Looking for menu planning inspiration? In this article, we’ll look at an extensive list of Nursery/Reception menu ideas for Spring.
Want help planning out your menus? We’ve created a Nursery/Reception menu planner that you can use to store meal ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
Contents
In the busy rooms of preschools, beyond the pastel-colored walls and amidst the laughter and playful chatters, there lies an aspect often overlooked, yet paramount to a child’s holistic development: meal planning. At this tender age, children are not just absorbing experiences, numbers and alphabets; they are forming habits, preferences, and relationships with food that will significantly impact their lifelong health and well-being. In these formative years, the significance of intentional, nutritious, and diverse meal planning cannot be overstated. By prioritizing this essential element, educators and caregivers are not merely feeding young bodies, but also nourishing young minds, fortifying their future and setting them on a path of wellness, discovery, and a positive relationship with food. Let’s look at some examples of healthy, cost-effective meals, using local seasonal ingredients, that you can put on the menu for children during Spring in your Nursery/Reception kitchen in the UK.
1. Spring Veggie Pasta: A colorful pasta dish made with whole wheat pasta, sautéed spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, and carrots, tossed in a light tomato sauce.
2. Rainbow Salad Wraps: A fun and nutritious meal consisting of whole wheat tortilla wraps filled with a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, grated carrots, and lettuce, served with a side of hummus for dipping.
3. Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake: A delicious and healthy casserole made with steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets, mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs, and baked until golden and bubbly.
4. Spring Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick and easy stir-fry dish using seasonal vegetables such as sugar snap peas, baby corn, and spring onions, cooked in a light soy sauce and served with brown rice.
5. Mini Quiches with Spinach and Feta: Bite-sized quiches made with a whole wheat crust, filled with a mixture of sautéed spinach, feta cheese, and eggs, baked until golden and fluffy.
6. Spring Vegetable Soup: A comforting and nutritious soup made with seasonal vegetables like leeks, carrots, and peas, simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth and served with whole grain bread.
7. Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill: A healthy and omega-3 rich meal featuring baked salmon fillets seasoned with fresh lemon juice, dill, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs, served with steamed new potatoes and green beans.
8. Spring Vegetable Frittata: A versatile and protein-packed dish made with eggs, sautéed spring vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, baked until set and served with a side salad.
9. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers loaded with marinated chicken breast chunks, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions, grilled to perfection and served with a side of whole wheat couscous.
10. Spring Berry Parfait: A nutritious and refreshing dessert made with layers of Greek yogurt, mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, and a sprinkle of granola for added crunch.
11. Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry: A mild and flavorful curry made with sweet potatoes, lentils, and seasonal vegetables like spinach and peas, served with brown rice or whole wheat naan bread.
12. Spring Vegetable Pizza: A homemade pizza topped with a variety of seasonal vegetables like artichokes, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, sprinkled with low-fat cheese and baked until crispy.
13. Mini Turkey Meatballs with Tomato Sauce: Bite-sized turkey meatballs made with lean ground turkey, mixed with grated zucchini and carrots, baked and served with a homemade tomato sauce and whole wheat spaghetti.
14. Spring Vegetable and Cheese Quesadillas: Whole wheat tortillas filled with a mixture of sautéed spring vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn, along with a sprinkle of low-fat cheese, grilled until crispy.
15. Baked Chicken Nuggets with Sweet Potato Fries: Homemade chicken nuggets made with lean chicken breast, coated in whole wheat breadcrumbs, baked until golden, and served with baked sweet potato fries.
These meal ideas incorporate seasonal vegetables and ingredients commonly found in the UK during spring, ensuring a healthy and cost-effective menu for kindergarten children
Click the button above to get our planner that can be used to store menu ideas, take notes and plan your term meals.
| Location | UK |
|---|---|
| Diet | Regular |
