Spanish food is filled with delicious flavors and spices, and regardless of what recipe you’re making, it’s guaranteed to be more exciting for a school lunch than a sad sandwich and bag of chips. If you want to give your kids something heartier and more delicious to enjoy during their lunchtime, building a list of easy Spanish recipes is the way to go. The best part about each of these recipes is their meal versatility. Whether it’s a simple Spanish rice and beans, arroz con pollo, or a garlicky lemon shrimp, many of these recipes can be enjoyed for dinner the night before and repurposed for school lunch the next day.
Alternatively, you’ve also got options that can quickly be whipped up in the morning before your kids are out the door. Get out of the basic school lunch routine and send your kids to school with something all the other kids in the cafeteria will envy by using our guide to 12 easy Spanish recipes for school lunch.
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Mushroom Croquettes
Credit: www.cilantroandcitronella.com
These crispy croquettes are jam-packed with meaty mushrooms and luscious bechamel sauce for a tasty tapas party, and can also be easily packed up in your kid’s lunchbox and taken to school the next day.
3h 15m 
440 calories
Easy
Visit the page to learn more: Mushroom Croquettes.
Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Parsley
Credit: www.spainonafork.com
This shrimp recipe is incredibly simple and full of flavors your kids will love. Pack some crunchy slices of baguette in their lunchbox to go along with it.
15 minutes 200 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Parsley.
Tomato and Butter Bean Dip
Credit: www.freshoffthegrid.com
Pack a bag of pita chips in your kids’ lunchbox to go along with this deeply flavorful and simple tomato and butter bean dip.
20 minutes 147 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Tomato and Butter Bean Dip.
Chicken Empanadas
Credit: foodwithfeeling.com
The chicken filling here is simple and tasty, and your kids will love having these fun handheld treats for lunch.
30 minutes 250 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Chicken Empanadas.
Spanish-Style Meatballs
Credit: www.azgrabaplate.com
These meatballs are just the right size to fit in a lunchbox, and make for a hearty lunch that will keep your kids full until dinnertime.
1h 00m 350 calories Easy
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Spanish-Style Meatballs.
Tortilla Espanola
Credit: www.savvyeat.com
Make this tortilla espanola for your next Sunday brunch, but don’t forget to cut a few slices and set them aside for your kids to take to school the next day for an impressive and delicious lunch.
30 minutes 200 calories Easy
Visit the page to learn more: Tortilla Espanola.
Pan-Fried Spanish Cauliflower
Credit: www.justalittlebitofbacon.com
Crispy cauliflower florets make for a light and tasty lunch, or a satisfying side for a sandwich or soup.
30 minutes 200 calories Easy
Visit the page to learn more: Pan-Fried Spanish Cauliflower.
Spanish Rice and Beans
Credit: www.liveeatlearn.com
This rice dish comes together quickly and makes for a great dinner side dish on one night, and a protein-packed school lunch for your kids the next day.
27 minutes 359 calories Easy
Visit the page to learn more: Spanish Rice and Beans.
Spanish Rice with Ground Beef
Credit: www.tasteofhome.com
Make this hearty rice dish the night before your kids take it to school, since the flavors will deepen while it sits in the refrigerator overnight.
35 minutes 304 calories Easy
Visit the page to learn more: Spanish Rice with Ground Beef.
Veggie-Packed Spanish Rice
Credit: ohmyveggies.com
The best part about this Spanish rice dish is it can be loaded up with all of your kids’ favorite veggies, ensuring they get plenty of healthy nutrients in their school lunch.
45 minutes 200 calories Easy
Visit the page to learn more: Veggie-Packed Spanish Rice.
Lunchbox Spanish Omelette
Credit: www.myfussyeater.com
You may not think of an omelette when you think of what to pack in your kids’ lunchbox, but this one is packed with tasty veggies, is a great finger food, and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
8 minutes 235 calories Easy
Visit the page to learn more: Lunchbox Spanish Omelette.
Arroz Con Pollo
Credit: www.yellowblissroad.com
This traditional Spanish rice dish may not seem like a school lunch staple, but give it a chance. Just pull the chicken off the bone, mix it in with the rice, and box it up for a school lunch winner.
1h 00m 285 calories Easy
Visit the page to learn more: Arroz Con Pollo.
