I have recently helped the camp we work at give a little update to their menu and boy, have I learned a lot about children's nutrition! A few of the biggest pushes that I found in children's nutrition were more avocados, hummus, and non-fat milk. Finding recipes for milk was not too difficult, but finding child friendly lunch recipes that had avocado and hummus has been a bit more fun.
Once we found some options, we got to the best part- trying them out. Most of the lunches that made it through the taste test are super easy to make, can be made a bit ahead of serving, taste wonderfully fresh, and are surprisingly nutritious. These lunches are perfect for any day of the week, but especially Independence Day.
The 4th of July is always a fun time to go out and barbeque with friends or picnic with family. These lunch (or dinner, or breakfast) recipes are great for either and healthy enough to take away any holiday guilt!
Turkey Pita
Let's start with my favorite. This turkey pita is incredible and has a tasty option for all the vegetarians as well. Although the recipe is pretty exact with what you need, I prefer to go a little crazy and have a more anything goes mindset. The only two ingredients that are a must are the whole wheat pitas, and hummus.
My favorite way to make these is with hummus, lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, avocados, and sliced cucumber. This is so simple but tastes fantastic and can be made ahead of serving. Yes please!
Barbeque Chicken Tacos
Although these did not make it for the camp menu, they had to be added to my personal menu. I have a pretty well supported theory that barbeque makes anything better. Since this week is the time when most of the year's grilling and barbequing takes place, barbeque tacos are a must. This recipe calls for shredded meat, but whole pieces of barbequed chicken should work just as well.
If you wish to make this a bit more healthy, try a naked taco and no sour cream. I know, it sounds a bit like a salad, but this salad has barbeque chicken, so it will be extra good!
Chicken Salad Rolls
These chicken salad rolls were such a hit, there is no way I could leave them out! It is incredible how well the wheat roll goes with the fresh chicken salad... No one will be complaining about wheat here! The recipe gives you the option of what fruits are in the salad, but our favorite has been celery (I know, not a fruit) and apples. If you really want to sweeten the pot, some dried cranberries are great as well. Try the plain Greek yogurt as a substitute to mayo, it is ridiculously tasty!
If you are in a pinch for time or chicken, add some canned chicken in the mix or use all canned chicken. The taste is not quite as fresh, but still delicious... Especially when feeding a big Independence Day crowd!
Avocado BLT
This new twist on BLT's is great for breakfast, lunch, and picnics. If you are making this for a picnic, one of the most handy avocado tips I have learned is how to keep it fresh. After making your guacamole or other avocado treats, place the pit on the top of your mix and cover with plastic wrap. I am not sure how this works, but it is like magic for keeping avocados fresh and green!
This recipe does more than simply exchange mayo for a tasty avocado spread, it uses whole wheat, swaps fatty bacon for the more lean turkey bacon, and uses Romain lettuce instead of iceberg. All of these simple changes make this BLT quite a bit healthier and give a nice twist to the traditional sandwich.