It’s that time of year already! It’s time to go back to school… for some of you, anyway. I’m far too old for that now. But that strange feeling in the air will never go away! Whether you’re in need of some nourishment between classes or just need some new meal prep ideas for the back pocket, I’ve got you covered. These vegan back to school meal ideas are nutritious and delicious!
You can watch the video of me making these recipes here.
I’m using 2 easy and convenient products from Yves Veggie Cuisine for these ideas. You can prep them at the beginning of the week and pack up each day before you head out the door. Thanks to Yves Veggie Cuisine for sponsoring this post! I used the Yves falafels to make a falafel bowl with roasted cauliflower, and vegan tzatziki and the Yves kale & quinoa bites to make some delicious lettuce wraps with lemon aioli.
Yves Veggie Cuisine products are available across North America and can be found in the produce or deli section of your local grocery store. These Canadian made products have been around since the 80’s and was the brand that helped me transition to a vegetarian diet when I was a teenager. They’ve been satisfying my meatless cravings every since! The entire line is vegan, non-gmo, low in saturated fat, and contains no artificial preservatives, flavours or colours. You’ll even be able to find some gluten-free offerings, too.
Now, let’s get to the recipes!
falafel bowls with roasted cauliflower & vegan tzatziki
These falafel bowls are easy to devour throughout the week thanks to these tasty and convenient ready-to-eat falafel balls from Yves Veggie Cuisine!
Ingredients
pickled red cabbage
- 4 C shredded cabbage (best to use a mandolin to get long shreds)
- 4 C warm water
- 1 C apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
roasted cauliflower
- 8 C cauliflower florets (about 1 larger sized head of cauliflower)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
falafel bowls
- 1 pkg Yves Veggie Cuisine Falafels (4 to 5 falafels per bowl)
- 6 C baby spinach (2 cups per bowl)
- 1 C finely chopped parsley (1/3 cup per bowl)
- 1 vine tomato, sliced into thin wedges (4 wedges per bowl)
- 1 C thinly sliced red onion (1/3 cup per bowl)
- 1 C diced cucumber (1/3 cup per bowl)
- 1/3 C pickled cabbage per bowl
- 1 C vegan tzatziki
Instructions
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To make the pickled cabbage combine everything in a large mixing bowl or container that has a lid. Refrigerate it for at least 12 to 14 hours.
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For the roasted cauliflower preheat the oven to 450°F.
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Toss the cauliflower florets in a large bowl with the olive oil and spices until coated well and lay out in an even layer onto a baking sheet.
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Bake for 25 minutes or until nicely roasted with colour.
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With 15 minutes left in baking time place falafels on another baking sheet and bake on the bottom rack of the oven until time is up.
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Prepare the vegan tzatziki in advance and have all your veggies sliced and diced as well. You can assemble the bowls individually in to-go containers. Leave the tzatziki in a separate container or small jar and add right before serving.
Recipe Notes
These meals will get you through 5 days in a row, since the falafels bowls make 3 servings and the lettuce wraps make 2 servings!
kale & quinoa bite lettuce wraps
These lettuce wraps have a hearty filling made from Yves Veggie Cuisine Kale & Quinoa Bites and crunchy cucumber, cauliflower, and pickled cabbage.
Ingredients
lemon aioli
- 1 C vegan mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
kale & quinoa bite filling
- 1/2 C finely diced red onion
- 1 pkg Yves Veggie Cuisine Kale & Quinoa Bites, crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
lettuce wraps
- 1 C diced cucumber
- 1/2 C finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 C finely chopped dill
- 6 large leaves of boston lettuce
- leftover roasted cauliflower (finely chopped (about 2/3 C)
- 2/3 C pickled cabbage
Instructions
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Prepare the lemon aioli by combining everything in a bowl or jar until well combined and refrigerate.
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For the filling heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion in oil for 2 minutes until softened.
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Add the crumbled kale & quinoa bites and spread out in an even layer allowing them to brown for 2 to 3 minutes and then toss. Don’t toss around too much or the crumbles won’t brown up nicely. It will take about 8 minutes to cook and brown up thoroughly.
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For the other components of the lettuce wraps combine the parsley and dill together and chop up the roasted cauliflower into smaller pieces.
Recipe Notes
If bringing lettuce wraps to work or school leave lettuce apart from the filling ingredients and keep the aioli in a smaller container or jar. Assemble the wraps as you eat!
If serving immediately you can prepare the lettuce wraps with some pickled cabbage on the lettuce, roasted cauliflower, the crumbled filling mixture, cucumber, herbs, and a drizzle of sauce or dip the wrap into the sauce while eating.
