Having to eat Cafeteria food every school day is no kid's dream. But packing lunch boxes every day is not an easy undertaking either.
That's why I have put together a compact list of easy lunch box vegan recipes you and your kid will be excited about!
These Indian Lunch box recipes excite kids about lunch and recess and leave them energetic throughout the day.
I have tried and made all these recipes, and my kids love them!
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Few things to note
These Indian Lunch box recipes are easy to make, and most can be made ahead of time, so you can just grab and go in the morning.
In addition, all of these recipes have been approved by my friends and readers that are also vegan/vegetarian. So you have no reason not to try them this school season!
Indian cuisine presents some of the easiest recipes that can be prepared in a vegan style with subtle changes. So it's always a great option for vegan and vegetarian kids.
Other options to pack
Packing other snacks and fruits along with the main dish is always a good idea to add variety and balance.
Here are a few ideas I like to share on that.
- Veggies - Cherry tomatoes, Cucumber slices, sliced carrots, Air-fried baby carrots, air fried broccoli along with the main dish.
- Fruits like grapes, melons, bananas, small apples, and kiwi.
- Store-bought snacks like vegan bars, peanut pretzels, and cookies.
- Nuts - Almonds, roasted cashews, and raisins.
- Dips and sauces - ketchup, ranch, Indian chutney, and salsa.
Expert tips
Below are some tips and tricks to make packing back-to-school lunches and snacks easier.
- Make a batch of Indian vegan lunch box recipes over the weekend so you have them ready to go for the week.
- If you are short on time in the morning, pack everything the night before so you can just grab and go.
- Get your kids involved in packing their own lunches. This will make them more likely to eat what they have packed.
- Use reusable containers and bags to avoid wasting plastic.
- Invest in a good lunch box that will keep food hot or cold, depending on what you are packing.
- Switch things up and don't pack the same thing every day. This will help keep your kids from getting bored with their lunches.
- Always pack water or another healthy beverage to drink.
Rice varieties
Lemon Rice Instant Pot
This Instant Pot lemon rice recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect meal for busy families.
Check out this recipe
Calories :367
Instant Pot Tomato Rice
Instant pot tomato rice is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or any time you need a quick, nutritious, and tasty meal.
Check out this recipe
Calories :183
Vegan Fried Rice With Tofu
This vegan fried rice can be customized however you like. You can add additional veggies, protein, or any sauces you like to this dish.
Check out this recipe
Calories :233
Instant Pot Pudina Rice
The aroma of fresh herbs and rice gives immense satisfaction once they are cooked. Enjoy this pressure-cooked pudina rice with a supporting ‘cool’ raita that balances the flavor.
Check out this recipe
Calories :294
Instant Pot Mushroom Rice
Instant Pot Mushroom Rice is as easy to prepare as it sounds. With all the right spices in hand, I was done with the cooking part in less than 30 minutes. Not many entrees can qualify for that.
Check out this recipe
Calories :245
Instant Pot Vegetable Rice
Instant Pot Vegetable rice or Vegetable Pulao is an easy one-pot rice dish mixed with a variety of vegetables and flavored with aromatic spices. I am sharing an easy way to cook this delicacy in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Calories :292
Green Moong Rice - Instant Pot
Easy and vegan one-pot green gram rice is perfect for busy weekdays.
Check out this recipe
Calories :306
Vangi Bath Recipe (Including Powder)
Brinjal rice is a vegan, gluten-free, and one-pot meal that you can prepare in less than 30 minutes when you have the powder ready to go.
Check out this recipe
Calories :410
Capsicum Rice - Instant Pot
With a handful of spices and a versatile vegetable like the Capsicum, this recipe packs in a lot of flavors it is one you can enjoy all year long.
Check out this recipe
Calories :272
Easy Instant Pot Coconut Rice
This light and savory Instant Pot Coconut Rice is a South Indian rice variant prepared with simple ingredients like fresh or canned coconut milk, herbs, and spices.
Check out this recipe
Calories :210
Mavinakayi Chitranna(Green Mango Rice)
I am sharing a mango recipe that you can try any time of the year because you need raw (green) mangoes for this one. It is a simple, quick, and easy recipe for Green Mango Rice that everyone in your family will love.
Check out this recipe
Calories :178
Indian Garlic Rice
Delicious garlic rice recipe that is near and dear to me when I am faced with a time crunch. I am a huge fan of sauteed garlic and this recipe has plenty of flavors along with sauteed garlic that makes it special.
Calories :193
Palak Rice - Instant Pot & Stovetop
Spinach rice is a simple, vegan, and one-pot meal. Perfect for kid's lunch boxes.
Check out this recipe
Calories :235
Pasta recipes
Masala Pasta Recipe
This masala pasta recipe is super easy to prepare. It's filled with fiber and veggies, making it a healthy choice for kids.
Check out this recipe
Calories :346
Creamy Vegan Avocado Pasta
This vegan avocado pasta is simple to make and is just as delicious as traditional pasta with cheese sauce. You won’t believe how creamy and flavorful this dish is – give it a try today!
Check out this recipe
Calories :304
Instant Pot Pesto Pasta
If you are thinking about ways to incorporate greens in your kid’s diest or if you just need a dump and start Instant Pot recipe, this one-pot pesto pasta is one good option for you.
Check out this recipe
Calories :291
Lemon Orzo With Peas (Instant Pot)
For Lemon Orzo with peas recipe, I have used mint leaves and thyme along with the flavor from lemon and it turned out very well.
Check out this recipe
Calories :82
Other main dishes
Instant Pot Rava Idli Recipe
Idli is a savory rice cake that's paired with coconut chutney, primarily in south India. My recipe is a variation from the rice version. I am using Suji or more popularly called as Rava in India.
Check out this recipe
Calories :270
Barnyard Millet Dosa And Idli
Millet idli and dosa is one of the nutritious breakfast! The batter you prepare for this can be used for dosa as well as idli’s...the two most popular south Indian breakfast.
Check out this recipe
Calories :298
Idli Batter Recipe (Soft Idli Recipe)
Soft and fluffy idlis dunked in onion sambar or a side of chutney can be too good to pass. Known not only for how nutritious and delicious it is but also for how easy it is to prepare when you pay attention to certain details.
Check out this recipe
Calories :220
Quinoa Upma
Make this Indian quinoa recipe to start your day with a bright and vibrant breakfast that you can prepare in less than 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Calories :307
Proso Millet Upma - Instant Pot & Stove Top
Millets Upma is my twist on a classic Indian. Millets cooked to tender perfection in a simple tomato-onion broth and a supporting vegetable makes this dish a simple breakfast option you should try today.
Check out this recipe
Calories :158
Easy Spinach Paratha Recipe
Spinach paratha is delightfully delicious, incredibly interesting, and positively portable! It is nothing but a normal chapati dough which is kneaded with spinach puree. It is great for kid's lunch boxes.
Check out this recipe
Calories :282
Avocado Paratha
Avocado Paratha or call ‘Avocado Chapati’ is a unique way of preparing nutritious flatbread without using any oil. Flatbread recipes are nothing out of the ordinary, but one with no added fat is something special and definitely worth sharing with my friends.
Check out this recipe
Calories :527
Broccoli Paratha Recipe
Broccoli Stuffed Paratha is one simple dish that is easy to prepare and loaded with dietary fiber, iron, calcium, and a lot of cancer-fighting components.
Check out this recipe
Calories :207
Gobi Paratha Recipe
Gobi Parathas are also ideal for carrying in a lunch box or for a picnic. It is a wholesome and nutritious alternative to store-bought flatbreads.
Check out this recipe
Calories :206
Lemon Quinoa Indian Style (Instant Pot)
With simple ingredients, Lemon Quinoa would be one of the easiest quinoa recipes you'll ever try.
Check out this recipe
Calories :228
Phulka Roti
This is a vegan and soy-free roti recipe. You can pack this into a lunch box or take this to potluck parties.
Check out this recipe
Calories :276
Snacks or sides
Dal Tadka Instant Pot
Dal fry or dal tadka is typically made using Toor dal (Yellow lentils), but you can always substitute that with other options like Masoor Dal or Moong dal.
Check out this recipe
Calories :95
Okra Fry Recipe
Okra Fry is downright delicious, sumptuous and healthy stir fry with few simple ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Calories :105
Watermelon Chaat
This watermelon chaat is an easy no-cook, with no oil, and 100% vegan recipe.
Check out this recipe
Calories :68
Air Fryer Potato Cubes
Air fryer potato cubes are a perfect side dish for curry and also a great option for an appetizer.
Check out this recipe
Calories :44
Kala Chana Chaat
Kala chana chaat is perfect for all occasions, particularly as an evening or a great party snack.
Check out this recipe
Calories :182
Air Fryer Tandoori Gobi
Tandoori gobi a.k.a Cauliflower tikka bites is a great dish to serve at parties or get-togethers, and it is sure to please everyone.
Check out this recipe
Calories :70
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
If you like to have a simple recipe for sweet potatoes then you must make these air fryer sweet potato chunks.
Check out this recipe
Calories :269
Baked Spring Rolls
The recipe is similar to what you find in most Chinese restaurants. However, a vegan version of crunchy spring rolls is hard to find. Moreover, I baked my rolls rather than deep frying.
Check out this recipe
Calories :59
Beetroot Cutlets
If there is ever an easy way to feed Beets to kids, this is it! Make it spicy or make them plain, but this crispy snack will get them intrigued and hooked.
Check out this recipe
Calories :148
Broccoli Cutlets
Try these easy and delicious cutlets for your evening snack time.
Check out this recipe
Calories :34
Other snacks
Vegan Gluten Free Banana Muffins
These banana muffins are made with homemade quinoa flour, oat milk, and ripe bananas, making them a great choice for those who follow a gluten-free or vegan diet.
Check out this recipe
Calories :172
Banana Carrot Muffins
These delicious little carrot muffins are perfect to serve as breakfast, brunch, or as a pairing for coffee. Prepared with whole wheat flour, 100% vegan ingredients, and without any eggs, there is no better way to enjoy muffin recipes.
Check out this recipe
Calories :207
Mangalore Buns - Banana Puri
Mangalore Buns or just Buns, in short, is a common streetside snack that you can enjoy in any season of the year.
Check out this recipe
Calories :140
Indian lunch box recipes are a great way to ensure your kids are getting healthy food that they will enjoy eating.
With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure your kids have a nutritious and delicious lunch daily.
Do you have any favorite Indian vegan lunch box recipes? Share them with us in the comments below!
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