As August draws to an end, another school year beckons. The back-to-school period is an exciting time of year as students of all ages and their families prepare for the new academic year. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just yourself, planning wholesome and nutritious meals is a must during this hectic period. That’s why RiceSelect® is here to inspire you with delicious meals to help you make the best possible start to the new school year. So, let’s dive into the recipes!

Easy to Pack Lunch Recipes

Back-to-school is a busy time of year where everyone is on the go. Having a host of easy-to-carry lunch recipes in your repertoire will ensure you’re never short of inspiration when preparing lunches. If you’re looking for a lunch option that’s both wholesome and delicious, try this Goat Cheese and Veggie Rice Wrap. Packed with nutritious veggies, and easy to roll up and take with you on the go, it makes for the perfect packed lunch.

Soups to Go

Soup might not be the first meal that comes to mind when you’re planning your packed lunch. However, soup recipes are perfectly portable, as long as you use the right containers. Consider investing in a good-sized food thermos or soup canister before the back-to-school rush begins. That way, you can enjoy delicious soup recipes on your lunch break, such as this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.

Hearty Salad Recipes to Go

Never underestimate the power of the salad! They can be as hearty and versatile as you make them. If you’re looking for a salad recipe that will satisfy your cravings for something delicious and sustain you throughout the day, look no further than this Greek Orzo Salad. Made with RiceSelect® Tri-Color Orzo, it’s a pasta salad recipe bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Simply put, it will satisfy and energize in equal measure.

Likewise, this Green Goddess Pearl Couscous Salad is a salad you can depend on to keep you energized during a busy day’s schooling. RiceSelect®Pearl Couscous has a delicate, chewy texture, which makes it the perfect base for a hearty salad meal. Curious to learn how you can harness the power of couscous in your meals? Find out Everything You Need to Know about Couscous here.

Wholesome On-the-go Snacks with Quinoa

Snacks and bite-sized treats are essential items for a successful return to school. If you find yourself hitting a midday slump, it’s vital to have something delicious to snack on. But not just any snack will do! These Cranberry Quinoa Muffins are protein-packed and sweet to boot! Best of all, you can prepare a large batch in under 25 minutes and be well-stocked up for the week.

Alternatively, if you prefer savory snacks in the run-up to lunchtime, these Cheese and Jalapeño Quinoa Cakes with Roasted Garlic and Lemon Alioli are sure to satisfy those cravings. Ready in just 35 minutes, why not whip up a big batch to share with classmates on your first day back?

Quick Dinner Recipes for Back to School Season

So you’ve just had a hectic day getting back into the rhythm of the school routine, and you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy-to-make and comforting. But what to cook? Luckily, we’ve got just the recipes for you. This Couscous with Grilled Chicken and Apple is the perfect meal to prepare after a busy day’s learning. Made with succulent chicken and grilled apples, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful end-of-day dinner. Using couscous as a base is a wonderful way to cut down on cooking time without skimping on flavor. RiceSelect® Tri-Color Couscous is easy to cook and provides the perfect base to absorb all the flavors of this unique dish.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something refreshing and filling, try this Black Rice Power Bowl. Fruity, flavorful, and with the unique textural combination of black rice and chickpeas, this dish is the dinner you deserve at the end of a busy day. Best of all, it’s ready in just 20 minutes!

Back-to-School Cooking Hacks

Now that you've got plenty of recipes to inspire you, let’s take a look at some of the best kitchen hacks to help you make a smooth transition this back-to-school season.

  1. Batch cooking: Cooking in batches is a great way to save time on your midweek meal prep. Rice, quinoa, couscous, and orzo recipes are easy to cook in large batches and store for later consumption.

  2. Up your leftover game: We don’t always plan for leftovers, but they are inevitable. Don’t fret: with a little forethought you can repurpose leftover grains into the new meals for the next day. Check out our post on How to Make Delicious Dishes with Leftover Rice for inspiration.

  3. Make a meal plan: Get ahead of the game by drawing up a meal plan well in advance. Look at your schedule, anticipate which days will be busiest, and plan your lunch and dinner meals accordingly.

  4. Get the right equipment: Make sure you have an ample supply of containers of various sizes, thermos flasks, soup canisters, and freezer bags. Not having the right equipment may impede efficient meal prep.

  5. Get friends and family involved: If you’re prepping for little ones, make sure to get their input. Delegate tasks and encourage creativity and participation. If you’re college age and getting back into the rhythm of dorm life, make a cooking rota with like-minded foodie friends. That way, you can share recipes and cut the kitchen workload in half.

However you decide to do it, make the most of this truly special time of year. At RiceSelect® we believe that good food is something to be enjoyed even during the most hectic times of year. That’s why we’re committed to inspiring you with unique and varied food ideas all year round. For more expert advice and recipe ideas, be sure to check out our blog.