Healthy School Lunch Recipes for Even the Pickiest of Eaters
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School is back in session, to the relief of many parents. But sometimes getting your kids to eat a healthy meal can be almost as hard as getting them to the bus stop on time.
These recipes will get them to indulge in good-for-you food that tastes great.
Try turkey veggie roll ups, chocolate chip bars with a surprise ingredient, and fruit and veggie dips -- fast and easy lunches that even the pickiest eater will enjoy.
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Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated, so pack those lunch boxes, school time is here.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Serving Size: Varies
Turkey Veggie Roll Ups
makes 1 serving
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Ingredients:
1 large whole wheat wrap
3 tbsp cream cheese or hummus
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4 slices turkey or your child’s favorite lunch meat
2 cups chopped veggies, rainbow colors
1/2 tsp salt dash or pepper
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Preparation:
1) Spread 1 1/2 tbsp of cream cheese on wrap.
2) Sprinkle a bit of salt and/or pepper on the cheese (optional). Place turkey or favorite lunch meat on the wraps on top of the cream cheese. Set aside.
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3) Chop all your veggies into strips
4) Arrange veggies on top of the lunch meat on the wraps
5) Roll up wraps
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6) Slice the wrap into 5 small spirals.
Chocolate Chip Surprise Bars
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
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1/8 tsp salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup ground whole wheat flour
1/4 cup butter, softened (or other fat source, such as peanut butter or almond butter)
1/3 cup chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips
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Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all ingredients except for chocolate chips in a mixer and blend until very smooth.
2. Mix in chips gently by hand
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3. Place dough into a greased 8×8 pan.
4. Bake for 35 minutes and remove from oven
5. Let cool, cut, and enjoy.
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**Note, they will look a bit undercooked when you take them out of the oven, as they will firm up when they cool down.
Creamy Strawberry Dip
Ingredients:
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4 tbsp lowfat cream cheese, softened
6 oz vanilla yogurt
? cup chopped strawberries
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Preparation:
1. Whisk all items together until well combined.
2. Serve with cut up apples, pineapple, melon, berries or spread between graham crackers
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Savory Veggie Dip
Ingredients:
Greek yogurt
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lemon juice
packet of ranch seasoning
Preparation:
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1. Whisk together Greek yogurt and lemon juice until thoroughly combined
2. Season with 1 tbsp ranch seasoning and mix well
3. Serve with celery, cucumber, carrots, or crackers
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Makes a great alternative to mayo on sandwiches.
Kris Schoels is the editor of Young Married Chic -- a blog devoted to baking, fashion, home decor and travel.