8 Simple Summer Lunches for Busy Moms and Kids

This is a guest post on behalf of Yumble.

As a busy mom, you’re probably used to eating whatever your kids are having. It’s more convenient and saves you the time of making yourself something, but truly you deserve better than PB&J’s and macaroni every day. Eating healthy, yummy meals doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. All you need is a little prep so that you have the right ingredients on hand to whip up some simple summer kids meals that you’ll also enjoy.

Photo by Laure Noverraz on Unsplash

Simple Summer Lunches for Kids

To help inspire you to turn over a new leaf in the kitchen, we’ve compiled some easy and tasty recipes below.

1. Vegetarian Pizza

Example: Favorite Veggie Pizza from Two Peas & Their Pod

Everyone loves pizza, and this twist on a classic is designed to give you healthy fuel that won’t weigh you down as a traditional pizza would. Start with a base of a whole grain wrap and add ingredients like sliced tomato, black beans, zucchini, rocket, and feta. Presto, perfection.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Example: Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup from Healthy Little Foodies

Aren’t slow cookers a thing of wonder? Add all the ingredients of this chicken noodle soup to the cooker when you wake up and by lunchtime, not only will you have a hot meal for everyone eating at home, but your house will smell amazing. You can even chop and prep the ingredients on the weekend so that when the time comes, all you have to do is take them out of the freezer and throw them in the cooker.

3. Tuna Melt

Example: Best-Ever Tuna Melt from Delish

Your child might not have loved tuna in the past, but allow us to introduce them to this ooey gooey tuna melt. With crunchy bread, melty cheddar cheese, and homemade tuna salad, this sandwich is a winner for both moms and kids.

4. Curry Chicken Salad

Example: Goddess Curry Chicken Salad from Pinch of Yum

It’s easy to get curried-away with this delectable dish, which is a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional chicken salad. By substituting Greek yogurt for mayo, you cut back on calories and add probiotics to your salad. The pistachios and golden raisins add a sweet crunch your kids will love. Serve on crackers or a sesame seed bagel if that’s what your child prefers.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

5. Veggie Cauliflower Rice

Example: 10 Minute Healthy Cauliflower Rice from Damn Delicious

Healthier and quicker to cook than regular rice, cauliflower rice is a genius hack that everyone needs to know about. This fried cauliflower rice with veggies is so easy to make and only takes ten minutes.

6. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Example: Chickpea Salad Sandwiches from Love & Lemons

No more ham and cheese for you! Pick up a fresh baguette and make this vegan sandwich that is 100% delicious. Both moms and kids will appreciate the freshness of the fillings, which can be customized to include your favorite veggies. The chickpea salad can be made in advance and stored so that all you have to do is pull it out and add the other fillings when you’re ready for lunch. Besides being flavorful, the chickpeas provide plant-based protein that will keep both you and your little one full throughout the afternoon.

7. Quinoa Bowls

Example: Sausage and Broccoli Quinoa Bowls from Good Housekeeping

Wholesome and hearty, this quinoa bowl is filled with warm goodness. Say goodbye to hot dogs forever because this sausage and broccoli bowl is here to elevate your lunch table. Not only is it tasty, but quinoa is a superfood with amino acids, fiber, and antioxidants to power you and your kiddos through the day.

8. Taco Lettuce Wraps

Example: 10 Minunte Taco Lettuce Wraps from Boulder Locavore

These lettuce wraps are pure fun for kids and adults, so we recommend serving them as a special treat on a Friday. From ground beef to black beans, tomatoes, and cheese, add all your typical taco fillings inside a lettuce leaf and wrap it up! Dip in salsa and sour cream and watch smiles light up.

Need some ideas for sticking to a grocery budget over the summer while the kids are home from school? Learn how I save money on groceries every month.

What are your go-to summer lunch staples? Leave me a comment down below and link to your favorite summer lunch recipes!