Lara Buchar

Back to school season is upon us, and so are school lunch packing duties! Whether your kiddo has <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/tag/vegan/">gone vegan</a> or you&rsquo;re just looking to mix more plant-based meals into their diet, these easy vegan school lunch ideas are as creative as they are delicious. From cold noodle salads to tasty sandos, there&rsquo;s something for everyone.
Related: <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/article/vegan-baking-substitutes-guide/">A Guide to the Most Common Vegan Baking Substitutes</a>

bombay-sandwich-feat

vegan

Supremely slurpable, this cold soba noodle salad makes for a well-balanced lunch: it&rsquo;s packed with protein thanks to the edamame, the kale will give them a serving of veggies and the soba noodles are the perfect carb to round everything out. It comes together in under 10 minutes, and you can <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/tag/meal-prep/">easily make it in larger batches for meal-prep</a> lunches, too.
Related: <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/article/bento-lunch-boxes-kids-will-devour/">Bento Lunch Boxes: How to Make Colourful Back-to-School Meals Your Kids Will Devour</a>

This creamy vegan mac and cheese is perfect for sending warm in a Thermos. Made with just seven ingredients, it&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/tag/30-minutes-or-less/" rel="noopener noreferrer">super quick to whip up</a>! Pair it with some veggie sticks and hummus for a balanced meal they&rsquo;ll love.

This veggie-packed sandwich does not skimp on flavour! A sprinkling of chaat masala and a generous spread of cilantro mint chutney turn this humble sando into a thing of beauty. The original recipe calls for butter and cheese, but you can easily swap in your favourite vegan butter and vegan cheese to make this plant-based friendly.
Related: <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/recipe/onion-pakora/">Spicy, Crispy Onion Pakora</a>

quick and easy

A Buttery Bombay Sandwich is the Perfect Addition to Your Summer Picnic

Bombay Sandwich

If your child prefers a more snackable lunch, pack them these air fryer cauliflower bites with their favourite dipping sauce for dunking. The crispy, cheesy exterior will have them totally forgetting they&rsquo;re <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/tag/cauliflower/">eating cauliflower</a>.

These easy <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/tag/vegan/" rel="noopener noreferrer">vegan</a> loaded sweet potatoes are feature delicious toppings and <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/article/vegetarian-meat-substitutes-ranked/" rel="noopener noreferrer">plant-based protein</a> and can easily be packed for a school lunch. We like to enjoy ours loaded with vegan cheddar cheese, black beans, fresh veggies, salsa, a yogurt-based crema and a sprinkling of cilantro, but get your kiddo involved in customizing theirs to their tastes.

Why not turn last night&rsquo;s leftovers into a fun vegan lunch? Send your kiddo to school with leftover pulled jackfruit filling, tortillas, and their favourite toppings so they can assemble themselves. Not only does this ensure their tacos won&rsquo;t get soggy, it also lets them have more control over their lunches so they feel more involved.
Related: <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/article/the-wonderful-world-of-jackfruit/">The Wonderful World of Jackfruit</a>

Loaded with fresh veggies, vibrant flavours, and a creamy coconut yogurt-based dressing, this vegan pasta salad will keep them going throughout the day. Try adding in some canned chickpeas for a little extra protein!

Creamy Pasta Salad

These oh-so delicious wraps are hearty, super filling, and perfectly packable. The tempeh is seasoned with chili powder, cumin and garlic to give it a spicy, smoky flavour similar to chorizo sausage.
Related: <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/recipe/coconut-crusted-tempeh-skewers-with-mango-salsa/">Coconut Crusted Tempeh Skewers with Mango Salsa</a>

Chorizo Tempeh Wraps

This vegan &ldquo;egg salad&rdquo; sandwich actually uses tofu as the base. Stirred together with celery, herbs, Dijon mustard and mayo, it makes for a satisfying lunch that&rsquo;ll give them the fuel they need.

Vegan Egg Salad Sandwich

Packed with veggies and herbs, this cold rice noodle salad not only looks beautiful, but will also provide your kiddo with lots of vitamins and phytonutrients. Although the recipe calls for peanut butter, if your kiddo has a nut-free lunchroom, try subbing in tahini or sunflower seed butter. We promise, it&rsquo;ll be just as delicious!
Related: <a href="https://www.flavournetwork.ca/recipe/vietnamese-bun-cha-noodle-bowl/">How to Make Vietnamese Bun Cha</a>

Cold Rice Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Easy Vegan School Lunch Ideas

Bombay Sandwich

Cold Rice Noodle Salad With Spicy Peanut Sauce