Lunchbox Inspiration- “Ladybugs on Leaves”If you're looking for a vegetarian, vegan, or plant based lunchbox idea for your little ones, we got you covered with this semi-homemade lunch comprised of mini avocado toasts, sweet bell peppers filled with hummus, plant based maple sausages made from millet, lentils, dates, and apples, and a dessert of blueberries and chocolate.Apple Slice “Donuts”If you’re looking for a wonderful seasonal food activity to do with the kids, I highly recommend these apple "donuts"! Both Liv and Sawyer had the best time painting and decorating their apple slices. It’s great for fine motor skills and sparks creativity. All you need is 2 apples, a cup of Greek yogurt (nondairy yogurt works great too if vegan!) and 2 starter spoons to act as their paint brushes. (Also note that the yogurt can easily be replaced with chocolate spread, peanut butter, or hazelnut spread. The options are endless!) Fill some bowls with different toppings, and let their imagination take care of the rest!
Peanut Butter CRUNCH PopsiclesThese popsicles are a MUST MAKE treat (or even breakfast) before summer ends! These gems taste like indulgent creamy peanut butter ice cream with little yummy oatmeal chunks but contain healthy, clean ingredients without any of the refined sugars!Oatmeal Raisin Breakfast CookiesThese breakfast cookies are nutritious enough for breakfast, yet taste like dessert! Made with wholesome sprouted oats, potassium-rich bananas, creamy peanut butter that's high in protein, and naturally sweet pure maple syrup, these cookies have easy, clean ingredients and come together in about 20 minutes! Vegan + gluten-free!Black Bean + Sweet Bell Pepper TacosThese vegan bean tacos are my favorite easy weeknight meal because they're made in under 30 minutes, are high in plant protein, have an entire bell pepper hidden in them, and taste absolutely delicious. My 3 year old can't get enough of these!Roasted Spaghetti Squash Chickpea BologneseSpaghetti squash is a such a great nutrient-dense vegetable that's low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It's a wonderful substitute for regular spaghetti and is extremely kid-friendly (and they don't even know how good it is for them!!). Paired with either our vegan chickpea Bolognese sauce, or my husband's turkey or chicken Bolognese sauce (also linked in the recipe), it makes a complete and nutritious meal with plenty of leftovers for the week.Crispy Smashed Dill PotatoesThe perfect side dish that's so simple to make, yet produces such mouth-watering flavor. Roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, and aromatic dill come together to create a dish that's loaded with fiber, B-vitamins, iron, and potassium.Vegan Rainbow RollsVegan rainbow rolls are a great way to pack a bunch of veggies into one meal. They're paired with aromatic herbs, protein rich chickpeas, and a creamy sweet peanut butter dipping sauce. This recipe is great for meal prepping because all the chopping of veggies + fruit can be done beforehand!Summer Bean + Corn Pasta SaladAs a vegetarian mama, beans are my go-to for a rich protein source. I find that they pair well with corn and come together for a full meal when combined into a pasta salad. This summer dish works well as a main meal or side and can be meal prepped by cooking the pasta beforehand, in addition to chopping your veggies and roasting the corn.PB&J MuffinsPeanut Butter and Jelly Muffins 🥜. Fun fact: although my kids are obsessed with peanut butter, they HATE jelly. A great mom hack to get around that is to mash up raspberries in its place, and the combo is just as delicious! These muffins can be made with or without egg to accommodate our vegan friends (the middle may sink a bit but still as delicious!), and are dairy free + gluten free as well. To our friends with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter can also be used (just be aware that when sunflower seed butter is baked, it may turn green when it reacts with the baking soda!)
Yogurt-Frosted Watermelon “Cake”This sweet + refreshing no-bake watermelon "cake" is a fun new take on a summery dessert. Frosted with a a tangy + sweet yogurt topping and covered in berries, this dessert is pleasing to even the pickiest of eaters (aka my toddler son!). We've served this for birthdays, the Fourth of July, and Memorial Day Weekend. Dress it up with any colored sprinkles you want (we use natural dye-free ones) and make it match the theme you want for any occasion! Peanut Butter Acai PopsiclesThis popsicle is the perfect refreshing summertime treat or even a make-ahead breakfast idea! Acai is rich in antioxidants, deliver healthy fats and fiber, and is low in sugar. These popsicles are creamy and rich from the acai/peanut butter mix, filled with nutritious banana, blueberry, and strawberry pieces, and dipped in sweet granola surrounded by chia and flaxseed.
