Are you struggling to get your child excited about healthy, plant-based meals? We’ve crafted some fun, kid-friendly recipes that make veggies irresistible! Perfect for little taste buds and packed with nutrition, these dishes are a win-win at the dinner table, even for the fussiest of eaters. Here are our top nine picks:
1. Peanut butter sandwich on a stick
This fun twist on a peanut butter sandwich will ensure that your child is getting some extra nutrition while still enjoying a tasty treat! Take four slices of bread and spread peanut butter on them to make sandwiches, then cut each sandwich into eight squares. Thread the sandwich squares onto skewers, alternating with slices of banana and apple, for a colorful, nutritious snack. If you’re packing these for later, sprinkle the fruit with a little lemon juice to keep it fresh, and add a touch of cinnamon for extra flavor. These tasty skewers are perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks and will stay fresh when packed in foil or an airtight container.
2. Pink hummus
Does your little one love the Barbie food trend? Then they’ll adore this vibrant pink hummus with a refreshing twist! Made with creamy chickpeas, beetroot, and fresh mint, this plant-based dip is as nutritious as it is visually stunning. The beetroot gives it that signature Barbie pink hue, while the mint adds a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the earthy sweetness. Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like folate, this hummus is ideal for dipping veggies, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as a party showstopper. Healthy, fun, and oh-so-colourful, your kids will be begging for it every week!
Fun fact: nutritionally, a 100g serving of cooked chickpeas contains around 7g of protein, 7g of fiber, and an abundance of folate and iron – all perfect for fueling your child’s day.
3. Healthy Nutella
If you’re looking for a healthy plant-based alternative to conventional chocolate hazelnut spread, then this vegan Nutella recipe is just what you need! Made with roasted hazelnuts, rich cocoa powder, and natural sweeteners, it’s irresistibly creamy and full of flavor – all without any dairy or overly processed ingredients. Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over pancakes, blending into smoothies, or enjoying straight from the jar, this homemade version is a delicious way to indulge any chocolate cravings, guilt-free.
4. Vanilla popsicles
Treat your little ones (and yourself!) to these deliciously healthy creamy vanilla popsicles! Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, they’re easy to whip up – no ice cream maker required. Almond paste gives these popsicles their irresistibly creamy texture, while dates and real vanilla pulp add natural sweetness and a rich flavor. Perfect for a refreshing plant-based dessert or snack!
5. Healthy cauliflower mac and cheese
Our creamy cauliflower mac ‘n’ cheese is a tasty plant-based twist on the traditional family favorite. Made with wholesome ingredients, it delivers all the creamy, comforting goodness you’d expect, while adding some hidden veggies to your children’s diet. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for a cold, cozy evening when you’re looking for guilt-free comfort food that the whole family can enjoy.
6. Pancakes
No school rush? These vegan American pancakes are the perfect weekend breakfast, and guaranteed to impress! Made with simple plant-based ingredients, they’re light, airy, and perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. The secret to their fluffiness? A mix of plant milk, with some lemon or apple cider vinegar added for a touch of tang, and a generous helping of baking powder to give them that irresistible rise. Whether you stack them high with fresh fruit, drizzle them with maple syrup, or go all out with your favorite toppings, these pancakes are sure to become a weekend favorite, and not just with the kids!
7. Chia chocolate breakfast pudding
This chia chocolate pudding is delicious with a banana and strawberry topping. If you’re searching for a delicious sweet dessert that’s also healthy, then this delicious desert might be just what you’re looking for. Note: the chia needs a few hours to set, so it’s perfect for breakfast or an after-school snack.
Chia seeds have a high nutritional value and contain more omega-3 fats than any other vegetable source, so they’re a great addition to your little one’s diet. Rich in protein, amino acids and all sorts of healthy vitamins and minerals, they have a whole range of health benefits and truly deserve to be considered a superfood!
8. Vegan fish fingers
Vegan fish fingers are an easy, nutritious, and familiar meal that you can quickly prepare at home. Made with breaded tofu, these golden bites of joy are packed with plant-based protein, making them a satisfying and healthy alternative to traditional fish fingers. The addition of nori algae, soy sauce, and lemon juice gives them a distinctive, ocean-inspired flavor while avoiding the environmental impact of overfishing. Rich in minerals such as iodine (thanks to the nori) and low in saturated fat, these vegan fish fingers are not only delicious but also a great option for a wholesome meal that the whole family can enjoy.
9. Sausage and red pepper pizza
If you’re looking for a fun and healthy meal idea that kids will love, this sausage and red pepper pizza is a fantastic option! It’s made with plant-based sausages and colorful red peppers, making it a nutritious and vibrant treat. Packed with protein to keep kids energized, and naturally low in saturated fat, it’s the perfect balance of flavor and health. Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a weekend family cooking session, this pizza is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike. Add your family’s favorite veggies to make it even more fun!
Emily Styrka
Content Creator and Writer
