Thank you, American Dairy Association Mideast, for sponsoring this post! All opinions are 100% my own.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Meal Prep with Homemade Ranch Dip – Prep your BACK-TO-SCHOOL lunches with these delicious, easy-to-make ham and cheese pinwheels with a side of homemade ranch dip!
Did I just say “back to school”?!? YES, I DID! We’re *this* close to it, moms and dads! Some of your kids are already back AT school. Who else is celebrating???
P.S. Homeschooling parents, my hat is off to you! I bow to you! I worship you! I, on the other hand, have been on a countdown since two weeks after the last day of school.
I have exhausted all my summer lesson plans, game plans, pool passes, park passes, and everything else that comes with a 12-hour day of summer fun. It’s now time to go back to 7 p.m. bedtime (so not gonna happen, but I’ll keep on trying), school buses, homework, and a weekly meal prep.
And these plastic containers are going to keep my meal-prep-plan going all year long.
Speaking of, do you know what makes the “perfect” meal prep bowl? Lemme explain:
Basically, and overall, you want to consider foods that are healthy and include all five food groups inside that container; calcium/dairy, protein, grains, veggies, and fruits…homemade ranch dip… 😉
Milk is the top food source of calcium and vitamin D in kid’s diets. For children, experts recommend 3 servings of low fat or fat free dairy foods daily. Do not be discouraged if your child only wants a sip of chocolate milk or strawberry milk – flavored milk can also help children get their three servings of milk every day. Flavored milk has the same 9 essential nutrients as regular white milk.
ALSO?! Yogurt! As in, Homemade Ranch Dip with Yogurt. Yogurt is made of milk, and 8-ounces of low-fat plain yogurt contains around 400 mg of calcium. It is also high in protein which is great for maintaining energy throughout the day.
Please take note: Not all “milk” is created equal. Watch this quick, fun video to learn about the nutritional differences between cow’s milk and “milks” like soy, almond and coconut. ⬅ Important stuff right there!
Now that I’ve edumacated us on all things calcium and milk, let me also just say that eating nutrient-dense foods from the major food groups in recommended proportions, and remaining within your daily calorie limit, helps you plan healthier meals that offer a healthy lifestyle. Starting with these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Meal Prep with Homemade Ranch Dip.
These are so easy-peasy to make:
A) Take some slices of turkey ham, American cheese, and a whole-wheat low-carb tortilla.
B) Wrap it all up, cut it into 5 pinwheels, pack it up with a side of our Ranch Dip, some carrots and fruit, and BOOM!
C) Lunch is served.
Quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious. At the end of the day, isn’t that what we all want?! Maintaining a healthy and filling diet can help kids and grown-ups eat less, weigh less and feel better.
For more information about dairy nutrition, to find delicious new recipes and to meet Ohio and West Virginia dairy farmers, visit www.Drink-MIlk.com, and follow the American Dairy Association Mideast on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
ENJOY!
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TOOLS USED IN THIS RECIPE
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels School Lunch with Homemade Ranch Dip
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup lite sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 4 (8-inch) whole wheat, low carb flour tortillas
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 slices turkey ham
- 24 baby carrots
- 4 apples
Instructions
- Place yogurt and sour cream in a mixing bowl; add garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, salt, and pepper; mix until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Place cheese and turkey ham in center of each tortilla.
- Bring the bottom edge of the tortilla tightly over the ham and cheese, folding in the sides.
- Tightly roll up the tortilla, then cut in sixths.
- Evenly divide up the pinwheels among 4 meal prep containers.
- Place 2 tablespoons of ranch dip in 4 small containers with a lid and place inside the meal prep containers.
- Include carrots and apples.
- Close with a lid and refrigerate.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
