Home › Recipes › Kid Friendly Recipes
By Anjali Shah on
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.
If you’re wracking your head trying to come up with vegetarian recipes for picky eaters, you’ve come to the right place! These 40 recipes are not only kid-approved, but mom approved too! Healthy, simple, and delicious, these recipes will make everyone in your family happy!
When it comes to preparing healthy meals for your picky eaters you may find yourself in a rut!
I know I’ve been there! There have been weeks when we’ve done the same rotation of recipes, like cheese quesadillas, pasta with butter and parmesan cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc.
After a while, everyone is tired of eating the same thing!
But it’s a challenge to find new recipes that your picky eaters will actually eat, and that you too will enjoy!
Sometimes in our house we run into the challenge that the kids want meals that don’t have onions, or very many spices. They just want something plain and simple.
While my husband and I want the flavor!
Coaxing your picky eaters into trying new things can be a challenge.
The goal is always to be able to prepare one meal that everyone will eat and enjoy without any complaints.
While all kids have their own preferences and dislikes, I find that these recipes are usually kid approved!
You can also easily make substitutions if your kids don’t like a particular veggie, or spice!
There’s no need to have boring meals to satisfy your picky eaters. Use this helpful meal planning template to make weekly meals a breeze!
What Do Picky Vegetarians Eat?
If you or someone in your family is a picky eater and a vegetarian, you may feel like your options are limited. However, there truly is a great deal of variety you can enjoy!
Vegetarian recipes for picky eaters does not need to be complicated.
What you can eat really depends on what you like and dislike. If you or your child are they type of picky eater that does not like many different vegetables, it’s all about finding the 5 or so vegetables you do like.
My kids love carrots. They are slightly sweet, and have a nice crunch. They’re also crazy about bell peppers, broccoli, corn, spinach, peas, and cauliflower. These might not be the same vegetables your picky eaters enjoy, but find a few. Keep trying until you hit upon a few that they will eat. Then use those over and over again.
Tastes change, so as your child grows and matures, you may find they like things they didn’t used to.
I also encourage the same sort of effort when it comes to fruit, although fruit doesn’t seem to be as much as a challenge as vegetables. Introduce fresh fruit at breakfast, lunch, snacks, or as a dessert after dinner.
My kids really will eat all fruits, but bananas, apples, pears, berries, and all types of melon are their favorites.
As far as main dishes are concerned, I’ve found that picky eaters will usually go for carbs. Instead of opting for white carbs, introduce whole grains that are high in fiber.
Consider serving whole wheat pasta, whole grain flour tortillas for quesadillas, whole grain bread for sandwiches.
Nut butters are also a great option to use, and are high in nutrients, protein, and fat.
Picky eaters also usually enjoy eating cheese. While cheese is fine to use, make sure that you feeding your picky eaters cheese in moderation.
What Vegetarian Recipes For Picky Eaters Can I Cook?
I find that not all picky eaters are picky about the same thing. Some kids are picky about vegetables, while others are picky about textures.
You might be surprised to find that your child will reject raw broccoli, but will happily eat it roasted or sautéed. The trick is finding the preparation of the vegetable that works well for your child.
You really have to continue to introduce new foods to your picky eater to help encourage them to try new things.
However, I’ve found that there are a few universally popular recipes that you can make that most everyone will love and enjoy.
Pizza: It’s a known fact that kids love pizza, right? You can make homemade pizza that is healthier and more nutritious, yet will still satisfy the kids. Use whole wheat pizza dough, reduce the amount of cheese, and sneak in a few veggies. I suggest slices of tomato, diced peppers, and fresh spinach.
Nachos: Who doesn’t love nachos? They are also simple and versatile to prepare. Use baked tortilla chips, and less cheese to make these healthier. Then load up on black beans, and veggies. I like to add chopped bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, and scallions for color.
Quesadillas: Kids love quesadillas, but add some additional nutrients by using whole grain tortillas, adding in some beans for protein, and a few chopped vegetables.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A universally kid friendly recipe, use whole grain bread, add try to sneak in some finely chopped leafy greens!
Macaroni and Cheese: Macaroni and cheese is always a hit! Use whole grain macaroni, and add in some leafy greens, peas, or other veggies to sneak in some vegeables.
Tacos: My kids love tacos, and I love them too! I love taco night because everyone can add their favorite toppings, and we’re all happy! Start with a base of black beans, or even sautéd vegetables, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower. Then allow the kids to add their favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado, cheese, or salsa.
Breakfast Vegetarian Recipes for Picky Eaters
When it comes to breakfast, it can be a little easier to satisfy your picky eaters. But how about something they will love, and you will too! These healthy breakfast recipes are high in fiber, rich in vitamins and nutrients, and low in sugar!
It’s a win for everyone, and the kids will think you’re the best chef!
Oatmeal Recipes
I’ve been able to encourage my kids to eat more oatmeal by changing up the add-ins. Adding ingredients like fresh fruit adds natural sweetness. Then I sneak in some chia or flax seeds for their added nutritional value.
Strawberries And Cream Oatmeal
Strawberries and cream oatmeal is a brilliant way to start the day! This healthy and satisfying breakfast is filled with rolled oats, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, coconut sugar, milk, and naturally sweet strawberries.It's hearty, vegan-friendly, ready in just 20 minutes, and sugar-free!
View this recipe
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
This peanut butter banana overnight oats recipe is a game-changer for your busy mornings. A perfect blend of wholesome ingredients like steel cut oats, Greek yogurt, and flax seeds make a nutritious breakfast that's ready when you are. The combination of creamy peanut butter and ripe banana is so delicious, and it will keep you full and satisfied!
View this recipe
Vegan Baked Oatmeal (11 Ways!)
This vegan baked oatmeal with fresh blueberries is naturally sweetened with maple syrup. It makes for a filling brunch or special occasion breakfast! No banana, eggs, or refined sugar!
View this recipe
Bananas And Cream Oatmeal
When you’re craving banana bread but want something quicker and healthier, then you’ve got to give this bananas and cream oatmeal a try! It has all of the flavor of rich, moist banana bread, but rolled into a simple healthy morning oatmeal! It's also vegan and gluten-free!
View this recipe
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
This pumpkin spice oatmeal is a delicious, healthy breakfast that's full of fall flavors, and can easily be made on the stove top or in the microwave. Ready in under 20 minutes, kid-friendly, with a vegan and gluten free option – it's the perfect start for busy mornings!
View this recipe
Gluten-Free Chocolate Oatmeal
This gluten-free chocolate oatmeal recipe is a healthy hot breakfast that tastes just like a fudge brownie! Healthy, easy, and ready in just 15 minutes, this is how to start the day right!
View this recipe
Quinoa Oatmeal
Switch up your morning breakfast with this warm, healthy quinoa oatmeal recipe! Hearty quinoa is simmered with nuts, fresh fruit and your milk of choice to create an oatmeal quinoa porridge that is creamy and satisfying. High in fiber, protein, naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan, it's a great way to start the day!
View this recipe
Pancake Recipes
What kid doesn’t love pancakes? These pancake recipes use whole grain flour, and are low in sugar! They always put a smile on my kids face when I surprise them with pancakes in the morning.
Healthy Pancakes with Oats and Sprouted Wheat
These healthy pancakes made with oats and sprouted wheat are light, fluffy, slightly sweet, and so good for you! The combination of the two whole grain flours helps keep you full much longer than white flour thanks to their fiber and protein. Kid-friendly and parent-approved!
View this recipe
Oat Flour Pancakes
These tasty, easy oat flour pancakes make the best breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast for dinner. They're packed with hearty whole grains and a secret ingredient that makes them a little fluffy and cakey at the same time. Made with a blender batter, this healthy pancake recipe is slightly sweet, gluten-free and is the perfect way to start your day!
View this recipe
Healthy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
These perfectly sweet, vegan apple pancakes will remind you of an apple cider donut! Made with gluten-free flour, apple juice, warm spices, and a fresh apple compote, this is a healthy, family-friendly breakfast that everyone will love!
View this recipe
Santa Pancakes
These cute and festive Santa pancakes are the perfect breakfast treat on Christmas morning. With a red strawberry hat, and white banana beard, these pancakes are deliciously fun!
View this recipe
A Healthy Twist on Traditional Breakfast Recipes
These recipes are a healthy twist on the originals. From healthy cinnamon rolls to french toast to scrambles, we’ve got a guilt-free comfort food fix for everyone in your family!
Chocolate Donuts
Start your day with these decadent, easy chocolate donuts! They are light, fresh, delicious, and healthier when homemade! Perfect for a special breakfast, brunch or dessert!
View this recipe
Vegan French Toast Casserole
Vegan French Toast Casserole is a quick, healthy breakfast that tastes like dessert! Made with sprouted wheat bread, apples, soy milk, flax seeds, and maple syrup, you’ll get all the decadence of a bread pudding in a nutritious package. Family-friendly and easy to make gluten-free!
View this recipe
Healthy Cinnamon Rolls
My healthy cinnamon rolls are great for breakfast, brunch, and special occasions! This easy recipe is low in sugar and calories, ideal for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to enjoy as a breakfast, brunch treat, or with tea and coffee. With my easy, step-by-step instructions, I’ll show you exactly how to make these fluffy, gooey cinnamon rolls perfectly every time!
View this recipe
Southwestern Tofu Scramble
This incredible Tofu Scramble is loaded with lots of healthy veggies, beans, warm spices, and cheese. It's the perfect 30-minute breakfast, brunch or dinner idea that the whole family will love. If you're looking for a vegan friendly alternative to scrambled eggs, this easy tofu scramble is for you!
View this recipe
Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters
Sandwiches are always a simple way to get something healthy on the table for lunch in a hurry. When using nutrient rich ingredients you’ll get your fiber, protein, veggies or fruit rolled into one simple-to-make meal!
Gourmet Banana Peanut Butter Sandwich
Who said that the peanut butter sandwich had to be 1) boring 2) just for kids and 3) the same every time? Sometimes reinventing a classic is just what you need to get out of a rut.
View this recipe
Reindeer Holiday Sandwiches
These super cute and healthy Reindeer Holiday Sandwiches are filled with peanut butter and fresh fruit. Whole wheat bread is cut into a heart shape to make a reindeer face, with pretzels for antlers, and chocolate chips for the eyes, and M&M-style candies for the nose.
View this recipe
Gooey Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese with French Onions is the ultimate gooey cheesy indulgent sandwich with a healthy twist. Packed with flavor and done in minutes, it's comfort food at its best!
View this recipe
Falafel Wrap Recipe
This delicious falafel wrap recipe is healthy comfort food at its best! These crispy falafel patties are baked instead of fried, then wrapped in a whole wheat pita and topped with spinach, tomato, and a creamy hummus sauce. Vegan, easy to make gluten free, and totally family-friendly!
View this recipe
Sourdough Grilled Cheese
This irresistibly delicious sourdough grilled cheese is ready in just 10 minutes. Melted brie, thinly sliced apple, and honey are layered between two slices of sourdough, then grilled until golden. This is guaranteed to be the best sourdough sandwich you'll ever eat!
View this recipe
Dinner Vegetarian Recipes for Picky Eaters
Dinnertime can be the most challenging time of the day to get a meal on the table that the whole family will eat and enjoy! It’s especially challenging when you have picky eaters in the house. These recipes are sure to please!
If your kids like tacos, pasta, pizza, or quesadillas, then these recipes will make them smile. I’ve snuck in some veggies, and substituted the traditional white carbs for whole grains, but I promise they won’t even notice!
Healthy Mac and Cheese
Healthy Mac and Cheese is the comfort food you have been craving! It’s so creamy and decadent, and is filled with whole wheat macaroni, veggies, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It's lower in calories and fat than your typical mac and cheese recipe, but still super satisfying and absolutely delicious!
View this recipe
Grilled Quesadillas with Poblanos, Mangos, and Black Beans
Easy, crispy, satisfying Grilled Quesadillas are filled with creamy avocados, protein-packed black beans, gooey cheese, spicy poblanos, and sweet mango.Ready in 30 minutes and the perfect weeknight meal!
View this recipe
Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with Roasted Tomatoes and Basil
Dressed up with a delicious roasted tomato sauce and fresh herbs, this store bought spinach ravioli feels like a gourmet Italian meal you can enjoy on a weeknight!
View this recipe
Turkey Shaped Cheese Quesadillas
These absolutely adorable, Thanksgiving inspired cheese quesadillas are shaped like little turkeys but are completely vegetarian! Not to mention, they are mind-blowing delicious and super kid friendly. Each tasty quesadilla is filled with black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, and bell peppers sandwiched between two whole wheat tortillas. Fun, festive, and perfect for the holidays!
View this recipe
Healthy Baked Potatoes
This healthy baked potatoes recipe combines gooey cheese, broccoli, and cauliflower for a satisfying and hearty meal. With vegetarian comfort food like this, you get the perfect combination of taste and texture. Ready in just one hour, this is a kid-friendly and gluten-free recipe the whole family will enjoy!
View this recipe
Vegetarian Fajitas
The aroma of these smoky vegetarian fajitas will immediately win you over! Every bite is filled with lots of caramelized vegetables, spicy seasonings, protein-packed black beans, gooey Mexican cheese, and a crispy corn tortilla. Ready in 30 minutes and gluten-free, too!
View this recipe
Sweet Potato Tacos
These hearty and flavorful sweet potato tacos are loaded with refried black beans, veggies, and topped with a spicy Greek Yogurt taco sauce. They’re gluten-free, easily made vegan, healthy, delicious, and super family-friendly! The best part? They’re ready in just 30 minutes!
View this recipe
Vegan Black Bean Tacos
These healthy and delicious vegan black bean tacos are great for an easy weeknight meal. Packed with beans, veggies, spices, and toppings of your choice, they’re full of flavor, ready in 30 minutes, and perfect for the whole family!
View this recipe
Veggie Supreme Pizza
This veggie supreme pizza is as easy as it gets! Made with gooey mozzarella, fresh basil, and tasty vegetables like green bell pepper, roma tomatoes, and kalamata olives, this savory pizza will instantly become your new favorite recipe. The best part? In just 30 minutes, you can have the most delicious pizza to serve as an appetizer or for hosting pizza night!
View this recipe
Vegan Bolognese
This hearty vegan bolognese has a meaty texture from the lentils, walnuts, and celery! It's simple to make, family-friendly, and ready in less than 30 minutes. Scoop it onto your favorite pasta for an easy weeknight meal.
View this recipe
Healthy Stuffed Vegetarian Peppers
These stuffed vegetarian bell peppers are full of Mexican flavors and are perfect for a weeknight meal.They are gluten-free and can easily be made vegan too!
View this recipe
Hearty Healthy Vegetable Lasagna (Easy Recipe!)
My super satisfying, healthy vegetable lasagna is a lightened-up version of the beloved classic Italian recipe. Made with layers of whole wheat noodles, a mixture of gooey cheese, fresh herbs, and packed with veggies, this low-calorie veggie lasagna is ideal for anyone looking for a hearty, one-dish meal that tastes just like the traditional version. I guarantee this recipe will soon become a favorite among your family and friends!
View this recipe
Layered Taco Casserole With Tortillas
This layered taco casserole makes a quick and easy weeknight meal. Layers of corn tortillas, salsa, refried beans, and veggies transform this Mexican-inspired casserole into a hearty meal! Taste-tested and kid-approved!
View this recipe
Veggie Quesadilla Recipe
These easy healthy veggie quesadillas are packed with black beans, gooey cheese, and crunchy veggies, and are ready in under 30 minutes!
View this recipe
Margherita Flatbread
This easy Margherita flatbread recipe is a delicious take on the classic pizza, with fewer calories! Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this flatbread is loaded with flavor in every bite! It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free, too!
View this recipe
Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta Recipe
This homemade whole wheat pasta recipe is a healthy twist on your regular pasta. Made with whole wheat flour, this pasta not only tastes great but also packs a nutritional punch.
View this recipe
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
This healthy main dish has all the comfort and flavor of a pasta bake, without the pasta! This spaghetti squash casserole is easy to make and packed full of nutritious ingredients for a delicious family meal.
View this recipe
Instant Pot Chili Mac (Vegetarian!)
Instant Pot Chili Mac is the perfect recipe when you need dinner in a hurry. Healthy and full of flavor, this hearty meal can easily be made vegan or gluten-free! Recipe also includes stove top instructions.
View this recipe
Baked Vegan Pasta
This cheesy, healthy, Baked Vegan Pasta recipe is so easy to make and packed full of tasty, nutritious ingredients. Lightened up with roasted veggies, paired with a rich tomato sauce, it's a meal that the whole family will enjoy!
View this recipe
Loaded Veggie Nachos
Making loaded veggie nachos has never been easier! Layers of chips, melty cheeses, and the best toppings come together to make the perfect side dish or main dish. These nachos are easily customizable making them great for the whole family. Enjoy them for cinco de mayo, game day, or movie nights – this no meat nacho recipe is delicious any time of year!
View this recipe
I hope you were able to find some inspiration to encourage your picky eaters to eat a variety of healthy and delicious foods! These are some of our favorites in my family!
Check Out These Other Healthy Vegetarian Recipe Round-Ups!
- Vegan Recipes For Beginners
- Vegetarian Stew Recipes
- Vegan Meal Prep Ideas
- Breakfast Ideas For Picky Eaters
- High Protein Vegan Meal Prep Ideas
- 30 Healthy Side Dishes to Amp Up Mealtime
- 65 Vegetarian Mexican Recipes
If you have tried any of these vegetarian recipes for picky eaters or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME onFACEBOOK,TWITTER,INSTAGRAM, andPINTERESTto see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!
You may also like...
60 Vegan 4th Of July Recipes
40 Healthy Game Day Recipes
Healthy Low Calorie Biscuits
