Looking for some new, healthy ways to fill that lunch box as your kids head back to school? Yes, there is so much more you can do beyond that PB&J (though we love those!) and bag of chips. You can pack in more healthy whole plants—grains, beans, fruits, veggies, nuts—plus keep it fresh and delish. Your kids will be excited to open their lunch box to find these plant-based, vegan options awaiting them! I’m sharing my top favorite lunchbox recipes in all categories. These back to school recipes are easily portable, and packed with nutrition to keep their minds and bodies running like clockwork! Try out these portable, 15 Plant-Based Back to School Recipes.
15 Plant-Based Back to School Recipes
Dips
BEST Classic Hummus
Pack up this classic hummus in a container as a dip with whole grain pita bread and vegetables.
Avocado Salsa
Portion up a serving of this avocado salsa, which is packed with extra goodies: corn, green onions, cilantro, black olives, corn, and jalapenos, to pair with whole grain crackers or crunchy veggies.
Salads
Mason Jar Kale Barley Salad with Turmeric Vinaigrette
Include a jar of this super healthy, easy, and delicious Mason Jar Kaley Barley Salad with Turmeric Vinaigrette for a tasty lunch option.
Vegan Confetti Potato Salad
This sunny, colorful, nutritious, and delicious potato salad is the perfect addition to a lunch box.
Brown Rice Chickpea Kale Salad with Ginger Tahini Dressing
Based on the hearty combo of whole grains, leafy greens, and pulses—this plant-based Brown Rice Chickpea Kale Salad with Ginger Tahini Dressing is great for an easy lunchbox meal.
Bowls
Chipotle Tomato Rice Power Bowl
This Chipotle Tomato Rice Power Bowl can be perfectly packed up in an airtight container for a meal-in-one.
Super Acai Berry Bowl
Acai berries, ancient grains, berries and coconut come together in this easy, purple powerful Super Acai Berry Bowl, which is 100% plant-based and vegan. Make these bowls up in mason jars to take for a healthy lunchbox meal.
Soups, Stews
Black Bean Corn Chili
The Southwestern flavors of this hearty Black Bean Corn Chili make it an easy satisfying meal. Just pack it up in a thermos to take it to school.
Classic Tomato Soup
Nothing soothes the soul more than a bowl of classic tomato soup packed up in a thermos.
Wraps, Sandwiches
Crunchy Cherry Sunflower Seed Wraps
This 6-ingredient plant-based recipe for Crunchy Cherry Sunflower Seed Wraps is so easy you can make it up in a jiffy, plus it’s simply pure fun! Just spread almond butter onto a whole grain tortilla or wrap, and sprinkle with sprouts or micro greens, sunflower seeds, raisins and dried cherries, and then just roll right it on up. You can cut it into slices to create pin wheels, or just slice it in half and wrap it up to tote along in lunch boxes.
Burrito with Refried Beans and Corn
This simple burrito—which relies upon frozen and canned ingredients—can be prepared in about 15 minutes for an easy, fun lunchbox meal.
Farmers Market Vegetable Sushi
Did you know you can make the best sushi ever, based on what’s fresh, seasonal, and local? Hand-crafted vegan sushi is one of my favorite special treats. Just get your rice cooking, slice up your favorite veggies, and start rolling ‘em up. Pack in a sealed container for your kids to take for lunch!
Vegan BLTA Sandwich
Creating a classic vegan BLTA Sandwich—bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado—is easy these days. Just brown your favorite plant-based bacon, toast some good whole wheat bread, smear it with plant-based mayo, and top it with farm-fresh produce and pack it up to go!
Treats
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chickpea Bars
These 7-ingredient bars are packed with nutrition and good taste; pop one in your kids’ lunch box as a treat you can feel good about.
Bliss Berry Energy Balls
You can whip up these these no-bake, vegan, gluten-free balls in minutes in your food processor, then pack them away in lunchboxes for a tasty, healthful snack.
Vegan Cowboy Cookies
These crunchy vegan cowboy cookies are a classic treat from the 60s, modernized to include nut butter, oats, whole grain flours, walnuts, and dark chocolate chips. They’re the perfect lunchbox treat, too!
For other plant-based back to school ideas, check out the following:
10 Plant-Based Lunchbox Treat Recipes
5 Packable Plant-Based Lunch Recipes
8 Plant-Based Brown Bag Recipes
