California Flavors, Sabores de California

From the vibrant dishes of Latin America to the street food of Asia, school meals are getting infused with flavor — and you’re invited to the table. The Center for Ecoliteracy’s California Food for California Kids® initiative presents 12 freshly-prepared, plant-forward recipes reflecting the rich cultural diversity of California students.
We’re making it easier (and more exciting) to meet nutrition guidelines for sugar and sodium. These practical recipes are designed to be student-tested, scale across food service settings, and highlight fresh fruits and vegetables grown right here in California.
Our recipe book for school nutrition professionals is coming out in Fall 2025. Want a sneak peek? Send us an email.

Banana-Lentil Pancake with Citrus Compote

Mango Carrot Lassi

Tropical Citrus Muesli

Caribbean-Inspired Jerk Bowl

Adobo-Spiced Fish and Fried Rice Bowl

Oven-Baked Pancit

Middle Eastern Skirt Steak Bowl

Korean Street Toast

Za’atar Lentil and Chickpea Falafel Burger

Aloo Masala Wrap with Rainbow Slaw
Funding for California Flavors, Sabores de California was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.