Bowl Over Boring Lunches!
School has just began and your kids are already complaining that “lunch is so boring?” Why not mix it up a bit with lunch bowls? You just prepare the ingredients, set up in a buffet style and let your children make their own unique lunch bowl. Follow these easy steps to build a better lunch bowl.
Step 1: Build Your Base – Choose Greens or Grains (or both)
Greens: Romaine, spring mix blend, mixed greens, spinach, arugula, radicchio, kale or a blend of your favorite greens
Grains: Whole grains that are not over-or under-cooked. Brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, wheat berry, soba noodles, starchy veggies such as sweet potatoes or winter squash. Be creative and take advantage of leftovers you may have on hand.
Step 2: Veggie Variety Raw, cooked or a blend of both!
Cut veggies into bite-size pieces and include a variety of colors for contrast. Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, green beans, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, thawed frozen peas or corn.
Step 3: Pump It Up With Protein and Dairy
Add two to three ounces of protein-rich food such chicken, turkey, beef, fish or seafood, eggs, tofu, beans or lentils. And top with cheese (cubed or shredded), cottage cheese, or add a flavor boost with feta, gorgonzola or bleu cheese. Canned fish or chicken, leftovers or deli meats work well too!
Step 4: Sauce It!
Use your favorite sauces or salad dressing for a flavorful bowl. Have fun with themes. Tex-Mex chunky salsa, Indian yogurt curry, Asian peanut or teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with low-salt seasoning or spice blends, or reach for the all-time kid’s favorite: Ranch dressing.
Step 5: Terrific Toppers
Add a touch of sweet with dried fruit, such as raisins, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, apples or others. Make it interesting and add some crunch with a spoon full of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, granola, peanuts, chopped nuts, toasted coconut or soy nuts.
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
Garnish with fresh herbs, diced green onion, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or drizzles of intense sauces like sriracha or balsamic glaze.
Pack your delicious lunch bowl with an ice pack in an insulated lunch box along with fruit and cold milk and you’re ready to go!
Here’s a few of our great bowl ideas to give you some inspiration.
