With school just kicking off in full force this week, we figured we would share with you some nut-free / allergen-friendly lunch bunch ideas to help lessen the stress of having to pack nutritious meals your kids will actually eat.
Here are our top 5 lunch bunch ideas
1. Lunch on a Stick
“Think of it as a deconstructed sandwich, minus the bread and on a stick! Your kids will think this is a fun lunch option and by using a cake pop stick rather than a skewer, they’ll also be much safer to enjoy at school.
Method: Cut vegetables, like cucumber slices, into fun shapes and ‘skewer’ onto the pop stick. Alternate between lunch meat slices and grape tomatoes or other preferred ingredients. These won’t ‘stick’ around for long, because your kiddos are sure to gobble them up!” (from Allergic Living)
Pair this with applesauce, string cheese, and some pretzels and you’ll be all set!
2. Taco Pasta Salad
“I’m all about using leftovers for lunches, so this is a great option for that cooked chicken sitting in your fridge. You can also make this on the weekends and pack the pasta leftovers for lunches during the week. It’s full of protein, fiber, and flavor.
Method: Cook 2 cups of pasta per directions. Drain and let cool. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 1 15-ounce can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 lb of cooked, diced chicken, 1 cup of salsa, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of mayo, 1/2 cup of cooked corn kernels and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Mix until well combined. Serve chilled.” (from Allergic Living)
Pair this with clementines and some string cheese and you’ll be all set!
3. Homemade Lunchables
What kid doesn’t like the idea of Lunchables?? I’m still jealous of the kids who had these when I was in school! ?
To make your own, take sliced cheese and divide each slice into quadrants. Then do the same for your deli turkey meat.
Add some crackers, some pepperoni slices, cucumbers, clementine oranges, and popcorn and you’re all set! (from Baby Foodie)
This lunch will have all the other kids in lunch bunch asking their parents for their own homemade Lunchable!
4. Chicken Salad Apple ‘Sandwiches’
“This appetizing lunch is a great way to use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken.
Method: First, make your preferred chicken salad recipe. Slice the apple into horizontal slices. Using a mini cookie cutter, core the center of the slices. Spread the chicken salad onto bottom slice, then ‘sandwich’ together. Mom Tip: My daughter isn’t a fan of the taste of lemon juice, so I soak apple slices in apple juice for a few minutes, then lightly pat dry with a paper towel to prevent browning.” (from Allergic Living)
Pair this with yogurt and some baby carrots and you’ll be all set!
5. Pizza Bagels
This one speaks for itself. Take half a bagel, some pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and the toppings of your choice. You can choose to melt the cheese or leave it as is.
Pair this with pea pods, carrot sticks, blackberries, and blueberries and you’re all set! (from Baby Foodie)
Before you go, check out some of our previous posts!