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20 Easy Cold Lunch Ideas For Kids (that Work at Room Temp!)

Below is the recipe for the Sesame Noodles. The rest of the ideas are in the Notes so you can print them all for easy reference.
Course lunch
Cuisine Asian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 356kcal
Author Amy Palanjian

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fettucini (or linguine or spaghetti)
  • 4 cups chopped green beans
  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce (or tamari if gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey for kids over 1)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional; grate on a microplane)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Add the green beans for the last 6 minutes of cooking. Drain.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger (if using), and lime juice. Stir in the pasta.
  • Pack in lunches or store in a container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Serve cold or at room temperature. (This can also be served warm.)

Notes

Here are the rest of the ideas for easy reference:
  • Parmesan Noodles with Peas
  • Sunflower Seed Butter and Jelly Sandwich with Crackers, Fruit, and a Veggie
  • Sunflower Seed Butter and Apple Butter Sandwich with Banana
  • Granola Butter Roll Up with Applesauce and Snap Pea Crisps
  • Bagel Sandwich with Hummus or Sunflower Seed Butter with a Veggie and Fruit
  • Mini Bagel Sandwich with Sweet Potato White Bean Dip
  • Pesto Pasta Salad with Fruit and Puffs
  • Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing and Tomatoes
  •  Cheese and Crackers with Fruit and Veggies
  • Cheese and Crackers with Applesauce Pouch and Soft Roasted Chickpeas
  • Cheese Crackers, Applesauce Pouch, Halved Cherry Tomatoes
  • Hummus Roll Up with Shelf Stable Milk, Melon, Edamame, and Puffs
  • Hummus and Pita with Cucumbers and Babybel
  • Pasta with Olive Oil, Frozen Mango, Snack Bar, Carrot Coins
  • Granola Bar, Fruit, Veggies
  • Blueberry Zucchini Muffin with Carrots and Applesauce
  • Mini Carrot Cake Muffins, Almond Butter, Pear
  • Pancake Sandwich
  • Freezer Waffle Sandwich

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 376mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 554IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 2mg