Looking for menu planning inspiration? In this article, we’ll look at an extensive list of Nursery/Reception menu ideas for Summer.
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.
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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 Summer in your Nursery/Reception kitchen in the UK.
1. Rainbow Veggie Wraps: Colorful wraps filled with a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, and lettuce. Served with a side of hummus for dipping.
2. Cheesy Zucchini Fritters: Grated zucchini mixed with whole wheat flour, eggs, and grated cheese, then pan-fried until golden brown. Served with a side of homemade tomato sauce.
3. Summer Berry Parfait: Layers of Greek yogurt, mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), and granola. A nutritious and refreshing dessert option.
4. Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad: Whole wheat pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Served chilled.
5. Mini Vegetable Quiches: Mini quiches made with a mixture of eggs, milk, and a variety of chopped vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Baked until golden and served with a side of mixed greens.
6. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Served with a side of steamed seasonal vegetables.
7. Summer Vegetable Stir-Fry: A medley of seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, snap peas, and corn, stir-fried with a light soy sauce and served over brown rice.
8. Watermelon Pizza: Slices of watermelon topped with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of granola. A fun and healthy twist on traditional pizza.
9. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos: Soft tortillas filled with mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. Served with a side of salsa and avocado slices.
10. Veggie and Cheese Quesadillas: Whole wheat tortillas filled with a mixture of sautéed vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms) and melted cheese. Served with a side of homemade guacamole.
11. Summer Vegetable Soup: A light and flavorful soup made with seasonal vegetables such as courgettes, tomatoes, and green beans, simmered in a vegetable broth. Served with whole grain bread.
12. Mini Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce: Bite-sized turkey meatballs made with lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and herbs, baked and served with a side of homemade marinara sauce and whole wheat spaghetti.
13. Corn and Tomato Salad: Fresh corn kernels and cherry tomatoes tossed with a light vinaigrette dressing, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. A refreshing and colorful side dish.
14. Mini Salmon Cakes: Flaked salmon mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs, then pan-fried until crispy. Served with a side of steamed broccoli and lemon wedges.
15. Summer Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits such as melons, berries, and grapes, tossed with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of mint leaves. A refreshing and hydrating dessert option
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 |
