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20 Yummy Back-to-School Snacks and Lunch Ideas

20 Yummy Back-to-School Snacks and Lunch Ideas

Make your child the envy of the cafeteria with these healthy, hearty bites from Cooking Light

By Kate Hogan

Updated August 15, 2013 06:00 AM

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LITTLE ITALY CHICKEN PITAS

Get the recipe! Little Italy Chicken Pitas
Not only are these easy-to-eat sandwiches packed with protein and veggies, but they can also be prepped in advance, saving busy moms a little time in the morning.

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CINNAMON-SUGAR POPCORN

Get the recipe! Cinnamon-Sugar Popcorn
Sweet! Popped without fat or salt, it's the perfect after-school snack. Plus, the kiddos can help pitch in to make it.

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SPELT SALAD WITH WHITE BEANS

Get the recipe! Spelt Salad with White Beans and Artichokes

Keep your little one's belly full with this wheat-free salad that contains artichoke and

some mild seasonings for a boost of flavor – and can stay fresh in a locker until lunchtime.

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BAKED MOZZARELLA BITES

Get the recipe! Baked Mozzarella Bites
Much healthier than the restaurant version, these ooey-gooey appetizers are breaded using panko crumbs and a low-cal egg substitute.

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CHIPOTLE PORK & AVOCADO WRAPS

Get the recipe! Chipotle Pork & Avocado Wraps
At just 329 calories per wrap, this mini protein-packed meal is made to fight hunger pangs while keeping kids healthy. Cooking Light recommends baked tortilla chips as a low-fat side.

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BANANA-NUT ENERGY BARS

Get the recipe! Banana-Nut Energy Bars
Perfect for breakfast, these grab-and-go bars are made with filling hot cereal and pecans as well as naturally sweet banana, brown sugar and honey.

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TABBOULEH WITH CHICKEN & RED PEPPER

Get the recipe! Tabbouleh with Chicken & Red Pepper
Adventurous little palettes will appreciate the Mediterranean-inspired flavors in this nutritious dish, which has less than 5 grams of fat per serving. Our tip: Add a little pita and hummus on the side to really fill them up.

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STRAWBERRY-AVOCADO SALSA

Get the recipe! Strawberry-Avocado Salsa
The summery classic gets a sweet twist from fresh berries and homemade tortilla chips that are topped with a little sugar and ground cinnamon.

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CHICKEN SALAD WITH OLIVE VINAIGRETTE

Get the recipe! Chicken Salad with Olive Vinaigrette
It only takes about 15 minutes to whip up this simple (yet savory) salad, packed with yummy capers and olives and topped off with lean chicken breast.

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PEPPERED PEANUT BRITTLE

Get the recipe! Peppered Peanut Brittle
Pepper adds some zest to this sugary snack, but feel free to omit the spicy flavoring for a more traditional take.

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BLACK BEAN-QUINOA SALAD

Get the recipe! Black Bean-Quinoa Salad
The hottest new superfood gets a tasty update thanks to fresh veggies and olive oil. Skip the tofu and swap the lima beans for edamame if your mini eater isn't a fan of the ingredients listed.

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ENDIVE SPEARS WITH SPICY GOAT CHEESE

Get the recipe! Endive Spears with Spicy Goat Cheese
Sophisticated tots will love indulging in these tangy bites, which feature a mash-up of goat cheese, paprika, Greek yogurt, garlic and red pepper.

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GRILLED CHICKEN WRAPS

Get the recipe! Grilled Chicken Wraps
Your kids may already be a fan of this classic meal, but this version packs a flavorful punch in the form of pickles (and their juice), cabbage and white wine vinegar. Serve with sweet potato chips for added potassium.

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CRISP AND SPICY SNACK MIX

Get the recipe! Crisp and Spicy Snack Mix
Save enough for the kids! You'll have a hard time keeping your hands off this salty mix of cereal, pretzels, wheat crackers, cheddar crackers and mild spices.

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MUFFULETTAS

Get the recipe! Mufulettas
Mmm-mmm! Treat your meat-loving tots to this scrumptious sandwich, which is filled with olive-topped chicken, salami and ham (and provolone!) inside a soft kaiser roll.

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TOFU BITES

Get the recipe! Tofu Bites
There are less than 150 calories in each serving of this easy-to-make dish, which features just a touch of tasty soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar.

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TUSCAN TUNA SANDWICHES

Get the recipe! Tuscan Tuna Sandwiches
Skip the mayo and try this low-fat version seasoned with fennel, red onion, capers and roasted red peppers. Bonus: It's rich in Omega 3s.

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CHEWY OAT SQUARES

Get the recipe! Chewy Oat Squares
The chocolate in these mini bars bars may reel your little ones in, but they'll also get an energy boost from dried cherries and sesame seeds.

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CHICKEN & WAFFLE SANDWICH

Get the recipe! Chicken & Waffle Sandwich
Turns out this Southern favorite can be healthy – though a bit of bacon (just one slice!) adds a touch of flavor and texture.

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CINNAMON CRISPS WITH YOGURT

Get the recipe! Cinnamon Crisps with Blackberries and Yogurt
Talk about yum! Greek yogurt, blackberries and honey provide the sweet base for crisp, dippable wonton wrappers topped with a touch of cinnamon and sugar.

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By Kate Hogan

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20 Yummy Back-to-School Snacks and Lunch Ideas

1 of 20

LITTLE ITALY CHICKEN PITAS

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CINNAMON-SUGAR POPCORN

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SPELT SALAD WITH WHITE BEANS

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BAKED MOZZARELLA BITES

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CHIPOTLE PORK & AVOCADO WRAPS

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BANANA-NUT ENERGY BARS

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TABBOULEH WITH CHICKEN & RED PEPPER

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STRAWBERRY-AVOCADO SALSA

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CHICKEN SALAD WITH OLIVE VINAIGRETTE

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PEPPERED PEANUT BRITTLE

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BLACK BEAN-QUINOA SALAD

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ENDIVE SPEARS WITH SPICY GOAT CHEESE

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GRILLED CHICKEN WRAPS

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CRISP AND SPICY SNACK MIX

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MUFFULETTAS

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TOFU BITES

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TUSCAN TUNA SANDWICHES

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CHEWY OAT SQUARES

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CHICKEN & WAFFLE SANDWICH

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CINNAMON CRISPS WITH YOGURT

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