Salads – An Awesome School Lunch Recipe Idea

By Sherrie Le Masurier

Some kids may not like salads but many do. If yours are anything like my 11 year old son, there is little else he likes more than taking a hearty salad to school.

Following are some of my son’s favorite salad recipe ideas:

Easy Tossed Salad
The best idea I’ve found to easily mix and transport a lettuce based salad is to pour dressing in the bottom of a lidded container that is a little larger than needed for the amount of salad. Add veggies (carrots, celery, tomatoes, cucumber etc.) first and then the lettuce. This way the lettuce doesn’t become soggy at lunch. This also saves on having to fill and wash a separate container of dressing. When your child is ready to eat his salad have him give the container a shake before he takes the lid off.

Tex Mex Salad
1 cup small pasta (shells or macaroni)
1 mixed beans
1 can corn (or 1 ½ cup of frozen)
1/2 cup of each of green and red pepper
1/2 onion, chopped
1 cup mild salsa
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. vinegar
1/2 cup (125mL) Cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

Mix together. Package in a portable salad container and serve with individually portioned bag of nacho chips. Serves 4.

Cucumber Salad
1 cucumber
2 tbsp. mayo
3 tbsp. milk
1 tbsp. vinegar
½ tsp sugar
¼ teaspoons salt

Peel and slice the cucumber into thin strips or circles. Blend together all other ingredients and pour mixture over cucumbers. Serves 2.

Green Bean & Bacon Salad
3 cups cooked green beans
2 tablespoons bacon grease
3 slices crisp chopped bacon
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 medium onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

The secret to this salad recipe is to blend the ingredients with the freshly cooked beans while they’re still hot and then chill prior to packing in your child’s lunch. Serves 3 to 4.

Carrot, Raisin & Pineapple Salad
2 cups carrots, grated
1 small can pineapple tidbits, drained
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup mayonnaise or whipped salad dressing.

Combine salad ingredients. Chill and serve cold.  Serves 3 to 4.