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    Home » Recipes » Collections

    41 Indian Lunch Box Recipes (Vegan)

    Published: July 12, 2022 · Modified: July 12, 2022 by Uma Raghupathi · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · Leave a Comment

    Collections of vegan Indian lunch box recipes.

    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!

    Collection of Indian Lunch box recipes. this recipe

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Few things to note
    • Other options to pack
    • Expert tips
    • Rice varieties
    • Pasta recipes
    • Other main dishes
    • Snacks or sides
    • Other snacks
    • You might also like this

    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
    5 from 10 votes
    Calories :367
    Close up of lemon rice which is on the plate with a spoon.

    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
    5 from 12 votes
    Calories :183
    Bowl of instant pot tomato rice is on the table.

    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
    5 from 2 votes
    Calories :233
    A plate of vegan fried rice is on the table with forks.

    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
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Calories :294
    A bowl filled with mint rice on the flat surface

    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
    5 from 9 votes
    Calories :245
    A white bowl is with mushroom rice and topped with cilantro and cashews

    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
    4.23 from 9 votes
    Calories :292
    A bowl of food on a table, with Rice

    Green Moong Rice - Instant Pot

    Easy and vegan one-pot green gram rice is perfect for busy weekdays.
    Check out this recipe
    5 from 2 votes
    Calories :306
    A bowl of rice on a plate, with curd

    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
    4.58 from 14 votes
    Calories :410
    A bowl of vangi bath placed on the flat surface

    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
    5 from 8 votes
    Calories :272
    A white bowl filled with bell pepper rice and spoon is placed

    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
    5 from 8 votes
    Calories :210
    Bowl of coconut milk rice is on the table

    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
    5 from 3 votes
    Calories :178
    A bowl of Mango Rice and topped with cilantro

    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.
    5 from 1 vote
    Calories :193
    A bowl of food on a table, with garlic rice

    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
    4.92 from 24 votes
    Calories :235
    A bowl of rice along with lemon

    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
    5 from 2 votes
    Calories :346
    A lunch box is filled with masala pasta.

    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
    5 from 5 votes
    Calories :304
    A plate of vegan avocado pasta is on the table along with fork by the side.

    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
    5 from 2 votes
    Calories :291
    An instant pot is with vegan pesto pasta

    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
    4.84 from 12 votes
    Calories :82
    A plate of lemon orzo is on the table with lemon

    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
    5 from 1 vote
    Calories :270
    A plate of food, with Rava idli

    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
    5 from 14 votes
    Calories :298
    Millet idli placed on big plate with, dosa

    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
    5 from 4 votes
    Calories :220
    fermented idli batter is on the table.

    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
    5 from 9 votes
    Calories :307
    A bowl of quinoa and topped with cashew nuts

    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
    4.94 from 16 votes
    Calories :158
    A bowl of food on a plate, with Millet and Upma

    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
    5 from 2 votes
    Calories :282
    A palte is with spinach paratha's and bowl of curry.

    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
    5 from 5 votes
    Calories :527
    Avocado paratha is placed on a white plate

    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
    5 from 8 votes
    Calories :207
    broccoli paratha's are on the big brown plate and topped with vegan butter

    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
    5 from 7 votes
    Calories :206
    A plate of cauliflower paratha is on the table along with yogurt on the bowl

    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
    5 from 13 votes
    Calories :228
    A bowl is with lemon quinoa and topped with cilantro.

    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
    5 from 8 votes
    Calories :276
    Phulka roti is stacked on the white plate and on the serving tray

    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
    5 from 10 votes
    Calories :95
    A bowl of dal tadka is on the white table.

    Okra Fry Recipe

    Okra Fry is downright delicious, sumptuous and healthy stir fry with few simple ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    5 from 2 votes
    Calories :105
    A bowl of food on a plate, with Okra

    Watermelon Chaat

    This watermelon chaat is an easy no-cook, with no oil, and 100% vegan recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    5 from 7 votes
    Calories :68
    A bowl if watermelon chaat is on the table.

    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
    4.91 from 11 votes
    Calories :44
    A black ceramic plate is with air fryer potato cubes.

    Kala Chana Chaat

    Kala chana chaat is perfect for all occasions, particularly as an evening or a great party snack.
    Check out this recipe
    5 from 14 votes
    Calories :182
    A bowl of kala chana chaat is on the white surface with napkin.

    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
    5 from 11 votes
    Calories :70
    A plateful of tandoori gobi is on the table.

    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
    5 from 7 votes
    Calories :269
    A plate is with air fried sweet potato chunks.

    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
    5 from 2 votes
    Calories :59
    Baked Spring Rolls placed on the black plate

    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
    5 from 2 votes
    Calories :148
    A plate of beetroot cutlets are on the table.

    Broccoli Cutlets

    Try these easy and delicious cutlets for your evening snack time.
    Check out this recipe
    5 from 1 vote
    Calories :34
    A plate of cutlets with broccoli on the table

    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
    5 from 1 vote
    Calories :172
    Two stacked vegan banana muffins are topped with chocolate chips.

    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
    5 from 7 votes
    Calories :207
    Banana Carrot muffins are placed on the cooling wire rack.

    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
    5 from 5 votes
    Calories :140
    A plate of food on a table, with Puri and Mangalore buns

    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!

    You might also like this

    • Instant Pot Vegetable Quinoa
    • Easy Spinach Paratha Recipe
    • Chapathi Side Dish Recipes
    • Potato Capsicum Curry
    • 35 Dairy-free Instant Pot Recipes
    • Curry
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • How To
    • Pasta

    Just subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious vegan recipes such as this sent directly to your inbox.

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