Back-to-school recipe ideas

These kid-friendly recipes provide healthful lunches, easy dinners and plenty of leftovers.

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Skip greasy potato chips and pack these fat-free Apple Crisps in children’s lunchboxes. The crisps can be made ahead and stored in airtight containers for up to four days.

James M. Thresher / for The Washington Post

It can be tricky to get kids to eat leftovers, but this <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2008/04/09/pulled-porchetta-barbecue-sandwiches/'>Pulled Porchetta Barbecue Sandwich</a> recipe is a good way to use the rest of a large dinner. Remaining meat from the <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2008/04/09/pork-shoulder-porchetta/'>Pork Shoulder Porchetta dinner</a> recipe can be shredded and mixed with any type of barbecue sauce to make another flavorful weeknight meal or lunch.

It can be tricky to get kids to eat leftovers, but this Pulled Porchetta Barbecue Sandwich recipe is a good way to use the rest of a large dinner. Remaining meat from the Pork Shoulder Porchetta dinner recipe can be shredded and mixed with any type of barbecue sauce to make another flavorful weeknight meal or lunch.

Renee Comet / Renee Comet Photography

This <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2011/07/06/turkey-sandwiches-smoked-gouda-pickled-red-onion-/'>Turkey Sandwich With Smoked Gouda</a>, pickled red onion and cherries is a good way to sneak additional fruit into a basic turkey sandwich.

This Turkey Sandwich With Smoked Gouda, pickled red onion and cherries is a good way to sneak additional fruit into a basic turkey sandwich.

Deb Lindsey / for The Washington Post

These <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2008/10/15/applesauce-chocolate-chip-bars/'>Applesauce Chocolate Chip Bars</a> are a healthy, sweet treat and do not take long to make. The bars also freeze well, for up to a month.

These Applesauce Chocolate Chip Bars are a healthy, sweet treat and do not take long to make. The bars also freeze well, for up to a month.

James M. Thresher / for The Washington Post

These <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2007/08/29/fudgy-zucchini-muffins/'>Fudgy Zucchini Muffins</a> seem more like chocolate cupcakes than a vegetable loaf. They make a great snack or dessert for hungry kids.

These Fudgy Zucchini Muffins seem more like chocolate cupcakes than a vegetable loaf. They make a great snack or dessert for hungry kids.

Julia Ewan / The Washington Post

Dress up basic kernels with maple sugar and sea salt in this <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2008/09/24/sweet-and-salty-popcorn/'>Sweet and Salty Popcorn</a> recipe. Use reduced-fat microwave popcorn for a healthy, gluten-free snack.

Dress up basic kernels with maple sugar and sea salt in this Sweet and Salty Popcorn recipe. Use reduced-fat microwave popcorn for a healthy, gluten-free snack.

Len Spoden / Len Spoden Photography

This <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2008/12/31/banana-snack-cake/'>Banana Snack Cake</a> recipe is a good way to use bananas that are a little too ripe. The cake is soft and tender, and is a good dessert for kid’s lunches.

This Banana Snack Cake recipe is a good way to use bananas that are a little too ripe. The cake is soft and tender, and is a good dessert for kid’s lunches.

Julia Ewan / The Washington Post

These <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2008/05/21/peanut-butter-globe-globs/'>Peanut Butter Globe Globs</a> are a high-protein snack for after school and a good way to use up those small amounts of cereal that are often left at the bottom of the box. Mix all kinds together.

These Peanut Butter Globe Globs are a high-protein snack for after school and a good way to use up those small amounts of cereal that are often left at the bottom of the box. Mix all kinds together.

Julia Ewan / The Washington Post

Fried plantains make a wonderful sandwich or wrap filling when combined with zesty bean spread and spicy salsa in this <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2009/09/30/plantain-wraps-tangy-black-bean-spread/'>recipe</a>. The bean spread also can be used as a dip for baby-cut carrots and tortilla chips.

Fried plantains make a wonderful sandwich or wrap filling when combined with zesty bean spread and spicy salsa in this recipe. The bean spread also can be used as a dip for baby-cut carrots and tortilla chips.

James M. Thresher / for The Washington Post

Tofu may be a hard sell for some children, but this <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2009/09/30/sunny-tofu-salad/'>Sunny Tofu Salad</a>, made with Dijon mustard, looks like egg salad. It can be made ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for two to three days.

Tofu may be a hard sell for some children, but this Sunny Tofu Salad, made with Dijon mustard, looks like egg salad. It can be made ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for two to three days.

James M. Thresher / for The Washington Post

This <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2010/09/01/herbed-mustard-rubbed-chicken-thighs/'>Herb-Mustard Rubbed Chicken Thighs</a> recipe is a great for family meals. It can be prepped in the morning before you leave for the day. Any leftover chicken can be pulled off the bone and used for sandwiches, as a filling in quesadillas or in a chicken salad.

This Herb-Mustard Rubbed Chicken Thighs recipe is a great for family meals. It can be prepped in the morning before you leave for the day. Any leftover chicken can be pulled off the bone and used for sandwiches, as a filling in quesadillas or in a chicken salad.

Michael Temchine / for The Washington Post

Start with cooked chicken breast halves and you won't have to go near a stove for this <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2010/07/28/lwv-chicken-salad/'>chicken salad recipe</a>. Use less curry powder and scallions for picky children.

Start with cooked chicken breast halves and you won't have to go near a stove for this chicken salad recipe. Use less curry powder and scallions for picky children.

Tracy A. Woodward / The Washington Post

This <a data-xslt='_http' href='http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2009/05/06/easy-tex-mex-bake/'>casserole-type bake</a> is low-fat and can produce plenty of leftovers for weekday lunches.

This casserole-type bake is low-fat and can produce plenty of leftovers for weekday lunches.

James M. Thresher / for The Washington Post

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