When it’s back to school time and hunger strikes, it’s always a good idea to have handy meals and snacks ready for busy family mornings and after-school cravings. Scroll to the end to see Saladmaster recipe videos and check out these tips below to help make daily meal planning easier and healthier!
9 Tips for Back to School Meals
1. Stock up on hearty vegetables
Shop for seasonal vegetables that also resist wilting and serve them as raw finger foods. Try carrots, cucumber, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, zucchini, summer squash and bell peppers.
2. Try travel friendly fruits Excellent choices are berries, melon, apple, kiwi, banana, cherry tomatoes, clementines or oranges.
3. Fill up on whole grains that are high fiber. Experiment with different varieties of whole grains, like tortillas, whole grain bread, couscous, rotini, rigatoni, penne or rice vermicelli.
4. Explore varieties of protein choices. Putting leftovers in your lunch or breakfast can add protein to your meals. Pre-shred your own cheese, or have extra hard-cooked eggs in the fridge, along with leftover chicken, roast, turkey, fish or seafood.
5. Consider meatless alternatives. Vegan cream cheese and dairy free cheeses are lower in fat and calories. Other flavorful meatless favorites are bean dips, hummus, edamame, spinach, avocado, tofu, tempeh, olives, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or quinoa.
6. Go nuts with salads, pasta, sandwiches and wraps. For those without nut allergies, nuts can be deliciously easy toppings for salads or pasta. Try slivered almonds, walnuts, cashews, pine nuts, peanuts or pecans. For sandwiches or wraps, try using nut butters with banana, carrots, celery or cucumber.
7. Boost nutrition by adding vegetables to sandwiches and wraps. Add a refreshing layer of cucumber, tomato, bell peppers, mushrooms, sprouts, or shredded carrot.
8. Add flavor with herbs, spices, dressings, sauces or zest. Season your meals with sauces or herbs, such as barbecue, sriracha, teriyaki, mayonnaise, soy sauce, mustard, pesto, marinara, garlic, chives, scallions, basil, cilantro, or lemon zest.
9. DIY - Make your own homemade trail mix. Create your own blend of banana chips, chocolate chips, sunflower seeds, pretzels, dried fruit, or cereal (wheat squares, oat, kamut or rice puffs).
These healthy food choices will add convenience and variety to busy kids diets to help power them through their hectic school schedules. Tell us what you like, and feel free to leave a comment if you have any to add to our list!
Hungry for more? Check out these Saladmaster recipes!
Breakfast ideas
Sweet Potato Hash with Chorizo Sausage
Wraps
Salads & Dips