Family Lunch Recipes - Cooking Light

Oxmoor House

Chicken Wraps with Mango Chutney

Using curry powder gives potential health benefits (when turmeric is combined with black pepper, it becomes an amazing anti-inflammatory agent). Mango chutney sweetens this deliciously spicy lunch option.

View Recipe: Chicken Wraps with Mango Chutney

Oxmoor House

Chopped Cobb Salad

Cobb salad is normally so high in calories that it defeats the purpose of ordering a salad. So here’s a little twist on the usual. Instead of a creamy dressing, this recipe uses a vinaigrette. For a gluten-free version, substitute a good gluten-free bread for the French bread.

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Oxmoor House

Waffle Turkey-and-Cheese-Sami

Kids will love this cross between breakfast and lunch. Crunchy waffles, creamy cheese, and protein-packed turkey make this a great way to get your kids whole grains, dairy, and protein.

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Oxmoor House

Chicken Fried Rice

This little gem of a recipe was born from leftover veggies. It is beautiful, tasty, and nutritious and has quickly become one of my favorite things to make for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast. For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu or edamame for the chicken.

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Oxmoor House

Red Quinoa Salad

The health benefits of this gluten-free ancient grain are spectacular. Red quinoa makes a beautiful main-dish salad, but you can use whichever color you’d like.

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Oxmoor House

Turkey Club Wraps

This is a convenient and quick meal for any day of the week. Set it up like a salad bar, and let everyone build their own.

View Recipe: Turkey Club Wraps

Oxmoor House

Grilled Stone Fruit Salad with Goat Cheese and Almonds

Grilling caramelizes the sugars and brings out the amazing flavors of practically any fruit. So if your kids don’t like salad, give this one a try.

View Recipe: Grilled Stone Fruit Salad with Goat Cheese and Almonds

Oxmoor House

Grilled Peanut Butter-Banana Fingers

Why do sandwiches taste so good heated? Most likely, your family will love anything grilled between two slices of bread and topped with chocolate syrup.

View Recipe: Grilled Peanut Butter-Banana Fingers

Oxmoor House

Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Tomatoes

This pesto is also delicious over seared chicken with a piece of fresh mozzarella melted over the top. Heavenly! If you’d like to use gluten-free pasta, purchase Bionaturae or Ancient Harvest pasta.

View Recipe: Pesto Pasta with Chicken and Tomatoes

Oxmoor House

Lemon Caesar Salad

Once you make this salad for the first time, you’ll never feel the need to make a real Caesar again. The lemon juice and olive oil add such fresh flavors. Let your kids choose chicken, fish, or steak to eat with it. Make this a gluten-free salad by replacing the French bread with a gluten-free option.

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Oxmoor House

Parmesan-Panko Chicken Tenders

Most kids are hooked on breaded chicken of some sort. So here’s a pan-fried version that’s much healthier than drive-through or frozen food options. Using chicken breast tenders makes these look like fast food, but you’ll feel so much better about feeding them to your kids. The crispy, crunchy panko breadcrumbs lend incredible texture.

View Recipe: Parmesan-Panko Chicken Tenders

Oxmoor House

Black Bean and Corn Salad with Mango

Kids and adults will love this simple, tasty recipe. Take to a kid-friendly party or just make a batch to keep in the fridge. Fruit, beans, veggies, and cheese make this a well-rounded midday meal.

View Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salad with Mango

Oxmoor House

Watermelon and Fennel Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette

Don’t tell—adding fruit to salads is how to convince kids to eat them. Cool and crisp, this is the perfect salad for summer. Tangy feta and the clean flavors of mint and lime balance the sweet watermelon. A delicious alternative to traditional lemon versions, the vinaigrette would be yummy with grilled shrimp or chicken, too.

View Recipe: Watermelon and Fennel Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette

Oxmoor House

Vegetarian Burritos

These burritos are so flavorful and simple to make. Lunch comes together in 20 minutes. The spinach-mushroom filling is packed with healthy ingredients, but the ooey-gooey cheese is what sells kids on this combo.

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Oxmoor House

Crunchy Couscous Salad with Currants and Mint

What’s not to love about this salad? It’s sweet, savory, crunchy, and full of bright herbs and lemon juice. You can make it ahead, cover it, and leave it at room temperature up to four hours before serving. Resist the urge to refrigerate it, though—the couscous will dry out quickly. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try quinoa.

View Recipe: Crunchy Couscous Salad with Currants and Mint

Oxmoor House

Chopped Salad

Kids will go for chopped salads with lots of color, such as this one with edamame, chopped apple, and candied nuts. Most kids like the crunch of romaine lettuce, and letting them toss the ingredients in the bowl helps, too. The best part? Lunch is ready in 10 minutes.

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Oxmoor House

Risotto with Corn and Basil

Risotto is great because you can add practically any ingredient to it and it will taste delicious. This is a great version for the summer.

View Recipe: Risotto with Corn and Basil

Oxmoor House

Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad with Wonton Chips

Picky kids can shun international flavor, but not this dish. With savory Peanut-Lime Dressing and crunchy wonton chips, kids will clean their plates and ask for seconds.

View Recipe: Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad with Wonton Chips