The back-to-school chaos is overwhelming, especially when it comes to lunches. Between alarms, matching socks, and searching for the last folder, making a balanced, exciting lunchbox can feel like another task on your to-do list. But the good news is that a nutritious meal doesn’t have to be complicated. This is where microgreens come in.
Microgreens are small, but they’re a big deal, nutritionally and visually. Whether your child is a picky eater or maybe a foodie in the making, adding microgreens to their meals is a simple way to make lunch more fun and colorful with healthy ingredients.
Let’s check out some microgreen lunch recipes that are so easy to create, they will not overwhelm you. Wholesome, colorful, and definitely not boring, these lunch recipes powered by microgreens will get your kids going!
Why Microgreens Deserve a Spot in Your Child’s Lunchbox
Microgreens are harvested 7-21 days after germination, when they are full of nutrients. Some are packed with plenty of Vitamins like A, C, and K, in addition to folate, iron, and antioxidants. A superfood, this tiny ingredient is a powerhouse of goodness!
They’re mild and often even a little sweet (like sunflower shoots, broccoli microgreens, pea shoots, etc). With no bitter flavor, they're perfect for a kid’s taste buds. Since they blend right into vegetables, there should be no hesitation to try them.
An added incentive? Microgreens make every lunch instantly more exciting with their delicate textures and different shapes. They can even make meals aesthetically more pleasing and inviting, especially for visual eaters.
Are you ready to dive into the world of microgreen recipes? You may just find your child's next favorite food inside.
Lunchbox Basics- What Makes a Kid-Approved Meal?
Parents everywhere have experienced this moment: your child arrives back home from school, opens their lunch, and... it’s all still there. Untouched. Uneaten.
So, what exactly is a kid-approved lunch? The formula tends to be simple, familiar, and just a bit fun:
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One protein : hard-boiled eggs, turkey slices, plant-based nuggets, or Greek yogurt
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One veggie or microgreen : carrot sticks, snap peas, or a sprinkle of sunflower shoots
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One carb : crackers, pasta, rice, mini bagels, or wraps
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One snack or treat : a piece of fruit, trail mix, or bite-sized sweet
The goal is a balanced meal with enough variety to make it interesting, but not so complicated that it becomes a science experiment.
Lunchbox Tips for Parents:
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Use bento boxes or silicone dividers to keep items fresh and the mess at bay.
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Pack finger foods for younger kids. They’re easier and more fun to eat.
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Get your kids to help pack their lunch: let them choose a green or pick tomorrow’s wrap.
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Batch prep when you can. Your future self will thank you.
These small changes help mitigate waste, save you time, and increase the odds of a clean(ish) lunchbox at the end of the day.
5 Easy Microgreen Lunch Recipes Kids Actually Eat
Children can be very tough food critics. That's exactly why these recipes are made to check all of the boxes: colorful, super delicious, balanced, and quick to prep.
Rainbow Microgreen Quesadilla
A total crowd-pleaser! Spread some shredded cheese and some diced bell pepper on half a tortilla. Top it with some pea shoot microgreens, fold it in half, and cook until golden brown. Cut it into triangles to pack with salsa on the side.
Pro Tip: Make these the night before and warm slightly in the morning before packing.
Mini Wraps with Hummus and Sunflower Shoots
A great meal for little hands with big appetites! Spread some hummus on a tortilla or lavash wrap. Add shredded carrots, followed by shredded cucumber, and then sunflower shoots. Roll up tightly and slice it into bite-sized pinwheels.
Toothpicks might be a good tool to hold it together (for older kids), or fun silicone bands.
Pasta Salad with Broccoli Microgreens
A win for a cold lunch! Combine cooked pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and chopped broccoli microgreens. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian herbs.
This one tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge!
DIY Lunchbox “Tacos”
Let kids build their tacos.
Pack mini tortillas in one compartment and shredded cheese, chopped veggies, and radish microgreens in others.
Want to shake it up? Add grilled chicken or beans for extra protein.
Egg Muffins with Hidden Greens
Great for pre-chopping in the morning!
Whisk together 6 eggs, add shredded cheddar and diced bell peppers, and finely chopped microgreens. Pour the mixture into mini muffin tins and bake for about 15-18 minutes at 375°F.
You can make them on Sunday and put them in the fridge for the week.
Check out this blog to gain insight into some more recipes you could try!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Mornings
Between waking up the kids, untangling everyone's hair, and trying to find that last shoe, mornings aren't the best time for chopping, sautéing, or generally rethinking what you do.
Here's the smart way to prepare and take control of your mornings:
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Batch wash and dry your microgreens on Sundays: Place a paper towel on the bottom of an airtight container, layer your greens, and they will stay fresh and crisp all week long.
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Try reusable, divided containers: There are no plastic bags to mess with, and they make packing much easier.
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Stock up on Planted Salad Bundles: Each salad bundle includes a mix of greens (and microgreens) that rotate weekly, making it quick for grab-and-go.
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Hydroponic = longer shelf life: Greens, unlike traditionally grown greens (which is true most of the time), will last much longer, giving you more flexibility and less waste.
What We’ve Learned from Our Planted Lunchboxes
As a team, we have found that microgreens are elevating lunches from monotonous to refreshing. They are also reducing waste due to smaller portion sizes, fully consumed food, and higher longevity. They also add an enjoyable touch to even the simplest of meals.
Let's not forget that our greens are now available on Market Wagon, so you can now have fresh produce delivered to your doorstep right before your Sunday meal prep.
Healthy doesn't have to mean boring. You can transform the school lunch grind from something lowly mundane into something much more enjoyable for you and your kids with microgreens, a little creativity, and some planning.
So cheers to fewer leftovers, fuller bellies, and greens your kids will recognize by name!