These make-ahead, freezer-friendly, and lighter kids' lunches get an A+ in our book. Liven up the little ones' midday meals with these sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and soups.

Make this easy-to-pack (and prep) turkey wrap. Look for fresh cooked turkey breast, not turkey roll, in your local deli or natural-foods store.

Strips of zucchini stand in for lasagna noodles, adding texture and flavor -- and don't forget fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

This baked chicken has all the crunch of your kid's favorite fried version, but none of the grease and fat.

Liven up the little ones' lunch with this tasty combo.

Use up grilled chicken leftovers in this flavorful sandwich.

Give this favorite a big nutrient boost by choosing the right ingredients.

This classic frittata, served warm or cold, works perfectly for lunch. Substituting part-skim for whole-milk ricotta trims 6 grams of saturated fat and 66 calories, without forfeiting flavor.

Baked corn dogs, a new and improved take on a state-fair snack, put fast, fun food at your fingertips. Be sure to buy ice-pop sticks if you don't have them on hand.

Use ground turkey as a smart stand-in for ground chuck in these sloppy joes -- it provides plenty of meaty flavor, with less saturated fat.

These chips are baked, making them a great low-fat version of your kids' favorite fish sticks and french fries.

This vegan dish is an excellent combo of whole grains, plant-based protein, and healthy fats.

These chicken tenders are inspired by hot wings but made with breast meat for a leaner protein and served skinless for less fat.

Baking the cod on a wire rack allows the fish to get crisp on all sides, and lemon zest and parsley gives its crushed-cereal coating tons of flavor.

When all of the liquid is absorbed from this risotto, add the zest and continue to cook for about 10 minutes more to seal in the flavor.

Chickpeas and feta take care of the protein requirement, olive oil brings good fats, and whole-wheat couscous and broccoli make up the healthy carbohydrates in this lunch that can be made a night ahead.

Instead of mayo, this recipe uses nonfat yogurt and Dijon mustard as a creamy base for shredded chicken, Granny Smith apples cubes, fennel, celery, and herbs.

These flatbreads are easy to make, but the store-bought kind will also work just fine.

To top this salad, you can make your own low-fat buttermilk dressing -- or lighten the richer salad-bar version by adding a dash of lemon juice or vinegar.

This hearty soup makes a nice weekday lunch. Heat it in the morning and bring it to work in a Thermos. By choosing a pasta made from whole wheat instead of semolina, you add more fiber to your meal.

Apples and butternut squash go together like cinnamon and raisins. In this dish, all four make a delicious combination.

This nutrient-packed egg dish contains a wealth of healthy ingredients. Omega-3-rich eggs, parsley, and olive oil help reduce inflammation. Black beans contain antioxidants and are a great source of fiber, which helps to balance your blood sugar and detoxify your body.

This version of fried rice is not greasy at all. It stays moist thanks to the addition of fresh lime juice.

Whole-wheat pita bread forms the crust for these wedges of yellow pepper and mozzarella pizza with homemade tomato sauce. Add your child's favorite pizza toppings to a whole-wheat pita for a kid-sized pie.

Ground turkey stands in for beef and nonfat yogurt laced with lime juice, jalapeno, and cilantro makes a creamy dressing in this quick and easy salad.

The fun part about this burrito is that kids can help construct it, picking and choosing which healthy ingredients they want all wrapped up.

Fill fiber-rich whole-wheat pita with a low-fat yogurt based chicken salad for the kids to take to school.

Flour tortillas can be wrapped around everything including Caesar salad and classic burrito combinations.

With leaner ground sirloin, the sliders have less fat and the rolls won't get soggy. Makes 8 sandwiches (189 calories each).

With leaner ground sirloin, the sliders have less fat and the rolls won't get soggy. Makes 8 sandwiches (189 calories each).

Brown-rice gives this vegetarian stir-fry a nutty flavor and hearty texture and offers up more fiber than white rice has.

These tasty bean and brown-rice meatless patties deliver a filling protein-fiber combo.

Give pizza bagels a whole new (and healthier) meaning with these tasty sandwiches.

Ground turkey replaces the typical pork filling in these "dumplings."

Give kids the pizza flavor without the grease in this flavor-packed soup.

Delicate rice-paper wrappers envelop six crunchy vegetables and countless nutrients. Makes 6 rolls (185 calories each).

Although this simple meal comes together easily at the last minute, you could assemble the slaw in the morning, minus the avocado, which can be added just before eating.

These spring rolls are made with low-sodium soy sauce, so the salt is present but not overwhelming. Makes 12 rolls (99 calories each).

After folding a couple of these dumplings, you'll be a pro. Enlist the kids and make a party of it. Makes 24 pot stickers (40 calories each).

These dumplings, inspired by pork wontons, are packed with fiber and vitamins.

Toss tofu with rice, flaxseed, and vegetables for an sinless lunch.

Grilled skinless chicken and low-fat Monterey Jack cheese create a nutritious adaptation of a Mexican favorite.

Substituting almond butter instead of the usual peanut for the sauce in this stir-fry gives it a heart-healthy twist.

The salsa does more than bring a spicy kick; along with the spinach and whole-wheat tortilla, it contributes fiber. The beans do, too -- and they also lend a protein boost.

Fried rice is a great dish to use up leftover rice. Make sure to constantly stir the ingredients in your wok or skillet to avoid overcooking.

Leftover roast chicken and vegetables plus tortillas and fresh greens equals easy, nutritious tacos.

Pizza can deliver lots of nutrition, as with this whole-wheat crust studded with lean turkey sausage and antioxidant-rich orange peppers and arugula.

Delicate yet filling soba noodles, made from buckwheat and wheat flour, together with beautifully julienned vegetables, make this a perfect lunch on its own.

Sesame shrimp, coated in fragrant sesame seeds and quickly seared in a tiny bit of sesame oil, are full of flavor and very low in fat.

A simple sandwich of fried oysters with dollops of remoulade on a toasted whole-wheat bun makes for a lunch with Louisiana mojo.

We used flavorful sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes, baked them, and topped them with a drizzle of sour cream and a small amount of crumbled bacon. Makes 8 servings (145 calories each).

Adding toasted whole-wheat breadcrumbs gives this dish a nice crunch that balances out the creaminess of the sauce.

Paired with dried apricot in this tasty dish, the fiber in whole-wheat pita will keep little ones feeling full longer.

Pack mandarin oranges, toasted almonds, and chicken salad in a pita for a sandwich that bursts with wonderful color and flavor.

This soup-and-sandwich combo can be made up to a day ahead.

Leftover collard greens and beans make a delicious quesadilla filling.

To make this dish gluten-free, use cornstarch in place of the flour.

Pair this simple frittata with some cider-glazed sausage and a green salad, and you've got an easy midday menu that's sure to be a home run.

Choose part-skim ricotta instead of regular; it has comparable creaminess, with fewer calories and less fat. Whole-wheat pitas are fiber-rich -- and tasty.

Arrange faces using lettuce, olives, peas, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, pickles, celery, and grated carrots for a lunch that's filled with fun (and better ingredients).

Cornmeal gives the coating great texture and crunch in these kid-approved bites.

Tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and avocado fill this vegetarian sandwich. Scallion cream cheese adds a creamy kick.

Spread almond or peanut butter on toast and each slice with apple and a honey drizzle for a tasty lunch the kids will love.

This deconstructed lasagna is not only healthful; it's quick to make. The noodles aren't baked under heavy layers of cheese and sauce -- just dressed with tomatoes, basil, and ricotta right after being boiled.

These baked chicken nuggets are tasty, easy-to-make, and guilt-free.

Update your kids' turkey sandwich with peppers, onion, Parmesan, hummus, and pea shoots.

Liven up chicken salad with Greek yogurt, apricots, and almonds in this sandwich that's healthy in disguise.