Fattoush

This classic Middle Eastern salad makes a crunchy light side dish or lunchbox filler- it’s sprinkled with sumac, mint and parsley

Chicken gumbo

A low-fat Creole-inspired okra and green pepper stew with cayenne, paprika, cumin and thyme

Moroccan chickpea soup

This low-fat soup is packed with storecupboard pulses, healthy grains and North African spice- use cumin, ras el hanout, ginger and cinnamon

Japanese-style bento box

This Asian-inspired lunchbox with mackerel sushi, edamame beans and fresh fruit will keep you going all afternoon

Vietnamese chicken baguettes (Bhan Mi)

Stuff your sandwich with chicken, carrot, cucumber, spring onion and sweet chilli dressing for Asian zing

Black bean chimichurri salad

This simple lunchbox-friendly salad of storecupboard pulses is dressed with chimichurri- a South American parsley, coriander and chilli sauce

Pizza pasta salad

Layer up pasta with sundried tomato pesto, salami, olives, plum tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil in this clever lunchbox mix

Fish cake fingers

Put your aprons on and get kids cooking! These salmon and mackerel fingers will teach kids mashing, flaking and rolling skills

Fennel Dauphinoise

Potatoes gratin is a French bistro classic and this creamy version for two has mild aniseedy flavour from added fennel

Lebanese poussin with spiced aubergine pilaf

This Middle Eastern-style meal makes a decadent supper for two- serve your young chickens with a spicy and aromatic rice accompaniment