There’s two things I can always count on getting my little one to eat. Beans and rice! In fact, she takes her beans and rice plain. No salt. No ‘spice’… just a sprinkle of cheese and she’s done. She has been that way with beans and rice for her entire life.

Though it’s not my way of eating them, I’m more than happy to oblige her with this small request. Thankfully, corn and mandarine oranges are two more things that are on the top of her ‘will always eat’ list. What does that give you? A fun tex-mex lunch idea!

This is another meatless and gluten-free lunch option for the kiddies. Of course, if there isn’t a re-heating option available at your child’s lunch time, then this may not be the best of lunch ideas.

Although, my little girl would eat this hot or cold without question.

I’ve used a combination of black beans and quinoa to give a nice boost to protein in this meal, to make up for the fact that there isn’t any meat. Plant based proteins for the win!

If your little one isn’t a fan of pico, you could always swap that out for a mild salsa or some halved cherry tomatoes and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Yum!

Still not a fan? Just garnish with some cilantro.

Lily’s Lunch Box (Week 5) – Tex-Mex
TheSkinnyFork.com

The Skinny:
Servings: 1 • Size: 1 Lunch Box • Calories: 268.4 • Fat: 4.4 g • Carb: 51.6 g • Fiber: 9.1 g • Protein: 14.2 g • Sugar: 4.5 g • Sodium: 397.1 mg

Ingredients:
1/2 C. Reduced Sodium Black Beans, Drained & Rinsed
1/2 C. Whole Kernel Corn
1/4 C. Quinoa & Rice Mix, Cooked (I used a whole grain medley.)
1 Tbsp. Fresh Pico
1 Tbsp. Reduced Fat 2% Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
1 Mandarine Orange, Peeled

Directions:

Pack neatly and seat in an airtight container.

This can be served either as a cold lunch or warmed for a bit in a microwave if available.