You know what I like? One less thing to worry about. Having a master list of easy vegan lunches is one way that I minimize how many decisions I have to make throughout our day. I usually pick out 5-6 for the week ahead of time so that I have an idea to carry me. Do we go off list? Sure. Things come up. Leftovers are preferred sometimes. Or hey, maybe my girls request something different and I deliver if I have what I need. BUT having a list handy as my guide is appreciated. Being a homeschool mom also means serving up lunch every. single. day. without much of a break.
But really, any mom – homeschool or not – is better off having a list because guess what? We all need to feed our kiddos! Some of these are as simple as can get (hello, PB&J) but it’s a classic for a reason.
I like to serve the below with a side of fruit, veggie, and a fun snacky bit (pretzels, hippeas, a few chocolate chips, fruit leather, pea crisps, vegan pudding cup, yogurt cup, olives, popcorn, raisins, applesauce… basically whatever snack-type thing you have that adds a bit of fun to their lunch).
I also want to add that there is no shame in getting boxed or canned or jarred or frozen or whatever else makes these meals easier. We all have our strong suits. I really like to cook (it’s how I relax and get in me time… seriously) but not everyone feels this way. And canned and frozen veggies are STILL my jam. You may be the mom who bakes their own bread (go you… that is so not me) or the mom who grows their own veggies (again, not me). You do you. It ALL works!
So here we go. I hope to make life a little easier and to take just one decision off your plate.
1. PB&J
A classic is a classic.
2. Vegan grilled cheese
We like Violife vegan cheese the best but other great vegan cheese slices: Daiya, Follow Your Heart, and Chao.
3. Homemade or canned soup with bread & butter to dip
I make a large pot of soup at least once a week so it is always on the menu and it is always something different. Our favorite is this lentil stew.
4. Vegan cream cheese and jam sandwiches
If you’ve never tried this… do it. So delicious.
5. Hummus sandwich/wrap/pita
Hummus is easy to add to any kind of bread/wrap/pita and is packed with iron and protein for kids.
6. Vegan chik’n or white bean salad sandwich
I like to use Gardein chik’n tenders, Just Mayo, and seasonings for a quick chicken salad. I also do the same with mashed white beans – recipe here.
7. Vegan cheese quesadillas
With mashed beans or just cheese, a quesadilla is an easy and well-loved lunch.
8. Baked tofu bites and dip
Tofu bites are another “at least once a week” lunch. Great for iron, protein, and calcium.
9. Choose-your-own-adventure platter
I just started doing this recently and it has been a big hit. Every Friday, I pull out all the things that are leftover and want to use up. Odds and ends, really. If it doesn’t seem like enough, I will make a sandwich or quesadilla to add in. My kids love picking and choosing what they want. Add a bit of fresh fruit and veg and there ya go.
10. Tofurky and vegan cheese sandwich or roll-up
Add to bread or tortilla with your vegan mayo or mustard. If your kids love lettuce and tomato, go on and add.
11. Personal nachos
Chips, vegan queso or melted cheese, salsa, and olives. Easy.
12. Pizza pinwheels
I add a thin layer of jarred sauce and vegan cheese before rolling up and popping in the microwave.
13. Bean, cheese, and salsa burritos
Burritos are easy – serve like this or decontructed for younger kids.
14. Homemade “lunchables”
I use a small circle cookie-cutter to cut out vegan deli meat and cheese and serve with crackers. My girls love to assemble these themselves – they feel so “grown up” lol! It’s the little things.
15. Vegan cream cheese and tomato and/or cucumber sandwich
These are a classic and even as an adult, I love a good cream cheese and cuke sandwich.
16. Pasta with jarred sauce
Sometimes I blend the jarred sauce with white beans or cashews for an extra boost of iron/protein.
17. English muffin or tortilla pizzas
The world’s fastest pizza – pop in a 375 F oven for about 10-15 min and serve.
18. Beans and rice
Match a batch of rice early in the day or over weekend and add a can of beans.
19. Vegan chik’n tenders and dip
Don’t all kids love chik’n fingers? Gardein makes these great ones. Morning Star also makes a vegan nugget.
20. Avocado toast
Toast goes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in our home.
21. Vegan mac and cheese (homemade or boxed)
Keep a few vegan boxed mac and cheese on hand or make your own.
22. Green pasta
I make a whole lot of this kale pesto over the summer and freeze in ice trays to use year-round. Make some pasta and pop in a couple cubes and lunch is served.
23. Peanut butter and banana sandwich or roll-ups
These roll-ups are a fun twist and feel like little sushi rolls for kids.
