WRITTEN BY AALIYAH ALEXANDER

Getting kids to eat their veggies has long been a struggle for parents and guardians worldwide. Many children have an innate aversion to plant-based foods which can be frustrating when trying to foster healthy growth and habits. However, all hope isn’t lost. There are plenty of creative, plant-packed recipes out there that your kids will actually enjoy and crave more of. Ready to start testing some out this week? Keep reading for 10 delicious plant-based, kid-friendly recipes. 

1. Sneaky Chickpea Burgers

You can never go wrong with serving your kid(s) these sneaky chickpea burgers, especially if they are already fans of the dish. You can also customize this recipe, swapping out toppings and condiments while serving them with a side of baked french fries. 

Recipe by @forksoverknives

2. Creamy Vegan Carrot Soup

This recipe is for those cozy, autumnal nights when your kid(s) need something warm or when your kid(s) are in bed with a cold. Plus, you can store this soup for up to 4-5 days, making it an easy dish to meal-prep. 

Recipe by @eatingbyelaine

3. Easy Vegan Meatballs (baked, oil-free) 

I’ve yet to come across a kid who hates spaghetti and meatballs. This plant-based meatball recipe features chickpeas and couscous and provides a tasty source of protein. All you have to do is add it to your favorite vegan-friendly pasta. 

Recipe by @thevegan8brandi

4. Sweet & Salty Tofu Bites

These sweet and salty tofu bites go great with rice and veggies (tip: serve with a side of steamed peas for kids) and are packed with flavor, seeing that it’s sauteed with garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers. 

Recipe by @plantbasedonabudget

5. Vegan Pan Pizza

All you need for this quick and easy vegan pan pizza recipe is flour, baking powder, baking soda, flax egg, non-dairy milk, olive oil, pizza sauce, vegan cheese, and vegan pepperoni. Make this on Friday night movie nights or to pack for school lunches.

Recipe by @rabbitandwolves

6. Rainbow Buddha Bowl

Okay, this may be a challenge since Buddha Bowls are all about veggies, grains, and protein, but this Buddha Bowl recipe was made with kids in mind. It’s the ultimate balanced meal, combining sweet potatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, quinoa, and sunflower seeds. 

Recipe by @superhealthykids

7. One Pot Mushroom & Vegan Sausage Pasta

Not only can this dish be prepared in under 30 minutes, but it also requires only one pot. With savory tomato sauce, mushrooms, and vegan sweet Italian sausage, your kid(s) will fall in love with this dish. 

Recipe by @thesimpleveganista

8. Vegan Butternut Mac and ‘Cheese’ with Smoky Shiitake ‘Bacon’

Run, don’t walk, to this delicious vegan mac and cheese recipe. Featuring shiitake mushrooms, butternut squash, and a creamy cheese sauce, your kid(s) won’t be able to tell that this mac and cheese is completely plant-based. 

Recipe by @purewow

9. Vegan Chicken Nuggets

This vegan crispy chicken nugget recipe is a healthy alternative to the processed and deep-fried nuggets we find in grocery stores and fast-food menus. For this recipe, all you need is extra firm tofu, dill pickle juice, and soy sauce. Bonus: this recipe can be prepared in 20 minutes with an air fryer!

Recipe by @sweetpotatosoul

10. Easy Tofu Scramble with Veggies

This tofu scramble is for when you’re short on time and need something healthy and simple to prepare for your kid(s). You can serve this as breakfast (with a side of toast) or in a wrap or sandwich for lunch. 

Recipe by @zardyplants