Easy Vegan School Lunch Ideas | Food Network Canada

Back to school season is upon us, and so are school lunch packing duties! Whether your kiddo has gone vegan or you’re just looking to mix more plant-based meals into their diet, these easy vegan school lunch ideas are as creative as they are delicious. From cold noodle salads to tasty sandos, there’s something for everyone.

Sesame soba noodles with kale and edamame in a bowl

1/10

Super Easy Sesame Soba Noodles With Kale and Edamame

Supremely slurpable, this cold soba noodle salad makes for a well-balanced lunch: it’s packed with protein thanks to the edamame, the kale will give them a serving of veggies and the soba noodles are the perfect carb to round everything out. It comes together in under 10 minutes, and you can easily make it in larger batches for meal-prep lunches, too.

Get the recipe

2/10

The Ultimate Creamy Vegan Mac n’ Cheese

This creamy vegan mac and cheese is perfect for sending warm in a Thermos. Made with just seven ingredients, it’s super quick to whip up! Pair it with some veggie sticks and hummus for a balanced meal they’ll love.

Get the recipe

3/10

Bombay Sandwich

This veggie-packed sandwich does not skimp on flavour! A sprinkling of chaat masala and a generous spread of cilantro mint chutney turn this humble sando into a thing of beauty. The original recipe calls for butter and cheese, but you can easily swap in your favourite vegan butter and vegan cheese to make this plant-based friendly.

Related: Spicy, Crispy Onion Pakora

Get the recipe

Air fryer cauliflower bites with a side of marinara for dipping

4/10

Healthy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites Are So Simple

If your child prefers a more snackable lunch, pack them these air fryer cauliflower bites with their favourite dipping sauce for dunking. The crispy, cheesy exterior will have them totally forgetting they’re eating cauliflower.

Get the recipe

5/10

Vegan Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Cheese and Beans

These easy vegan loaded sweet potatoes are feature delicious toppings and plant-based protein and can easily be packed for a school lunch. We like to enjoy ours loaded with vegan cheddar cheese, black beans, fresh veggies, salsa, a yogurt-based crema and a sprinkling of cilantro, but get your kiddo involved in customizing theirs to their tastes.

Get the recipe

6/10

Pulled Jackfruit Tacos Are a Plant-Based Must-Try

Why not turn last night’s leftovers into a fun vegan lunch? Send your kiddo to school with leftover pulled jackfruit filling, tortillas, and their favourite toppings so they can assemble themselves. Not only does this ensure their tacos won’t get soggy, it also lets them have more control over their lunches so they feel more involved.

Get the recipe

7/10

Creamy Pasta Salad

Loaded with fresh veggies, vibrant flavours, and a creamy coconut yogurt-based dressing, this vegan pasta salad will keep them going throughout the day. Try adding in some canned chickpeas for a little extra protein!

Get the recipe

Tempeh breakfast wraps on a stone countertop

8/10

Chorizo Tempeh Wraps

These oh-so delicious wraps are hearty, super filling, and perfectly packable. The tempeh is seasoned with chili powder, cumin and garlic to give it a spicy, smoky flavour similar to chorizo sausage.

Get the recipe

vegan egg salad baguette on a white plate

9/10

Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich

This vegan “egg salad” sandwich actually uses tofu as the base. Stirred together with celery, herbs, Dijon mustard and mayo, it makes for a satisfying lunch that’ll give them the fuel they need.

Get the recipe

10/10

Cold Rice Noodle Salad With Spicy Peanut Sauce

Packed with veggies and herbs, this cold rice noodle salad not only looks beautiful, but will also provide your kiddo with lots of vitamins and phytonutrients. Although the recipe calls for peanut butter, if your kiddo has a nut-free lunchroom, try subbing in tahini or sunflower seed butter. We promise, it’ll be just as delicious!

Related: How to Make Vietnamese Bun Cha

Get the recipe