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Back to School: Great Greek style meal ideas
Back to School: Great Greek style meal ideas
Ensuring that the kids are getting the most out of their meals at school can have a significant impact on their academic performance, mental wellbeing, and physical health.
Also a balanced and varied diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, support kids growth and development. Nutrient-rich foods fuel their energy levels, boost their immune system, and enhance their cognitive abilities, resulting in better concentration, memory retention, and learning.
Moreover, instilling healthy eating habits in children at an early age can set them up for a lifetime of good health. Encouraging kids to make healthy food choices, by packing nutritious snacks and meals, and ensuring that they have access to healthy food options at school can make a significant difference in their overall wellbeing.
Our Greek recipes are specially curated to offer a balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients that your child will love. From our mouth-watering Greek salad to our delicious chicken souvlaki wraps, we are confident that we have something for everyone.
1.Chicken and vegetable souvlaki:
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetable Skewers:
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 red onion, cut into chunks
Cherry tomatoes
Zucchini, sliced into rounds
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
For Serving: Pita bread or flatbreads Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade) Sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes (optional)
– Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories
– Protein: 25-30 grams
– Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
– Fiber: 4-5 grams
– Fat: 15-18 grams
The Chicken and Vegetable Souvlaki recipe may contain potential allergens like dairy in tzatziki sauce, wheat in pita bread, and garlic and lemon, so individuals with allergies should check labels and make suitable substitutions if needed.
2.Greek Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients (per serving)
* 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
* 1-2 teaspoons honey
* 1/4 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
*- 2-3 tablespoons granola
* Optional: Chopped nuts (1-2 tablespoons, if desired)
How To
Layer Greek yogurt at the bottom of a glass or container. Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries). Sprinkle granola on top for crunch. Repeat the layers if desired. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate and don’t forget to put the yoghurt in a cool-bag and remind your child to eat it in time.
– Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving
– Protein: 10-15 grams
– Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
– Fiber: 3-3 grams
– Fat: 8-10 grams
Chopped nuts, if included, could be a source of tree nut allergens. If you or someone has a tree nut allergy, omit the nuts or use a nut-free alternative like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Greek yogurt is a dairy product. If you or someone you’re preparing the parfait for has a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, you should use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
3. Spanakopita
Ingredients
* 1 pound (450g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped (you can also use frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
* 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 eggs, beaten.
* 1 small onion, finely chopped.
*2 cloves garlic, minced
Making spanakopita at home is easy and can be a fun activity to do with your child.
The spinach and feta spanakopita recipe may contain allergens such as dairy (from cheeses and butter), eggs, wheat (in phyllo pastry), soy (in some brands of phyllo), and, in other spanakopita variations, tree nuts and sesame, so individuals with allergies should check ingredient labels and make suitable substitutions if needed.
4.Greek Salad Wrap
Ingredients (per wrap)
* 1 whole wheat tortilla wrap (8-10 inches)
* 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
* 2-3 slices red onion
* 2-3 Kalamata olives , pitted and sliced
* 2 tablespoons feta cheese , crumbled
* 1-2 tablespoons Greek dressing (olive oil, lemon juice, oregano , salt , and pepper)
Don't forget
to remove a lot of moisture from the salad before placing it in the wrap to avoid leaks in your child's bag.
– Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per wrap
– Protein: 8-10 grams
– Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
– Fiber: 5-7 grams
– Fat: 12-15 grams
None in the base recipe. However, be cautious if you or your child has allergies to specific ingredients like dairy (feta cheese) or wheat (if using regular tortillas instead of gluten-free).
5.Greek Pita Pizza:
Ingredients
* 2 whole wheat pita bread rounds
* 1/2 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup diced cucumbers.
* 1/2 cup diced tomatoes.
* 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
* Olive oil for drizzling (optional)
*Salt and pepper to taste
How to
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread hummus on whole wheat pita bread. Top with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges are crispy. Remove the pita pizzas from the oven, let them cool slightly, and then cut each one into quarters or smaller slices suitable for your kid's lunchbox.
6.Greek Pasta Salad:
Ingredients
*1 cup cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
*1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
*1/4 cup cucumber, diced
*2-3 slices red onion
*4-5 Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
*2 tablespoons feta cheese , crumbled
*1-2 tablespoons Greek dressing olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper)
How to
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with Greek dressing and toss to coat. Divide the pasta salad into individual containers for easy school lunch servings.
– Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving
– Protein: 8-10 grams
– Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
– Fiber: 4-6 grams
– Fat: 12-15 grams
Wheat (from pasta), dairy (from feta cheese), and any potential allergens in the Greek dressing, such as soy.
Reminder that when following recipes for school meals, it’s imperative to consider the unique nutritional needs of each child and always be mindful of potential allergies. Children have diverse dietary requirements and sensitivities, so it’s crucial to work closely with school staff and healthcare providers to accommodate these needs. Prioritizing safety and nutrition ensures that every child can enjoy healthy and safe meals at school.
Why Greek?
Flavorful and Unique
Greek-inspired dishes often feature bold and distinctive flavors. Feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy taste, while Kalamata olives provide a briny and slightly salty flavor. Kids who enjoy exciting and unique tastes may be drawn to these flavors.
Colorful and Appealing
Greek dishes are often colorful and visually appealing. The vibrant colors of fresh vegetables, like tomatoes , cucumbers, and red peppers, can be visually enticing for kids, making the meal more attractive.
Mediterranean Diet Benefits
Greek cuisine is closely aligned with the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its health benefits. It includes an abundance of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil, which can promote good health.
Variety:
Greek cuisine offers a variety of dishes, from souvlaki to Greek salads, yogurt-based dips , and fresh fruit desserts. This variety can keep school meals interesting and enjoyable for kids.
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