Get an A+ in Healthy Back-to-School Recipes (simple, satisfying & quick!)

If you or your kids are heading back to school next week, you might be eagerly searching the ‘net for healthy back-to-school recipes, getting your shopping lists ready, and maybe even getting a head start on your cooking so you can save time and money later.

If not, you may have some “homework” to do to get ready for the start of the school year!

You won’t be surprised to hear me say that so many of the pre-packaged or processed foods that are targeted at kids have a long way to go before they ever get this holistic nutritionist’s stamp of approval.

Sometimes it really is just easier to make it yourself.

So take a look at these easy, healthy back-to-school recipes that feature school-friendly snacks, main meals and desserts… and start cooking!

I have also included some of my favourite back-to-school tools/equipment and a link to my free meal planning templates so you can pass this coming school year with flying colours.  

Back-to-School Recipes: Snacks

Citrus-Ginger Squash Spread

This is a tasty dip for all vegetables that adapts to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Kabocha squash isn’t available? Substitute it with any other cooked squash (except for maybe spaghetti squash).
• Delicata or sweet potato squash might be particularly nice because it’s extra sweet.
• Kids don’t like ginger or citrus? Replace one or both. Experiment and add different spices based on your child’s likes and dislikes.

Get the Citrus-Ginger Squash Spread recipe here.

 

Coconut-Vanilla Chia Pudding

I love this Coconut-Vanilla Chia pudding—and many kids do too!

Skip the cherry compote or replace it with fresh fruit and this will be a filling, fibre-rich and satisfying snack for all ages.

P.S. If your kids dislike the texture of chia seeds, try blending everything together until smooth. They won’t know the difference and this healthy pudding will beat the pants off anything you can buy at the store!

Get the Coconut-Vanilla Chia Pudding recipe here.

Back-to-School Recipes: Main Meals

30-Minute Black Bean Sloppy Joes

Tangy and sweet, these quick-to-the-table sloppy joes made using black beans instead of beef are a great addition to your child’s lunch. Makes for great leftovers and even better school lunches. Just don’t forget to pack extra napkins!

Get the Quick & Easy Black Bean Sloppy Joe recipe here.

Curried Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup

This is a fan favourite and my “go to” when the trees start to have more red and orange leaves than green. If your kids don’t like “curry” or a lot of spices, reduce them or leave them out.

Get the Curried Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup recipe here.

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Back-to-School Recipes: Sweets & Treats

Pink Lemonade Bars

These fibre-rich, nut-free pink lemonade bars are delicious and nutritious! They are a lemon bar sweetened and coloured with raspberries and a touch of maple syrup.

Feel free to increase the maple syrup (up to double) so these are a bit more sweet than sour (the original is a bit tart for some). This recipe makes a big batch so you can save even more time in the kitchen this week.

Get the Tiger Nut Raspberry Dessert Bars recipe here.

Kid-Friendly Chocolate Chews

These nut-free Kid-Friendly Chocolate Chews remind me of the Rice Crispy squares I used to devour as a kid. They are a perfectly portable, sticky and chocolatey treat. Kids love making these too.

Get the Kid-friendly Chocolate Energy Balls recipe here.

Party Time Dessert or Breakfast Pizza

After school, I love serving my Party Time Dessert Pizza to hungry people. Make a batch of the oat-based “pizza” crusts and let kids decorate their own. The crusts freeze well so keep a few extra on hand for when those after-school cravings arrive.

Get the Party Time Pizza recipe here.

Healthy Spiced Frozen Hot Chocolate

Enjoy a delicious and nutritious chocolate milkshake treat! I love this luxurious, dairy free healthy frozen hot chocolate recipe because it’s paleo and vegan. You can customize this for kids be leaving the spices out – or just add cinnamon.

Get the Healthy Spiced Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe here.

Back-to-School Lunch Boxes

Every kid, big or small, needs an awesome lunch box! Clever lunch boxes are ideal for kids – and any other fussy eater in your household who hates it when different foods collide on the same plate.

You can organize your child’s snacks, main dishes and desserts easily with a practical and fun lunch box.

Here are a few of my favourites from Amazon:

• Stainless Steel Lunch Box
• Insulated Dual-Layer Bento Box for Kids or Adults
• Reusable BPA-Free 4 Pack Bento Lunch Box

Menu Planning for Back-to-School Lunches, Snacks and More

Some simple menu planning can make all the difference when packing lunches for your family.

Grab my free downloadable meal planning templates here and help make this weekly task easier.

Looking for tips to support your meal planning? Check out All About Meal Planning: 10 Key Do’s and Dont’s for some of my best advice.  

Hope you enjoy these back-to-school recipes and resources. Need help? Book a free Meet & Greet session and we can chat about what you need.

Now it’s time to hit the books!  

Life is a plate… Eat up,

Ashleigh

P.S. Want more back to school snack ideas? Check these out!