Back to School Lunch & Snack Ideas

It’s that time of year again: Back-to-school! It’s such an exciting time, but also overwhelming when it comes to feeding your family on-the-go. If you’re needing inspiration for simple lunches and snacks, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled our favorite peanut-free lunch and snack ideas below!

Lunch

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Chickpea Sunflower Sandwich

30-minute Chickpea Sunflower Sandwich with smashed chickpeas and roasted sunflower seeds in a simple dressing. Sandwiched between two slices of bread and topped with my secret garlic sauce, this is healthy lunch perfection.

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Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers

Easy, grillable veggie burgers with just 10 ingredients (give or take a spice)! Flavorful, hearty, and perfect for summertime grilling. Hearty enough to please meat-eaters and vegans alike!

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Better-Than-Restaurant Falafel (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Falafel that can rival any restaurant, although it remains vegan, gluten-free, and pan-cooked, not fried.

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Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta (V + GF)

Simple, 6-ingredient Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta that comes together in 20 minutes! An easy, healthy vegan, gluten-free lunch or dinner.

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Penne Pasta Salad (30 Minutes!)

Wholesome and delicious classic pasta salad made with creamy pesto dressing and roasted tomatoes. Made with just 9 ingredients in 30 minutes! The perfect quick + easy side dish.

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Chickpea Shawarma Salad

All of the flavor of a Middle Eastern-inspired chickpea shawarma sandwich in a salad! Shawarma-spiced chickpeas, fresh salad, and a creamy 4-ingredient Garlic Dill sauce! A flavorful, filling, plant-based meal.

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The Best Vegan Gluten-Free Mac ‘n’ Cheese

THE BEST Vegan, Gluten-Free Mac ‘n’ Cheese made with 8 simple ingredients in 1 hour! Cheesy, hearty, and so satisfying.

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Vegan “BLT” Sandwich

6-Ingredient vegan “BLT” sandwich made with vegan mayo and eggplant bacon! Crisp, smoky, flavorful, and so delicious.

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Vegan Nicoise Salad (30 minutes!)

A plant-based version of classic Nicoise Salad with smashed chickpea salad in place of tuna. Fresh, satisfying, and ready in 30 minutes.

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Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps

30-minute Buffalo Chickpea Wraps requiring only 10 ingredients! Spicy chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy hummus dressing.

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Snacks

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Actually Crispy Baked Chickpeas

4-ingredient baked roasted chickpeas that are ACTUALLY crispy! Simple methods, BIG flavor, so crunchy and delicious! Plus, plant-based and gluten-free.

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1-Bowl Vegan Gluten-Free Crackers

Crispy, thin, gluten-free crackers reminiscent of Wheat Thins! Just 7 ingredients and 1 bowl required for these delicious snacks. Perfect for dipping in hummus, nut butters, and more!

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Mango Energy Bites

Easy, 6-ingredient mango energy bites with dates, coconut, hemp seeds, and lime zest! Perfectly sweet, tender, and so full of natural energy!

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No-Bake Carrot Cake Bites

Tender, naturally sweetened carrot cake bites with dates, carrots, walnuts, cinnamon, and coconut flour! So simple, delicious carrot cake flavor, and the perfect healthier snack or dessert! Just 30 minutes, 9 ingredients, and 1 food processor required.

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1-Bowl Blackberry Cornmeal Muffins

Simple, 1-Bowl Cornmeal Muffins studded with ripe blackberries. Tender, perfectly sweet, and a delicious snack or side dish for savory entrées.

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Sweet Potato Almond Butter Muffins

Super moist vegan muffins with sweet potato puree and a spoonful of salted almond butter in every bite. The perfect light breakfast or afternoon snack.

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30-Minute Cheesy Kale Chips

Easy, baked kale chips in just 30 minutes with 8 ingredients! Cheesy, crispy, and nutrient-packed!

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Healthy Brownie Granola Bars

7-ingredient granola bars that taste just like a raw brownie! No baking required besides toasting the nuts and oats — an optional step. Simple, naturally sweetened, and so delicious.

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If you try any of these recipes, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!