Protein-rich peanut butter is a staple at lunch time, but going beyond the usual peanut butter sandwich gives you new flavor options. Peanut butter works well in a variety of sauces and other dishes like soups and salads for a twist on the originals. Use all-natural, real peanut butter for the healthiest addition to your lunch menu.
Peanut Noodles
A bowl of peanut noodles is an Asian-inspired dish to add variety to your lunch menu. Soba and udon noodles are thicker Japanese noodles that work for this dish. Regular spaghetti also works. Choose whole-grain pasta for the greatest health benefits. A recipe from "Eating Well" magazine combines 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter with 2 tbsp. soy sauce and 1 1/2 tsp. of chile-garlic sauce to make the sauce for the noodles. Adjust the measurements and add other flavorings or sauces as desired to make a peanut sauce that appeals to you. Stir in reserved pasta liquid with the peanut sauce to make it the desired consistency. Stir the sauce in with the noodles, along with your choice of cooked vegetables, chicken or tofu.
Peanut Butter Soup
Peanut butter adds a creamy texture to soup broth while incorporating the nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Start with a basic vegetable soup recipe that uses either vegetable or chicken broth as the liquid. Options for the vegetables in the soup include onion, garlic, diced carrots, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, celery, bell pepper and canned or fresh tomatoes. Cook the selected vegetables in the vegetable or chicken broth until they are tender. Cooked chicken chunks are also an option for bulking up the soup. Stir in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, stirring it until it melts and blends in with the broth.
Sandwich Variations
Instead of the traditional peanut butter sandwich, try different variations in your lunchbox. Replace the bread with a tortilla or a pita. In place of the jelly, try bananas to accompany the peanut butter. For a creative sandwich, spread peanut butter on a whole-grain tortilla. Place a whole banana on the tortilla and roll it up.
Salad
Peanut butter is an option as the base of a homemade salad dressing for your lunch salad. Start with 3 to 4 tbsp. of creamy peanut butter. Add the same amount of sweetener in the form of either brown sugar or honey. Add 1/2 cup of vegetable or olive oil to thin the dressing. Additional seasoning options for the dressing include balsamic vinegar, cider vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley and fresh ginger. Drizzle the dressing over your favorite combination of greens, vegetables and lean protein like chicken or tofu. Garnish the dish with chopped peanuts for additional crunch in place of croutons.
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