Delicious and Nutritious: 30 Healthy Lunch Ideas For The Whole Family

Jan 12, 2024

From healthy twists on classic sandwiches to reinventing breakfast for lunch, these healthy lunch recipes are the next great add to your at-home cooking. Satisfy picky eaters with refreshing flavors, pack these to-go for school and work, or just gather around the kitchen for a warm, comforting meal together this season. These easy healthy lunch ideas prove a healthy diet doesn't have to be boring. These healthy recipes from friends in our 'Co and the B + C archives are tasty, creative, and keep nutrition in mind. So dig in!

Turkey Burger

Mushrooms are the secret ingredient to this juicy and healthy turkey burgers recipe, adding more health benefits and extra flavor to your lunch. (via Clean Cuisine)

The Best Vegan Mac And Cheese

This easy and super cheesy recipe, made with just seven ingredients, only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. It's nut free, gluten-free and just as creamy as your favorite comfort food. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Instant Pot Vegan + Nut- Free Split Pea Soup

This vegan version of the classic split pea soup uses soy instead of ham and still has a delicious smokey flavor. (via The Edgy Veg)

Ham and Cheese Puffs With Asparagus

These delicious asparagus, ham and cheese puffs are so easy to make in just 10 minutes and help get an extra serving of veggies into your kids' day. (via Vikalinka)

Healthy Sloppy Joes

This Healthy Sloppy Joes recipe is a great make-ahead recipe that you can store in the freezer for a quick-to-reheat weeknight meal. Serve it over baked sweet potatoes or sandwich buns for a filling, high-protein recipe. (via Real Food Dietician)

Baked Egg Crepes

These Baked Egg Crepes are quick, healthy…ish, and so delicious. Made using a few simple ingredients and fresh herbs, these savory crepes make the perfect anything: breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

No need to deep-fry chicken wings to get them extra crispy and juicy. Use your air fryer and add a tangy buffalo sauce for a total crowd pleaser! (via Averie Cooks)

Rainbow Veggie Bowl

How pretty is the bowl? Dig into this easy plant-based meal with quinoa, a rainbow of veggies, and a tasty garlic dressing. (via The Girl on Blor)

Plant-Based Fried Chicken Biscuit Sandwich

This buttery sage-infused biscuits with pecan-crusted fried "chicken" and maple butternut squash puree is full of complimentary flavors and makes a delightful lunch! (via No Eggs or Ham)

Smoked Gouda Corn Chowder

Soups on! Serve up this cheesy and veggie-packed corn chowder, made with gouda, cheddar, or monterey jack cheese, for a cozy lunch at home.(via Completely Delicious)

Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes

Canned pink salmon combined with cornmeal, chopped veggies, and plenty of seasonings, make this recipe budget-friendly and so easy. It's delicious and easy to pack on-the-go! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Plant-Based Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Served with your favorite gravy (kids love dips!) , these mini meatloaves are great to add to lunches or turn it into a savory and delicious meal at home. (via This Wife Cooks)

Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is loaded with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and fresh herbs for the ultimate healthy lunch. (via Kathryn's Ktichen)

Creamy Vegetarian Mushroom Pasta Bolognese

This flavorful Vegetarian Mushroom Bolognese delivers an earthy, umami flavor (from the mushrooms) for a hearty gluten-free meal everyone will love. (via Vanilla and Bean)

ENJOY THESE EASY HEALTHY LUNCH IDEAS FROM BRIT + CO!

Paleo, Air-Fried Chicken Tenders

The key to this healthier version of fried chicken tenders is the almond meal. It replaces the breadcrumbs and flour traditionally called for with fried chicken and adds a nutty, almost cornmeal-like flavor and consistency to the chicken.

3-Ingredient Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Low cal and healthy, these skewers are sure to please the whole family. Plus, the lettuce wrap and coconut peanut sauce make it a winning combo!

The Perfect Grilled Cheese

Try this simple hack for making an exceptional grilled cheese.

Chrissy Teigen's Bành Mí Sandwich

Chrissy Teigen's bành mí sandwich from Cravings: Hungry for More is best served with a glass of a Riesling or Grüner Veltliner for the grownups in the room.

Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit with a neutral taste that has a similar texture and appearance to pulled pork or chicken. Sauté it in a savory-sweet sauce like BBQ and pile high on top of buns for an easy sandwich.

Quinoa Salad Recipe

Once you've steamed or pressure-cooked the quinoa, you just have to toss in the remaining ingredients for a quick and healthy meal. Experiment with your kiddos favorite veggies.

Mermaid Veggie Sushi Bowl

Let kids know that this is how mermaid's feast and your healthy lunch is in the bag.;)

Grilled Fluffernutter Vegan Sando

Here's a heathified version of the '90s fluffernutter sandwich (or peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwiched between two slices of white bread).

Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Roast up a twice-baked sweet potato egg boat that comes fully loaded with bacon and avocado to keep everyone fueled for hours.

Watermelon Raddish Salad

This one takes little preparation, and packs a good veggie punch with so pretty (and crunchy!) watermelon radishes.

Whole30-Approved 'Animal-Style' In-N-Out Burger

Combine our tangy 100 percent Whole30/paleo special sauce with the savory mustard-grilled beef patties. Slow-cooked onions simmered in coconut oil add natural sweetness FTW.

Superfood Egg Sandwich

Delivering all the taste and comfort of the traditional egg sando, this one is packed with amazing superfoods, like chia seeds, avocado, shoots, Greek yogurt and spinach.

Zucchini Fries

Swap greasy fries for this healthier take made with big wedges of zucchini dusted with parmesan, then baked until golden.

Veggie Burgers

These super easy kidney bean burgers only need five ingredients. They can be whizzed up in a food processor, so they're really quick to make too — just add favorite toppings!

Apple Cheddar Waffles

Kick your plain buttermilk waffles up a notch with apple and cheddar to go from brunch to lunch.

Vegetarian Pigs in a Blanket

Try this simple vegetarian take on the classic pigs-in-a-blanket, with veggie sausage, pepper jack cheese, and fluffy golden crescents.

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Lead image via Real Food Dietician

15 Paloma Cocktail Recipe Ideas That'll Help Quench Your Thirst This Summer

We can tell summer is on it's way because we're seeing temps rise quickly. To keep cool this weekend and fight the heat index, we are just planning on kicking back with some *seriously* cooling cocktails. There are tons of amazing cocktail recipes, such as delicious daiquiri cocktails and extraordinary mojito cocktails to choose from, but if you are a little more picky and want a mix of bubbles and fruit, then Palomas are the boozy drink for you.

Whether you stay classic with tequila or mix it up with some bourbon or gin, you need to check out these 15 unique Paloma cocktails that are perfect for sipping on at yourpool party.

Frozen Paloma

Step up your Paloma cocktail recipe game by turning this classic cocktail into an icy slush. It’s perfect for an afternoon by the pool or your next backyard barbeque. (via Blender Happy)

Mango Paloma Cocktail

Mango is the fruit of the summer, so why not put it in your favorite cocktail? Pull out this stone fruit and a little grapefruit to create this zesty and colorful drink. (via Summerfield Delight)

Blood Orange Bourbon Paloma

Bourbon lovers, this one’s for you! Give your Paloma cocktail recipe a little boost with a touch of bourbon and some blood orange for a citrusy touch. (via Girl in the Little Red Kitchen)

Spicy Paloma

Beat the summer heat by adding just a little more heat to this drink. Top this classic cocktail off with a jalapeño for a *lot* of flavor with just one tiny pepper. (via Alice and Lois)

Sauvignon Blanc Paloma

Wine lovers REJOICE. We have found you a cocktail that boasts the amazing flavor of white wine with the sweet-and-bitter bite of grapefruit. (via This Mama Cooks)

Pineapple Palomas

Wishing you were sitting on a tropical island? Well, now you can drink like you are! These delicious sips are sure to have you feeling the ocean breeze. (via Lemon Tree Dwelling)

Boozy Paloma Popsicles with Tequila, Grapefruit, and Lime

Cocktail pops are popping up everywhere, but this recipe is sure to stand out. Topped off with a little lime, this Paloma cocktail recipe will easily become your summertime go-to. (via Feast in Thyme)

Blood Orange Thyme Paloma Cocktail

Herbs in a cocktail are always a good idea. Add a savory side to your robust drink by adding some thyme and salting the rim of your highball glass. Trust us, you won’t be able to resist this drink. (via Salt and Wind)

Paloma Mimosas

Sunday would not be complete without this cocktail. As much as we love the classic mimosa, this drink brings a whole new side to brunch. Whip it up to leave your BFFs asking for another glass (and the recipe, of course). (via Delish)

Hibiscus Paloma

Floral flavors? Yes, please! This tart recipe creates a seriously delicious drink that has amazing aromas and gorgeous colors. (via Honey and Birch)

Strawberry Chamomile Paloma

Tea-infused cocktails aren’t everyone’s favorite cuppa, but this one won’t disappoint. Grab your shopping bag and head to your local market to find the fresh ingredients that make up this lovely Paloma cocktail recipe. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Honey Paloma

Talk about a seriously yummy and sweet sip. This recipe switches simple syrup for honey to give a little extra flavor to a drink that you will want to savor every single day. (via The Little Epicurean)

Sparkling Rosemary Paloma

Rosemary cocktails are a serious game-changer. This yummy cocktail only takes 12-minutes to make and is perfect for your next girl’s night in. (via Style Me Pretty)

Spicy Raspberry Paloma

It’s time to spice things up. Mix together this bright and colorful drink for the perfect summer sip. Pro Tip: Make a full pitcher, then bring it to your next beach day for you and your gals. (via Heather Christo)

Classic Paloma

We couldn’t leave out the drink that started it all. This amazing concoction is one that should be in everyone’s cocktail armory. It should probably even be the star, we think. (via BS in the Kitchen)

It’s time to get sipping! Follow us on Pinterest for more summery cocktail ideas.

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.

This post has been updated.

Chad Michael Murray Has The Perfect "One Tree Hill" Reunion Idea

Without a doubt, my favorite episode in all of television is the season seven finale of One Tree Hill. It's got all my favorite things: drama, intrigue, romance, and somehow, the episode also has all of my favorite songs from the show. This teen dramadoes an amazing job throughout its 10-year run of embracing life's beauty in the face of horror and, admittedly, unrealistic danger (remember when Nanny Carrie ran around a corn field with an axe? Because I sure do). And I'm not the only one who would love to see our favorite Tree Hill Ravens back onscreen. Chad Michael Murray and the rest of the cast do too!

What has Chad Michael Murray said about the One Tree Hill reunion?

In a Today Show interview for his new rom-com Mother of the Bride, Chad Michael Murray talked about his dream One Tree Hill reboot plans, and how grateful he is for streaming. "I'm meeting 13, 14, 15-year old fans who are enamored by the show — they weren't alive when we started shooting!" he says.

"I feel like that show, it's needed," he continues. "They could do, like, a Tree Hill Generations and deal with all the trials and tribulations the youth are going through today, you know? Dealing with social media and discrimination and everything else that's out there in the world that we could bring to light so these kids could learn to say, 'Hey! I identify with this and that.' That's what was great about the show was everyone had someone to identify with.

Are Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton friends?

Image via Noam Galai/Getty Images for Netflix

Yes, Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton are still friends! Most recently, the actresses and activists showed up to the NYC premiere of our new TV show obsession: Girls5eva. Both women wore black blazers while Hilarie rocked knee high boots and a pop art purse, and Sophia paired her leather suit with strappy heels. I need these besties onscreen again ASAP!!

Will there ever be a One Tree Hill reunion?

Image via The CW/The WB

"I just can't see a world where something won't happen," Chad tells E! News. "Something will happen. Whether we get everybody together and do a live reading of the show, or we create a new fictional future episode, I don't know what it will be."

"If there wasn’t some sort of like spinoff or something, I would be so surprised," Barbara Alyn Woods says in an Entertainment Tonight interview. "Because we’re all on board, we’re all friends, it would be the most fun show anybody has ever been on."

"I feel very fortunate. Not only has the show had this major resurgence – I actually think it’s bigger now than it was when it aired," she continues. "We just need to keep going, this thing is not going to die."

I'd love to see what everyone's life looks like in 2023, especially all of the main characters' kids. It'd be like One Tree Hill: The Next Generation! Would Jamie still play basketball? Would Brooke's twins take an interest in design? I have so many questions.

Is there a One Tree Hill next generation?

Image via Fred Norris/The CW/The WB

The end of One Tree Hill sees our favorite Tree Hill Ravens happily celebrating a new chapter in life. They're all adults, and the majority of them are married with children! If we were ever going to get a One Tree Hill next gen, the series would probably focus on Jackson and Lydia (Nathan and Haley's kids), Sawyer (Lucas and Peyton's daughter), Jude and Davis (Brooke and Julian's twins), and hopefully Jenny (Jake's daughter from season one!).

Does the cast of One Tree Hill still talk?

Image via The CW/The WB

The cast has found other ways to celebrate the show, and their relationships. Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Bethany Joy Lenz (who played Brooke, Peyton, and Haley, respectively) host the Drama Queens rewatch podcast, while different members of the cast have teamed up for Christmas movies like The Christmas Contract and (my personal favorite) A Christmas Wish.

They also recently reunited for the show's 20th anniversary in Wilmington, North Carolina, where the show was filmed! "Got to hang out with some great humans this weekend," Austin Nichols (who played Julian) posted on Instagram. "Old friends. Old stories. Lots of laughs. And made a bunch of new friends. Thank you to everyone who made this happen!"

"I spent 6 years on OTH. I’ve spent 14 years celebrating what comes AFTER with these people," Hilarie Burton says in her Instagram post. "They’ve heard me. Healed me. Humored me. I’m just really really grateful that we get these magical little moments to be together."

Sophia Bush also celebrated with a simple, "Honestly? Obsessed with us." Me too, Sophia. Me too.

Will Mark Schwahn be involved in a One Tree Hill reunion?

Image via Angela Weiss/Getty Images

After the female cast members of OTHpublished a letter expressing they had been manipulated and harassed by creator Mark Schwahn, male cast members like Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty expressed their support for the women. The cast has since said they'd be open to doing a reboot — but it sounds like it's more likely to happen if Mark is not involved.

Where can I watch One Tree Hill?

Image via The CW/The WB

All episodes of One Tree Hill are streaming on Hulu now!

What would your dream One Tree Hill reunion look like? Let us know in the comments and check out our Facebook for more pop culture news!

Lead image via The CW/The WB

This post has been updated.

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10 Slow Cooker Recipes Light Enough For Summertime

Slow cookers are synonymous with hearty soups and comforting meat dishes. But you don't have to let your Crock-Pot collect dust just because the warmer months have rolled around. You can continue using your slow cooker for the same reasons you love it in the winter: for making meat super tender, your kitchen smell incredible, and meals come together easier than ever. Here are 10 slow-cooker recipes that combine those awesome reasons with summer's light flavors and bright produce.

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Nothing captures the combination of hot and cold quite like lettuce wraps with chicken, carrots, mushrooms, and a sweet and salty sauce. (via Well Plated)

Carne Asada Nachos

The chips are pretty hidden under this big pile o’ toppings, and there’s a very valid reason for that. These shareable nachos highlight the produce of the season with juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and a healthy pile of guac. (via How Sweet Eats)

Peanut Butter Chicken Curry

If the image of creamy peanut butter curry over rice makes you want to hibernate, you’ll be brought back to life with the knowledge that this dish is actually pretty light, thanks to broccoli and bell peppers. The fact that all you did was dump everything into the Crock-Pot will make it taste even better. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Chicken Cacciatore

Take all of the components of a summer antipasto platter (juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and salty capers), add that to tender chicken, and you have chicken cacciatore. The slow-cooker version is a bit easier than the stovetop method, since you’re adding everything to the pot at once. (via Well Plated)

Veggie-Packed Lasagna

Can’t let go of lasagna even when it’s sweltering outside? Try this veggie-centric version, which is much more energizing than the meaty original. (via Kristine's Kitchen)

Healthy Beef and Broccoli

If you want to feel like you’re eating Chinese takeout but are going for the low-carb thing, look to this lighter take on beef and broccoli. It calls for riced broccoli instead of whole florets. This way, you still get the texture of meat and “rice” in each bite. (via Well Plated)

Tex-Mex Pork Tostadas

Heartier refried beans and pork are the base of these crispy tostadas, brightened by creamy avocado and zingy red onion and cilantro. You can slow-cook the pork a couple of days ahead of time, so all that’s left at mealtime is assembly. (via A Communal Table)

Carnitas Tacos

Your slow cooker will make pork shoulder insanely easy to shred — ideal for piling onto corn tortillas with taco fixings like red onion, cilantro, and lime. (via Boulder Locavore)

Mango Chicken Curry

This produce-packed curry stars succulent chicken, crunchy veggies, and sweet mango for a bowl that will fuel you for any adventure. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Turmeric Chicken and Potatoes

This chicken dinner comes out so fork-tender, you'll hardly need a knife. (via Sweet Phi)

Want more slow-cooker inspo? Follow us on Pinterest!

(Additional reporting by Maggie McCracken)

This article has been updated from a previous post.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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This Is My Dream Sydney Sweeney & Billie Eilish Sister Movie

When Sydney Sweeney showed up to the Met Gala red carpet rocking a jet black bob, the entire Brit + Co team thought she was Billie Eilish — and I immediately started daydreaming about these incredible women playing sisters! We know from Anyone But You and SNL that both Sydney and Billie can balance humor and heart, and I am convinced they need to headline a sister comedy, like, right now. I asked AI to write the plot of a (very hypothetical, unconfirmed) Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney movie so, for now, we can daydream even more!

Billie Eilish And Sydney Sweeney's Sister Roadtrip Comedy

Image via Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Sister Vibes

In Sister Vibes, Sydney Sweeney would star as Ruby opposite Billie Eilish's Lily. These two sisters might have opposite personalities, but they're both at a crossroads in their lives. Ruby is a meticulous, Type-A oldest daughter who's always played it safe in the corporate job she hates. Lily is a free-spirited artist struggling to find her place in the world, and although she dreams of making it big, she's afraid of losing her authentic self.

Feeling totally stuck and unsure about their futures, the sisters decide to go on a big roadtrip to fulfill their desire for adventure. As they make their way across the country (snacks in-hand and roadtrip playlist at full volume), they learn more about their dreams, themselves, and each other than they could have hoped for. And it wouldn't be a comedy without a memorable cast of characters Ruby and Lily encounter along the way! Pedro Pascal? Ayo Edebiri? Lindsay Lohan? (It's a trick question because I want to see all of the above!)

In their journey, Ruby and Lily encounter mishaps, unexpected detours, and some seriously profound self-discovery. From mistaken identities and spontaneous dance parties to moments that take their breath away, Sister Vibes would capture the essence of what it's like to be a young woman in 2024 with authenticity and relatability.Through the ups and downs, Ruby and Lily's bond as sisters is tested, but it always comes out stronger on the other side.

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In this Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney movie, their characters discover that their greatest adventure is simply accepting who they truly are and supporting each other no matter what. As cheesy as that sounds — it's so important (and actually more difficult IRL than it sounds!).With its blend of comedy, heart, and vibrant wit, this contemporary comedy would celebrate the strength and resilience of women today. It explores themes of self-acceptance, authenticity, and the importance of meaningful connections in a digital age.

Would you see a movie starring Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney? Because I would be all over this! If you love daydreaming about your favorite stars in new movies, check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com!

Lead images via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue/JC Olivera/Getty Images

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Nicole Kidman Is Officially Back For "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2

There's something appealing about an anthology show. You know, the ones where we get a new cast every season but the location or the themes remain the same (hello White Lotus and American Horror Story!). Your next TV show obsession is right around the corner because Hulu just announced the full lead cast for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 and it's literally almost too good to be true. Keep reading for everything you need to know!