Getting kids to eat their veggies can be a challenge. But with a little creativity and Food Hero's kid-approved recipes, you can serve meals that are both nutritious and delicious.
What makes our recipes "kid-approved"? Kids across Oregon participate in taste tests using surveys and voting with counting chips. For a recipe to earn the "kid-approved" label, it must be tested by at least 25 kids, and at least 70% of them must give it a thumbs up!
We've gathered a list of veggie-packed recipes that kids love and parents and caregivers can feel good about. Plus, they're a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. When kids help cook, they're more likely to try new foods-including veggies!
Veggie Skillet Eggs
This quick and easy breakfast is a perfect way to start the day. Packed with colorful veggies like onions, tomatoes and mixed vegetables, these skillet eggs are topped with cheese for a kid-friendly touch. Kids can practice cracking and beating the eggs together. They can also help top the skillet with tomato slices.
Ramen Cabbage Salad
This fun and crunchy salad is perfect for lunch or as a side dish. Shredded cabbage, broccoli and carrots are tossed with crushed ramen noodles and a tangy dressing. The noodles add a crispy texture that kids can’t resist. Let them have fun crushing the ramen noodles, mixing the dressing and tossing the salad ingredients together.
Minestrone Soup
A hearty, comforting soup packed with veggies. It’s perfect for a busy night, since most of the cooking is hands-off, allowing the flavors to develop as it simmers. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand. Kids can help rinse the beans and veggies and learn to safely add the ingredients into the saucepan.
Zucchini Zowie
This baked dish is a great way to enjoy zucchini! Sliced zucchini is layered with diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, then baked until tender. It’s a simple veggie dish that pairs well with almost any meal. Try having kids arrange the zucchini slices in the baking dish, measure the seasonings, and sprinkle the cheese on top.
Beef and Broccoli
This flavorful dish is cooked with garlic, ginger and a sweet-savory sauce, then tossed with fresh or frozen broccoli. The sauce and tender beef make broccoli a tasty addition. Serve it over bulgur or another grain for a complete meal. Cooking with kids? Try having them measure and mix the sauce ingredients together.
Spinach and Chicken Italian
A baked dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Chicken breasts are topped with spinach, tomato sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. The cheesy, saucy topping makes the spinach taste delicious! Got kids in the kitchen? Have them arrange the layers in the baking dish with the tomato sauce, chicken, spinach and cheese.
We hope you enjoy these veggie packed recipes, and don't forget to invite kids into the kitchen to help you cook! Check out our kids page for more kid-approved recipes, online fun and games, coloring sheets and more!
