Lucy Cohen Blatter

All chefs contend with restaurant reviews, but those who moonlight as parents face an entirely different—and pickier—set of critics: their kids. We asked seven of them to recommend healthy lunches that consistently garner raves from their children. Luckily, you don't need a culinary degree to master these back-to-school meals. Bill Telepan of TelepanDad to Leah, 9 I often make a bean salad that can be served on its own or as a side salad with a sandwich. I use a mixture of black beans and pinto beans—beans are such a great source of protein, and they're cost-efficient. I've also been known to make a vegetarian chili, which I pack into a thermos. It's a combination of spices and a variety of vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers. You can blend it all in a food processor if your kids aren't into veggies. If they are vegetable fans, though, you can prepare a whole-wheat pasta salad and add in broccoli, sugar snap peas, grated carrots and wax beans." Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter and The DarbyMom to Ava, 4 As a professional chef, I'm always thinking about using the best ingredients possible. When it comes to my daughter, I am no different. I'm not a fan of tricks or gimmicks, but I do focus on presenting healthy food in a fun way. I pack her a little kit with different cut-up vegetables like carrots and cucumbers. I also prepare her sandwich in separate parts—bread, chicken salad, lettuce, tomatoes. That way, she can assemble it on the spot, so it doesn't get soggy. Lunch with a s