Quick and easy lunch box recipes

Oct 12 2010

Making a packed lunch every day can mean you run out of ideas before you know it, especially if –like most mums – you're a bit pushed for time. Luckily, Bernard Matthews Farms cooked meat products such as Turkey Breast Slices and Roast Turkey Breast Chunks are also a healthier choice – typically under 3% fat- tasty, great value and incredibly versatile.

Here's a few, convenient lunch box ideas to get you started. And if that whets your appetite, you’ll more delicious turkey recipes for all occasions at Bernard Matthew Farms.

Turkey pasta salad

This a great way of using up leftovers. Simply mix cooked and drained pasta shapes with veg such as halved cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, diced carrot, red peppers and cucumber. Add a handful of chopped turkey, either from a leftover roast or Bernard Matthews Farms cooked Turkey Slices, and a quick dressing made from low-fat mayonnaise and yoghurt for an easy, tasty meal.

 Turkey wraps

Every child loves finger food, but this is also a good option if they're not quite able to use a knife and fork yet. Just spread a tortilla with grain mustard or low-fat mayonnaise, then layer with Bernard Matthews Farms Wafer Thin, Chunks or Sliced Turkey, lettuce, grated carrot, red pepper and cucumber. Wrap tightly, cut in half and it's ready to go.  

Turkey sandwich  

This might seem a little out of place on a list that's supposed to provide inspiration, but sandwiches don't have to be boring. There's a whole host of options apart from sliced white too – wholegrain or even pitta bread are great for a change. For fillings, you can use leftover roast turkey mixed with low-fat mayonnaise, sour cream or yoghurt, diced celery and walnuts (though check if your child's school allows nut first – many don't because of allergies). Cooked Sliced Turkey is really versatile too – try lettuce, grain mustard and tomato for a fun variation on the BLT. 

Turkey couscous

Coucous is a great standby food. To prepare, just add the same amount of boiling water as couscous to a bowl, give it a quick stir, cover and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Once it's ready, try mixing in cooked strips of turkey breast, mango, red peppers, honey and lemon juice for a fruity, zesty dish,  or sweated onion, carrot, celery and leftover roast turkey for something a little more traditional.    

For more great turkey recipes, visit Bernard Matthews Farms.