Beat back to school blues with tasty lunchbox ideas
The nation’s children and teachers having returned to school, adjusting back into the old routines could prove tricky.
But lunchtime doesn’t have to be. No one loves a soggy sandwich, so recipe box Gousto has created six healthy lunch box ideas that are guaranteed to get everyone excited for lunchtime.
Senior Recipe Developer Jordan Moore has also peppered in some top tips for getting the most out of these bright lunches.
Shake-Shake
Rice Buddha Bowls Helping the teachers shake off the stress of the day with a bowl of rice or noodles, topped with any or all of the following: crispy veg, protein (leftover chicken, tofu, steak, omelette, salmon), seeds (pumpkin or pine nut work well), slices of creamy avocado and a punchy dressing.
It’s a nutrient-packed way to stay full for hours. Layer it up before leaving home and put the dressing at the bottom under the rice or noodles, with veg at the top to keep it crisp. Give it a good shake-up before chowing down – delicious!
Jordan’s top tip: “Don’t be shy when seasoning the dressing as cold dishes need an extra flavour boost.”
Wrap it up
This super fast finger food is what packed lunch dreams are made of. Gousto’s Smoky Halloumi & Carrot Wraps combine squeaky, salty bites of halloumi with carrot and cumin salad and crispy lamb’s lettuce, all packaged in a sturdy tortilla wrap. Healthy, flavour-packed and takes 20 minutes from start to finish.
Jordan’s top tip: “To avoid soggy wraps, keep sauces separate until ready to use. We suggest popping them in a spare cupcake wrapper, or you can reuse a spare sauce pot from your Gousto box.”
Playground sandwiches
– reinvented
No matter what anyone says – sandwiches are still the easiest go-to packed lunch. Quesadillas are a close second because they can be rustled up with three ingredients: tortilla wraps, cheese
and any leftovers you have kicking around. They can also be baked in the oven all at once, instead of pan-frying them individually.
Gousto’s Chicken & Bean Quesadillas With Zesty Slaw with spicy pulled chicken, homemade refried beans and mature cheddar are a great option.
Jordan’s top tip: “Use Tupperware with dividers to keep the zesty slaw from making your quesadillas soggy.”
Not your everyday cheese
and pickle sandwich
Everyone loves a classic cheese and pickle sandwich but the flavours can be elevated with Gousto’s Cheddar & Mango Naan Toastie recipe.
Inspired by Indian flavours, this recipe smothers mango chutney all over fluffy naans before piling on grated cheddar, spring onions, spices
and, if the kids like spice, some sliced fresh chilli. Not only does the cheese melt when pan-fried, the naan turns golden and crispy too, so no soggy sandwiches when the lunch bell rings!
The 4pm Smashed Chickpeas and Pitta Snack
For hungry kids getting home from school, this is a wholesome snack to keep junk food cravings at bay.
Throw some smashed chickpeas into a pot with coriander, parsley, lemon juice, cumin and a generous glug of olive oil.
Chop up some pittas and cucumber slices for a fun pick-me-up that’s quick and easy.
Gousto offers over 50 recipes a week, delivering precise ingredients and easy to follow recipe cards directly to doors across the UK. Prices start from £2.98 per meal including free delivery.