15 Nut-Free Lunch Recipes and Snacks

Broccoli Chicken Brown Rice Salad

With orange juice in the dressing and dried cranberries, this salad pairs child-friendly flavors with parent-pleasing broccoli and brown rice. Hearty and full of textures, you'll want to pack some for your lunch, too.

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup small broccoli florets, cooked tender crisp
1 cooked chicken breast, cut into small chunks
1/4 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup canola oil
2 Tbsp. orange juice
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

In a large bowl, toss together the rice, broccoli, chicken and cranberries. Pour the canola oil and orange juice in, season with salt and ground black pepper. Serve with unsweetened applesauce and milk. Makes enough for 4-6 servings, depending on age and appetite.

Extras: Use a brown rice and wild rice blend for extra texture. Use 2 Tbsp. raisins for the same amount of dried cranberries for a sweet-tart mix. You can also substitute 1/4 cup of bottled dressing instead of making your own.

Kids can: Measure the ingredients, stir the salad.

Plus:
Yummy Toddler Lunch Ideas
Gorgeous, Healthy Bento Lunch Boxes
Cute Kids' Lunch Boxes