Summer feels like it is still in full swing, but slowly, slowly, and surely we are transitioning into fall, and with it the hustle and bustle of aligning all kinds of schedules and getting families slotting back into somewhat of a routine. This week’s post is meant to highlight some recipes that transition from morning to school lunch box, snacks, and dinner. Hopefully they provide you with some inspiration for quick, healthy meals that satisfy the entire family.
Back to School Ideas – Breakfast
I always find that when you are switching back to a routine breakfast is simultaneously the easiest and hardest meal of the day. Easy in the sense that if it is well-prepped it is a grab-and-go situation. Hardest in the sense that if it is not prepped, it feels impossible to muster something up. So here are some prep ahead options laid out for you.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats, in principle, are a super-nourishing and easy idea to follow. These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are my sister’s favorite. They pack fiber, protein, healthy fats, and lots of nutrients. They also keep you full for hours. You can easily prep overnight oats in advance for up to three days, making them a super grab-and-go option. If you are looking for a “seasonal off-spin,” my spiced plum overnight oats are also absolutely divine and delicious. Overnight oats also make for a great addition to your kid’s lunchbox.
Smashed Peas on Toast
One of my favorite 5-minute breakfasts. Super versatile, super delicious, never dull or boring. These Garlicky Smashed Peas on Toast pack a great amount of fiber, protein, and overall taste. They can be topped to your heart’s content (I love eggs or burrata), making them different every time. They are so good, that I also created a Garlicky Smashed White Bean version which is equally enthralling.
Omelette or Frittata
Omelettes or frittatas are super easy to meal prep in advance. Again, bonus, you can totally add some of this to your children’s lunch box. This Gluten-free Vegetable Frittata is so versatile and uses up a lot of the ingredients from your fridge. My Everyday Omelette is also a fantastic one to make, which is a simple grab-and-go option from the fridge in the morning.
Back to School Ideas – Lunch
Lunch should be something that can easily be thrown together, prepped in advance or consists of leftovers from the night before. If you are in need for some speedy ideas, here is some inspiration.
Greek-Style Halloumi Wraps
By far one of the most popular recipes on the blog for an easy lunch fix. These Greek-style Halloumi Wraps. They come together in less than 20 minutes and are so satisfying and delicious. If you are vegan, swap the Greek yogurt for the raita with some coconut yogurt and fry off some tofu. It should be equally delicious.
Perfect Soba Noodle Salad
This Perfect Soba Noodle Salad is packed with plenty of fiber, protein, and nutrients. It is also super easy to throw together and absolutely satisfying. I am a big sucker for texture and absolutely adore how much crunch this salad provides.
Vegan Coronation “Chicken”
I adore this Vegan Coronation “Chicken” situation. It is full of flavor and again packs a great amount of fiber and protein to power you through the rest of your day. You can eat it as part of a salad or throw it in a wrap. It can also be a nice addition to your children’s lunch box. So feel free to play with the additions to this one around.
Back to School Ideas – Afternoon Snack
Kids come back from school and are usually RAVENOUS. Food is on the top of their mind and FAST. Here are some super-easy options that can also be used as lunchbox input for the next day.
Savory Muffins
These Savory Muffins are not only utterly delicious, but they are also packed with veggies, fiber, and protein. Make them in a mini muffin version. This will also allow them to be added to kids lunchbox the next day.
Quick and Easy Butterbean Dip
When I say this dip can be whipped up in 5 minutes – trust me, I mean it. This Quick and Easy Butterbean Dip is so easy to make and great for dipping veggies or chips. Again, an easy addition to next day’s lunchbox!
Strawberry Banana Muffins
I have been in love with these Strawberry Banana Muffins for a very long time. They taste like banana bread and can be customized with other fruit or some chocolate chips. Again, make them miniature, and they are also a great addition to tomorrow’s lunchbox.
Back to School Ideas – Dinner
Dinner should be quick to make, easy, versatile, packed with some healthy fats and proteins, but most of all utterly delicious. Here are some suggestions that always hit the spot.
Sweetcorn Fritters with a Mint Raita
I am in love with these Sweetcorn Fritters with a Mint Raita. Not only make the leftovers a really nice lunch the next day, they are also super easy to throw together, pack a punch of flavor, and are finished off in the oven so you are not spending ages in the kitchen.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Again, this Roasted Cauliflower Salad packs a punch of flavor and comes together in 20 minutes (plus baking time, but that is time you can spend elsewhere). I love the crunch of the different veggies. Again, this makes for delicious leftovers and thereby lunch for tomorrow is already sorted!
Cheeseburger Chili Bowl
When I say we are eating this Cheeseburger Chili Bowl at least once a week, I am not exaggerating. It is utterly easy, super delicious, and hits the spot every time. Especially when you are craving a bit more comfort.
I hope you enjoyed these easy back-to-school ideas, and I sincerely hope that they are making your time adjusting back to schedules, deadlines, and appointments that little bit easier!
