Lunch ideas for EVERY day of your child's school term
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Lunch ideas for EVERY day of your child's school term
Meat-free lunches
1. Cucumber and carrot batons with hummus
This is an easy one to prepare that's also a bit of fun for the kids to eat, too. Wash and chop some cucumber and carrots into batons. For the dip, check out our recipe here.
2. Greek-style falafels
Have some finger food fun with these groovy Greek falafels. Why not get your little one involved by making them with you?
3. Stuffed pitta pockets
If you can’t get your little one to eat their vegetables alone why not roast a load and stuff them into mini pitta bread pockets?
4. Egg mayo topper
It’s a traditional sandwich filler loved by kids. But, rather than spreading it between two slices of bread, pack some crackers into your child’s lunchbox and get them to use it as a topper, rather than a filler.
5. Mediterranean pin wheels
Not only do these look fun, they’re healthy too! Pack tomatoes, olives, feta, artichokes and lettuce into a tortilla, wrap it up and slice into pin wheels.
6. Mini Quorn toad in the hole
Just because your child is vegetarian, it doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy this English classic.
Use Quorn Cocktail Sausages for a delicious, nutritious meat-free lunch.
7. Spanish Spinach croquettes
Potato croquettes are a fun way of packing some vegetables into to your kid’s lunch. You can eat them hot or cold too.
Fill the croquettes with as many different vegetables as you wish, but to get you started, check out this recipe...
8. Courgette, feta and almond muffins
Not all muffins need to be sweet, in fact, savoury ones are pretty tasty, too!
Why not save yourself stress by batch cooking and freezing a load, ready to defrost when you need them.
9. Pasta-fried rice
This is a fun twist on a favourite Chinese dish and only takes about 30 minutes to prepare and make. Let it cool thoroughly and refrigerate ready to eat cold.
10. Quorn Vegetarian Bacon slices, potato and broccoli mini frittatas
These frittatas are cheap and easy to make. Kids will love them!
11. Stuffed peppers
Stuffed peppers are an easy way of getting some vegetables in your child's diet. Make them the night before or as a side with dinner and they'll be great in lunchboxes the next day.
12. Black bean tacos
Take a look at this black bean taco recipe and skip the last step so they can make the tacos themselves in the dining hall.
13. Courgette, chickpea and tomato pasties
This veggie pastie is a filling and delicious lunch that makes a nice change from sandwiches.
14. Sunflower butter and banana sandwiches
In most lunch halls, peanut butter is banned due to allergy issues. But, why not venture into alternatives such as sunflower butter?
15. Chickpea salad jars
These small salad jars can be made in bulk and dished out into smaller portions for lunches during the week.
16. Hot dog tacos
If, like most kids, your little one loves sausages then this dish will go down a treat.
17. Pesto and bean wraps
If your little one loves wraps and pesto, why not combine the two? Try and pack some more vegetables in as well, take a look at this recipe for some inspiration ...
18. Quorn Vegetarian Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich
Swap regular bacon for Quorn Vegetarian Bacon Slices for a meat-free version of the BLT. Bet they won't even notice the difference either!
19. Classic Spanish omelette
Make this tasty and filling omelette for dinner and then keep leftovers in the fridge ready for lunch boxes.
20. Quorn Meat-Free Fishless Finger wrap bites
Fish finger sandwiches are a classic family favourite. Why not give this one a whirl?
21. Veggie noodle pot
This colourful noodle salad makes a great packed lunch and won't go soggy like some salads can.
22. Quorn Meat-Free Cheesy Meatballs with Tomato Dip
Another idea that will get your child dipping their way through lunch. Just make sure you have a leak-proof container for this one!
23. Bubble and squeak fritters
These bite-sized snacks are easy to make and budget-friendly.
24. Cheesy puff parcels
These fun triangle-shaped parcels are a great way of packing plenty of vegetables into your little one’s lunch.
25. Tortellini, tomato and mozzarella sticks
Pasta fans will love this fun lunchbox idea. It’s so easy to put together, too!
26. Pumpkin spice waffles
This gorgeous twist on a traditional waffle recipe is easy to eat and can be topped with whatever your little one might fancy. Add a delicious salad for added nutrition.
27. Pasta salad
This is an easy recipe that can be filled with all your little one's favourite veggies
Sandwich-free lunches
28. Cheese, pepper and onion quesadillas
This Mexican dish is a favourite with kids and quite tasty eaten cold. Quick to make, check out how below ...
29. Red pasta salad
This pasta salad is packed with peppers, tomatoes and sausages and your kids will love it!
30. Pizza roll-ups
The basic idea is to make a homemade pizza with dough, tomato sauce, cheese and whatever toppings you wish. But before you pop your pizza in the oven, roll it up tight. Check out the steps by clicking below.
31. Bento boxes
Not sure what to make? Get inspired by Bento boxes where you can fill sections with protein (ham, cheese, Quorn Vegetarian Ham or Vegetarian Chicken slices), carbs (cous cous, pasta, rice) and fruit cubes and veg strips for a pick'n'mix style lunch.
32. Blue cheese and bacon pasta
This cheese filled pasta tastes great and is filling for this kids too.
33. BLT pasta salad
Another fun twist on a classic sandwich recipe. If you don’t fancy using actual bacon, why not use Quorn Vegetarian Bacon Slices instead?
34. Quorn Mezze picnic
If variety is what your little one is after, try this Quorn Mezze picnic idea, which lets little ones pick, crunch and dip their way through a healthy lunch.
35. Cauliflower pizzette
If your little one loves pizza but you don't fancy giving them the real thing, try this healthier alternative that uses cauliflower as a crust!
36. Salad snails
These fun wraps will bring your little one’s lunch to life. Super cute and tasty, too!
37. Tabbouleh salad
This fun middle-eastern salad is a great tummy filler for your child. It also packs in some veg too. Add a dollop of houmous, feta or some chicken slices for something more filling.
38. Crispy nugget pizza bites
Who doesn’t love nuggets? Try this fun recipe, which uses Quorn Crispy Nuggets to make fun pizza bites. Yum!
39. Bolognese wraps
Why not use last night's leftovers as a filling lunch? Try this idea now. Wraps are a great alternative to boring bread sarnies, too.
40. Picnic salad jars
If your child is a fan of Mexican food, they'll love these fun, layered salad jars.
41. Chicken wraps
Wraps are just as easy to make as sandwiches, but slightly more imaginative. Fill yours with tasty chicken and tons of salad. Mmm.
42. Bagels
Spice up soggy sandwiches by trying some bagel recipes instead. Check out the link for a few suggestions.
43. Asian chicken coleslaw salad
This is a must-try for those whose little ones can’t get enough of coleslaw. This exotic version includes chicken, celery, sugar snap peas, peppers and more. Take a look here.
44. Cheese and potato whirls
They may look like cinnamon swirls, but these are actually a savoury version that are perfect for your child’s lunch box.
45. Chicken and apple balls
These bite-sized balls are great to make in big batches and then freeze. Defrost the night before to take the stress out of manic mornings.
46. Greek pasta salad
This pasta salad will get your child eating loads of fresh salad and veg. It's filling, too.
47. Broccoli and bacon crustless quiche
Make this in a large cake tin and cut into slices or distribute the mix into a muffin tin, it’s totally up to you. Whatever you decide, we can guarantee the whole family will want to take this tasty quiche for lunch!
48. Kofta kebabs
These Middle Eastern kebabs are great for dipping into tzatziki and taste just as good cold as they do hot.
Dairy-free lunches
49. Mediterranean Quorn Pancakes
This vegan twist on a pancake is topped with plenty of veggies making it a filling and healthy lunch for your child.
50. Quinoa salad
Quinoa is filling and delicious. Pack your salad with peppers, tomatoes and onions for bags of flavour and goodness.
51. Moroccan turkey salad
Turkey is a leaner, healthier meat than chicken but is just as tasty. Try this Moroccan turkey salad recipe.
52. Banana and sunflower seed butter rice cakes
As most schools are a nut-free zone, if your kid is a peanut butter fan, there are alternative spreads such as sunflower seed butter, tahini and soy nut butter. Spread one of these alternatives onto two or three rice crackers and top with chopped bananas for a tasty lunch treat.
53. Rye sandwiches
Pack your little one's lunchbox with loads of their favourite toppings including eggs, tomato, cucumber, ham and much, more.
Gluten-free lunches
55. Gluten-free fish sticks
Your kids can dip their way through lunch with this fun recipe ...
56. Lentil, carrot and ham salad
This salad is easy to make and contains everything you probably already have in your cupboards, too. FInd the recipe here ...
57. Courgette fritters
These crispy veggie fritters are a great way of getting your child to eat some vegetables without the fuss. Try the recipe now.
58. Chicken fried rice
This is a tasty recipe that includes most ingredients that you'll find in your cupboard. Make sure you cool it down as quick as possible and refrigerate before eating cold the next day.
60. Rice noodle cakes
Your little one will love how these look – and they taste pretty delicious, too!
Stuck for ideas that aren't ham or cheese sandwiches? We've got gluten-free ideas, sandwich alternatives, no-dairy suggestions and even meat-free recipes, with the help of Quorn.
Whether your child's vegetarian or just doesn't like meat, you can still make something healthy, nutritious and filling thanks to its range of high protein, low fat products.
From Vegetarian Wafer Thin Chicken Wraps to meat-free Sausage Rolls, Quorn helps make lunchboxes easy and delicious.
For more vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free packed lunch ideas, visit www.quorn.co.uk.
