible, cheesy flavor profile and are made using fresh, high-quality ingredients (find a retailer near you).
Ingredients:
- Good Foods Plant Based Queso Dip
- Blue corn tortilla chips
- Sliced red bell peppers
- Pitted black olives
- Sliced grilled chicken
- Apple slices
Directions:
Slice grilled chicken breasts into 1/2-inch strips and place inside the bento lunch box. Place the other ingredients inside the bento lunch box or inside another portable lunch container. Make sure to pack the tortillas inside a separate container to prevent them from breaking or getting soggy.
4. Spinach Turkey Wrap Bento Box
This is a fun and easy wrap to eat with just one hand and also works well for weekend snacks, before or during after-school activities or even on-the-go.
Ingredients:
- Tortilla wrap
- Good Foods Plant Based Tzatziki Dip
- Spinach
- Sliced turkey
- Sliced tomatoes
Directions:
Place a large tortilla on a flat surface. Spread tzatziki dip over the tortilla, top with fresh spinach, thin tomato slices and turkey. Fold the sides in, about an inch, and wrap the spinach and turkey wrap like a burrito. Slice in half and pack inside a lunch box with your favorite sides.
5. Rainbow Bento Box
For kids who love the taste of avocado, this is a sure winner. And you’ll love the healthy combo of whole grains, veggies, fruits and high-quality protein. Good Foods Avocado Mash is made with only four simple ingredients, including fresh Hass avocados, and is available at a store near you, including many Target locations.
Ingredients:
- Good Foods Avocado Mash
- Sliced turkey
- Red bell pepper
- Hard-boiled egg
- Cheddar cheese
- Whole grain crackers
- Grapes
Directions:
Roll up sliced deli turkey and place it inside the bento lunch box, along with remaining ingredients. Make sure to pack the whole-grain crackers inside their own compartment or a separate container to prevent them from breaking or getting soggy.
Find more great recipes, healthy meal ideas, products and offers at GoodFoods.com.