You just heard your child’s school is nut free. Boom! And just like that, the classic peanut butter & jelly sandwich is out of the packing routine. And now what? Where are you going to get more ideas to fill the lunchbox?
Well, for starters, you can grab a sample meal plan here and leave the idea department to us.
Maybe, you’ve been packing lunch for a child with a nut allergy and you are tired of making the same things. Sometimes you may find your kids coming home from school feeling deprived because they can’t have what all the other kids are having.
But no fear! These delicious nut-free lunch ideas will break the boring lunch routine and get your kids excited about their food. No sandwiches here, either.
What’s great about these lunches is that some make quick weeknight meals, so you can easily pack them as leftovers for lunch the next day. You can even whip up a big batch of a recipe at the beginning of the week and have it ready for easy mornings. Just pack it in a thermos or plastic container, serve with fruit, veggies, or a little nut-free sweet treat, and you’re good to go!
Here’s 8 nut-free lunches that your kids will definitely thank you for!
1. Broccoli Nuggets
Your kids might be a little freaked out that these nuggets are green, but don’t worry- once they taste these cheesy broccoli bites, they’ll totally forget they’re eating vegetables! These nuggets are made in just one bowl and can be refrigerated, so make them the night before and grab-and-go in the morning.
2. Enchilada Soup
Heat up lunch time by packing this warm, comforting enchilada soup that will fill your kids up, thanks to protein-packed pinto beans. Enjoy for dinner the night before, and pack in thermoses for the week’s lunches. Make sure to send your kids with avocado, cheese, and pico de gallo in a separate container for topping!
3. Pizza Mini Quiches
Pizza is delicious in any form, including these delicious mini quiches! They’re so easy to make that you could bake them while the kids are getting ready in the morning. But if you prefer to pack ahead, cook them the night before and pop them in the fridge. The best thing about these cheesy quiches is that you can easily customize them with your family’s favorite pizza toppings. Replace the nuts as a side for fruit.
4. Quinoa Salad with Veggies
Are your kids (or even you!) still skeptical of quinoa? Fear not! This quinoa salad is simple to make, easy to pack in a lunch box, and refreshing to eat from the fresh veggies! Your kids won’t even know how much nutrition they’re getting in each bite. Easily substitute the veggies for whatever you have on hand for a quick to-go lunch.
5. Allergy-Friendly Pancakes
Yes, you can enjoy pancakes at any time of day! These allergy-friendly pancakes are dairy-, egg-, gluten-, and nut-free, making them the perfect treat for everyone. Make a few extra at breakfast time for the kids’ lunches, or freeze a batch for easy packing. Pack them plain, with a little maple syrup and fruit, or let your kids make pancake sandwiches with fruit spread and seed butter!
5. Chicken Parmesan Bites
Here’s a great lunch idea that really takes advantage of leftovers! Chicken parmesan can sometimes be a complicated dish, but these bites have the same delicious flavor and require much less preparation. Cook a batch (or two) of gluten-free chicken nuggets for dinner and use the leftovers for chicken parmesan the next day!
6. Lunchbox Burrito Bowls
Making your own burrito bowls at home is just as delicious as Chipotle or anywhere else, I promise! It’s even better to make them at home because each family member gets to customize their own to make their perfect bowl. These lunchbox burrito bowls are the perfect lunch to use up leftovers. Simple, inexpensive, and delicious- the best kinds of meals!
7. Teriyaki Chicken Lunch Bowls
Skillet meals are my favorite because they’re easy to make and clean up. This teriyaki chicken skillet meal makes the perfect school lunch! The teriyaki marinade is always a hit. Cook this yummy skillet meal the night before and pack in thermoses so they’re ready to go in the morning. You can serve it over regular rice or cauliflower rice for some hidden veggies!
8. Avocado, Bacon, & Parmesan Pasta
Avocado, bacon, and parmesan?? This easy pasta salad is about to become your favorite lunch! Simply cook the pasta and bacon, and mix all the ingredients together until they’re warm and creamy. It’s so easy to make and pack ahead, and your kids will absolutely thank you for their amazing lunches!
I hope you enjoyed these 8 nut free lunch ideas that are perfect for school lunches. Check back next week for more great back to school lunch ideas!
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