When it comes to lunch, leftovers are one of my favorite ways to save time and money! In fact, I’m such a big fan of repurposing leftovers into lunch, you’ll often find lots of ideas on my weekly meal plans.
But rather than just mentioning it on my meal plans, I thought it would be a lot more helpful to share a few of our favorite ways to transform leftovers into healthy, delicious and FUN “lunchables” … all it takes is a little bit of inspiration and planning.
P.S. I’ve got a fun way to say I Love You! These little Lunchbox Love Notes are absolutely precious, and are such a heartfelt way to let your kids know how much you love and care about them.
Whether you have preschoolers, elementary age kids or teens, SayPlease.com has an amazing line of “love notes” for kids of all ages, even adults. The notes include an inspiring message along with cool trivia and funny jokes.
I love putting these thoughtful little notes into my boys’ lunchboxes, because I know it makes them feel loved and special!
Rainbow Bean Dip “Lunchable”
For example, if you’ve got leftovers from burrito or taco night, why not use them to make a savory layered bean dip that will have everyone saying olé to lunch! Better yet, plan for leftovers, so everyone can enjoy this tasty lunch that only takes minutes to assemble. And the great thing about this bean dip is it tastes great cold, so no need to warm it. We like to make our own refried beans using either crockpot cooked black beans (Also shown in photo, Homemade GF “Kind” Bars.)
By the way, this adorable bento-style lunchbox comes from Laptop Lunches
Chicken & Veggie Bowls
Another “leftovers-to-lunch” favorite are these flavorful chicken & veggie bowls. Simply dice up leftover Grilled Fajitas, Chimichurri Kebobs, or Pineapple Chicken Skewers and mix with leftover cilantro rice, or if you’re grain-free you’ve got to try my tasty seasoned cauliflower rice. Again, by planning for leftovers, you can toss this delicious lunch together in seconds. (Also shown in photo, Raw Cookie Dough Bites.)
Apricot-Apple Chicken Salad
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can transform a mainstay like chicken into a scrumptious lunch in just minutes. This easy-to-make chicken salad works great with leftover grilled chicken, roast chicken or even canned organic chicken in a pinch. It’s great served alone, with your favorite crackers, over a bed of fresh mesclun greens, or rolled-up in a wrap with some lettuce. (Also shown in photo, Homemade GF “Kind” Bars.)
What are your favorite ways to transform leftovers into lunch? We’re always looking for new ideas to make lunchtime easy, healthy and FUN … so please share your thoughts below … Thanks, friends!
Do the guacamole/avocado dip and apple slices get mushy and brown by lunch time? If not, do you just use lemon juice, or do you have a better trick? I have been afraid to put these things in my son’s lunch box.
Hi, Jennifer. Here’s a little trick to help with that issue, which is due to oxygen exposure (oxidation). By squeezing a little lemon juice or lime juice on top of the guacamole, you will help to reduce the oxidation process and thereby reduce the browning effect. Since lemon juice doesn’t taste so good on apple slices, a delicious and effective way to help reduce browning in apples is to toss them with some pineapple juice. This will help reduce the browning and give them a nice sweet flavor. I hope this helps! Lots of blessings, Kelly 🙂
Mmm. Thank you. I have to try the apples in pineapple juice myself. Right
now. Thank you for such a quick reply!
My pleasure! 🙂
I have a quetion, where did you purchased the containers that fit in the lunch box? I have been trying to find something like that for my house.
Hi, Holly. That is actually a complete system that comes just like you see it. They come in all kinds of colors that kids love. You can find details on Amazon http://amzn.to/1n3BbBk (aff.link) or at the Laptop Lunches website. My boys have had these lunch boxes for 8 years and they are awesome!! 🙂