Sick of eating the same old thing everyday? Are your kids complaining they can’t take one more day of boring turkey sandwiches? No worries! We’ve got 3 simple ways to take school lunch from dull to delicious...
1. Rediscover familiar ingredients
Love tuna sandwiches? Try a yellowtail scallion roll for lunch instead, or if you (or your child) insist on a sandwich, add capers to the usual celery and mayo for more texture and a sophisticated flavor. Pb&j fan? Try Asian-style noodles in a peanut sauce.
2. Make healthy junk food
There’s no denying the magic combination of burger and fries, but don’t let this classic pairing stifle your imagination. This school year, revamp the duo by substituting sweet potato, avocado or parsnip fries. Make it easy by buying a home fryer or simply use oil and a pair of tongs to do the frying. For a new take on burgers, create patties out of mushrooms, sweet potato and black beans, or herbed turkey.
3. Get grainy with it
A salad might not seem hearty enough for a school lunch, but put assorted grains in the mix and you’ll be looking at salads in a whole new light. Take your go-to recipe and add farro, barley or quinoa to give lunch the boost — and texture — it needs. Just remember to keep the dressing separate, no one wants soggy lettuce come Noon.
