Back to school and work lunchbox ideas (part two!)

Our four-part lunchbox ideas series is here to help take the hassle out of your morning routine. It features some of our favourite lunchbox-friendly recipes from past issues, all in one place. Happy eating!

Lunchbox fillers:

• Caprese sandwich (recipe below)
• Choc date Bliss balls (recipe below)
• Popcorn
• Trail mix

Lunchbox recipes: 

Caprese Sandwich (Serves 4)

• 1–2 large ripe tomatoes, thickly sliced
• drizzle of olive oil
• drizzle of balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 baguette or 4 bread rolls
• 100g / 3.5oz pesto*
• 200g / 7.05oz baby mozzarella, torn
• a few fresh basil leaves

What to do:

1. Slice the tomatoes. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate for a few minutes.
2. Slice the baguette or bread rolls in half.
3. Spread one side of the bread with the pesto, and then layer on the mozzarella.
4. Layer on the marinated tomatoes and the fresh basil leaves before popping on the sandwich’s lid.

Choc Date Bliss Balls

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 2 cups pitted dates, if using packet dates. soak in warm water for a few minutes
• 1 cup shredded or desiccated coconut
• 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut for rolling in

What to do:

1. Add almonds to blender and pulse until, they have the appearance of coarse breadcrumbs.
2. Add each ingredient one at a time, and wait until combined before adding the next.
3. Once final mixture is combined. roll into balls. If it isn't sticking together. Add a couple of extra dates. 
4. Roll the balls in coconut or your choice of coating.

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The Caprese Sandwich recipe was originally published in Lunch Lady Issue 13. Recipes by Amber Rossouw and photography by Lisa Sorgini.

The Choc Date Bliss Balls recipe was originally published in Lunch Lady Issue 1. Recipe by Kate Berry.

For more lunch box ideas see part one and part three and part four.