School Lunch Ideas On A Budget – LEFTOVERS

Leftovers are the perfect, low-cost way to pack an inexpensive lunch. 

Leftover proteins such as steak, pork, meatloaf, chicken, seafood, can easily be sandwich fillings, wrapped in a tortilla, added to salads or leftover pasta. Leftover veggies are also easily added to salads, wraps, or pasta. Or just put the leftovers in a container and voila.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to turn leftovers into yummy lunches…

LEFTOVER MEATBALLS can of course be served as is or on a sandwich. I like to make “Cheeseburger” skewers by adding whatever I like on a cheeseburger like cheese, tomatoes, pickles, etc. 

LEFTOVER PASTA can easily be turned into a simple pasta salad. Toss in some veggies like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, chopped celery, olives, sliced or chopped mini sweet peppers, or whatever vegetables your child will eat. Add Italian dressing, ranch dressing, mayo, or whatever you typically add to your pasta salad. Added proteins like chicken, salmon, or cheese taste great…and another way to use up any protein leftovers in the fridge.

To change things up a bit, here’s a pasta salad coated in a quick and super easy peanut sauce, made with only 3 ingredients.

Pasta Salad With Peanut Sauce –

To make the peanut sauce; mix 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky) 1/4 cup soy sauce and 1/4 cup water in a pan. Whisk over medium heat until the mixture is smooth. 

To whatever leftover pasta you have, add veggies (I used carrots and broccoli) and drizzle desired amount of sauce over it. Start with a small drizzle, taste, and add more sauce as desired. 

Add a protein if you want, I used leftover sliced chicken breast.

 

BENTO BOX IDEAS

Bento box meals have become extrememly popular. What exactly is a bento box? Bento is a Japanese style-packed lunch, consisting of such items as rice, veggies, fish, and condiments. Box simply means it’s served in a small box-like container, usually with built-in compartments to keep foods separate. (But you don’t have to have those compartments.) 

You don’t have to add fish and rice nowadays to call it a bento box, and lots of moms and dads everywhere are now creating their own versions. It can include hard-boiled eggs, meats, cheeses, pretzels, snacks, beans, veggies, fruits, meatballs, olives, nuts, whole grains…pretty much anything your child enjoys. In small portions.

To keep it balanced and nutritious aim for…

40% vegetable

30% whole grains

20% protein

10% fruit

To create a bento box you want to 

1. Start with the right container. It can be fancy or simple, just as long as it has a good, secure resealable lid. 

2. Plan ahead with cut-up veggies, fruits, cheeses, leftovers, etc. If you have to prep all the foods the day you’re packing it, it will be time-consuming.

3. Pack it as tightly as possible. The tighter the ingredients are packed, the more likely food will stay in place.

Have fun with this and remember to pack sauces for dipping.