This lunchbox recipe features orzo pasta, avocados, olives, cucumbers, pine nuts, and feta cheese. Read on for the recipe as well as 10 back-to-school nutrition tips.
Disclosure: I created this recipe for the California Avocado Commission and was compensated for the recipe and social media outreach. All opinions are solely my own. For more avocado recipes, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com.
- Serves: 6
- Serving size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- 8 oz. dried orzo pasta
- 2 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, seeded, peeled, and diced into ½-in. pieces
- 4 Tbsp. lemon juice, divided
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and cut into quarters
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ English cucumber, diced into ½-in. pieces
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water until the pasta cools, drain again, and transfer to a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, gently toss the avocados in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Add the avocados, lemon zest, olives, feta, cucumber, pine nuts and dill into the pasta and mix to combine. Add the remaining lemon juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
 Now that your kids are back in school, get back in the daily routine of adding great nutrition to your family’s diet. My A-plus tips and tricks will get you started.
1. Get Your Zzzzzs
2. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
3. Plan Together
4. Pack Ahead
5. Think Balance:
6. Add Eye Appeal to Lunchboxes
7. Choose Whole Grains
8. Stay Hydrated
9. Smart Snacking
10. Be a Positive Role Model
What are your best back-to-school nutrition tips?
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Protein at breakfast. And a veggie and fruit are required if having hot lunch at school.