Getting some kids to eat their vegetables can be akin to pulling teeth from the mouth of an angry crocodile. It can cause even the most patient and loving mom to want to tear her hair out. If your picky eaters won’t eat their vegetables, here are 15 easy recipes you can try with even the most finicky diners, one for each of the top kid-friendly vegetables.
Green Bean Fries
French fries are delicious, but they aren’t always the healthiest side dish. These fries ditch the potatoes for green beans and the hot oil for a 400-degree oven.
Caramelized Butternut Squash
There’s no better way to make kids eat their veggies than by making them sweet. This butternut squash recipe enhances the natural sugars in the squash through caramelization and a touch of brown sugar.
Confetti Stuffed Bell Peppers
Sweet bell peppers are delicious raw, but they gain even more depth of flavor when roasted. Stuff them with extra veggies and nutritious brown rice for a satisfying vegetarian entree your whole family can enjoy.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Grape and cherry tomatoes are very similar in size and flavor, and you can use them interchangeably in any recipe. Roasting them until they burst makes them a sweet and savory treat and the balsamic pairs beautifully with tomatoes any time of year.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Most kids love corn on the cob. It’s tasty, it’s messy and they can eat it with their hands. Grilling the corn adds an extra level of flavor kids and adults will both enjoy.
Cheesy Spinach Bites
Unlike with previous generations, you can’t rely on Popeye cartoons to get kids to each their spinach. These cheesy spinach bites can get every the pickiest eater to enjoy these greens.
Fresh Pea Soup
It can be challenging to get kids to enjoy winter staples like split pea soup — it’s heavy, salty and is an acquired taste. This fresh pea soup is light and filled with the tastes of spring.
Jicama Fries
Jicama is a unique tuber that is high in fiber and vitamin C and has a consistency somewhere between a potato and an apple. It’s tasty raw and dipped in hummus, but if you can’t convince your child to enjoy raw jicama, here’s a delicious recipe to turn them into a fun french fry substitute.
Carrot Chips
Carrots are tasty, but if you can’t get your picky eater to eat them, turning them into bright orange carrot chips can be a great alternative. You can try adding some cinnamon to bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Cauliflower is relatively bland, but it does have a consistency some picky eaters might not enjoy. Thankfully, it’s versatile enough to turn into just about anything, from a mashed potato substitute to pizza crust!
Zoodles
Everyone loves noodles, but it may not be in your best interest to sever pasta every night. Break out your spiralizer and make these tasty veggie noodles instead! No spiralizer? No problem! You can make thin strips of zucchini with your veggie peeler!
Sugar Snap Pea Stir-Fry
Sugar snap peas are so tasty on their own, you almost don’t need to add anything to them. If your children don’t enjoy them raw like we do, here’s a quick and easy stir-fry that works with or without the protein of your choice.
Mushroom Pizza Bites
Mushrooms are tricky. Some kids love them, and others won’t touch them with a 10-foot pole. Here’s a quick and easy meal idea even the pickiest eater will enjoy, because who doesn’t love pizza?
Broccoli Pesto
Everyone loves pasta, but if you’re tired of the traditional tomato sauce, this tasty pesto can add some broccoli to your kid’s diet without resorting to using cheesy sauce.
Fresh Cucumber Roll-Ups
Cucumbers are mostly water, but that doesn’t make them any less healthy — or any less tasty. In fact – that’s what makes them so great! Here’s a fun little cucumber snack your kids are sure to love.
Even the pickiest eater can learn to enjoy vegetables if you take the time to make them tasty and fun. Try these yummy recipes to sneak a few extra veggies into your kid’s diet.
