Getting kids to eat more vegetables during the week is a task that parents are constantly trying their best to achieve, but the older kids get, the pickier their palates become which may end up leaving vegetables by the wayside. However, it’s important for veggies to make an appearance in as many meals as possible, and while it’s certainly easy to steam some veggies and throw them alongside a protein for dinner and call it day, kids will have a much better appreciation for vegetables if they’re presented to them in a fun and exciting way. Steamed veggies have their place in this world, but if you’re trying to get your kids to eat more veggies without a lot of fuss, finding creative, playful ways to do so is the way to go.
As you plan out your lunches, dinners, and snacks for you and your family for the week, consider what your kids like to eat and how you can incorporate veggies into those meals in a creative way. If your kids love French fries, why not swap out the potatoes for carrots and green beans with a crunchy coating for the same satisfying, salty crunch? Pizza can be a hearty meal or a fun after school snack without the added fat and calories if you load them up with colorful fruits and veggies instead of a heavy sauce and meat. Chicken nuggets are always a crowd favorite, so replacing the chicken with the veggies of your choice and baking them just the same makes for the same fun and playful finger food, but with added nutrients. Check out 18 of our favorite super fun and tasty vegetable recipes for kids, guaranteed to get your whole family on the veggie train.
Baked Veggie Fries
Credit: blog.potterybarn.com
Let your kids eat as many French fries as they want when they’re baked carrots, asparagus, or green beans with a panko breadcrumb coating.
30 minutes
150 calories
Easy
Vegetarian 
Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Baked Veggie Fries.
Rainbow Flatbread Pizza
Credit: www.gimmesomeoven.com
These flatbread pizzas aren’t just packed with nutrients from fruits and vegetables, they’re fun to make and beautiful to look at.
30 minutes 200 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Rainbow Flatbread Pizza.
Beets & Berries Popsicles
Credit: jerryjamesstone.com
Sneak a heaping portion of beets into these fresh and fruity popsicles that your kids will really love.
10 minutes 100 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Beets & Berries Popsicles.
Berry Green Smoothies for Kids
Credit: apumpkinandaprincess.com
Greek yogurt gives this protein-packed smoothie a creamy texture your kids will want to have every day.
5 minutes 150 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Berry Green Smoothies for Kids.
Healthy Veggie Nuggets
Credit: www.realmomnutrition.com
Kids love chicken nuggets, and parents will love loading these baked kid-friendly nuggets with veggies for a delicious handheld treat.
30 minutes 175 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Healthy Veggie Nuggets.
Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Cakes
Credit: www.superhealthykids.com
These tasty quinoa cakes are packed with flavor and perfect for a school lunch.
30 minutes 450 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Cakes.
"Veggie Faces" No-Bake Vegetable Pizzas and Wraps
Credit: twohealthykitchens.com
Kids will love creating fun faces on pizzas and wraps, then packing them up for a fresh, exciting lunch.
30 minutes 170 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: "Veggie Faces" No-Bake Vegetable Pizzas and Wraps.
Vegetable Potato Nuggets
Credit: www.littlefiggy.com
Finding a snack for picky eaters can be a challenge, but these cheesy veggie nuggets are guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser every time.
30 minutes 340 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Vegetable Potato Nuggets.
Hidden Vegetable Lasagna
Credit: mykidslickthebowl.com
Lasagna is a hearty dinner the whole family will love, and this veggie-packed version is no exception – swapping out the meat entirely makes for a lighter version that is still just as comforting.
1h 00m 390 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Hidden Vegetable Lasagna.
Vegetable Puffs
Credit: www.greatbritishchefs.com
These spiced veggie pastries are a fun handheld snack kids will love with dinner or as an after-school snack.
20 minutes 300 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Vegetable Puffs.
Simple Veggie Rice Pilaf
Credit: www.onelovelylife.com
This colorful rice pilaf makes for a great accompaniment to a heartier main dish for dinner, or pairs with a light green salad for a satisfying lunch.
20 minutes 185 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Simple Veggie Rice Pilaf.
Chickpea Veggie Patties
Credit: www.flavourstreat.com
Vegan, nut-free, and rich in protein, these chickpea patties are packed with nutritious veggies and make for a fun snack that the kids can help make and then enjoy.
1h 10m 200 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Chickpea Veggie Patties.
Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Credit: www.ahealthysliceoflife.com
Kids will love these tot-sized bites loaded with whole grains, veggies, and melty cheese.
25 minutes 175 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Bites.
Hidden Vegetable Pasta Sauce
Credit: littlegrazers.com
Spaghetti with tomato sauce is a classic weeknight meal, so why not sneak some veggies into every bite? This sauce is packed with veggies for a nutritious sauce that is just as luscious as any traditional version.
35 minutes 100 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Hidden Vegetable Pasta Sauce.
Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad
Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com
This healthy, filling, and colorful pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies and is great served in a school lunch or outdoor picnic.
15 minutes 180 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad.
Indian Mixed Vegetable "Sabji"
Credit: pickyeaterblog.com
Simple ingredients make for a veggie dish that is packed with delicious flavors that kids and adults will love. Leave out the cayenne pepper if your kids don’t like too much spice.
20 minutes 190 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Indian Mixed Vegetable "Sabji".
Simple Vegetable Curry
Credit: onehandedcooks.com
The mild curry flavors in this one-pot dish are great for kids, especially if you’re trying to expand their flavor palates.
25 minutes 300 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Simple Vegetable Curry.
Vegetable Fritters
Credit: mylovelylittlelunchbox.com
Just eight ingredients and 30 minutes make for delicious, crispy fritters that are packed with nutritious veggies.
30 minutes 200 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Visit the page to learn more: Vegetable Fritters.
