27 Healthy Back to School Meals

Looking for some healthy meals to bring to school or have for dinner? Check out these nutritious back-to-school meals that are easy to make and are so yummy!

The lazy dog days of summer are over now. And it’s time to settle back into the school routine.

You’ve got to get the kids dressed and fed in the morning. And let’s not forget the school lunches and snacks.

But there’s more too. You’ve got to help the kids with their homework and after-school activities.

And let’s not forget: you have to feed them dinner too. It’s no wonder you don’t want to get out of bed in the morning.

That’s why I’ve put together 27 Healthy Back to School Meals. They will remove the guesswork out of school meals.

And they will nourish your kids’ minds too.

1. Cheesy Garlic Broccoli

Credit: allnutritious.com

Talking about healthy eating: broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin C, which boosts your kids’ immune system.

And it’s a pretty heavy hitter when it comes to Vitamin K. Vitamin K helps your kids’ blood clot when they get those nasty scrapes.

But let’s face it: boiled broccoli tastes bitter. So, it’s no wonder that your kids hate eating it.

That’s where my Cheesy Garlic Broccoli comes in handy. Because you’re baking the broccoli, it gets caramelized.

So, it turns from bitter to sweet. You’re also adding cheese on top.

Once baked, you have an ooey-gooey mess of cheesy deliciousness. Yum!

This dish is filling just the way it is. But if you like, you can serve it with some baked salmon.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 363
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 18g
• Sugar: 6.7g

Recipe

2. Baked Ranch Chicken

Credit: budgetdelicious.com

Do you have a picky eater or two on your hands? Serve them this Baked Ranch Chicken.

It’s tender and juicy on the inside. And the crushed cornflake coating makes it nice and crunchy on the outside.

But that’s not all. You’re also coating the chicken with ranch dressing and grated Parmesan cheese.

So, they’re bursting with flavor. Don’t be surprised if Mr. or Miss Picky asks for seconds.

And you’ll love this chicken too. That’s because it takes only 5 minutes to prep.

Then you pop it in the oven.

To make it, brush your chicken breasts with olive oil. Then coat them in crushed cornflakes, parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning.

Then cover your chicken with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Finally, uncover the chicken and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Worried about your chicken breasts drying out? Remove them from the oven as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

This meat thermometer should come in handy for checking the doneness. It is accurate to 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used for both indoor and outdoor cooking.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 291
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

3. Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Credit: budgetdelicious.com

Do you hate making your kids’ lunches every…single…day? Meal prepping can help with that.

It takes the stress out of packing school lunches. And it saves you time in the kitchen.

These Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls are sure to wow your kids. They’re full of yummy Greek flavors.

There’s Greek-seasoned chicken, red bell peppers, sweet grape tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and tzatziki sauce. Okay, that’s a mouthful.

Want to make your morning routine even easier? Portion the Bowls in storage containers ahead of time.

That way, you just pop the containers in their bags in the morning.

I recommend these Bento kids boxes here. There’s a separate compartment for placing the Tzatziki sauce.

And there are other compartments for your kids’ snacks too. Check out more macro-friendly recipes here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 307
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Recipe

4. Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Credit: allnutritious.com

Are you having a hard time getting your kids to eat their Brussels Sprouts? Let them try My Brussel Sprouts with Bacon.

After all, bacon makes everything yummier right? Plus, you’re sauteing the Brussels Sprouts in bacon grease.

This adds salty, savory notes to the Brussel Sprouts. And the date syrup mixture transforms the Brussels Sprouts from bitter to sweet.

With a dish like this, your kids may be asking for seconds. And that’s a good thing.

Brussels sprouts contain a ton of immune-boosting Vitamins A and C. They also have brain-boosting omega-3s.

So let your kids gobble up those Brussels Sprouts!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 251
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 7.6g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8.6g

Recipe

5. Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Credit: saltandbaker.com

Looking for a meatless taco option for Taco Tuesday? These Roasted Cauliflower Tacos are an excellent option.

They’re full of fabulous textures and flavors. Flour tortillas are packed with tender cauliflower and crisp roasted chickpeas.

And they’re all topped with creamy, spicy lime crema.

Besides being yummy, these tacos are filling too. That’s because chickpeas provide an excellent source of plant-based protein.

They also manganese which is essential for strong bones.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 329
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 41g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 7g

Recipe

6. One Pan Mexican Quinoa

Credit: saltandbaker.com

Looking for Mexican flavors? Give these One Pan Mexican Quinoa a try.

On the menu is vegetable-broth-infused quinoa. And it’s packed with spicy jalapenos, corn, cheese, fire-roasted tomatoes, and black beans.

What’s more, it takes just 30 minutes to make. So, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

And since it’s a one-pan dish, clean-up is so easy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 360
• Fats: 16g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

7. Honey Chicken Wings

Credit: allnutritious.com

Are your kids getting tired of the same old chicken dishes? Change things up with my Honey Chicken Wings.

They’re crispy and finger-licking good. That’s because you’re drizzling them with Italian seasoning and honey.

So you have sweet and savory going on.

And they’re so easy to make. Simply toss your wings in Italian seasoning.

Next, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes.

Finally, remove from the oven and drizzle with honey. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Check out more 500 calorie recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 527
• Fats: 37g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6.2g

Recipe

8. Turkey Mince Curry

Credit: daisiesandpie.co.uk

Do your kids play a lot of sports? Then you know the importance of high-protein meals.

High-protein meals help your kids’ muscles recover. And they quench your kids’ rumbling stomachs.

Minced turkey is an excellent source of lean protein. But because it doesn’t contain fat, it can taste pretty bland.

However, there’s nothing bland about this Turkey Mince Curry. It’s full of aromatic flavors.

The baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and peas add freshness and extra nutrition.

To mop up all that delicious, you’ll want some rice. Or you can have some naan bread like this instead.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 325
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

Recipe

9. Tomato Basil Wrap

Credit: allnutritious.com

Looking for a simple meal idea for Meatless Monday? My Tomato Basil Wraps are a great option.

They’re tasty, cheesy, and refreshing. The pesto and fresh herbs make the wraps pleasantly herby.

And the creaminess of the mozzarella is offset by the mixed leaf salad.

Besides adding flavor, pesto is good for you too. It contains heart-healthy fats, which are satisfying.

It also contains calcium and Vitamin C.

Now, store-bought pesto can be higher in sodium. So look at the sodium levels when picking one.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 277
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 2.9g
• Sugar: 3.5g

Recipe

10. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Credit: pressurecookrecipes.com

I love beef Tacos, as I’m sure many of you do too. But sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from beef tacos.

These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. And they’re the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, umami, and savory.

The fresh lime juice at the end makes the flavors pop.

To get your chicken juicy, tender, you will be marinating it for 20 minutes. You’ll need 6 different spices for the marinade.

So pull out your measuring spoons. These ones make measuring your spices easy.

That’s because they come with a leveler to level your spices.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 261
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 16g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 2g

Recipe

11. Lentil Dahl

Credit: nourishplate.com

Now that summer is over, fall is here with winter on its heels. Brrr!

This Lentil Dahl is precisely what the doctor ordered. It’s creamy, delicious, and oh, so comforting.

The aroma of the Lentil Dahl will have your kids coming to the kitchen. So make sure you have a snack or two handy.

But even though this dahl is rich, it’s low in calories. In fact, one serving provides only 107 calories.

So, you can have more than one bowl – and still, be on Santa’s nice list.

Yet it contains a ton of protein. So, it’s good for the kiddos.

To keep things on the light side, you can serve it with cauliflower rice. Besides being low in calories, cauliflower rice is good for you and your kids.

It’s rich in Vitamin C., And it contains several brain-boosting B vitamins.

Are you running short on time? You can use this pre-packaged cauliflower rice.

But for fresher cauliflower rice, you can make it yourself. Begin by cutting your cauliflower into tiny pieces.

Then put the pieces in a food processor and process until rice-like. This one should be able to handle all the cauliflower rice your family needs.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 107
• Fats: 7g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

12. Spinach Feta Wrap

Credit: allnutritious.com

When it’s cold outside, your thoughts also go to warmer climes – like Greece. A gal or guy can only wish, right?

My Spinach Feta Wrap is sure to transport you to a Greek Island. It’s refreshing, light, and full of delightful Greek flavors.

You’ve got the crunchiness of the red bell peppers melding with the creaminess of the hummus and feta cheese.

And the baby spinach balances out the flavors perfectly.

Besides being tasty, it’s also effortless to make. Begin by pressing some minced garlic into your hummus.

Next, layer the tortilla with your hummus mixture. Then add spinach, feta cheese, and red bell peppers on one half of the tortilla.

Lastly, roll up the tortilla and cut it in half.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 270
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 4.9g
• Sugar: 2g

Recipe

13. Mushroom Stew

Credit: nourishplate.com

When it’s dark and cold outside, you all want to huddle by the fireplace. And you want to sip some hot chocolate.

But eventually, you (the adult) have to make something for dinner. This Mushroom Stew is the perfect option.

It’s hearty, delicious, and full of umami flavor. And the mushrooms add a pleasant meatiness.

Meanwhile, the carrots add sweetness and brighten up the dish. Healthy eating can’t taste any better than this stew.

What’s more, it takes only 25 minutes to make. So, you’re spending less time in the kitchen – and more time by the fireplace.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 114
• Fats: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

Recipe

14. Halloumi Wraps (Vegetarian)

Credit: alwaysusebutter.com

Do your kids go nuts for cheese? Make them these Halloumi Wraps for lunch.

They’re bursting with fried Halloumi cheese, avocado, walnuts, red pesto, and arugula. So they have a ton of Mediterranean flavors and layers of texture.

The arugula adds spiciness as much as several nutrients. These include calcium, Vitamins A and C.

Making the Wraps is so simple. Fry your Halloumi, then let it cool.

Then spread your tortilla with red pesto, arugula, Halloumi, avocado, and chopped walnuts. Now that’s a wrap – pun intended.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 547
• Fats: 42g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 5g

Recipe

15. Chickpea Scramble Breakfast Bowl

Credit: allnutritious.com

Looking for a vegan alternative to scrambled eggs? Try my Chickpea Scramble Breakfast Bowl.

It’s warm, spicy, golden, and vibrant. The mushrooms add that delicious umami flavor that is often missing in vegan dishes.

What’s more, the chickpea flour makes it so filling. Besides being rich in protein, chickpea flour has a ton of bone-building minerals.

And it’s rich in iron which helps the kids keep their energy levels up – and bounce off the walls. Oops!

Besides using chickpea flour to make “egg” scrambles, you can also use it to make. If you need to stock up on some, you can get some here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 180
• Fats: 8.6g
• Protein: 6.8g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fiber: 3.9g
• Sugar: 5.7g

Recipe

16. Asian Butter Salmon

Credit: lemonblossoms.com

Want to help your kids do better at school? Serve them this Asian Butter Salmon – preferably once a week.

Kids that eat fish once a week can boost their IQ – by as much as 4%! It also helps them sleep better.

This Asian Butter Salmon is perfectly cooked. It’s tender, flaky, and full of Asian flavors.

And the shredded carrots, snow peas, and scallions lighten up the dish.

What’s more, the dish takes only 17 minutes to make. What’s not to love about this dish? Check out more 400 calorie meals here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 388
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Recipe

17. Baked Cod with Cajun Butter Sauce

Credit: lemonblossoms.com

Do your kids hate salmon? Let them try this Baked Cod instead.

It’s juicy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned. That’s because this dish comes straight from a real-life Chef.

The Cajun seasoning adds some spicy notes. While the garlic adds savory.

And since cod is a white fish, it’s milder – perfect for kids who hate strong fishy flavors.

Like the salmon dish above, this cod dish takes no time at all. In just 15 minutes, dinner is served.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 168
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

18. Spicy Mushroom Breakfast Wrap

Credit: allnutritious.com

Eggs and sausages are great for breakfast. But sometimes, you want something a little lighter.

That’s where my Spicy Mushroom Breakfast Wraps fit in. They contain under 300 calories – yet they taste like pure indulgence.

The sauteed button mushrooms add umami, meaty flavors. And the Greek yogurt makes the Wrap creamy and filling.

And you’ve got some red onions for a touch of sweetness.

Besides adding a pleasing meaty flavor, mushrooms are pretty nutritious. They contain potassium which is vital for healthy blood pressure.

And they contain antioxidants that boost your kids’ immune system. So, get your kids to eat their mushrooms.

Check out more 200 calorie recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 251
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 3.9g
• Sugar: 6.1g

Recipe

19. Vegan Tuna Sandwich

Credit: veganhuggs.com

Many families are trying to a more plant-forward way of eating. And for several good reasons.

Eating plant-based has numerous benefits – both for our health and the environment.

But rehauling your families’ diet can be a hassle. And before you know it, your family back into old habits.

This Vegan Tuna Sandwich offers a delicious take on Tuna Sandwiches. It’s tasty, tangy, and creamy.

By adding a bit of dulse, you give it a slight ocean taste. And for a nice crunch, you can add some celery and red onions.

Besides enhancing the flavor, dulse is nutritious too. It’s rich in iodine which supports thyroid function.

And it contains antioxidants that protect your cells from free radical damage. If you’d like to try some dulse, you can get some here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 241
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

20. Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich with Vegan Mozzarella and Pesto

Credit: veganhuggs.com

Looking for more vegan eats? Try this Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich.

It has yummy flavors and exciting textures. You have tangy roasted peppers, tangy pesto, and creamy mozzarella cheese sandwiched between crusty hunks of bread.

And this sandwich looks so fancy. Your kids’ classmates will be so jealous.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 376
• Fats: 16g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 11g

Recipe

21. Chicken Avocado Wrap

Credit: allnutritious.com

Looking for a healthier alternative to Chicken Salad Sandwiches? Try my Chicken Avocado Wrap.

It’s fresh, yummy, and so decadent. Yet, it contains only 314 calories.

Instead of mayo, you’re using avocado as your base. Avocadoes add a nice creamy texture, as well as heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

They also provide fiber which keeps you and your kids full. Yay.

You’re also adding Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. The Greek yogurt adds an additional boost of protein.

It also provides immune-boosting probiotics as well. Now that’s what I’m talking about.
Check out more 300 calorie recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 314
• Fats: 16g
• Protein: 17g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 6.4g
• Sugar: 1.3g

Recipe

22. Chicken Salad Wrap

Credit: allnutritious.com

Can’t get enough of Chicken Salad? Try my Chicken Salad Wrap.

Unlike my Chicken Avocado Wrap, it has a bit of sweetness. That’s because you’re adding honey.

There are also some spicy notes. That’s because you’re adding Dijon mustard.

And the celery adds some crunch. This Chicken Salad Wrap is an explosion of flavor.

Now you will need some cooked chicken breast to make it. However, if you don’t have any handy, you can use some Rotisserie chicken instead.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 277
• Fats: 8.5g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 27g
• Fiber: 4.1g
• Sugar: 2.9g

Recipe

23. Cauliflower Pizza Bites

Credit: jessicainthekitchen.com

Could your kids eat pizza for lunch, breakfast, and dinner? Serve them these Cauliflower Pizza Bites.

They’re cheesy and delicious, dipped in marinara sauce. So, they’re sure to satisfy your kids’ pizza cravings.

And they’re packed with cauliflower. So, you can feel great feeding them to your kids.

What’s more, they’re low in carbs. So, they’re perfect if you’re on a low-carb diet.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 34
• Fats: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

24. Cold Cucumber Soup with Greek Yoghurt

Credit: fitmealideas.com

Need a soup that doesn’t need to be heated? This Cold Cumber Soup fits the bill.

It’s creamy and flavorful. That’s because you’re adding savory and tangy elements, like garlic and lemon juice.

Meanwhile, the cucumbers make it very refreshing.

Making this soup is very easy. Just add your ingredients to a high-speed blender like this.

It’s great for soups, smoothie bowls, and even nut butter. Blend until smooth. Check out more low calorie recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 96
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g

Recipe

25. Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Credit: allnutritious.com

Are your kids in the mood for some Japanese food? Give them my Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

The crisp lettuce complements the tender chicken. And the chicken is seasoned with my homemade Teriyaki sauce.

What you get are sweet, savory, umami morsels of deliciousness.

Want to change things up? You can serve the Teriyaki Chicken on some noodles instead. Yum!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 161
• Fats: 4.5g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 7.1g
• Fiber: 0.7g
• Sugar: 3.8g

Recipe

26. Masala Deviled Eggs

Credit: fitmealideas.com

Looking for a snack that is both kid and adult-approved? These Masala Deviled Eggs are an excellent choice.

They look and taste fabulous. You and the kids will be popping them in your mouths.

Unlike your typical deviled eggs, you won’t be using mayo. Instead, you’ll be using Greek Yogurt.

The addition of chaat masala adds tanginess and a bit of heat.

To make these Deviled Eggs, you’ll need a piping bag. So make sure you have one handy.

If you don’t, you can get some here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 166
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Recipe

27. Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl

Credit: allnutritious.com

We could all add more veggies to our kids’ plates. But winning the veggie war is often a losing battle.

My Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl gives your kids a head start on their veggies.

It’s a mixture of mashed sweet potatoes, crunchy hemp seeds, creamy Greek yogurt, and tangy blueberries.

And you’re adding maple syrup and almond butter. This makes it even sweeter and creamier.

Now it does take 75 minutes to make this Breakfast Bowl. But 60 minutes of the time is spent roasting the sweet potatoes.

So, you can simply bake the sweet potatoes in the evening. Then assemble the bowl the next day.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 312
• Fats: 9.6g
• Protein: 9.3g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fiber: 8.4g
• Sugar: 19g

Recipe