Pack a Lunch With a Healthy Punch

Fuel up on a well-balanced lunch to get through the afternoon slump. These recipes can be made ahead and are loaded with nutrient-rich ingredients that pack your brown-bag full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.

Chicken Salad with Olive Vinaigrette

The flavorful combination of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil soaks into the couscous to create a Mediterranean-style pasta salad with chicken. Throw in chopped tomatoes for a bit of color.

Recipe: Chicken Salad with Olive Vinaigrette

Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Turkey-Vegetable Wraps

Let the kids help wrap all of the colorful ingredients into a tortilla instead of just topping on sliced bread. This quick recipe is chock-full of nutritious ingredients like fresh corn, lean turkey breast, and red bell peppers.

Recipe: Turkey-Vegetable Wraps

Fresh Fruit with Lemon-Mint Sauce

Save time by using jarred citrus sections and then adding your favorite fruits like grapes and strawberries. The lemon-flavored dip uses low-fat yogurt so it is a good source of calcium-rich dairy.

Recipe: Fresh Fruit with Lemon-Mint Sauce

Van Chaplin

Whole Grain Marshmallow Crispy Bars

Give the usual crispy bars an unexpected twist by making these with high-fiber cereal and adding dried cranberries. This 4-ingredient snack stays fresh for 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container so enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or after school or work.

Recipe: Whole Grain Marshmallow Crispy Bars

Crunchy Granola with Dried Fruit

Granola makes the perfect, no-guilt snack food for any time of day. Grab a handful in the morning on the way out the door, throw some in the kids' backpacks for a treat during school, or add a satisfying energy boost to your lunch.

Recipe: Crunchy Granola with Dried Fruit

Monkey Bars

Packed with ingredients such as banana, walnuts, apple juice, and raisins, this moist snack cake offers a healthier alternative to the commercial varieties.

Recipe: Monkey Bars

Chicken Saté Wraps

Give your sandwich a flavorful kick with this spicy and sweet filling. To cut down on prep time, use rotisserie chicken, packaged angel hair slaw, and packaged matchstick-cut carrots.

Recipe: Chicken Saté Wraps

Strawberry-Kiwi Salad with Basil

Make an ordinary fruit cup extraordinary with the unexpected flavor combination of basil, vinegar, and half-and-half.

Recipe: Strawberry-Kiwi Salad with Basil

Deluxe Roast Beef Sandwich

Jazz up this classic sandwich with mayo, horseradish, and chili sauce for a creamy spread with a bit of heat.

Recipe: Deluxe Roast Beef Sandwich

Roasted Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Celery and walnuts give added crunch to this dish while red grapes and fruit juice add a fresh, sweet flavor. Prepare this salad the night before to save time packing lunch on a hectic morning.

Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Skip the syrupy juice boxes and fill up a thermos with old-fashioned homemade lemonade. For a sugar-free beverage, use artificial sweetener.

Recipe: Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Cocoa Fudge Cookies

Satisfy your chocolate craving without regrets. This recipe uses low-fat yogurt to cut down on fat but not on texture and taste.

Recipe: Cocoa Fudge Cookies

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