Kid-Friendly Vegetable Recipes

Parents wear many hats. Chauffeur, cheerleader, chef, personal shopper, and private tutor to name a few. Perhaps we should add magician to the mix. After all, with a few slick twists of the pepper grinder and a little imagination, you can turn any kid-friendly meal into a veggie-packed superstar dinner. Every night of the week is an opportunity to make sure your kids eat as many veggies as possible, even if you're serving up veggie burgers! So, put on your cape and get your wand; we’re making magic here. Veggie magic, that is. Just put these dishes on the dinner table and watch them — voila! — disappear:

Confetti Mac & Cheese

This isn’t your grandma’s mac and cheese. Shredded carrots and zucchini add an extra dose of vitamins without sacrificing taste or texture. It’s ready to eat in just 15 minutes and is as cheesy, creamy, and melty as you expect. Add a side salad, and it’s bound to become one of the quickest and most delicious weeknight dinners in your repertoire.

Parmesan Veggie Lasagna in Cream Sauce

Want a kid to eat a vegetable? Douse it in this tasty and cheesy cream sauce. Ricotta, herbs, and tons of fresh vegetables make their appearance, but your kids will likely focus on those delightfully chewy noodles and creamy sauce. Don’t be surprised if they end up asking for seconds — or even thirds.

Chicken Burrito Bowls

Eating more veggies doesn’t mean you have to cut out meat and chicken. These chicken burrito bowls are chock-full of avocado, beans, homemade pico de gallo, and — as the name implies — chicken. Make this totally vegetarian by skipping the chicken and doubling up on beans or grilled veggies, but if your family loves chicken and you want to include more vegetables in your routine, this is a surefire hit. Or, switch it up by using shrimp or steak in place of the chicken.

Smart Spaghetti & Meatballs

Here’s your chance to let your kids live out their Lady and the Tramp spaghetti-slurping fantasies while feeling good about it. These meatballs pack a hefty punch of nutrients with the secret ingredient: frozen spinach. Your kids won’t detect a taste difference, so we’ll just keep this little secret between us.