Lunch doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially when you have easy, nutritious, and kid-friendly starters ready to go! These six Easy Lunch Starters are the perfect way to get your lunch off to a great start, each one packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients.
From shrimp fajitas to zesty roasted cauliflower, these dishes are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into these delicious, fuss-free ideas!
1. Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
A quick and flavorful dish that’s as colorful as it is tasty, these Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are the perfect way to kick off your lunch. Loaded with shrimp, bell peppers, and onions, all roasted on a sheet pan with a sprinkle of fajita seasoning, this dish is bursting with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes.
Serve with warm tortillas and a squeeze of fresh lime for an easy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Bell peppers (sliced)
- Red onion (sliced)
- Fajita seasoning
- Olive oil
- Tortillas (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss shrimp, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
- Spread everything evenly on a sheet pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Serve with tortillas, fresh lime, and toppings of your choice!
2. Zesty and Savory Roasted Cauliflower Delight
Looking for a plant-based option that’s both savory and tangy? This Zesty and Savory Roasted Cauliflower Delight is a must-try. The cauliflower is tossed with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs before being roasted to perfection.
The result is a dish with crispy edges and a burst of flavor that will make even non-cauliflower lovers go for seconds.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower florets
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Lemon zest
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, lemon zest, and herbs.
- Spread out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until golden and tender.
- Serve as a side or a light starter for lunch!
3. Parmesan Roasted Carrot Fries
Looking for a healthy alternative to traditional fries? Parmesan Roasted Carrot Fries are crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive! These roasted carrots get a boost of flavor from Parmesan cheese and a touch of garlic, making them a delicious, healthy starter for any lunch. Serve with a side of dip for added enjoyment.
Ingredients:
- Carrots (cut into fries)
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss carrot fries with olive oil, garlic powder, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- Serve with a dipping sauce or enjoy them as is!
4. BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad
This BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad is a perfect mix of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy BBQ sauce, all served over a bed of greens. The grilled chicken skewers add an extra boost of flavor and texture, making this salad both hearty and satisfying. It’s an ideal starter for a filling and healthy lunch.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast (cut into cubes)
- BBQ sauce
- Bell peppers and onions (for skewers)
- Mixed greens
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan.
- Skewer chicken, bell peppers, and onions, and brush with BBQ sauce.
- Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Serve the skewers on a bed of mixed greens and drizzle with more BBQ sauce.
5. Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl
Bring the bold flavors of street food to your table with this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. This bowl combines grilled chicken, creamy street corn, and a base of rice, topped off with tangy lime and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s the ultimate balance of savory and sweet, perfect for a light but flavorful lunch starter.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast (grilled and sliced)
- Corn (grilled or roasted)
- Rice
- Cotija cheese
- Lime
Instructions:
- Grill or roast the chicken and corn.
- Cook rice and place it in a bowl.
- Top rice with chicken, corn, a sprinkle of cheese, and a squeeze of lime.
- Enjoy this vibrant and filling bowl!
6. Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls
Mediterranean flavors come together beautifully in these Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls. Marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives are served over a bed of quinoa or rice. This dish is fresh, light, and packed with flavors that everyone in the family will love.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast (marinated)
- Quinoa or rice
- Tzatziki sauce
- Cucumber, tomato, olives
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
- Cook quinoa or rice and place in a bowl.
- Grill or bake the chicken and slice it thin.
- Top quinoa with chicken, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of tzatziki.
These Easy Lunch Starters are the perfect way to get your kids excited about healthy meals. With a mix of flavors and textures, from savory shrimp fajitas to zesty roasted cauliflower, there’s something for everyone. These dishes are simple to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Try them out and let me know which one is your favorite Easy Lunch Starters !