Hey everyone, my wife and I have been vegan for about 4 years. My 5 year old daughter just started going to elementary school. We didn’t do Pre-K or daycare for her so this is our first time sending her somewhere consistently for a meal. We pack a lunch for her everyday but I’m lacking in inspiration right now on what I might pack. I’m looking for ideas for child friendly cold meals. We’ve done PB and J a lot already (with a variety of snacks including vegan yogurt, fresh fruit and vegetables, Clif bars, etc.) Would love any interesting or creative cold meal ideas!
Cold peanut noodles might be worth a shot! Sub with tahini or sunflower seed butter to accommodate some allergies.
Consider onigiri. For variation, you might vary the fillings and sides.
All the food you would make at home is really unlocked when it’s hot in a thermos, but if it needs to be cold…
Bananas and peanut butter vegan cream cheese on raisin toast bread, veggies, and chips with guacamole (or hummus) Pasta salad (with chickpeas, tofu, etc.) salads made with grains
Sometimes I look through Pinterest to get ideas for vegan meals.
Purchasing a thermos can lead to many opportunities! After that, you can make pastas, soups, vegan nuggets, or even just leftovers from the previous night’s meal. It completely changes the game.
Sandwiches with chickpea “tuna” salad and tofu “egg” salad, if she’ll eat them. Baked tofu might also be used for cold bowling. bean salads as well.
I’m not a parent, but vegan mother, food writer, and bakery entrepreneur Erin Ireland has shared what she packs for her kids’ school lunches. She may have a blog post on her website, but I know she shared that on her Instagram account.
Pasta salad, rice salad, grilled veggie wraps, tofu eggless salad wraps and sandwiches, and chickpea salad wraps and sandwiches.
salad platter with her favorite toppings and dressings and precooked vegan “chicken”! veggies and hummus.
Instagram user “Vegan Dad” shares lunchbox contents with his child and, rumor has it, offers a free cookbook that can be downloaded.