Pasta Salad

School time lunches for the kids.

This means they're out of your hair and the house is yours again, but it also means a return to the grind of finding something fun, healthy and tasty for those packed lunches every morning.

Why not kick-start the new school term with some fresh and healthy alternatives for the school lunchbox?

To help out, we've compiled three quick and easy lunch time options based on bread, pita and pasta that are delicious, as well as nutritious. These are so appetising you'll probably want them for your own lunch as well.

Getting children used to enjoying healthy lunch choices is a great way to shape their future eating habits and long-term health, especially important with child obesity and related health problems on the rise.

You can rest assured that these three lunchbox treats will give your youngsters a nutritious and enjoyable alternative to the age-old jam sandwich.

The good news is that bread is a great foundation for what goes into your children's lunchbox. Delicious multi-grain breads, wholemeal pitas and wholegrain rolls are healthy options that give your child physical energy and mental fuel to keep them active and alert throughout the school day.

Grain-based foods such as bread contain essential vitamins and minerals and provide the body with healthy carbohydrates, the main source of energy for physical activity, healthy growth and good brain function. That's why official dietary guidelines list breads and cereals as one of the food groups we should eat most often.

How many servings?
A healthy diet should contain at least four serves of 'breads and cereals' each day. Examples of one serve are two slices of bread, one cup of cooked rice or pasta, or just over a cup of flaked breakfast cereal.

If you try the recipes provided below, you'll be helping your family get to the recommended four plus servings of grain-based foods every day.

The pasta salad is a real break from lunchbox tradition, but nothing could be simpler or more nutritious for tasty lunch.

Pasta Salad

Serves 8
Preparation Time - 15 mins
Cooking Time - 15 mins

Ingredients:

250g farfalle pasta (bow shape)
1 small zucchini, grated
1 small carrot, peeled and grated
310g can corn kernels, drained and rinsed
½ cup low fat mayonnaise

Method:

1. Bring large saucepan of water to boil, add pasta, boil for 8 minutes or until cooked. Drain, place in large mixing bowl

2. Add zucchini, carrot, corn and mayonnaise, mix to combine

3. Pack in small plastic containers, accompany with fork


For more information on the health benefits of grains, and more delicious family favourite recipes visit Go Grains Health and Nutrition at www.gograins.com.au


Pita Pockets with Double Smoked Ham and Avocado www.femail.com.au/pita-pockets-ham-avocado.htm
Marinated Chicken Club Sandwich www.femail.com.au/gg-marinated-chicken-club-sandwich.htm
Pasta Salad www.femail.com.au/gg-pasta-salad.htm