Easy Peasy Back To School Lunch Ideas

Move over summer vacation, and make way for back to school! When school starts, kids no longer have free access to the fridge – which is probably a good thing! But it likely means that you’re tasked with prepping and organizing the lunchtime madness. Use our list of quick and easy healthy food options for school lunches! At The Mad Table, we believe in fueling up with nutritious foods that provide children with the energy they need to get through the long school day, including lean protein for brainpower! Suggestions for satisfying school lunches:

The Main Course
Think beyond the basic, boring sandwich! Pasta salad, pita bread with hummus and chicken parmesan meatballs are great alternatives. Can’t get the little one to shake sandwiches? These won’t disappoint: turkey & cheddar roll-ups, cheese quesadillas, almond butter & jelly, veggie wraps with hummus, ham and cheese pinwheels or loaded deli subs.

Healthy Snacks
Snacks don’t have to be junk! Satisfy your child’s sweet tooth with fresh berries, fruit cups, sliced oranges, peaches, applesauce and yogurt. Other lunchbox-friendly snacks include edamame, baby carrots with ranch dressing, trail mix, sliced apples with peanut butter, pretzels, string cheese and granola bars. You know there’s nothing better than homemade food that comes from the heart. Avoid store-bought granola and try this easy and delicious recipe to make your on.

Yummy Granola
Yield: Servings 8 cups

Ingredients:
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
3 cups old-fashioned oats 1½ cups chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, pistachios, or walnuts)
1½ cups coconut shavings
1/2 cup agave syrup
1/4 cup olive oil or warmed coconut oil
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (packed) light brown sugar
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup dried fruit (apricot, cherries, cranberries, mango…)
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

1½ cups chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, pistachios, or walnuts)
1½ cups coconut shavings
1/2 cup agave syrup
1/4 cup olive oil or warmed coconut oil
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (packed) light brown sugar
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup dried fruit (apricot, cherries, cranberries, mango…)
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Toss egg white, oats, nuts, coconut shavings, agave syrup, oil, sesame seeds, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Spread out on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake granola, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden brown and dry, 40–45 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet (it will crisp as it cools). Mix in fruit and chocolate chips (if using). Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

For more tips and tricks to prepare food that’s delicious and nutritious, visit us at The Mad Table website.  And be sure to like The Mad Table on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for all the latest news, fabulous recipes and gorgeous entertaining tips and ideas.