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10 Easy At-Home Lunch Recipes for Kids' Homeschool Meals

Posted by Jenny Tang. Last updated on August 12, 2020 by Sharon Miki Chan

For many families, back-to-school will be a bit closer to home this year. With more children learning from home as parents seek socially-distanced alternatives to the classroom, the idea of school-day lunches can change, too. Forget about boring sandwiches, sugar-filled cookies and uneaten apples — these easy lunch recipes will make your homeschool classroom’s lunch hour a little tastier.

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  • Italian Chicken Pasta Salad
     
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    Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

    <p>This pasta salad may look simple, but it’s full of Italian-inspired flavours that the little ones will enjoy for a quick lunch at home. To make it even simpler, start with store-bought or <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/recipes-with-rotisserie-chicken/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">leftover rotisserie chicken</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/italian-chicken-pasta-salad/21366/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Italian Chicken Pasta Salad</strong></a></p>
  • Sandwiches on a Stick
     
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    Sandwiches on a Stick

    <p>This lunchtime treat is not only fun to eat, but it’s also fully customizable — perfect for an interactive homeschool lunch-prep activity. Have the little ones help by letting them choose their favourite sandwich fillers and helping with lunch prep. Swap out wooden sticks for plastic skewers for safer eating.</p> <p>Want some fun, kid-friendly skewer and stick options? <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07JN5DD9K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B07JN5DD9K&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=c07d500541f912c9c72ddd1a8657a578" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">CKANDAY Set of 40 Animal Food Picks</a>, Amazon, $15.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sandwiches-on-a-stick/16762/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Sandwiches on a Stick</strong></a></p>
  • Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps
     
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    Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps

    <p>Having grilled eggplant for dinner? Grill up an extra one for this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-middle-eastern-recipes/#!Healthy-Middle-Eastern-Style-Chicken-Veggies-and-Rice" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Middle Eastern-inspired</a> wrap that’s sure to wake up taste buds for a yummy at-home lunchtime.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-eggplant-chickpea-wraps/20148/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Grilled Eggplant Chickpea Wraps</strong></a></p>
  • Ham, Apple and Cheese Quesadilla
     
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    Ham, Apple and Cheese Quesadilla

    <p>Ham and crispy apples are always a winning combo. When folded between a whole wheat tortilla and melty Swiss cheese, you get an unbeatable, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/quick-easy-quesadilla-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy quesadilla</a> that kids will devour. Slice it into pieces for easy eating and a simply delicious homeschool lunch.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ham-apple-and-cheese-quesadilla/18736/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Ham, Apple and Cheese Quesadilla</strong></a></p>
  • Kale Mac and Cheese Cups
     
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    Kale Mac and Cheese Cups

    <p>Who can say “no” to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/16-wacky-ways-to-eat-mac-and-cheese/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mac and cheese</a>? Added leafy kale for a splash of colour and a health boost for at-home lunches. These cheesy bites are baked in a muffin tin, making them easy and perfectly portioned for little ones to eat.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/love-your-lunch/recipe/kale-mac-and-cheese-cups/20649/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Kale Mac and Cheese Cups</strong></a></p>
  • Caesar Club Sandwich
     
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    Caesar Club Sandwich

    <p>Take lunchtime to the next level for your home classroom with a Caesar club sandwich. From the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/40-homemade-salad-dressings-and-vinaigrettes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homemade Caesar dressing</a> to crispy pancetta to juicy chicken, we promise this sandwich won’t last very long.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/caesar-club-sandwich/15419/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Caesar Club Sandwich</strong></a></p>
  • Chicken Taco Salad
     
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    Chicken Taco Salad

    <p>This crunchy salad is loaded with all the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-taco-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">taco fixings</a> that kids love, like pepper-jack cheese and creamy avocado. Pan-fried chicken makes this salad a filling choice for the everyone enjoying a weekday lunch at home.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-taco-salad/15509/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Chicken Taco Salad</strong></a></p>
  • Tuna Sushi
     
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    Tuna Sushi

    <p>Switch things up with stay-at-home sushi! These tasty little rolls are filled with fresh veggies, tuna, tangy pickles and creamy avocado, but feel free to experiment with your favourite flavour combination. Just don’t forget a kid-friendly dipping sauce like mayo or soy sauce.</p> <p>Ready to roll? <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0058ONSK2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B0058ONSK2&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=2ba646032f0cf26bccb7f527e3f958a8" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Helen's Asian Kitchen Bamboo Sushi Mat</a>, Amazon, $5.50.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sushi-2/8026/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Tuna Sushi</strong></a></p>
  • Take-to-School Taco Bar
     
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    Take-to-School Taco Bar

    <p> There’s no need to wait for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-taco-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">taco Tuesday</a> for your family to indulge in this super-simple lunch. Prep all the essentials the night before with some quick homemade guacamole and salsa. Put each component in a few small bowls or a multi-compartment serving tray. Then, let kids assemble their own delicious DIY taco.</p> <p>Want to make serving super simple (and visual)? <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B073QZFBQ3/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B073QZFBQ3&linkCode=as2&tag=corusent07-20&linkId=50fbb441d00bc60de8b30bf8f113de9e" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">6 Tray Garnish Server Station by Cocktailor</a>, Amazon, $34.</p> <p> Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/take-to-school-taco-bar/21348/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Take-to-School Taco Bar</a></strong> </p>
  • Pesto Goat Cheese Croissants
     
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    Pesto Goat Cheese Croissants

    <p>It’s a rare dish that manages to be kid-friendly (yes, really!) yet sophisticated, while also being surprisingly easy to make. These pesto-and-goat-cheese croissants using <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/brilliant-ways-with-puff-pastry/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">puff pastry</a> definitely check all the boxes when it comes to a terrific lunchtime solution that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family — both on homeschool days and weekends!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/cooking-with-kids/blog/family-fun-pesto-goat-cheese-croissants-1643/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Pesto Goat Cheese Croissants</strong></a></p>
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