10 Vegetarian Recipes Kids Love
It’s been said that children don’t like their vegetables and that it’s difficult to get kids to eat healthy foods. In reality, kids and adults alike would love eating fresh, nourishing foods as long as they are prepared correctly and look appealing. While not every child is going to go for eating green beans from a can, many may consume fresh, whole foods — vegetables included — if they are incorporated into a chili, vegan burger patty, or spaghetti sauce. If you’re searching for vegetarian recipes that your kids will love, keep reading.
10 Vegetarian Recipes Kids Love
Nutritious recipes kids love can be hard to find, but it’s not impossible. To raise a healthy eater, you want to get your child involved in the cooking process. Most of these recipes below can be prepared with your child’s help. Here are 10 vegetarian recipes kids love.
1. Black Bean Burger
A burger is the quintessential American food that most people can’t pass up. Just because you and your family are vegetarian doesn’t mean you also can’t enjoy burger night. This recipe for black bean burgers is not only delicious, but it’s also high in vegetarian protein and fiber, two qualities that are seriously lacking in the meat department. Use a gluten-free bun or lettuce wraps to eat.
2. Carrot Fries
Try pairing your vegan black bean burgers with carrot fries, or just consume them on their own. Carrot fries are the perfect convenient nutritious snack food for both kids and adults.
3. Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce
Kids will love helping you open a spaghetti squash and peel out the spaghetti-like strings. This squash can replace your typical spaghetti noodles. Try this recipe for homemade spaghetti squash with a simple marinara.
4. Chickpea Nibbles
Here’s another fun, simply-to-prepare snack that your kids will enjoy taking to school. They only require a few ingredients and are brimming with protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
5. Winter Veggie Soup
A warm soup during the winter months is a staple, but you should look into deleting the meat and upping the vegetable quantity. This recipe for veggie soup is enjoyed by kids and provides them with the essential vitamins and other nutrients necessary for proper growth.
6. Quinoa Chili
Chili is another winter favorite and is loved by kids, so definitely include this quinoa chili recipe in your meal plan sometime this week. Quinoa is a perfect vegetarian replacement for meat in this recipe because this healthy food provides a complete protein. Skip the sugar; if you need a dash of sweet, use organic maple syrup or raw honey instead.
7. Almond Granola
Looking for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack food? Granola is a perfect option! Most granola bought in the store is full of sugar and other hard-to-pronounce ingredients. But, this recipe lets you use your own natural sweeteners and provides nourishing fats and proteins from the addition of healthy nuts. Let your child experiment with this recipe, giving them a number of different dried fruit, nuts, and grain options.
8. Almond Butter Stir Fry
Almond butter makes a great, healthier alternative to peanut butter. Kids love the nutty flavor in their food. Stir-fries are fun to make, so let your child help in the preparation process for this recipe.
9. Summer Fruit Salad
A fruit salad that is as delicious as it is beautiful is always welcome. Fruit not only provides a high concentration of essential vitamins (like vitamin C), it also provides a natural sweetness that isn’t addictive.
10. Vegan Chocolate-Chunk Cookies
These vegan chocolate chunk cookies are fun to make and even more fun to eat! Your kids will enjoy helping out with this recipe. With only 5 ingredients, what’s not to love? You can also experiment with different sweeteners and different types of dark chocolate for these cookies.
Points to Remember
You can also try to “sneak” a few vegetables into your casseroles, sauces, and soups by blending cooked or raw green vegetables into the mix. This takes a bit of experimenting, but it’s definitely worth it when it comes to the health of your children.
Most importantly, it may be best to start a child off early in the appreciation of whole, fresh foods, and getting them involved in the preparation process. This will facilitate life-long respect and love for healthy foods that will surely benefit their health.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Posted in: Nutrition > Recipes > Vegetarian Recipes,
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
