5 Easy School Lunches with a Touch of Spanish Flavor

If your kids are already bored of peanut butter and jelly, try out these easy lunches with a touch of Spanish flavor. 

These can be made the night before and be sent to school with your child as leftovers, or you can put them together in the morning before sending your little one out the door.

1 Chorizo in a Blanket

Swap out the usual hot dog or cocktail weenie for chorizo! If your child is adventurous or likes a bit of heat with their food, they’ll love chorizo. Slice up the sausage and wrap in store bought puff pastry and cook in the oven or air fryer. Choose the type of chorizo that is pre-cooked to cut down on prep time. Pair with cool, sweet fruits like watermelon or grapes on the side.

2 Oven Baked Taquitos

You may have tried chicken taquitos from the freezer aisle, but with this homemade version, you can control the ingredients and ratios. To get started, buy a pack of 8” tortillas and simply fill with your child’s favorites: chicken and cheese, rice and beans, or ground beef. Cook the filling with Spanish spice like paprika for color and flavor. Then, place the tortillas in an ovenproof dish and spray with cooking spray. Bake at 400° until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

3 Kids’ Charcuterie Board

Call this a deconstructed sandwich, or a mini charcuterie board! Slice tortillas in fours and place in your child’s lunchbox. Include all of their favorite sandwich toppings like ham and cheese or mix it up and add some of the chorizo along with manchego cheese. Add almonds and melon pieces to make them feel like a real grown up.

4 Bocadillo de jamón

This is a fancy name for a ham sandwich! But it has the addition of tasty toppings like Spanish manchego cheese, tomato slices, and pitted black olives. You can even rub olive oil, garlic, and sliced tomato on the bread to add extra flavor. 

5 Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna is a favorite ingredient in Spain and you’ll find it in sandwiches and hot pastas. This pasta salad could be served hot or cold (throw an ice pack into the lunchbox to keep it cool). It’s also super simple and if you have an older child, they can help you make it. Boil your favorite shaped pasta, and while it cooks, slice up cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Once the pasta has cooled, mix in mayonnaise (enough to coat the pasta but not soak it), a can of tuna (drained), and your toppings. Easy!