FOOD

HEALTHY LUNCHBOX IDEAS

Get creative with 5 fresh meals your kids will happily eat. TEXT SKYE LAVIS

Trying to fnd a healthy and balanced lunch that your kids actually like can get a bit monotonous but don’t stress, help is here! Follow these tips and try out a few of these light and fresh lunchboxes to bring a little fun back to lunchtime.

1. Deli box Filled with lunch meat, cheese, celery, fruit snacks, crackers and a fruit salad. Simply cut out your deli meat and cheese with a small fower cookie cutter to create a fun, spring-has-sprung feel.

2. PB&J with a twist For this lunch, there is a peanut butter and jam sandwich, a breakfast bar, cucumber slices and oranges topped with a raspberry. Use a fower cookie cutter to cut out the sandwich. Next, remove a small section of bread from the top of the sandwich and add sprinkles.

3. Salad for stars When you think of Spring, the frst thing you think of is butterfies. Tis spring salad has been topped with cheese butterfies and is completed with a packet yogurt, cereal snacks and a hard boiled egg.

4. Wrapped in love Peanut butter and banana wrap: topped up with fruit cups, yogurt and some crunchy corn bites.

5. Sunny sandwich Sun-shaped sandwich, surrounded by pretzels and yogurt covered raisins. Other compartments feature some carrots, cucumber and some fresh

TIPS

1. Pack lunch in a cooler bag to keep food fresh and safe. 2. Try to pack food items that have different colours and shapes to make lunch fun and appealing. 3. Buy little plastic containers for smaller bits to keep things tidy. Make sure to mark these containers with your kid’s initials. ■

SUCCULENT

SALADS

Impress your guests with these mouth-watering spring salads. TEXT SKYE LAVIS

2. WARM POTATO SALAD WITH MUSTARD SEED DRESSING Served with gherkins, anise seeds and fresh baby rocket to add brightness and zest. Tis is a light and healthy way to serve up your favourite spring root vegetable.

1. STRAWBERRY QUINOA SALAD Served with cucumbers, parsley and almonds, this is a high-protein vegetarian option that is flling and nutritious. Add feta, goat cheese or avocado for extra richness.

3. PASTA SALAD WITH MUSHROOM & LEMON PARSLEY DRESSING. Served at room temperature or chilled to serve later, this zesty favourful dressing is refreshing, bright and compliments spring veggies very well. Tis salad whips up quickly and easily, perfect for your next braai!

5. ASPARAGUS SALAD Served with couscous, roasted asparagus, kalamata olives, pine nuts, feta, lemon zest and mint with a lemon dressing. Tis salad can be served warm, as a tasty side dish to fsh, poultry or beef – or served chilled, as a vibrant and hearty spring salad. Don’t like couscous? Substitute with quinoa or wild rice.

4. CARROT QUINOA SALAD Served with almonds and raw apple cider vinaigrette, this is a delicious vegan salad option. Even after a few days in the fridge, it retains it’s great crunchy texture, making it an ideal candidate for preparing ahead of time. Add avocado or chickpeas for extra heartiness.

6. SPRING PEA PASTA Served with trufe oil, lemon and mint. Can be served warm as a starter or chilled as a salad. Feta can be added for extra richness, although it’s not needed. Toss in a little baby spinach or rocket if you like. Te trufe oil is absolutely worth the splurge and makes this dish special. Together with the fresh peas, lemon and mint, this spring recipe is one of our all-time favourite combinations. ■