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Mark your calendars because it’s back-to-school season! With it comes the daily challenge of packing lunchboxes that are healthy, fun, and fuss-free. If you’re tired of the same old sandwiches and ready for a refresh, Johandre Grobler, Executive Chef at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, has you covered with creative ideas to make lunchtime exciting.

Here are five no-reheating-required meals that are simple to prep, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to delight even the pickiest eaters:

1. Sushi-Inspired Tortilla Rolls

What you’ll need: Tortilla wraps, cream cheese, thinly sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and smoked chicken or tuna.
How to make it: Spread cream cheese on the tortilla, layer with veggies and protein, roll it up sushi-style, and slice into bite-sized rounds.
Why this works: These rolls are fun to eat, easy to customize, and stay fresh in a lunchbox.

2. Build-Your-Own Mini Tacos

What you’ll need: Mini hard taco shells, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and cooked shredded chicken or beef.
How to make it: Pack the ingredients in separate containers and let kids assemble their tacos during lunch.
Why this works: It’s like a mini party in their lunchbox, encouraging creativity and engagement.

3. Savoury Veggie Pancakes

What you’ll need: Grated courgettes, carrots, cheese, a bit of flour, an egg, and seasoning.
How to make it: Combine ingredients into a batter, pan-fry mini pancakes, and cool before packing.
Why this works: These veggie-packed pancakes are nutritious, easy to grab, and taste great even when cold.

4. Cold Pasta Salad Jars

What you’ll need: Spiral pasta, cherry tomatoes, cubed cheese, diced ham, and a light olive oil and lemon dressing.
How to make it: Layer everything in a jar for easy transport and mess-free eating.
Why this works: It’s a refreshing twist on pasta dishes, loaded with energy-boosting carbs.

5. Sweet and Savoury Pinwheels

What you’ll need: Puff pastry, Nutella, banana slices (sweet), or pesto, grated cheese, and ham (savoury).
How to make it: Spread your filling of choice on rolled-out puff pastry, roll it up, slice into pinwheels, and bake until golden.
Why this works: These freeze well, making them perfect for batch prep and last-minute lunches.

Make Lunches Exciting Again

Say goodbye to boring lunchboxes! With these inventive and easy recipes, you can keep lunchtime fresh and enjoyable for kids and grown-ups alike. Which idea will you try first? Let us know by tagging 041Online.co.za in your posts and sharing your creations.