Packed Lunch Idea: Spinach, Dried Cranberry, and Chickpea Quesadilla with Guacamole and Black Bean Brownies

/ Kristen Yarker, MSc, RD Nutrtionist Victoria BC/
Spinach, Dried Cranberry, and Chickpea Quesadilla.jpg

Packing lunches. It's one of life's unrelenting chores. Perhaps that's why it's so easy to get stuck in a rut. 

This packed lunch idea is both kid-friendly and delicious for us adults too. Vegetarian and with gluten-free options, this lunch is a filling plant-based (meat-free) meal. 

In this lunch box we have:

  • Spinach, dried Cranberry, and chickpea quesadilla

  • Pineapple 

  • Celery (remove strings for kids under 5 years)

  • Guacamole (either store bought or homemade)

  • Homemade black bean brownies (vegan & gluten free)

Enjoy these recipes combined into one lunch or mix and match with your current favourites.

 

Spinach, Dried Cranberry, and Chickpea Quesadilla with Guacamole

Ingredients

  • 2 whole wheat tortillas (for a gluten-free option, choose corn tortillas)

  • 2 tsp mustard

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries

  • ½ cup spinach

  • ½ can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • Cheese (your favourite kind), sliced or grated (or use a cheese substitute for a vegan option)

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mash the chickpeas.

  2. Layer ingredients in between the tortillas.

  3. Warm a pan over medium heat. Cook quesadilla in the pan for 2 minutes, flipping once.

  4. Enjoy!

 

Homemade Guacamole

Ingredients

  • 1 large avocado

  • ¼ cup diced onion

  • ¼ cup diced tomatoes

  • ½ a lime – juiced

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Cut avocado in half. Scoop into a small bowl. Mash.

  2. Add remaining ingredients. Combine well.

  3. Enjoy!

 

Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 can black beans

  • ½ cup maple syrup

  • ½ cup rolled oats

  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)

  • ¼ cup coconut oil

Directions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  2. Grease a 9 inch x 9 inch baking pan.

  3. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Blend to combine.

  4. Pour into the pan. Bake for 16- 18 minutes.

  5. Enjoy!

Check-out more recipe ideas (including packed lunches): https://www.kristenyarker.com/recipes-1/ 

Recipe and Photo credit: Samantha Orr. 

Brownies inspired by: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/09/06/no-flour-black-bean-brownies/  

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