Back to school season is about as fun as realising you’re on the last episode of your latest Netflix obsession — with no new season in sight.
Whether you’re starting the new year super organised (new uniforms, tick; new backpacks, tick; new positive attitude about your little one’s frenemy, hmmm) or feel like you’re barely treading water already (seriously, when is Easter?) we’ve got just the ticket for a smooth-sailing week: three quick and easy (no, really) lunchbox meals that the kids will love.
First up, a ham and guacamole wrap. Tasty and ready in T-minus five = our kinda lunch. Next, a cold ham and veggie pasta salad which you can easily tweak to suit the veggies you’ve got in the fridge. And finally mini bacon and veggie frittatas aka the gift that keep on giving as you can bake a batch, eat them, freeze them, or snack on them yourself.
Not only are all the dishes easy, they’re adaptable to what you have in the fridge. They also use DON All Natural ham and bacon, which are free from artificial ingredients, colours, flavours and preservatives. One less thing to worry about this school year.
Recipes
Ham and guacamole wrap
Makes 4
Ingredients
1 avocado
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tomato, diced
130g can corn kernels, drained
1 tbsp snipped chives
4 sheets mountain bread (or 4 wraps of choice)
100g DON All Natural Honey Sliced Leg Ham
Method
Mash avocado in a medium bowl, stir in lime juice and season to taste. Mix tomato, corn and chives together in another bowl to make salsa.
Spread ¼ of guacamole lengthways along one edge of a mountain bread sheet. Spoon over ¼ of salsa and top with ham slices. Roll up tightly to enclose filling. Repeat to make 4 wraps.
Cut in half and wrap side by side in a strip of folded baking paper, tucking loose end underneath to secure.
Ham and veggie pasta salad
Serves 4
Ingredients
200g macaroni (or short pasta of choice)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1tbsp Dijon Mustard
400g can butter beans, rinsed, drained
1/2 cup chopped green beans
1/2 cup roasted capsicum strips, drained
250g cherry tomatoes, halved
100g DON All Natural English Style Sliced Leg Ham, diced
1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Method
Cook pasta in a large pan of boiling salted water following packet instructions, until al dente; drain. Rinse pasta under cold water and drain well. Transfer to a large bowl.
Stir mayonnaise and mustard through pasta.
Stir in butter beans, green beans, capsicum, tomato and ham. Sprinkle with parmesan. Season to taste.
Tip: for quick gluten free rice salad instead, swap cooked pasta for a 250g packet of instant microwave brown rice
Bacon and broccoli frittatas
Makes 12
Ingredients
6 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 cups small broccoli florets (1 small head broccoli)
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
3 x DON All Natural Short Cut Bacon Rashers, chopped finely
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line a 12-hole ( ½ cup) muffin tray with paper muffin cases.
Whisk eggs and milk together in a large jug. Season.
Divide broccoli florets and peas evenly between muffins cases. Top up with egg mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon
Bake for 20 minutes, or until slightly puffed up and completely set in the middle. Stand for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tip: Freeze frittatas in a snap lock bag for up to 1 month.
Brought to you by DON All Natural. Flavoursome all-natural ham and bacon products that are better for you.
