10 Simple Meal Ideas That Will Even Get Picky Kids To Eat Their Vegetables
Mealtime made simple.
Little Spoon and yamasan / Getty Images via Canva Finding your way out of the picky eater maze is probably the bane of every parent's existence.
Especially when your picky eater makes mornings more like a wild rodeo; breakfast becomes a negotiation zone. Getting the little munchkins to munch on the healthy stuff amidst a sea of sugar bombs demands some serious strategy.
Yet, in this culinary jungle, game-changers like Little Spoon pop up, offering a fresh take on kiddo nutrition. So, how do we tackle this picky palate puzzle and turn it into a healthy feast? Little Spoon offers a great selection of tasty options that will coax picky eaters into embracing their vegetables — greens and all!
10 Meal Ideas For The Picky Eater In Every Kid
1. Pesto Eggs
Little Spoon
Imagine whipping up a nutritious brunch for your little one in seconds! Start their day with cage-free scrambled eggs topped with parmesan kale pesto, alongside soft diced apples and bite-sized butternut squash cubes.
It's a sunny start with this picky eater favorite!
2. Cauli Croquettes
Little Spoon
Delight your little one with fluffy cauliflower croquettes, accompanied by wholesome millet veggie poppers and tender steamed carrots. This delicious and nutritious meal is ready in no time, perfect for those busy days.
Plus, it's a great way to encourage your little one to finally enjoy their veggies!
3. Whole Wheat Penne and Kale Turkey Meatballs
Little Spoon
Picture whole wheat penne, coated in a flavorful signature tomato sauce infused with hidden veggies, ensuring your little ones get their nutrition without a fuss. Add crafted antibiotic-free mini kale turkey meatballs packed with protein and goodness to complement this. And let's not forget the side of vibrant steamed broccoli, bringing freshness and essential greens to the plate.
It's a balanced and enticing meal that your child will love, combining taste, nutrition, and peace of mind in every bite.
Get 25% off your first order using promo code SPOON25!
4. Mini Pancake Puffs
Little Spoon
Looking for a twist on a beloved classic that your child will eagerly devour? Introducing chicken sausage infused with kale and spinach! This meal brings together delicious flavors and essential nutrients in every bite. Paired perfectly with mini pancakes that are sure to delight, and accompanied by roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced meal that satisfies their hunger and their taste buds.
It's a new kid favorite that combines wholesome ingredients with the familiar comfort of a hearty breakfast, making it a surefire hit on your child's table.
5. Chicken Teriyaki
Little Spoon
Savor antibiotic-free chicken breast generously glazed with a flavorful, low-sodium teriyaki sauce, paired harmoniously with a light stir fry of quinoa and crisp, seasonal vegetables.
This dish offers a delicious balance of protein, whole grains, and vibrant greens, perfect for parents seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal option for their picky eaters.
6. Mac and Three Cheese
Little Spoon
Who doesn't like mac and cheese? Try this whole wheat pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce made from aged cheddar, Monterey jack, and mozzarella. Not only does this dish have the cheese factor but hidden within are roasted butternut squash and carrots, adding a nutritious twist to this comforting favorite.
It's a deliciously sneaky way to enjoy a classic dish with added health benefits that your little one will love.
7. Classic Breakfast
Little Spoon
Kickstart your child's day with a powerhouse breakfast boasting 14g of protein! Dive into fluffy scrambled cage-free eggs and savory no-sugar added pork sausage, perfectly complemented by a unique twist on classic hash browns crafted from millet, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
It's a sunny-side-up start that's both nutritious and delicious, ensuring they have the energy they need for whatever the day brings!
8. Spinach and Cheese Ravioli
Little Spoon
This irresistible combination of mini ravioli filled with delicate baby spinach and velvety ricotta cheese will entice your little one at mealtime. Each bite bursts with the freshness of spinach and the richness of creamy ricotta, perfectly complemented by a signature tomato sauce infused with a medley of hidden vegetables.
This comforting dish not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes with its wholesome ingredients, making it a favorite choice.
9. Mini Cheesy Pasta
Little Spoon
Here is your pasta night secret weapon. Tossing bite-sized pasta in a signature marinara sauce infused with hidden veggies ensures a nutritious boost in every bite.
Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is paired with whole broccoli florets, diced for your little independent eater's convenience. Complete with a side of roasted sweet potato rounds, this meal is not only delicious but also easy to pinch and mash.
10. Mini Classic Eggs + Sausage
Little Spoon
Everyone loves a classic breakfast meal. This meal gathers cage-free scrambled eggs, no-sugar-added pork breakfast sausage crumbles, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and protein-packed meal.
Sweet potato and pineapple also add a sweet surprise, making it a balanced and delicious breakfast that will have your little one starting their day with a smile.
Mealtime with picky eaters isn't always a rough and bumpy terrain; it can also be a fun adventure of exploration. These meal ideas can help you introduce new foods and flavors, making mealtimes enjoyable for everyone.
Stay patient and keep trying different options to find what works best for your family.
Remember that you can get 25% off your first order using promo code SPOON25!
– Created in partnership with Little Spoon.
Deauna Roane is a writer and the Editorial Project Manager for YourTango. She's had bylines in Emerson College's literary magazine, Generic, and MSN.
YourTango may earn an affiliate commission if you buy something through links featured in this article.