(Culinary.net) They might not be the fanciest of foods, but when you eat a filling, protein-packed sandwich, you are usually left satisfied and full of energy. From ham and turkey to mayo and mustard, the possibilities are nearly endless when sandwiches are on the menu.

With so many customizable options for bread, meats, toppings and more, it’s easy to create the perfect sandwich. For example, this Croissant Chicken Salad Sandwich is served on a fluffy, light, mouthwatering croissant and features a hearty mixture of chicken, bacon and veggies to give you that boost you have been craving.

To make the sandwich, line six slices of bacon in a skillet. Cook until slightly crispy. Drain over a paper towel and crush into pieces.

On a cutting board, cut cherry tomatoes in half and chop green onions.

In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, pepper, bacon crumbles and halved cherry tomatoes.

Cut croissants in half and scoop a generous amount of chicken salad onto the bottom of the croissant. Top with spouts and replace top croissant.

The chicken is creamy, the bacon crumbles are crispy and the green onions give it crunch, making this sandwich perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether it’s a bridal shower, picnic at the park with family or just lunch on a weekend afternoon, it can give you the energy to go forward and finish your day strong.

Find more recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Croissant Chicken Salad Sandwich with Sprouts

Servings: 6

• 6          strips bacon
• 1          rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1/2       cup mayonnaise
• 1/4       cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
• 1/2       cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• sprouts

1. In skillet, arrange bacon and cook until slightly crispy. Drain bacon over paper towel; allow to dry. Crush into pieces.
2. In large bowl, stir chicken, mayonnaise, green onions and pepper until combined. Add bacon and tomatoes; stir until combined.
3. Cut croissants in half. Spoon generous portion of chicken salad over bottom croissant. Top with sprouts. Replace top croissant.

(Family Features) Turning to easy recipes that require minimal cooking time can help your loved ones take the stress out of busy back-to-school evenings while increasing the opportunities for sharing family moments together.

Skip the long cook times of complicated dishes and instead turn to an option like this Skillet Macaroni and Cheese, a kid-friendly and parent-approved meal to turn hectic school nights into happy time with family.

With a slight twist on the childhood classic, this version calls for chicken to add protein along with spinach and cherry tomatoes for increased veggie intake. Plus, it’s made with milk and cheese as part of an important daily intake of dairy, an irreplaceable part of a balanced diet as a source of essential nutrients.

Visit milkmeansmore.org to find more kid-friendly meals.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe courtesy of Katie Serbinski of “Mom to Mom Nutrition” on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6

• 1          cup dried elbow macaroni
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 1          pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2       cup onion, finely chopped
• 1          package (5 ounces) semisoft cheese with garlic and fine herbs
• 1 1/2    cups fat-free milk
• 1          tablespoon flour
• 1          teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2       cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2          cups fresh baby spinach
• 1          cup quartered cherry tomatoes

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, chicken and onion. Cook 6-8 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in semisoft cheese. Gradually add milk and flour. Continue stirring and cooking until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add hot sauce, cheddar cheese and cooked macaroni. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted. Stir in spinach.
5. Top with cherry tomatoes and serve.

Source:  United Dairy of Michigan

(Family Features) A distinctive and unexpected ingredient like rice vinegar is an easy way to bring faraway flavors to your favorite summer dishes. This pantry staple adds an Asian-inspired flavor to recipes of all kinds, from marinades to high-end meals.

Explore a new way to enjoy steak this summer with a recipe for zesty, marinated beef paired with crisp broccolini and peppers to give a familiar dish a fresh makeover using flavors from another origin. Give fajitas an Asian makeover with shrimp seared in a decadent hoisin-ginger sauce or try a fresh take on a crunchy salad with this Mexican-meets-Asian layered approach that’s perfect for lunch.

Include seasonal produce like cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes to enhance your summer flavor fusions. Pantry staples like black beans and canned corn also offer accessible ways to make elevated summer classics.

Capture Asian flavors with ingredients like NAKANO Rice Vinegar, which has perfected its rice vinegars over eight generations to offer unique and delicious flavors perfect for making mouthwatering Asian-inspired recipes at home.

Pro Flavor-Fusion Tips

• The key to a successful stir-fry is to use high heat to quickly cook meats and vegetables in stages without overcrowding the pan. This ensures that veggies stay slightly crisp, and meats develop a delicious sear instead of steaming.

• Avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points, making it a great choice for high-heat cooking like stir-frying.

• Hoisin sauce, which you can find in the Asian section of most grocery stores, is used frequently in Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a salty, fermented soybean paste often combined with garlic, chiles and five-spice powder, which adds a sweet, umami-rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Shishito peppers are slender, mild, green Japanese peppers available in the produce section of well-stocked grocery stores or Asian markets. If shishito peppers are unavailable, substitute with multicolored mini peppers.

• To accommodate those who love a lot of spice and those who prefer less spice, serve mild-to-medium-spicy foods with additional chili sauce on the side.

• Swap out heavy, high-calorie salad dressings for a splash of additional flavor with NAKANO rice vinegar.

Find more flavorful ways to put an Asian twist on your summer dishes at nakanoflavors.com.

Sizzling Shrimp Fajita Stir-Fry

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1 1/2    pounds large, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 shrimp total)
• 2          tablespoons soy sauce, divided
• 4          teaspoons cornstarch, divided
• 1/4       cup NAKANO Roasted Garlic Rice Vinegar
• 3          tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2          teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 3          tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1          red onion, cut into thin slivers
• 1          red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1/2       pound shishito peppers, stemmed
• 6          warmed corn or flour tortillas
• 1/2       cup finely shredded red cabbage
• 1/4       cup thinly sliced green onions

1. In medium bowl, combine shrimp, 2 teaspoons soy sauce and 2 teaspoons cornstarch; let stand 5 minutes to marinate.
2. In separate bowl, whisk remaining soy sauce, remaining cornstarch, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce and ginger until blended.
3. In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering. Add half of shrimp; cook 1 minute on each side. Transfer to clean bowl; repeat with remaining shrimp. Wipe out skillet with paper towel.
4. In same pan, heat remaining oil until shimmering. Add red onion, bell pepper and shishito peppers. Cook, stirring, 2-4 minutes until peppers begin to blister. Add vinegar mixture; cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened. Add shrimp to pan. Cook, tossing well until shrimp and vegetables are coated with sauce.
5. Fill tortillas with shrimp mixture, cabbage and green onions.

Spicy Steak and Broccoli

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          beef tenderloin (1 1/2 pounds), cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1          tablespoon soy sauce
• 1          tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2       teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 3          tablespoons avocado oil, divided
• 2          cups multicolored, mini sweet peppers, cut into thin rings
• 1/4       pound broccolini, cut into 3-inch sections
• 2          large shallots, chopped
• 1/4       cup NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 1          tablespoon sugar
• 1          teaspoon sambal oelek (Asian-chili garlic sauce) or sriracha
• 1/4       teaspoon kosher salt
• 2          teaspoons grated fresh ginger

1. In medium bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper and garlic powder.
2. In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add peppers, broccolini and shallots; cook 3 minutes, or until tender crisp. Transfer to clean bowl.
3. In same skillet over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering. Add half of beef in single layer. Cook undisturbed 2 minutes, or until bottoms are browned. Stir. Cook 1 minute, or until outer surfaces are no longer pink. Transfer to bowl with vegetables. Repeat with remaining oil and beef. Return beef and vegetables to skillet over medium-high heat.
4. In small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, sambal oelek, salt and ginger. Add mixture to pan. Cook 2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened.

Glass Jar Layered Taco Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1/2       avocado
• 1/4       teaspoon serrano pepper
• 1          tablespoon cilantro
• 2          tablespoons NAKANO Organic Seasoned Rice Vinegar
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• 1          teaspoon lime juice
• 1/3       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       cup corn
• 1/2       cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1/2       cup jicama, diced
• 1/2       cup black beans, rinsed
• 1/2       cup shredded green cabbage
• 1/2       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2       cup extra-firm tofu, diced
• 1/2       cup corn chips, crushed
• 1/2       cup spinach
• 1          tablespoon queso fresco

1. In bowl, mash avocado and add serrano pepper, cilantro, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Build salad in layers of corn, cabbage, jicama, black beans, cabbage, tomatoes, tofu, corn chips, spinach and queso fresco while adding drizzles of dressing between layers.

Source: NAKANO

(Family Features) While heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, many of the risk factors associated with the condition can be controlled with dietary and lifestyle changes. By centering your meals around better-for-you ingredients and recipes, you can show your heart some extra love.

Consider walnuts, which are a heart-healthy food certified by the American Heart Association. More than 25 years of research shows walnuts may play a key role in heart health. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved one of the first qualified health claims for a whole food, finding that eating 1 1/2 ounces of walnuts per day as part of a low-saturated fat and low-cholesterol diet while not increasing caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Additionally, walnuts are the only nut significantly high in omega-3s, with 2 1/2 grams of alpha-linolenic acid per ounce. Walnuts can add this essential nutrient to dishes like these American Heart Association Heart-Check Mark certified recipes for Greek Cucumber Walnut Bites and Banana Bread Overnight Oats.

Find more information and heart-healthy recipes at walnuts.org/heart-health.
 

Greek Cucumber Walnut Bites

Recipe courtesy of Beth Stark, RDN, LDN on behalf of the California Walnut Board
Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1/2       cup walnuts, chopped
• 1          English cucumber, ends trimmed (about 14 ounces)
• 1/2       cup roasted red pepper hummus
• 1/2       cup reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese
• 5          cherry tomatoes, quartered

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. On small baking sheet, arrange walnuts evenly. Bake 8 minutes, checking frequently, until toasted.
3. Slice cucumber crosswise into 3/4-inch thick slices. Using small spoon, gently scoop out and discard center of each cucumber slice, leaving bottom and sides intact.
4. In small bowl, stir 6 tablespoons chopped walnuts and hummus. Spoon walnut-hummus mixture into each cucumber slice and top with reserved chopped walnuts, feta cheese and quartered tomatoes.

Banana Bread Overnight Oats

Recipe courtesy of Crowded Kitchen on behalf of the California Walnut Board
Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

• 3          ripe bananas, sliced
• 2          cups old-fashioned oats
• 1          tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1          teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4       cup chopped California walnuts, divided
• 1          tablespoon maple syrup
• 3          cups skim milk

1. In large container with lid, add sliced bananas. Use potato masher or fork to mash bananas until smooth.
2. Add oats, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, half the chopped walnuts, maple syrup and milk. Combine thoroughly and refrigerate overnight.
3. To serve, divide among four canning jars or glass containers with lids. Top each with remaining walnuts before serving.

Source: California Walnut Board

(Family Features) From burgers to barbecued chicken, many of the best grilled foods are served with creamy condiments – often packing on calories and fat. Next time you’re ready to grill, experiment with new ways to create simple but robust flavors using fewer ingredients through simple swaps.

Rice vinegars offer a healthy alternative to condiments like mayonnaise or a creamy dressing when grilling. Keeping meals simple is easy with naturally gluten-free Nakano Rice Vinegar, which includes six or less simple ingredients with no artificial preservatives, flavors or ingredients, and no high-fructose corn syrup or MSG. The brand recently announced a clean-labeling initiative for all of its products, which now have easy-to-read labels with recognizable ingredients.

Dawn Jackson Blatner, star of ABC’s “My Diet Is Better Than Yours,” author of “Superfood Swap” and a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for the Chicago Cubs, has created healthy dishes to heat up the grill this season.

This fall, look for organic Nakano Rice Vinegars debuting at retailers nationwide, and find more recipes at Mizkan.com.

Grilled Meatballs and Zoodles

Servings: 4

Meatballs

• 1      pound organic ground turkey or grass-fed ground beef
• 1      cup organic kale, finely chopped
• 1/2   cup crushed brown rice crackers
• 1      egg
• 1/4   teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 1/4   teaspoon sea salt
• non-stick cooking spray

Salad

• 4      medium zucchini
• 2      cups organic cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4   cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 1/4   cup Nakano Rice Vinegar – Natural or Nakano Organic Rice Vinegar – Natural
• 2      tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• sea salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

1. Heat grill to medium.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, kale, crackers, egg, chili pepper flakes and salt. Use hands to form mixture into 12 balls. Refrigerate 30-60 minutes to help meatballs set.
3. Mist meatballs with non-stick cooking spray and place them on grill. Grill each side 3-4 minutes, using tongs to flip to sides that haven’t been browned yet. Meatballs should reach internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Using vegetable spiralizer, create zucchini noodles.
5. Toss zucchini with tomatoes, Parmesan, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.
6. Serve each zoodle plate with three meatballs.

Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 20 g total fat; 6 g saturated fat; 240 mg sodium; 14 g carbs; 3 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 32 g protein.

Grilled Veggie and Ranch Bowl

Servings: 2

• 8      ounces skinless chicken breast
• 2      ears corn, shucked
• 6      asparagus spears, trimmed
• 1      organic bell pepper, seeded and cut into 4 large pieces
• 1      zucchini, cut in half lengthwise
• 1      tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• sea salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4      tablespoons Cashew Ranch Dressing (recipe below)

1. Heat grill to medium.
2. Season chicken breast, corn, asparagus, bell pepper and zucchini with olive oil, sea salt and pepper.
3. Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side, internal temperature reaches 165 F. Grill corn 10-15 minutes, rotating after every pop, until corn is golden. Grill asparagus, bell pepper and zucchini 3-5 minutes per side, until tender.
4. Separate chicken, corn, asparagus, bell pepper and zucchini evenly into two bowls. Drizzle bowls with Cashew Ranch Dressing.

Note: Bowl leftovers can be refrigerated for up to four days.

Nutritional information per serving: 450 calories; 21 g total fat; 4.5 g saturated fat; 870 mg sodium; 31 g carbs; 6 g fiber; 10 g sugar; 38 g protein.

Cashew Ranch Dressing
Makes: 1 cup

• 1      cup raw, unsalted cashews
• 3/4   cup almost-boiling water
• 3      tablespoons Nakano Rice Vinegar – Natural or Nakano Organic Rice Vinegar – Natural
• 1      clove garlic, minced
• 1/4   teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4   teaspoon dried oregano
• 1      teaspoon sea salt
• 1      teaspoon black pepper
• 2      tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

1. In food processor, puree cashews, water, rice vinegar, garlic, dill, oregano, salt and pepper 3-4 minutes, until creamy. For best results, drizzle water in gradually as food processor is running. Stir in chives.

Note: Leftover dressing can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to seven days.

Nutritional information per tablespoon: 50 calories; 4 g total fat; 0.5 g saturated fat; 110 mg sodium; 3 g carbs; 1 g sugar; 2 g protein.

Tuna Stuffed Avocado

Servings: 2

• 1      ripe avocado
• 1      can (5 ounces) tuna packed in water, drained
• 1/2   cup finely diced celery
• 1/2   cup grated carrot
• 1/4   cup finely diced red onion
• 2      tablespoons Nakano Rice Vinegar – Natural or Nakano Organic Rice Vinegar – Natural
• 1/2   tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2   tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8   teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8   teaspoon black pepper
• 16    brown rice crackers

1. Cut avocado in half, remove pit and scoop out flesh leaving thin wall of avocado. Dice avocado flesh and set shell aside for serving.
2. In small bowl, combine tuna, celery, carrot, onion, vinegar, oil, mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well. Gently stir in diced avocado.
3. Scoop mixture into avocado shells and serve with brown rice crackers.

Nutritional information per serving: 360 calories; 19 g total fat; 3 g saturated fat; 530 mg sodium; 26 g carbs; 9 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 22 g protein.

Source: Nakano Rice Vinegar

(Family Features) With a new school year beginning, it’s important for parents to be prepared and help their children start forming good habits. For example, most children function better on a routine. They wake up every day at a certain time, they practice the same sports and eat nutritious, fresh foods that fuel their bodies.

One healthy option for kids is seafood. When kids eat at least two servings of seafood each week, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, they can receive big benefits. Fish and shellfish supply nutrients such as vitamins B and D, choline and essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are all needed for strong bones, brain development, healthy immune systems and cardiovascular systems.

In fact, research published in “Acta Paediatrica” shows an association between kids who eat fish at least once a week and better grades.

With a new routine in place, it can sometimes be hard for parents to keep up, but with fast-cooking seafood like thin fish fillets and shrimp, a healthy dinner can be ready in minutes. However, since some kids can be picky eaters, consider these tips from Joe Urban, director of food and nutrition services for Greenville County Schools, to add seafood to your family’s table.

• Start creating meals featuring seafood early in their lives, as children who are exposed to seafood at an early age may develop a fondness for the cuisine.
• Introduce them to mild varieties such as cod, pollock and haddock, then have them try other species as they become accustomed to the taste.
• Seafood can be substituted in nearly any dish that normally calls for chicken, beef, pork or other proteins. Serving seafood in familiar dishes like tacos, enchiladas, soups, salads, burgers and baked dishes can be a beneficial way for kids to eat more seafood.
• Canned seafoods like tuna and salmon make for quick, budget-friendly options when time is short, plus they can be mixed in with a variety of recipes.

For more seafood recipes and meal inspiration, visit seafoodnutrition.org or follow #Seafood2xWk on social media.

Hearty Salmon Skewers over Brown Rice

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          pound salmon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• kosher salt, to taste
• freshly ground pepper, to taste
• paprika, to taste
• 8          skewers
• 1/4       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1          cup pineapple, cubed
• 1/2       cup canola oil
• 1          lemon
• 2          cups cooked brown rice

1. Coat salmon with kosher salt, freshly ground pepper and paprika, to taste. Slide piece of salmon onto skewer, followed by tomato and then pineapple. Repeat three times on each skewer, or until skewer is full.
2. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 cup canola oil 1 minute.
3. Place skewers in pan and turn every 2 minutes per side. Squeeze lemon on skewers while cooking.
4. To serve, place 1/2 cup rice on each plate and two skewers on top. Squeeze hint of lemon over each serving, if desired.

Source: Seafood Nutrition Partnership

(Family Features) Eating healthy isn’t always easy, and when your family is rushing around in the evenings it can seem like a daunting task to put a well-balanced, nutritious meal on the table.

However, cooking at home with a lean protein you can feel good about serving, like seafood, is one way to serve up quick, good-for-you meals. In fact, one-third of people surveyed reported they increased their fish consumption at home last year, according to Datassential.

Research published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” showed eating seafood 2-3 times per week can improve brain, eye, heart and prenatal health. Seafood also provides unique health benefits as one of the best sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats essential to human health and development.

As only one out of 10 Americans meets the Dietary Guidelines recommendation of two servings of seafood per week, National Seafood Month is a great time to incorporate more seafood into you and your family’s meals. Check out these tips from the Seafood Nutrition Partnership:

• Make a game plan or meal plan for the week to figure out when you can incorporate seafood into your meals.
• Stock up on canned and frozen seafood at the grocery store and keep an eye out for sales or coupons.
• Make easy swaps, like using white fish or shrimp in tacos instead of beef or a salmon patty instead of a burger patty.
• Try doubling recipes so you only have to cook it once but can reap the benefits of eating seafood twice in one week.
• Use kitchen gadgets like slow cookers and pressure cookers to prepare seafood-based meals in a pinch.

For recipes, ideas and inspiration for eating seafood at least two times per week, visit seafoodnutrition.org or follow #Seafood2xWk on social media.

One Pan Fish Dish

Recipe courtesy of Michael-Ann Rowe on behalf of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1/8       cup canola oil
• 1/4       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1          medium onion, quartered
• 2          cups broccoli florets
• 1          lemon, half sliced and half juiced, divided
• kosher salt, to taste
• freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1          pound white fish (such as snapper, grouper, flounder or barramundi)
• 4          tablespoons olive oil
• fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

1. In pan over medium heat, heat canola oil about 1 minute.
2. Add tomatoes, onions and broccoli to pan; cook 5 minutes, uncovered.
3. Drizzle lemon juice over vegetables and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Place fish on top of vegetables in center of pan and place two lemon slices on top of fish.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Cover pan and cook on medium heat 10-12 minutes depending on thickness of fish.
7. Drizzle olive oil over fish and top with rosemary, if desired, before serving.

Source: Seafood Nutrition Partnership

(Family Features) Coming up with fresh ideas every day to keep kids’ lunches exciting is no small task. When the goal is an empty lunchbox and a full, happy tummy, the winning combination is a blend of nutrition and flavor.

Step up your game this school year with these ideas for a better lunchbox:

Get creative. Foods that look can good taste good, too. Transform sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters or make tiny heart- or star-shaped, bite-size pieces of cheese for a fun finger food. Another fun idea: thread sliced and bite-sized vegetables on a wooden stick for a no-cook kabob. For a sweet variation, use fruit instead and sprinkle with coconut for extra flavor.

Skip the packaging. Little fingers can struggle to open pre-packaged foods, so instead opt for fresh ingredients that fit into a bento-style box. Not only can kids see what tasty treats await and dig straight into their meals, less packaging means less processing, which is good for their health and the environment.

Keep it simple. Opt for delicious, flavorful foods that deliver nutrients kids need and the taste they want without any extras. An option like Hidden Valley Simply Ranch makes for a rich and creamy complement to carrot sticks, cucumber and other lunchbox staples. With no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors this ranch is perfect for encouraging kids to eat the veggies you pack. Look for Classic Ranch or for a special twist, try flavors such as Cucumber Basil or Chili Lime.

Rely on the familiar. Refueling during the day is important to keep kids focused and able to mentally and physically tackle the rest of the school day. Avoid trying out new foods at lunchtime and save experimenting with new flavors for meals at home.

Go for variety. Representing multiple foods groups isn’t only a good way to deliver good nutrition, the variety in colors and textures can make the meal more interesting and encourage kids to eat more. Include savory meats, crunchy crackers, veggies and sweet fruits.

Add a treat. Whether it’s a favorite fruit or yogurt, a single piece of candy or even a simple note that says “I love you and I’m proud of you,” find a way to add something sweet to every lunch and bring a smile to your child’s daily routine.

Look for more kid-friendly meals at hiddenvalley.com. 

Portable Veggie Kabobs with Tangy Veggie Dip

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8

• 1          cucumber, sliced
• 1          cup broccoli florets
• 2          carrots, sliced
• 8          cherry tomatoes
• 6-8       wooden skewers
• Hidden Valley Simply Ranch

1. Gently thread cucumber slices, broccoli, carrot slices and cherry tomatoes on skewers, placing 2-3 pieces of each veggie on each skewer to make a rainbow of colors.
2. Serve ranch dressing with veggies for dipping.

Tip: Add cheese cubes for protein on kabobs, if desired.

Photo courtesy of Mick Jones

Source: Hidden Valley

3 dairy-inspired dishes for weeknight dinners

(Family Features) Warm meals that come together quickly are a necessity for busy families, especially on weeknights filled with homework, practices, meetings and more. Serving up comfort foods that require less time in the kitchen make for more moments spent together at the table.

Hearty and satisfying, this Chicken and Wild Rice Soup can bring everyone together for a warm, soothing meal, while Cheesy Turkey Chili Mac makes for familiar fare enjoyed by adults and kids alike. For a rich, creamy, one-dish dinner solution, Pasta and Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce requires less than 45 minutes of kitchen duty, making it an ideal weeknight family-favorite.

These dairy-fueled recipes from Milk Means More of Michigan can be part of a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy and a variety of protein foods.

Find more weeknight meal solutions at milkmeansmore.org.

Watch video to see how to make this delicious recipe!

Pasta and Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

• 4          slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide pieces
• 3/4       pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 10        ounces (about 4 cups) farfalle (bow tie) pasta
• 2 1/2    cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4          cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2    teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2       teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1          cup heavy cream
• 1          cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3          cups baby spinach leaves
• 1          cup halved cherry tomatoes, for garnish

1. Place removable pan inside programmable pressure cooker. Using saute function, cook bacon, uncovered, until crisp. Use slotted spoon to remove bacon from pan. Drain bacon on paper towels. Leave 1 tablespoon drippings in pan; discard remaining.
2. Add chicken to bacon drippings in pan in two batches. Using saute function, stir-fry chicken 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through. Use slotted spoon to remove chicken from pan. Repeat until all chicken is cooked. Press cancel.
3. Stir pasta, broth, garlic, Italian seasoning and pepper into drippings in pan. Secure lid and set pressure release to sealing function. Select high pressure setting and cook 5 minutes. Press cancel.
4. Allow pressure to release naturally 5 minutes. Move pressure release to venting function to release any remaining steam. Remove lid.
5. Stir cream into pasta mixture. Using saute function, cook and stir, uncovered, until boiling. Boil, uncovered, about 4 minutes, or until sauce generously coats pasta, stirring frequently. Press cancel. Stir in chicken and Parmesan cheese.
6. Place spinach and bacon in large bowl. Pour pasta mixture over top. Toss until combined. Ladle into serving bowls. Top each serving with tomatoes.

Cheesy Turkey Chili Mac

Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

• 1          tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1          pound lean ground turkey
• 1          cup chopped onion
• 1          can (15 1/2 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1          can (15 ounces) no-salt- added tomato sauce
• 1          can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chili peppers
• 1 2/3    cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1          tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 8          ounces (about 1 3/4 cups) elbow macaroni
• 1/2       cup 2 percent or whole milk
• 2          tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2          cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 3/4       cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt or sour cream

1. Place oil in removable pan of programmable pressure cooker. Place pan in pressure cooker. Using saute function, heat oil until hot. Add turkey and onion. Cook, uncovered, about 5 minutes, or until turkey is no longer pink, stirring to break up. Press cancel.
2. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, garlic salt and pepper. Stir in macaroni. Secure lid and set pressure release to sealing function. Select high pressure setting and cook 5 minutes.
3. Allow pressure to release naturally 2 minutes. Move pressure release to venting function to release any remaining steam. Remove lid.
4. Stir macaroni mixture. Whisk together milk and flour. Stir into macaroni mixture. Using saute function, cook and stir, uncovered, 1-2 minutes, or until boiling. Press cancel.
5. Stir cheese into macaroni mixture until melted. Ladle into serving bowls. Spoon dollops of yogurt or sour cream on top.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour

• 1          cup shredded carrots
• 1/2       cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2       cup sliced celery
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 2          tablespoons butter or clarified butter
• 4          cups chicken broth
• 4          ounces (about 2/3 cup) wild rice, rinsed and drained
• 1          teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 12        ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1          cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
• 2          tablespoons flour
• 1/2       cup whipping cream

1. In Dutch oven, cook carrots, onion, celery and garlic in hot butter about 2 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir broth, wild rice, thyme, salt and pepper into vegetable mixture. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 40 minutes. Stir in chicken pieces. Return to simmer, covered, 10-15 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is done.
3. In small bowl, whisk together yogurt and flour. Gradually whisk in cream. Stir into chicken mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until boiling. Boil 1 minute. Ladle into bowls.

Source:  United Dairy Industry of Michigan