Back To School Lunches
Chicken Pasta Salad
This is the best lunch box idea for kids going back to school because it combines the delicious and nutritious chicken pasta salad with other healthy packed lunch ideas. Looking to cook your chicken in a healthier way for your children, why not use a Morphy Richards air fryer? A children’s lunch box that includes a chicken pasta salad not only provides a balanced meal but also makes lunchtime exciting and enjoyable. The chicken pasta salad recipe is easy to prepare and packed with protein and vegetables, ensuring kids get a wholesome meal that keeps them energised throughout the day.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp oil
- 227g tin chopped tomatoes
- 50g farfalle pasta bows
- 50g frozen peas
- 50g ready-to-eat roast chicken breast, cubed
- 5g basil leaves, torn
Method:
Step 1: Fry the onion and garlic in the oil for 5 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and let it simmer for 15 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta for 5 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas, return to a boil, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 3: Drain and rinse under cold water, then return to the saucepan. Stir in the delicious tomato sauce, tender chicken, and fresh basil leaves. Transfer to a lunchbox and enjoy!
Turkey Sandwich Stars
This is the best lunch box idea for kids returning to school because it features turkey sandwich stars, which turn a simple turkey sandwich into a fun and exciting meal. These healthy lunch box ideas not only make lunchtime more enjoyable but also ensure that kids get a nutritious, protein-packed meal that supports their energy and focus throughout the day.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 20g cheese spread
- 2 slices wholemeal bread (from an 800g loaf)
- 2 slices of wafer thin roast turkey
- 10cm piece cucumber
- 1/2 carrot
Method:
Step 1: Spread a generous layer of cheese spread over the slices of bread. Layer one slice with wafer-thin roast turkey, then top with the other slice to create a scrumptious sandwich.
Step 2: Cut the bread into star shapes using various-sized star cutters (you can get 3-4 stars with minimal waste, and the crusts can be blitzed into breadcrumbs or used in another delicious recipe).
Step 3: Use a vegetable peeler to create delicate ribbons from the cucumber and carrot. Pack the lunchbox, and for a neat presentation, place a folded strip of foil between the sandwiches and the veggies.
DIY Lunch Tray Recipe
This is the best lunch box idea for kids going back to school because it features a DIY lunchable, which turns lunchtime into a fun, interactive experience. A homemade lunchable offers a personalised touch, allowing you to include a variety of healthy and tasty options tailored to your child's preferences. This makes it an excellent choice for a lunch box for kids, as it combines convenience with nutritional value.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 6 small crackers
- 40g cucumber, sliced
- 40g carrots, sliced
- 40g mixed peppers, sliced
- 40g reduced fat houmous (or tzatziki)
Method:
Step 1: In a lunchbox, arrange the crackers on one side and pile the sliced cucumber, carrot, and mixed peppers on the other.
Step 2: If you prefer, use a folded strip of foil to separate the crackers from the sliced veggies. Place the houmous (or tzatziki, if your child has a sesame allergy) in a small pot in the centre.
Ham & Cheese Monster Rolls
This is the best lunch box idea for kids going back to school because it features ham and cheese monster rolls, which make lunchtime both fun and tasty. These creative rolls add a playful twist to a classic ham and cheese sandwich, making it a hit in any lunch box for kids. They offer a delightful and nutritious option that will keep kids excited about their meals. Perfect as a lunch idea for school.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients
- 2 large white soft bread rolls, halved
- 2 Edam cheese slices (from a 250g pack)
- 2 slices prime-cut wafer-thin cooked ham (from a 125g pack)
- 1 carrot
- ½ cucumber
- 1 pitted black olive, sliced into 4
Method
Step 1: Cut 2 x 2cm circles from one end of each cheese slice and set them aside for the eyes. Slice one edge of each cheese slice into ridges to create the teeth, then place the cheese in the roll and top with ham.
Step 2: Cut 4 thin rounds from the carrot, then take a 5cm piece from the remaining carrot. Slice it into thin sections and cut into triangles to make the fangs and horns.
Step 3: Cut 2 batons from the cucumber and slice the remaining cucumber. Reserve 4 slices for garnish and tuck the rest inside the rolls.
Step 4: For the eyes, stack a reserved cucumber round with a slice of carrot, a cheese round, and a slice of olive. Secure them onto the roll with half a cocktail stick, and use another cocktail stick to fasten the cucumber eyebrows. The horns will stay put when pierced into the roll*.
Tomato & Bacon Muffins
This is the best lunch box idea for kids going back to school because it includes tomato and bacon muffins, a delicious twist on savoury muffins. These muffins are not only tasty but also packed with flavour, making them a hit in any children's lunch box. The savoury muffin recipe is easy to prepare and provides a satisfying and nutritious option that kids will love and this recipe can be made in a Morphy Richards air fryer.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Serves: 3 (makes 6)
Ingredients
- 2 Tesco Finest smoked bacon medallions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp oil
- 125g self-raising wholemeal flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 50g butter spread
- 100ml milk
- 3 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 30g Cheddar, grated (optional)
- 50g sugarsnaps, to serve
- 50g carrots, cut into sticks, to serve
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to gas mark 6, 200°C, or 180°C for fan ovens. Line a muffin tin with 6 paper cases. Fry the bacon in oil for 5 minutes, then let it cool. Combine with the self-raising wholemeal flour and baking powder.
Step 2: Whisk together the egg, butter spread, and milk, then blend into the dry ingredients. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases, and top each with a halved cherry tomato and a sprinkle of 5g grated Cheddar (optional).
Step 3: Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown, then remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 4: Pack 2 muffins in each lunchbox along with some crisp sugar snaps and crunchy carrot sticks.
All recipes by TESCORealFood.
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