7 Healthy Recipes Your Kids Will Love
Finding a fresh and hearty dinner recipe that will please the whole family can be a challenge. While most kids prefer snacks and sweets to vegetables, there are plenty of ways to make their favorite foods with healthy and wholesome ingredients. When you’re whipping up family dinner in your gourmet kitchen, try getting creative with core food groups, like fruits, vegetables and protein. These seven delicious recipes are not only delicious, they are also packed with produce, so you can sneak some vegetables onto your child’s dinnerplate.
Chicken Stir Fry
You don’t have to seek out the best Irvine restaurants for a meal that will satisfy the whole family! Fresh and full of flavor, stir fries are a great addition to the family dinner menu. Chock-full of fresh vegetables and lean protein, this chicken stir fry will liven up dinnertime with vibrant sights and smells. Featuring colorful red and green bell peppers, broccoli, Portobello mushrooms and a zesty homemade stir fry sauce, this recipe is a crowd pleaser. Plus, cooking time is around 30 minutes, making it a fast and healthy recipe for those who need dinner on the table in a flash.
Quinoa, Black Bean and Corn Tacos (Vegetarian Option)
Living in Irvine means you have access to some of the best farmers markets in Orange County, so, naturally, there are going to be a few plant-based options on this list. Perfect for kids with an aversion to traditional staples, like chicken or beef, this simple quinoa, black bean and corn taco recipe will please the pickiest of eaters. Consisting of a few plant-based ingredients, quality produce is the star of this kid-friendly dish! To prepare, combine quinoa, corn, black beans, salsa, chili powder and cumin, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then wrap everything up in a grilled tortilla and top with some cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. If your child likes trying new flavors, complete your tacos with some tangy cilantro crema.
Artichoke, Tomato and Spinach Flatbread
Pizza can’t be healthy! Think again. Your kids will want seconds of this tasty, veggie-packed flatbread topped with artichoke, tomato and spinach. This crispy flatbread tastes great and is fun to make, so be sure to invite your family to help you in the kitchen. All you need is some store-bought flatbread, cauliflower crust is an even healthier option, olive oil, cheese and your kid’s favorite veggie toppings! For a Mediterranean-inspired dish, consider topping your flatbread with artichoke, tomato and spinach. If your family is in the mood for something different, feel free to mix and match. With this recipe, the flavor combinations are endless!
Homemade Sushi
Introduce your children to a unique dinner with homemade sushi. With some assembly required, building these sushi rolls is the perfect opportunity to get your family’s help in the kitchen. Consider inviting your kids to place the key ingredients – rice, avocado, sushi-grade salmon and cream cheese –on a bed of rice and seaweed. Rolling the sushi is a little tricky, so parents may want to take on that role, as well as cutting the sushi into even pieces. Once you have your sushi, be sure to serve with soy sauce.
Broccoli Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Casseroles are a classic dinner staple, but this recipe is anything but ordinary! Featuring a broccoli and nutrient-rich wild rice, this dish puts a healthy spin on traditional comfort food. One of the best parts of using this recipe is just how easy it is to make. Simply cook the wild rice and throw the other ingredients into a skillet. Once your filling is cooked all the way through, place it into a casserole dish to bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Now you have a satisfying dish that will keep your family energized for after-dinner homework sessions.
Spaghetti and Meatball Bites
Get ready for a classic dish with a twist! This one-of-a-kind recipe takes all the flavor and deliciousness of spaghetti and meatballs and shrinks it down to a convenient bitesize dish. To build your spaghetti and meatball bites, all you have to do is place cooked pasta in cupcake tins and bake them at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. While the pasta bakes, make your meatballs and brown them in a large skillet. Now, assemble! Simple to make and fun to eat, your kids will love this tasty entrée. You can even incorporate lean turkey meatballs and whole wheat pasta for an extra healthy approach.
Baked Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are always a crowd-pleaser, especially when they are baked to perfection! This extra healthy recipe calls for chicken coated in zesty paprika, tangy Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Once the chicken is prepared, all you have to do is bake it at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Once cooled, they are ready to serve with the sauce of your choice!
