25 Healthy Kid-Friendly & Picky Eater Recipes
Every parent and grandparent knows that kids can be a challenge to feed at times. That’s why I’ve pulled together the following Healthy Kid-Friendly Vegan Recipes from some amazing plant-based blogger friends that will have even the pickiest eaters reaching for more.
We all know that the term kid-friendly can be very subjective. What one kid loves, yours might feed to the family dog when you aren’t looking. I can’t promise that your child is going to love every single one of the healthy recipes for kids on this list. However, even the pickiest child is sure to love at least some of these amazing culinary masterpieces.
We’ve got it all covered! Everything from breakfasts, snacks, lunches, and dinners are included to get those reluctant eaters to try some deliciously fun new foods like my dairy-free applesauce muffins, this vegan mac and cheese, and our chickpea edible cookie dough.
Reasons your kids will love these recipes
- Packed with Flavor – These recipes turn everyday ingredients into delicious dishes that kids will devour, from creamy pasta to crispy snacks.
- Fun and Creative Meals – With playful presentations and familiar flavors, these recipes make mealtime exciting and enjoyable.
- Wholesome and Nutritious – Packed with veggies, plant-based protein, and healthy ingredients, these meals offer nutrition without compromising on taste.
Get kids to eat more veggies
Getting kids to eat more vegetables and fruit can be tough, but it’s crucial to start early to build a foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. These nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support growth, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
These 10 creative ways to eat more vegetables will help adults and kids incorporate more vegetables into their diet daily.
While it may take time for kids to develop a taste for certain vegetables or fruits, introducing them early and consistently can help them become more familiar and accepting of these healthy options. The earlier they are exposed to a variety of fruits and veggies, the more likely they are to embrace them as part of a balanced diet.
Vegan versions of classic kid-friendly foods
Vegan versions of classic kid-friendly foods are a great way to introduce plant-based meals without sacrificing flavor or familiarity. Dishes like vegan mac and cheese, veggie-loaded pizza, and plant-based burgers are not only delicious but can be packed with nutritious ingredients like whole grains, legumes, and plant-based cheeses.
You can even make vegan chicken nuggets using chickpeas or tofu, or create plant-based tacos with black beans, avocado, and a variety of colorful veggies. These vegan versions are just as satisfying as traditional comfort foods, but they offer a healthier, cruelty-free alternative that the whole family will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Vegan meals can be packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats. When balanced with a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and plant-based proteins, vegan meals can provide all the essential nutrients kids need to thrive.
Sneak veggies into your kid’s meals by blending them into sauces (like in smoothies or pasta sauces), adding them to baked goods like muffins or pancakes, or chopping them finely and incorporating them into soups and casseroles.
Vegan snacks for kids include homemade energy balls, fruit kabobs, vegetable dips, popcorn with nutritional yeast, and avocado toast. These snacks are not only healthy but fun and easy to prepare!
Yes! Kids will love helping with simple, hands-on vegan recipes like homemade granola bars, smoothies, mini vegan pizzas, or stuffed pita pockets. These interactive recipes are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly (and Picky Eater) Vegan Recipes
This list of kid-friendly vegan foods isn’t just for the little ones—it’s packed with delicious, nutritious options that even adult picky eaters will love! From comforting classics to creative twists, these recipes are sure to please everyone at the table.
Never waste leftover cranberry sauce again with this easy recipe! These vegan cranberry crumble oatmeal bars are so good and a perfect day-after-Thanksgiving snack.
This vegan mac and cheese is so good because it’s incredibly creamy and cheesy, made with wholesome plant-based, dairy-free ingredients that deliver rich flavor and comfort without any dairy. Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, it’s a delicious, guilt-free twist on a classic favorite.
This edible vegan cookie dough, made with just 7 wholesome ingredients, is a tasty treat that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Its rich, sweet flavor and easy-to-follow directions mean you can enjoy a delightful snack in no time, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Bring out your child’s inner artist with healthy fruit and vegetable bug snacks! These cute little bugs are a fun and easy recipe for kids. This recipe is gluten-free, vegan and low-sodium.
This vegan chili mac is so good because it combines the comforting flavors of classic chili with the creamy texture of macaroni, creating a hearty and delicious meal. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and vegetables, it’s a healthy option that satisfies both taste and nutrition needs. It is simple to make and can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
This creamy cashew Alfredo is a delicious vegan alternative, offering a rich, velvety texture and a nutty flavor that’s perfect for pasta dishes. Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, it’s a healthy and dairy-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste!
These vegan caramel apples are incredibly delicious and healthy because the natural sweetness of dates creates a rich, caramel-like coating without the need for refined sugars. With only a few simple ingredients, you can have a deliciously healthy treat in a matter of minutes!
Try a new twist on nachos with Apple Nachos Supreme! Slices of crisp apples are drizzled with a date caramel and topped off with crunchy popcorn and nuts.
From colorful veggie wraps to protein-packed salads, these recipes make plant-based eating fun and satisfying. Fuel the day with wholesome ingredients and creative flavors that will keep kids energized and excited about their meals.
This vegan spaghetti and meatballs dish is packed with hearty, savory flavors, featuring tender plant-based meatballs and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a delicious, satisfying meal that’s 100% vegan and perfect for a comforting dinner.
These healthy vegan English muffin pizzas are topped with a generous amount of fresh veggies, marinara sauce, and dairy-free cheese making them a nutritious and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick snack or easy dinner, they offer a satisfying plant-based option packed with vibrant vegetables.
Dark, moist, and scattered with raisins and fresh apple bits, these Applesauce Vegan Muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack. So scrumptious and easy to make, no one will ever guess they are actually healthy. Make ahead of time and freeze for quick breakfasts on the go!
These pumpkin energy balls are the perfect snack. Only seven ingredients and five minutes to make a healthy treat for the whole family!
Oil-free air fryer French fries are so delicious because they come out perfectly crispy and golden without the extra grease, letting the natural potato flavor shine through. They’re also good for you, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fries by cutting down on calories and unhealthy fats.
This recipe mimics the flavors and textures of Rice Krispie Treats using more natural ingredients. These squares taste phenomenal, with the buttery richness of coconut butter and the sweetness of brown rice syrup.
This vegan grilled cheese sandwich made with homemade dairy-free cheese is so good because it’s packed with rich, savory flavors and a satisfying, creamy texture that perfectly complements the crispy bread. It’s a delicious, plant-based take on a beloved classic that everyone can enjoy.
Low-Fat Vegan Pizza Hummus. Oil-free, nut-free, dairy-free hummus that tastes just like pizza and all you need is 8 ingredients!
These vegan tacos are bursting with bold, zesty flavors and packed with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Perfectly seasoned and satisfying, they offer a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional tacos, making every bite a flavorful experience!
These colorful Fruit Skewers are made with fresh fruit and dairy-free lime sauce and are perfect for a healthy dessert or an impressive party appetizer that requires very little prep and no cooking.
Thought you couldn’t eat potato chips on a healthy vegan plant-based eating plan? Me too, but thankfully we were wrong! These healthy Homemade Oil-Free Potato Chips are easy and delicious, and I have included 3 different cooking methods for your convenience!
These lentil sloppy joes are a delicious, inexpensive, hearty alternative to traditional sloppy joes, offering a rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture. Made with protein-packed lentils and a blend of spices, they’re perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal that everyone will love.
Oatmeal Energy Balls are an easy, no-bake snack that can be assembled in mere minutes. They are packed with wholesome ingredients and serve as convenient options for on-the-go breakfasts and snacks. These almond butter oat energy balls will help keep you fueled for the day or a workout!
Chocolate balls are simple, no-bake chocolatey truffles that are easy to make and loved by adults and kids alike. Whether you need a chocolate fix or a quick dessert to serve, these will be a big hit!
These healthy granola bars are so good because they’re packed with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, and oats, offering a perfect balance of chewy texture and natural sweetness. Ideal for a quick, nutritious snack that’s both satisfying and guilt-free! Vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free.
These veggie sandwich pinwheels are so good because they’re packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables and creamy spreads, creating a delicious and portable snack or lunch option. Perfect for parties or meal prep, they offer a flavorful, healthy bite in every roll.
Popcorn is one of the world’s healthiest and most popular snack foods. Whether binge-watching your favorite TV show or sitting down to a movie with friends, air-popped popcorn is a great snack. These are our favorite Healthy Vegan Popcorn Toppings.
More Kid-Friendly Healthy Recipes
I hope you enjoyed browsing this list of plant-based kid-friendly recipes! With these tasty dishes, the kids and picky eaters in your house will be begging for more at every mealtime.
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
