Getting kids to eat vegetables can feel like negotiating a peace treaty with a three-foot diplomat, but these 17 recipes make it easier. Each dish sneaks in a rainbow of veggies without the side-eye from picky eaters. From meals cleverly disguised as kid-approved favorites to surprisingly veggie-packed snacks, these ideas make vegetables the star without anyone catching on.
Smoked Cauliflower
A quick, easy side that’s guaranteed to make vegetables more appealing at mealtime. Smoked Cauliflower offers a surprising take on this veggie, transforming it into a smoky, flavorful dish that’s anything but boring. Grilling the cauliflower adds a depth of flavor that makes it stand out on the dinner table. Kids who might normally avoid cauliflower will find this version irresistible, thanks to the smokiness that enhances its natural taste.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
In Yellow Bean & Potato Salad, hearty potatoes and tender beans create a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The beans are cooked to perfection, giving the salad a smooth texture that balances the potatoes. Kids will appreciate the familiar flavors while still getting a healthy dose of vegetables. This is one of those dishes that can fit seamlessly into any meal, and it might just be a new favorite for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Bean & Potato Salad
Grilled Ratatouille
Whether served as a side or on its own, this dish offers an easy way to introduce kids to a new vegetable combination without complaints. Grilled Ratatouille brings a smoky, charred twist to a classic vegetable medley. It’s a great way to cook a variety of veggies that kids might otherwise avoid, making them more appetizing with each grilled bite. The grilling process adds depth to the vegetables, making them even more flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Ukrainian Potatoes
A great option for a family dinner, these potatoes offer a simple yet satisfying veggie dish. Ukrainian Potatoes take a classic comfort food and make it exciting with a veggie-packed twist. This dish combines potatoes in a way that’s both hearty and healthy, offering a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s the kind of meal that kids will enjoy without even realizing they’re eating something good for them.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
This recipe is light, fresh, and perfect for getting kids to eat more vegetables without any fuss. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings together vegetables and seafood in a way that makes them irresistible to kids. The orzo acts as a base, blending with the vegetables in a flavorful, satisfying combination. While the shrimp adds a touch of protein, it’s the vegetable-packed salad that really steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
A great side for any barbecue, this dish will have everyone asking for more corn. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob offers a smoky, savory flavor that makes corn the star of the meal. Grilling it adds a layer of complexity, making it far more exciting than plain corn on the cob. This recipe is simple enough for kids to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed by vegetables, and the smoky flavor makes it even more appealing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Kids might even find themselves reaching for cauliflower without a second thought, thanks to its tasty twist. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is a simple, flavorful way to make cauliflower something kids will actually enjoy. The lemon adds brightness while the dill gives it a fresh kick, transforming this often-overlooked vegetable into a standout side. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is perfect for any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet and savory, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze turns a simple fruit into a vegetable-friendly treat. The glaze adds a tangy kick, while the grill brings out the natural sweetness of the pineapple. It’s a perfect way to show kids that fruits and vegetables can be both fun and flavorful. This recipe also works as a dessert, making it a fun way to sneak in some healthy ingredients at the end of a meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon
It’s one of those recipes that works well for any meal, bringing together the best of both vegetables and flavor. Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon is a comforting side that packs in flavor while keeping the vegetable focus. The richness of the sour cream and crispy bacon upgrades the humble potato, making it more appealing for kids. This dish balances indulgence with nutrition, so even the pickiest eaters can enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Getting kids to enjoy vegetables is tricky, but Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots makes it easier. This dish transforms a classic favorite into something healthier without sacrificing flavor. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies while satisfying a craving for something crispy and comforting. With the right balance of textures, this recipe offers a fun twist on a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
When it comes to getting kids to eat vegetables, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a game-changer. Grilling brings out deep flavors that make vegetables more appealing, even to the toughest eaters. Combining potatoes and asparagus in a way that feels like a fun, hearty meal ensures the kids get both nutrients and flavor. This salad is a satisfying side that could even stand alone as a main dish, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Mediterranean Rice
In Mediterranean Rice, vegetables and rice come together in a way that’s flavorful and fun for kids to eat. The recipe is a great way to introduce a variety of vegetables in a familiar form, making it a perfect side dish or even a main. The blend of flavors keeps the rice from being too plain, making it an easy way to sneak in healthy ingredients. This dish shows that vegetables don’t have to be complicated to be delicious and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
This recipe is a great way to show that veggies don’t have to be plain or boring to be tasty. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a refreshing and unique way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters. The smoky flavor adds a surprising twist that can make kids curious about what’s inside. The fresh ingredients are tossed together in a way that makes vegetables feel less like a chore to eat and more like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Even kids who don’t usually like green beans will find this recipe hard to resist, thanks to its simple, savory taste. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans is the ultimate hands-off recipe for getting kids to eat vegetables. The slow-cooking process allows the beans to absorb all the flavors, making them tender and full of flavor. This dish works well as a side or even as a light meal, depending on how you serve it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Who says salads are boring? Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes proves that vegetables can be exciting. It combines fresh, seasonal ingredients in a way that’s bright and flavorful but still simple enough for kids to enjoy. The mix of textures and flavors keeps things interesting, making it an easy way to get kids to eat veggies without a fuss. This dish is a great addition to any meal and might just become a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
A great side or even a main for those days when you need to sneak in a serving of greens. Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone takes spinach to the next level with a creamy, rich texture that kids won’t be able to resist. The mascarpone adds a smoothness that makes the spinach feel indulgent, but it’s still packed with healthy veggies. This dish is a great way to get kids to eat spinach without all the usual complaints.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is a great way to sneak in some healthy ingredients without complaints. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that brings comfort with a veggie-packed punch. It takes something familiar and adds a new layer of flavor that kids will actually enjoy. The vegetables are cleverly hidden in a creamy, cheesy base, making it an easy way to get kids to eat their greens.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole