Staff Picks: Our Writers Share Their Favorite Back-to-School Recipes

Fall means back-to-school. And with that comes the eternal question: what’s for lunch?  Between early mornings and packed schedules, finding meals that are both quick and delicious can feel like a major assignment. That’s why we gathered our favorite back-to-school recipes that will energize you in a pinch. Get ready to grab your apron!

1. Chicken Caesar Salad - Lindsay

This dish is so light and refreshing, and you can dress it up or down in so many different ways. I also love how simple, convenient, and healthy it is! Bonus if you make the Caesar dressing from scratch, too!  So yum and always hits the spot! 

2. Sliced Apple with Peanut Butter and Granola - Ayanna

This snack is super simple but tastes amazing. It is kind of like a dessert, but healthy. I like using Honeycrisp apples because they stay crunchy even after sitting in my bag for a few hours. Plus, the peanut butter keeps me full, and the granola gives it that perfect crunch. Sometimes I’ll add a drizzle of honey or a few chocolate chips if I’m craving something sweet. It’s easy to make, easy to pack, and honestly, my go-to when I need a quick energy boost during the school day.

3. Carne Asada-Inspired Street Tacos - Lauren

A favorite back-to-school recipe that is not only easy but also really tasty is my take on carne asada steak tacos. Now, before you say, “That sounds complicated,” it’s actually very simple. The only real cooking aspect of this dish involves preparing the steak. Once the meat is prepared, all that’s left to do is top your tacos with yummy toppings of your choice. For this recipe, I use a cut of steak called carne picada, which means chopped or minced steak pieces. This cut is super quick to cook and is found at any grocery store or Mexican supermarket near you. I add the chopped steak to a greased pan on medium-high heat and season it with my favorite Mexican flavors like cumin, chili, and more. I cook it for about 7 to 10 minutes, and just like that, the hardest part is done! Now on to the base and topping. I use the yellow corn street taco tortillas and toast them for a minute or two in the same pan to soak up the delicious meat flavor. Last but not least, I like to dress my tacos with fresh cilantro, diced white onion, a squeeze of lime, and green salsa. But the great part about tacos is that you can top them with whatever you like. And there you have it, my easy, quick, and delicious carne asada taco recipe that’s perfect during school time. 

4. Vanilla Yogurt with (Lots of) Honey - Cove

A bowl of vanilla yogurt with honey is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings while also fueling you for long hours of studying. Whenever I get back home after school, one of my favorite things to make is a semi-yogurt parfait. By that I mean a bowl of vanilla or plain Greek yogurt drizzled with lots of honey. This dish isn't just super easy to make—as it just uses pre-made materials—it's also delicious and filling. After enjoying a bowl of this snack, I always feel more motivated and prepared to tackle those tedious assignments. Plus, this snack is highly customizable, so you could add all the toppings your heart desires. My personal tip is to add raspberries, sliced banana, and even sometimes granola. Yum!

Whether you’re powering through homework, prepping for a big game, or just craving something comforting after a long day, we hope you enjoy our beloved back-to-school recipes. After all, they have proven to us to be delicious, easy, and just what you need after a long day of class.

Thumbnail Credit:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/fruits-and-bread-on-yellow-plastic-containers-5971975/