Stuck in a lunch rut? These quick and easy recipe ideas can help you maximize the ingredients on your grocery list and will even help you save time too, so you can spend it on the things that matter most. Not only can versatile walnuts be paired with everyday staples to create exciting back-to-school lunches, they also provide extra flavor, texture and nutritious goodness to everyday meals.
Bread and Tortillas
Pack a nourishing lunch for you or the kids with these easy recipes using your go-to bread or tortillas! Looking for a bread alternative? These sandwiches would also work with lettuce or cabbage for a fresh and flexible wrap substitute.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Apples and Walnuts
A Tuna Salad Sandwich with Apples and Walnuts is a classic take-to-school meal. Crunchy apples and walnuts pair with tart cranberries to give the meal the added power your kids need to make it through the afternoon. Serve it on sliced bread or as a dip with crackers.
Chickpea and Walnut Salad Sandwiches
Looking for delicious plant-forward recipes? Chickpea and Walnut Salad Sandwiches are the perfect lunch option for the whole family. Soft chickpeas sub for the usual meat filler, while the walnuts make it a hearty meal. Add your favorite sandwich toppings like lettuce and tomato, or add crisp texture with celery and onion.
Hummus and Veggie Wraps
Break out of the bread routine with Hummus and Veggie Wraps. Walnuts and chickpeas combine in a creamy, smooth hummus paired with crunchy veggies. Add a few chopped walnuts for an elevated texture. This may be your new go-to plant-forward lunch.
Avocados
Can you relate to the struggle of nailing the timing with the avocados you stocked up on? These midday meals can help you use your avocados at peak ripeness before they go bad.
Walnut, Pear and Avocado Bowl
Start with some earthy quinoa in this Walnut, Pear and Avocado Bowl. Lime and cilantro add just the right amount of Southwestern flavor that is perfectly balanced by coarsely chopped walnuts, creamy avocados and sweet pears on top.
Salmon, Quinoa and Walnut Stuffed Avocados
These Salmon, Quinoa and Walnut Stuffed Avocados are the ultimate late-summer treat. Fire up the grill and cook your salmon and halved avocados until delicately charred. With crispy veggies and fresh herbs stuffed into the avocados, this meal may become a household favorite!
Salmon, Walnut and Avocado Grain Bowls
Salmon, Walnut and Avocado Grain Bowls are ideal for using up all your leftovers. Salmon fillets, brown rice and cubed avocado come together with your favorite leftover veggies like onions and bell peppers. A drizzle of spicy Southwestern vinaigrette makes for a simple and satisfying lunch the whole family will enjoy.
Eggs
Worried about using up all of the eggs in your fridge before the expiration date? Try these prep-ahead meal ideas that you can pack for an on-the-go breakfast, lunch or snack.
Walnut and Oat Crusted Veggie Egg Cups
Walnut and Oat Crusted Veggie Egg Cups double as breakfast you can grab on your way out the door or as a satisfying sit-down lunch. Oats and eggs keep you full, while garlic, oregano and Dijon mustard provide a supreme seasoning.
Deviled Eggs with Cajun-Spiced Walnut “Crumb” Topping
Hard boiling is a great way to prepare eggs for quick use all week long. Try turning them into Deviled Eggs with Cajun-Spiced Walnut “Crumb” Topping for a delicious midmorning snack or lunch on the go. Take the typical deviled egg flavor up a notch with a crumbly walnut topping tossed in a smoky, spicy Cajun-inspired mix.
Walnut Snack Boxes
For another way to use those hard-boiled eggs, assemble them into Walnut Snack Boxes! Power up school lunches with the delicious goodness of hard-boiled eggs, earthy walnuts, refreshing veggies like carrot sticks and cucumbers, and hearty whole-grain crackers dipped in creamy walnut hummus to keep your kids energized.
Back-to-School Meals Made Simple
Back-to-school season is a busy time for families, but packing lunches for yourself or the kids doesn’t have to be boring! Break out of the rut with these creative packed lunch recipes using California walnuts.
