Preparing lunchboxes for fussy children can be a daunting task, especially when trying to maintain a vegan diet. However, with a little creativity and some delicious recipes in your arsenal, packing a nutritious and satisfying vegan lunchbox doesn't have to be a struggle. In this blog post, we'll share some vegan lunchbox recipes that are not only easy to make but also kid-approved and bursting with flavour. Let's dive in!
Vegan Cheesy Quesadillas
An all-time favorite among kids, quesadillas are incredibly easy to make vegan-friendly. Using your choice of vegan cheese, whole wheat tortillas, and an assortment of colorful vegetables, you can create a tasty and balanced meal that your child will love.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat tortillas
- Vegan cheese (shredded)
- Diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, corn, etc.)
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and cook the diced vegetables until tender.
2. Place a tortilla in a separate pan and sprinkle a generous amount of vegan cheese over half of it.
3. Add the cooked vegetables on top of the cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
4. Cook both sides until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Packed with protein and flavor, this chickpea salad sandwich is a fantastic vegan alternative to traditional tuna or chicken salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Whole grain bread
Instructions:
1. Mash the chickpeas in a bowl with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture.
2. Mix in the vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, celery, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spread the chickpea salad onto whole grain bread and top with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for a satisfying sandwich.
Veggie Sushi Rolls
Colourful and fun to eat, veggie sushi rolls are a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your child's lunchbox.
Ingredients:
- Sushi rice (cooked and seasoned)
- Nori sheets
- Assorted thinly sliced vegetables (cucumber, avocado, carrot, bell pepper)
- Soy sauce and pickled ginger for dipping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place a nori sheet on a sushi mat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice, leaving a small margin at the edge.
2. Arrange the sliced vegetables in the center of the rice.
3. Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, applying gentle pressure for a firm roll.
4. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces and pack along with soy sauce and pickled ginger, if desired.
Crunchy Veggie Wraps
These wholesome yet scrumptious wraps are an all-time favorite of kids and adults alike. Packed with colorful and crunchy vegetables, these wraps can be customised to suit your child's preferences and are an excellent way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat or spinach tortillas
- Hummus or vegan cream cheese
- Sliced bell peppers
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Shredded carrots
- Baby spinach leaves
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions:
1. Lay out the tortilla and spread a generous layer of hummus or vegan cream cheese on one side.
2. Arrange the sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, shredded carrots, baby spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes, and any optional ingredients over the hummus or cream cheese.
3. Carefully roll up the tortilla, ensuring all the vegetables are securely tucked inside.
4. Use a sharp knife to slice the wrap into bite-sized pieces, and pack them into the lunchbox.
Vegan Mac 'n' Cheese Cups
Mac 'n' cheese is a childhood staple, and these vegan mac 'n' cheese cups are perfect for a grab-and-go lunchbox treat. With a creamy, dairy-free cheese sauce and tender pasta, your kids will adore these delightful cups.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (you can use gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta)
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1 hour and drained
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheese
- Optional: bread crumbs or cracker crumbs for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or silicone muffin cups.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the blended sauce and shredded vegan cheese. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
4. Divide the mac 'n' cheese mixture evenly among the muffin cups. If desired, sprinkle each cup with bread crumbs or cracker crumbs for a crunchy topping.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly. Allow the cups to cool slightly in the tin before removing and serving.
These vegan mac 'n' cheese cups are not only delicious, but they're also easily portable and perfect for little hands. Try out these recipes to create a variety of tasty vegan lunchbox options that will have even the fussiest of children asking for more.
Packing a vegan lunchbox for fussy children may seem like an uphill battle, but with these delicious and versatile recipes, you can create nutritious meals your kids will love. Say goodbye to lunchbox struggles and hello to happy, healthy children all year round!
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