One of the most common concerns we hear from parents is that it’s difficult to get kids to eat their greens at school.
We hear you! With each salad sandwich returned uneaten, it can be really tempting to give in and put anything in their lunch box to make sure they’ll eat for the day.
But don’t give up just yet! We’ve rounded up 13 easy ways to get more greens into kids’ lunch boxes – and from zingy pesto to sweet zucchini bread, there’s something for even the fussiest kid.
1. Hulk it up.
This fun spread is packed with two of our favourite superfoods – kale and avocado. Perfect to spread on sandwiches or to eat as a dip with some sweet potato chips.
2. Add in a frozen smoothie.
Kept in a jar, this will keep the rest of the lunch box cool and will defrost by the time lunch rolls round. And the best part about green smoothies is kids can’t even taste the veggies in them!
3. Try some crispy greens.
Vegetables have a tendency to go soggy in lunch boxes. These green bean pickles keep their crunch all day long!
4. Make your own green goop.
Blitz some greens together in an easy to eat purée. This is perfect for little kids going to preschool!
5. Swap sandwiches for rice paper rolls.
If they’re getting bored with bread, these rice paper rolls are easy to whip up. Served with a fun dipping sauce, they won’t even notice the stack of veggies you’ve grated in there!
6. Use all the zucchini.
Zucchini has to be the most versatile veg going around. We love grating it into everything, including these winning mini frittatas. Did we mention there are FOUR cups of spinach in there, too?
7. Add a scare factor.
This snack is perfect for kids who love anything “gross”. Containing nutritious greens and a good dose of protein and healthy fats, these eggs are anything but devilish.
8. Pickle their fancy.
Full of crunch and tangy-sweet flavour, these pickles are nothing like the limp, green thing you pick out of a McDonald’s burger. Add a couple into your kids’ lunchbox with a few slices of cheese for a delicious (and nutritious!) morning snack.
9. Make a fun guac dip.
Because who doesn’t love avocados? Whip up a batch of guac and place in a small glass jar, stick in some veggie dippers and you’re ready to go! Add some extra lemon juice to prevent the guac going brown.
10. Hey, pesto!
This is the easiest, tastiest way to boost a sandwich with extra greens. Spread a good amount of homemade pesto on your kids’ sarnie. And while you’re at it, add a handful of spinach too!
11. Make a “naked” burger.
Every kids loves a burger, but soggy buns are not very appetising. Pack a meat rissole or meatballs with lettuce cups, so they can build their own crispy burger.
NOTE: The following recipe contains a small amount of almond meal to help the patty hold its shape. Please replace with flour or leave it out for a nut-free version.
Lettuce Burger & Eggplant Chips
12. Sweeten the deal.
Zucchini bread is the sweetest way for your kids to eat their greens. This recipe is made with coconut flour, making it totally nut-free. Serve with our Raspberry Chia Jam for the ultimate healthy treat!
Zucchini Coconut Lunchbox Bread
13. If in doubt, pack a muffin!
Instead of the choc-chip ones from the bakery, make a batch of savoury muffins. You can freeze them individually and in the morning pop into the lunch box, so they will defrost by lunch time.
Sweet Potato, Kale + Feta Muffins
We originally published this article in April 2015. We updated it in July 2016.
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