Adult-Approved Plant Based Luches
Kitchen 309 is an Instagram account that was started in order to share meal ideas with the world without having to spam my friends with pictures of food. As someone who has worked in food for three years while in college, and almost considered it as a career, kitchen309 still has a passion for cooking, learning new techniques, and plating beautiful food. As a vegan, kitchen309 is always conscious of nutrition; making sure they can show that it is not only easy to be vegan, but healthy and delicious as well. This includes the lunch boxes they take to their 9-5 job.
I want to share with you three nutrition-packed, adult-approved plant-based lunch boxes that are easy to make and will keep you full and nourished through your work day and even workout and until supper.
Burrito box with corn chips and mango
For this bento you will need:
1/2 cup of cooked rice
1/2 cup of cooked beans of choice
1/4 cup of corn
1 cup of greens of choice
salsa to taste
a couple of sprigs of cilantro
1/4 of a lime, chili powder, salt & pepper
hemp seeds (optional)
Mango, corn chips
In a bottom compartment of your bento place your rice, lime wedge, beans, corn, greens, and salsa, top with cilantro and sprinkle with chili powder. In a top compartment place your chips and mango. I like to sprinkle some chili powder on mine, but its a matter of taste. It is a meal that is packed with beans, grains, and greens, that is sure to keep you full and satisfied. This meal is vegan and gluten-free, but it sure is not free from flavor.
Soba noodle salad with peanut sauce and side of fruit
For this bento you will need:
1/4 cup of raw chopped carrot
1/2 cup of cooked soba
1/4 cup of edamame beans
1/4 cup of steamed broccoli
3/4 cup of cabbage (can use a different green)
For peanut sauce: 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 Tbs peanut butter, 2 Tbs water, Sriracha
Chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, herbs are optional
Fruit of your choice (here we have kiwifruit and oranges)
In a bottom compartment of your bento place your noodles, carrot, edamame, broccoli, and cabbage. In a small bowl whisk your soy sauce, vinegar, peanut butter, Sriracha, and water together. Add your sauce directly into your salad or store in a separate container to add later. Place fruit of choice in the top compartment and you have a complete meal. It is one of my personal favorites to enjoy on a hot day.
Pasta salad with lentils and side of fruit
For this bento you will need:
3/4 cup of cooked chilled macaroni of choice
1/2 cup of cooked lentils
1/2 cup of asparagus
1 cup of packed spinach
1/4 cup chopped tomato
1/4 cup of olives (optional)
Parsley
Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Fruit of your choice (here we have apples, cherries, and blackberries)
Before you assemble, lightly sauté asparagus and spinach in olive oil just until they turn bright green. Cool and mix with your cooked pasta, lentils, tomato, olives, and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste and a squeeze of lemon juice. For this salad, I usually prefer using whole wheat pasta but had some tricolor bowtie leftover, and besides, it looks great in photos. Place your fruit in the top compartment and your nutritious lunch is assembled.
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