A Menu of Quick-to-the-Table Themed Lunches and Easy Side Dishes
A menu of quick-to-the table themed lunches and easy side dishes helps simplify our homeschooling life! In this Heart of Dakota series, we continue describing a ‘day in the life’ of using Resurrection to Reformation (RTR) and World History (WH). First, I shared our take on homework. Second, I shared our waking up to homeschool routine. Third, I shared our morning chores and breakfast routine. Fourth, I shared how we rotate teacher-directed and independent blocks of time between breakfast and lunch. Today, I will share about how a planned menu of quick-to-the-table themed lunches and easy side dishes makes lunch a piece of cake!
Quick-to-the-Table Lunches That Follow a Theme
Through the past 20 years of homeschooling, I have found it is a huge help to have a set quick-to-the-table lunch menu. Some years I have had just 5 quick meal options planned, one for each day Monday through Friday. However, other years I have had a variety of quick-to-the-table meals. This year I planned a theme for each day with several quick-to-the-table meal options. As a result, I have some choice in what I make, but I also have a planned menu. For example, Mondays are chicken, Tuesdays are sandwiches, Thursdays are beef, and Fridays are (mainly) soups. On the other hand, Wednesdays are for whatever didn’t fit neatly into a theme. No matter what, each item on the lunch menu must be easy to make and quick-to-the-table.
Easy Side Dishes That Are the Same Each Day
I like variety for the main quick-to-the-table meals for lunch, but I feel just the opposite about side dishes. I find it simpler to keep the side dishes the same, offering just a few choices. Likewise, I make sure to choose quick and easy side dishes. So no matter what I make for the main meal for lunch, the daily side dishes stay pretty much the same. I put an “*” beside each easy side dish to show it is meant to be a part of the menu daily. If I do note a choice of easy side dishes, I put “or” between the two choices. In general, I try to choose quick-t0-the-table and easy side dishes that include fruits and vegetables. I also include healthy easy side dishes like yogurt and string cheese.
Benefits of Having a Set Lunch Menu
There are many benefits to having a set quick-to-the-table lunch menu. First, I know there will be a variety of balanced meals with different meats, fruits, and vegetables. Second, I know what to keep constant on my grocery list, so I can make the list quickly. Third, I can point to the menu when my children ask what is for lunch, but I can also give some main meal options. Fourth, my children can step in and make lunch themselves if need be. Fifth, I always have what I need on hand because some options are frozen or canned. Sixth, I cross off each main quick-to-the-table meal as I make it, so I know what we’re eating. Seventh, I can more easily plan my meals for dinner because I know what we’re having for lunch. Try planning your own quick-to-the-table lunch menu! See if you like it!
| MON. | TUES. | WED. | THURS. | FRI. |
| Chicken Fries
Rotisserie Chicken Salsa Chicken *green beans *yogurt parfait & granola or grapes |
Tuna Sandwich
French Dips Ham/Cheese Poppy Buns Cold Ham Sandwiches *Cheese stick or dill pickles *carrot sticks, hummus *cut apples |
Mac & Cheese
Tuna Patties All Beef Hot Dogs on Buns *corn *cheese stick *applesauce cups or banana halves |
Tacos
Nachos Burgers *carrot sticks, guac *black beans or refried beans *chips/salsa |
Tomato Basil Soup
Chili Soup Ravioli *Mozzarella sticks *green beans * pears or mandarin oranges |
In Christ,
Julie
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These are such great ideas. Our house is a bit hectic right now and having this creative approach to lunch is fantastic.
Thanks, Shauna! Life can get pretty hectic sometimes, and lunch rolls around pretty fast every day, doesn’t it?!? So glad you found this post helpful – have fun planning your lunches in a doable, yet creative way!!!
I feel like I need more details on these meals because I’m overcomplicating them. : ) The nachos, for example. Are we talking tortilla chips with cheese on top, melted in the microwave? Or more complex nachos that are left over from the day before? I need someone to walk me through it because I really need to simplify our meal plan. : )
These are simple nachos, Cassie! I do add a protein. Usually I microwave-brown a pound of beef with 1/2 a taco packet. Or, sometimes I just use microwaved leftover shredded chicken, leftover shredded pork, or a can of drained tiny shrimp for the protein. I just set out the tortilla chips, the protein, shredded cheddar, and salsa. They build their own nachos on their plate. Hope this helps!
Thank you, and thanks for all you do!
You are welcome, Cassie! We are blessed by moms like you using HOD and offering encouragement like this by responding here!