Summer fun can come with a lot of activities and time outdoors, and when the whole family is home for lunch, planning lunch can look very different than throughout the school year. This season, keep the fun going all day long with these easy summer lunch tips for families.
Keep It One Pot
If you’re planning to cook lunch, there’s no need to dirty a dozen dishes. Opt for one-pot recipes that can keep your family full and satisfied without needing to spend hours cleaning up afterward. After all, summer is all about fun family time and no one wants to be left out because they’re stuck cleaning up!
Double Your Dinner Recipes
Capitalize on your dinner prep by doubling your recipes to reheat for lunches later in the week. This is a great plan for summer since you can easily have a delicious hot meal at the ready and quickly get back outside to enjoy the summer sun. Unlike during the school year, kids have access to a microwave to quickly and safely heat up leftovers. Be sure to capitalize on this advantage.
Opt for Cold Lunches
Cold lunches like sandwiches and pasta salads may be a school year staple, but that’s no reason to discount them this summer. Keep lunch easy and transportable for family picnics and visits to the community pool. For added fun, create a cutting board charcuterie platter that everyone can enjoy.
Keep Kid-Friendly Ingredients in the Fridge
Even elementary-age students can make their own lunch with a few simple ingredients on hand. Depending on your child’s age, you can keep basic lunch essentials on hand for days when your child needs to make their own lunch. Don’t forget to offer up pre-washed baby carrots, mandarin oranges, or other kid-friendly sides that don’t need to be cut or rinsed.
Options Can Include:
- Jelly and peanut butter for PB&J sandwiches
- Shredded cheese and tortillas for a microwave quesadilla
- Tuna packets and crackers for a quick tuna salad
- Flatbread marinara and shredded cheese for a microwave pizza roll
- Bagged salad mix and sliced grilled chicken for a quick taco salad
- Pepperoni and sliced cheese for a lunchable-style cracker plate
