June 26, 2023
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Learn how to pack this healthy lunch idea quickly and read the tips to keep this bento fresh until lunchtime!
Fun Stoplight Bento Box with Fruit & Veggie
Kids love colorful lunches. Busy moms love healthy and quick meal ideas we can pack in 5 minutes. Meaning: this Stoplight Bento Box with fruit and veggies is a win-win!
Sometimes bentos are not the whole meal but a great way to pack veggies and fruit for more substance and keep kids full longer. And if there’s a simple way to make kids eat more veggies and fruits, I’m sure you’re in!
This colorful bento snack box is perfect to supplement a simple sandwich or an uncrustable for a varied and complete meal that kids will have fun eating.
What is in Stoplight Bento
This veggies and fruit bento box will get a green light from busy moms and hungry little bellies.
Here is what you need to build a bright stoplight bento box:
- Red: red bell pepper is perfect for snacking! Cherry tomatoes are another convenient -and red- option.
- Yellow / Orange: I include orange slices, but you can add your child’s favorite orange or yellow fruit, like tangerine, apricot, peach, pineapple, mango, etc.
- Green: shelled edamame, a terrific source of protein, vitamins, and fiber. No edamame? Swap it for classic peas.
You’ll find the measurements in the recipe card below.
How to pack Fruit & Veggie Stoplight Bento for lunch
Learn how to assemble the ingredients of this stoplight bento correctly so it’s fresh and appealing until lunchtime.
Here is how I packed this lunch:
- Prep the RED peppers
Wash and slice the red bell pepper. Place it inside a lunchbox container. - Add ORANGE fruit
Slice an orange and pack the slices in a separate compartment. - Pack the GREEN edamame
Rinse the shelled frozen edamame under water and pack it inside another compartment. The edamame will thaw by lunch.
Tips for a perfect bento box with fruits and veggies
Separate
Like real stoplights, you’ll want to keep every color separate. Placing each fruit or veggie inside its own lunch box compartment will keep ingredients fresh and give it the ultimate visual appeal. See my top tried-and-true lunch containers for young kids here.
Add a dip
In this bento idea, I like to include hummus or peanut butter. Pack it in a small lidded container to keep it from spilling.
Slice veggies and fruit ahead
You don’t have to worry about slicing veggies while you wake up the kids, make some coffee and dress up! Slice veggies and fruits ahead, and store them in the lunchboxes or separate containers to be ready for use when needed.
Fruit & Veggie Stoplight Bento
Ingredients
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small orange, sliced
- ½ cup shelled edamame, thawed
Instructions
- Wash and slice the red bell pepper. Place it inside a lunchbox container.
- Rinse the shelled frozen edamame under water and pack it inside another compartment. The edamame will thaw by lunch.
- Slice an orange and pack the slices in a separate compartment.
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