Getting kids to eat their veggies can sometimes feel like a battle, but it doesn’t have to be! With these fun and easy recipes kids can make that include veggies, your little ones will be excited to get into the kitchen and whip up some delicious, healthy meals. Whether you’re looking for quick 20-minute meals, hidden veggie recipes, or top 15 kid-friendly vegetarian recipes, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents Recipes Kids Can Make That Include Veggies
Key Takeaways:
- Top 15 kid-friendly vegetarian recipes that are easy and fun to make.
- Hidden veggie recipes that even picky eaters will love.
- 20-minute meals that are perfect for busy days.
- Toddler-friendly veggie recipes that are both nutritious and delicious.
- Cheap and easy vegetarian recipes that kids can make with minimal supervision.
Top 15 Kid-Friendly Vegetarian Recipes
These recipes are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Plus, they’re easy enough for kids to make with a little help from an adult. Here are our top picks:
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick and colorful dish that can be customized with any veggies you have on hand. Simply sauté the veggies in a bit of oil, add some soy sauce, and serve over rice. Check out this recipe.
- Homemade Pizza: Let kids choose their favorite veggies to top their own mini pizzas. Use whole wheat dough for a healthier twist. Find the pizza dough recipe here.
- Vegetable Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with a mix of sautéed veggies and cheese, then cook until golden brown. Serve with salsa or guacamole. Get the recipe.
- Smoothie Bowls: Blend frozen fruits and veggies with a bit of yogurt or almond milk, then top with granola, nuts, and seeds. Try these smoothie bowl ideas.
- Vegetable Soup: A hearty and comforting meal that can be made in a slow cooker. Add a variety of veggies, beans, and herbs for flavor. Find the recipe here.
- Vegetable Frittata: A great way to use up leftover veggies. Whisk eggs with milk, pour over sautéed veggies, and bake until set. Get the frittata recipe.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: A one-pan wonder that’s perfect for using up odds and ends in the fridge. Cook rice, sauté veggies, and mix with soy sauce and scrambled eggs. Find the recipe here.
- Vegetable Lasagna: Layer pasta sheets with a mix of sautéed veggies, ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce. Bake until bubbly and golden. Get the lasagna recipe.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fill rice paper wrappers with a mix of fresh veggies and herbs. Serve with a peanut dipping sauce. Try this spring roll recipe.
- Vegetable Pasta Salad: Cook pasta, mix with a variety of chopped veggies, and toss with a simple vinaigrette. Find the recipe here.
- Vegetable Omelet: Whisk eggs, pour into a hot pan, and add sautéed veggies. Fold and serve with a side of toast. Get the omelet recipe.
- Vegetable Curry: A flavorful and aromatic dish that can be made with a variety of veggies. Serve with rice or naan bread. Find the curry recipe here.
- Vegetable Tacos: Fill taco shells with sautéed veggies, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Try these veggie tacos.
- Vegetable Bites: Mix veggies with breadcrumbs, form into patties, and bake until golden. Serve with ketchup or a dipping sauce. Get the bites recipe.
- Vegetable Noodles: Use a spiralizer to turn veggies into noodles, then sauté with a bit of oil and your favorite sauce. Find the noodle recipe here.
Cheap and Easy Kid-Friendly Vegetarian Recipes
These recipes are budget-friendly and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for busy families. Here are a few more ideas:
- Vegetable Oatmeal: Cook oats with a mix of veggies and a bit of cinnamon. Top with fruit and a drizzle of honey. Find the recipe here.
- Vegetable Pancakes: Mix grated veggies into pancake batter and cook on a griddle. Serve with maple syrup or yogurt. Get the pancake recipe.
- Vegetable Muffins: Blend veggies into muffin batter and bake until golden. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Try these muffins.
- Vegetable Sandwiches: Fill whole grain bread with a mix of sliced veggies, hummus, and avocado. Get the sandwich recipe.
- Vegetable Wraps: Roll a mix of veggies, cheese, and hummus in a whole wheat tortilla. Cut into pinwheels for a fun presentation. Find the wrap recipe here.
Hidden Veggie Recipes for Picky Eaters
Some kids are more reluctant to try new foods, especially vegetables. These hidden veggie recipes are a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition without them even noticing:
- Carrot Cake Muffins: Grate carrots and mix into muffin batter. Top with a cream cheese frosting. Find the recipe here.
- Vegetable Mac and Cheese: Blend cooked veggies into the cheese sauce for a creamy and nutritious meal. Get the mac and cheese recipe.
- Vegetable Meatballs: Mix grated veggies into meatball mix and bake until golden. Serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce. Try these meatballs.
- Vegetable Smoothies: Blend spinach or kale with fruits and a bit of yogurt for a refreshing and nutritious drink. Find the smoothie recipe here.
- Vegetable Bread: Mix grated veggies into bread batter and bake until golden. Perfect for sandwiches or as a snack. Get the bread recipe.
20-Minute Meals Kid-Friendly Vegetarian
When you’re short on time, these quick and easy recipes will save the day:
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: As mentioned earlier, this is a quick and versatile dish. Check out this recipe.
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Another one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Find the recipe here.
- Vegetable Omelet: Whisk eggs, pour into a hot pan, and add sautéed veggies. Fold and serve. Get the omelet recipe.
- Vegetable Pasta Salad: Cook pasta, mix with chopped veggies, and toss with a simple vinaigrette. Find the recipe here.
- Vegetable Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with sautéed veggies and cheese, then cook until golden. Get the recipe.
Toddler Veggie Recipes
Toddlers can be particularly picky, but these recipes are designed to be appealing and easy to eat:
- Vegetable Oatmeal: Cook oats with a mix of veggies and a bit of cinnamon. Top with fruit and a drizzle of honey. Find the recipe here.
- Vegetable Pancakes: Mix grated veggies into pancake batter and cook on a griddle. Serve with maple syrup or yogurt. Get the pancake recipe.
- Vegetable Muffins: Blend veggies into muffin batter and bake until golden. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Try these muffins.
- Vegetable Wraps: Roll a mix of veggies, cheese, and hummus in a whole wheat tortilla. Cut into pinwheels for a fun presentation. Find the wrap recipe here.
- Vegetable Smoothies: Blend spinach or kale with fruits and a bit of yogurt for a refreshing and nutritious drink. Find the smoothie recipe here.
FAQs
Q: Are these recipes suitable for toddlers?
A: Yes, many of these recipes are toddler-friendly. They are easy to eat and packed with nutrients that growing bodies need.
Q: Can kids make these recipes on their own?
A: Most of these recipes can be made with minimal supervision. However, it’s always best to have an adult nearby to help with tasks like cutting and cooking.
Q: How can I make sure my kids enjoy these recipes?
A: Involve your kids in the cooking process. Let them choose the veggies, help with measuring, and even decorate the dishes. This can make the experience more fun and increase their willingness to try new foods.
Q: What are some tips for picky eaters?
A: Try hiding veggies in familiar dishes, offer a variety of textures and flavors, and be patient. It may take several tries before your child accepts a new food.
Q: Are these recipes budget-friendly?
A: Yes, most of these recipes use common and affordable ingredients. You can also use whatever veggies you have on hand to keep costs down.
Conclusion
Encouraging kids to eat their veggies doesn’t have to be a struggle. With these recipes kids can make that include veggies, you can create fun and nutritious meals that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for quick 20-minute meals, hidden veggie recipes, or top 15 kid-friendly vegetarian recipes, there’s something for everyone. Happy cooking!