You'll 'loaf' these lunch ideas

School is almost back in session, which means, unfortunately, you probably can't give your kiddos popsicles for lunch anymore. Luckily, registered dietitian Jennifer Meachum is showing you some fun and tasty lunch ideas the kids will love.

Back to School Lunch Recipes
From the Kitchen of Jennifer Meachum RDN, LD

PB&J Fruit Sticks
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients
-2 slice whole grain bread
-1 Tablespoon natural peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter
-1 Tbsp low sugar jelly
-Red, green grapes, and strawberries
-Cake pop stick

Instructions
1.Prepare the PB&J sandwich by spreading the peanut butter on 1 slice of bread and jelly on the other. Place the 2 slices of bread together.
2.Cut into 4 or 9 cubes depending on how large you want them.
3.Thread the PB& J cubes on the cake pop stick alternating with fresh fruit.
4.Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Peppi-Pasta Salad
Makes 4- servings

Ingredients
-3 cups of Tri-Color Whole Grain Rotini pasta, prepared according to package directions
-1 medium cucumber deseeded, cut in half lengthwise, then cut each half into thin slices
- 1/2 cup matchstick carrots
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives, optional
- 1/2 cup cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese, diced or shredded
- 1/4 cup turkey pepperoni, cut into quarters
- 1/2 cup Yogurt Ranch dressing, Light Ranch dressing, or Italian dressing
-Fresh ground pepper and salt to taste

Instructions
1.In a large bowl mix above ingredients together, tossing gently."
2.Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Parfait My Way
Makes 1 serving

Ingredients
-6 ounces Greek vanilla yogurt*
- 1/4 cup Blueberries, fresh
- 1/4 cup Lowfat Granola or whole grain cereal
-1-2 Tbsp Mini chocolate chips
-Other topping ideas: sunflower seeds, dried fruit, no sugar added canned fruit, whole grain cereal, ground flax seed, chopped walnuts, or other berry varieties.
-*Choosing Greek yogurt makes this recipe an appropriate meal replacement for kids due to the higher protein content compared to regular yogurt.