25 Healthy Recipes That Your Kids Will Actually Enjoy

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Hector M. Sanchez Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Getting everyone to agree on a family meal isn’t always easy, especially if you want to get a healthy dinner […]

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healthy recipes for kids
Hector M. Sanchez

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Getting everyone to agree on a family meal isn't always easy, especially if you want to get a healthy dinner on the table. Between picky eaters and different food preferences, you might feel like all hope is lost for serving up a nutritious meal that everyone will love. Don't fret! We're here to help with some of our best healthy recipes for kids and even grownup picky eaters. Whether you're looking for a healthy chicken recipe like chicken tenders made in an air fryer or a smoothie recipe that's colorful and sweet, this list has healthy recipes for any time of day.

There's no better way to wake up a snoozing house than with a healthy breakfast like yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, or protein-packed egg bites. And if you're packing lunch boxes, there are plenty of healthy snacks and school lunches that won't come back home uneaten. Oh, and you can't forget after-school snacks to keep the kids full until dinnertime! Homemade granola bars would make a great alternative to cookies from the local bake sale. Of course, you'll still find melty cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, and healthy desserts in these kid-friendly recipes. If it's not as delicious as it is good for you, what's the point? �

air fryer chicken tenders
healthy recipes for kids air fryer chicken tenders

Will Dickey

1

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Homemade chicken tenders just got healthier with this version that still has plenty of crunch from the air fryer. Serve them up with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even ketchup.

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe.

SHOP AIR FRYERS

sausage casseroles with fruit
healthy recipes for kids sausage casseroles

Danielle Daly

2

Individual Sausage Casseroles

Whether you call them sausage casseroles or egg bites, this grab-and-go meal is sure to keep your little ones fueled up for the day. You can stash them in the freezer and reheat in the microwave to make them even easier!

Get Ree's Individual Sausage Casseroles recipe.

watermelon smoothie
healthy recipes for kids watermelon smoothie

Caitlin Bensel

3

Watermelon Smoothie

If your family is big on watermelon, they'll love this cool and refreshing smoothie in the summertime! It has frozen strawberries for sweetness and Greek vanilla yogurt for protein.

Get the Watermelon Smoothie recipe.

homemade chicken burgers
healthy recipes for kids homemade chicken burgers

Will Dickey

4

Homemade Chicken Burgers

Lean ground chicken is the base for these homemade burger patties. You can stack them with any of your favorite toppings: buffalo sauce and blue cheese, BBQ sauce and pickles, or marinara sauce and part-skim mozzarella cheese.

Get the Homemade Chicken Burgers recipe.

rainbow skewers
healthy recipes for kids rainbow skewers

Hector M. Sanchez

5

Rainbow Skewers

Here's a fun way to get your kiddos to eat a variety of healthy fruits: serve them on a stick! You can even serve them with a vanilla yogurt dip for a fun breakfast or dessert.

Get the Rainbow Skewers recipe.

SHOP SKEWERS

Ryan Dausch

6

Shrimp and Veggie Quesadillas

Quesadillas in any variety are a good choice for kids. Here, Ree likes to fill them with shrimp, spinach, and bell peppers. Oh, and lots of melty cheese, of course!

Get Ree's Shrimp and Veggie Quesadillas recipe.

Will Dickey

7

Homemade Dole Whip

No need to make a trip to Disney when you have have this sweet treat right at home! The frozen pineapple soft serve is a dessert that everyone will feel good about eating.

Get the Homemade Dole Whip recipe.

Will Dickey

8

Dill Dip with Vegetables

This herby dip gets its fluffy texture and rich, tangy flavor from mayo, sour cream, and a dash of pickle juice. It's the perfect creamy condiment to dunk fresh cucumbers, carrots, and sweet bell peppers.

Get the Dill Dip recipe.

Joanne Ozug

9

Homemade Granola Bars

Your kids will be the envy of the lunch room with these chewy homemade granola bars. They're loaded with old-fashioned oats, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries for lots of fiber, plus they're flavored with cinnamon (a spice that's full of antioxidants).

Get the recipe for Homemade Granola Bars.

Caitlin Bensel

10

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Sweet butternut squash is a vitamin-packed twist on classic layered lasagna. This recipe is also boosted by plenty of spinach and Italian sausage for extra protein that's totally kid-approved.

Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.

SHOP BAKING DISHES

Caitlin Bensel

11

Chickpea Salad

This chopped salad is a kid-friendly way to sneak in tons of colorful vegetables, plant-based protein, and healthy fats from avocado. It also packs up well for school lunch.

Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

12

Pumpkin Smoothies

These creamy shakes are an excellent morning meal or healthy dessert that kids will slurp up in record time. Yogurt adds protein and gut-friendly probiotics and a sprinkling of crushed graham crackers on top adds just the crunch little ones are looking for.

Get the Pumpkin Smoothie recipe.

Ryan Dausch

13

Spicy Sriracha Popcorn

If your kids can handle a little kick, they'll go crazy for this savory, crunchy snack of freshly popped corn tossed in Sriracha butter. It's great for a movie or as an after-school snack.

Get the Spicy Sriracha Popcorn recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

14

Breakfast Pizza

Fuel kids for an active day with this fun breakfast pizza made with Crescent rolls. It's loaded with crispy bacon, shredded hash browns, and soft-scrambled eggs to satisfy everyone's taste buds.

Get the Breakfast Pizza recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

15

Eggplant Lasagna

Adding tender, savory eggplant to your lasagna is a great way to lighten things up and add extra nutrients. Don't worry, this version doesn't skimp on cheese or delicious, herby tomato sauce.

Get the Eggplant Lasagna recipe.

SHOP CASSEROLE DISHES

Caitlin Bensel

16

Overnight Oats

Kids won't know how healthy this high-fiber breakfast is, once they taste a creamy spoonful. You can mix and match the toppings depending on what your little ones love, and pack them up for snack time or lunch at school.

Get the Overnight Oats recipe.

Will Dickey

17

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

This is a Brussels sprout recipe to turn haters into lovers, thanks to sweet and sticky maple syrup and crispy, smoky bacon bits. Serve this dish alongside roast chicken for a well-rounded, veggie-packed weeknight dinner.

Get the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe.

Caitlin Bensel

18

Fresh Tomato Sauce

Pick your kid's favorite pasta shape and toss them in this savory sauce made with fresh plum tomatoes. It's an easy meal, whether at home or packed in a school lunch.

Caitlin Bensel

19

This dinnertime favorite gets a healthy upgrade from frozen cauliflower rice. Cream cheese, parmesan, and garlic ensure that your crust is far from bland, not to mention the kid-approved toppings: ricotta, mozzarella, and mushrooms.

Caitlin Bensel

20

Not only are these pancakes easier to make than your typical batch, but they're also loaded with good-for-you ingredients: blueberries, strawberries, and chopped pecans. Add extra fresh fruit on the side for more fiber, vitamins, and minerals!

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