The end of summer is near, and that means it's time for the new school year. Busy parents who are new to a vegetarian diet may wonder, "What the heck am I going to feed my child?" if easy meals, like deli meat sandwiches, are no longer an option.
The good news is that it's just as easy to whip up delicious—and might I add, healthier—vegetarian lunches.
One foolproof route is using mock meats to replace the real thing in all your favorite recipes. It can be as simple as using faux-meat deli slices on a sandwich, or you can use mock chicken to create a salad, like the mock chicken salad recipe below, that can be eaten with crackers, over a bed of lettuce, or between slices of bread.
Mock meats aren't something you want to serve every day—variety is key to obtaining all the nutrients we need—but they are a great idea for people who are making the transition to a veg diet and for little ones who want to fit in with friends.
If you're in need of more lunch ideas, check out the VegCooking feature "Pack a Lunch With Punch" for easy lunches, and best of all, no recipes required! Also, stay tuned to VegCooking because we will have more back-to-school lunch ideas and a back-to-school contest very soon!
Mock Chicken Salad
16 oz. mock chicken strips, cooked and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 stalk celery, diced
1/3 cup minced green onions
1 cup vegan mayonnaise
1 tsp. mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
•In a bowl, combine the "chicken," lemon juice, celery, and onions.
•Stir in the vegan mayonnaise and the mustard.
•Season with salt and pepper.
•Chill and serve.
Makes 4 cups
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Comments ( 5 )
Can I assume it's okay to add things such as grapes, chopped apple or walnuts to this? Sounds great...chicken salad was one of my favorites before I became a vegetarian!
Posted by BullyDawg | August 27, 2008 10:57 AM
Posted on August 27, 2008 10:57
Whoops, one question...I haven't tried the faux-mayos yet. What's the shelf life of vegan mayo (and fridge life)? And any specific brands someone can recommend?
Posted by BullyDawg | August 27, 2008 10:59 AM
Posted on August 27, 2008 10:59
Which mock chicken strips do you use?
Posted by Krista | August 27, 2008 11:02 AM
Posted on August 27, 2008 11:02
Vegenaise by Follow Your Heart is our favorite. Found in the refrigerated section and it lasts quite a while, really. I've had one in my fridge for several months, and it doesn't expire until Dec. '08.
Posted by Greta | August 27, 2008 2:51 PM
Posted on August 27, 2008 14:51
is it real chicken?
Posted by Anonymous | September 3, 2008 9:16 PM
Posted on September 3, 2008 21:16