What could be a better way to have a quick and healthy meal at the drop of a dime than with a tasty sandwich?

Sandwiches are a versatile way to create a meal that is nourishing and wholesome for kids and adults alike, especially when including ingredients that offer a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.

Here are some of my favorite ways to make healthy sandwiches that take your traditional PB and J’s and ham and cheese sandwiches up a couple notches.  

Make these your own by using your favorite breads, spreads, and condiments - the possibilities are endless.

Sandwiches can make an easy-to-go breakfast, a simple picnic lunch, or dinner a breeze with a couple of side dishes, like a fresh fruit or simple summer salad.

You really can’t go wrong, so have some fun exploring different ways to recreate your traditional favorites. Get your kids involved by laying out the ingredients and spreads and letting them build their own sandwiches. Food should be simple, nourishing, delicious and fun.

Sweet and Savory Grilled Cheese

Switch up your regular grilled cheese routine by adding fruit as a refreshing (and surprise) ingredient!

Ingredients

• 8 Slices Sandwich Bread of Choice

• Deli Ham, thinly sliced

• Gruyere or other melting cheese

• 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced

• Butter

Directions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat

2. Spread one side of 4 bread slices with butter, add to warm skillet

3. Layer bread slices evenly with Gruyere cheese, deli ham, and pear slices

4. Butter remaining 4 bread slices and use to top sandwiches

5. Cook until golden and cheese has melted, about 3-5 minutes per side

6. Slice sandwiches in half and serve warm. Enjoy!

Fruit and Nut Butter Wraps 

Spice up the old PB&J with this yummy wrap that includes fresh fruit!

Ingredients

• Nut/Seed Butter of Choice (Almond, Sunflower, Peanut, etc)

• Fresh Berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and/or blueberries

• Whole grain wraps

• Honey (optional)

Directions

1. Put berries in a medium bowl and drizzle with honey. Mash with a fork until desired consistency

2. Spread wraps with a thin spread of nut/seed butter

3. Add a layer of mashed berries on top of nut/seed butter

4. Roll your wrap and slice for mini “pinwheels” (fun for kids) or eat as is. Enjoy!

*Extra Twist: Use this filling as a sandwich to make the most insanely delicious french toast you’ve ever had!

Breakfast Pita Pocket 

Pita pockets are perfect for filling with your favorite breakfast ingredients. Make a pita “breakfast bar” as an easy way to feed a crowd (or big family).

Ingredients

• 4-6 Pita Breads, Cut it Half

Filling options

• Scrambled Eggs

• Breakfast sausage, cooked and sliced

• Bacon

• Avocado Slices

• Pico de gallo

• Fresh Salsa

• Roasted Red Peppers

• Arugula

• Shredded Cheese

Directions

1. Separate pitas to create a pocket opening

2. Fill with desired ingredients, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Turkey Pesto Grilled Cheese  

This is another rendition of the classic grilled cheese that is sure to be a family favorite and a crowd pleaser! Used store bought pesto to save time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 8 Slices Sandwich Bread of Choice

• 1 container prepared pesto

• Butter

• Fresh Mozzarella, Sliced

• 1 Tomato, sliced

• Sliced Turkey Breast

Directions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat

2. Butter one side of all bread slices. Spread a layer of pesto on the other side of all bread slices

3. Add 4 slices to skillet, buttered side down

4. Layer bread with sliced mozzarella, turkey, and tomato slices. Top with bread slices, buttered side up

5. Cook until golden and cheese has melted, about 3-5 minutes per side

6. Slice sandwiches in half and serve warm. Enjoy!

Hummus and Roasted Veggie Wraps 

This vegetarian sandwich wrap makes a delicious and satisfying lunch or snack. Use leftover roasted veggies to make this wrap even easier to put together.

*For a simple roasted veggie recipe: combine your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, sweet potato, summer squash, etc. Chop and mix in a bowl with a generous amount of olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs of choice. Layer on a baking sheet and cook at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat wraps (about 9in in diameter)

• Store bought hummus

• Roasted mixed vegetables

• Pine Nuts, toasted (optional)

Directions

1. Spread each wrap with a layer of hummus.

2. Sprinkle hummus layer with toasted pine nuts

3. Add a layer of roasted veggie mixture over hummus

4. Roll hummus wrap together and serve or slice and enjoy!

What are your go-to sandwiches that you and your family love?