Healthy (But Fun!) Lunches for Kids

Lean ham and loads of broccoli give a healthier twist to these pizza pockets that pack nicely into a lunch box. Include a little container of tomato sauce for dipping.

Make a quick version of Caesar dressing by mixing lemon juice and Parmesan into light mayonnaise. Spread on multigrain bread then pile on smoked turkey and romaine lettuce.

These mini bean-and-veggie burgers take inspiration from Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. Blended beans and rice are the basis of these sliders, which are supercharged with grated carrots, broccoli, and ginger. Top them with cilantro and sliced mango for the brightest sandwiches ever.

As a parent, you object to food that comes in "Tropical Tie-Dye" flavor. But the grocery-aisle pleas are inevitable. Head them off by making real-fruit rolls that are like candy, only better.

Make it a brown-bag picnic with a delicious skinless baked chicken drumstick or two, which gets its crunch from whole-wheat breadcrumbs.

These brownies get a healthy boost from whole-wheat flour and applesauce, while cocoa powder and plenty of semisweet chocolate make them nice and fudgy.

Toss soba noodles, leftover chicken, and thinly sliced red cabbage in a kid-approved dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic to make this cool Asian-inspired salad.

Fold garlicky sauteed zucchini, corn, cilantro, and grated pepper Jack cheese into tortillas and bake until browned and melty for a fun and healthy sandwich alternative.

Greek yogurt replaces the mayo, and apricots and almonds add fiber and flavor to this upgraded chicken salad. Tuck it into a whole-wheat pita or soft multigrain bread.

These mini chocolate cupcakes are a delicious twist on the usual zucchini bread. If your kids prefer, substitute pecans or sliced almonds for the walnuts -- or skip the nuts altogether.

Instead of the usual hummus, try this brilliant-green, protein-packed spread with vegetables and whole-grain crackers or pita for dipping.

A thermos full of this mild-but-tasty vegetable-packed chili along with some baked tortilla chips will keep little tummies happy all afternoon long.

Using assorted dried fruit adds a colorful twist to this classic snack.

Tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and avocado fill this vegetarian sandwich. Scallion cream cheese adds a creamy kick.

Don't worry, these easy-to-make granola bars are perfect for hungry girls, too. They're packed with oats, coconut, almonds, sesame seeds, and golden raisins and flavored with honey and vanilla.