Introducing healthy and delicious meals to your little ones doesn’t have to be difficult. These 30 easy recipes for kids will help you prepare wholesome meals without the hassle. Plus, made with easily available ingredients, these recipes make it easy to cook vegetarian meals for your child’s diet.
This blog post is divided into four parts: Breakfast Recipes for Kids, Lunch Recipes for Kids, Snack Recipes for Kids, and Dinner Recipes for Kids. And the good news is all these kid-friendly recipes cater to both picky eaters and adventurous palates.
Easy Breakfast Recipes For Kids
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and these breakfast recipes for kids will help kick-start their day with energy and nutrients.
1. Vegetable Cheela (Savory Pancake)
A healthy and protein-rich breakfast! Cheela is made from chickpea flour and is perfect for a quick, nutritious choice among easy recipes for kids.
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- Salt to taste
- Water to make a smooth batter
- Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Mix besan, vegetables, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water to form a smooth batter.
- Heat a griddle with oil, pour the batter, and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with yogurt or chutney.
2. Banana Oats Pancakes
This is a filling breakfast recipe for kids, combining bananas and oats for a healthy meal full of fibre. This is also one of the best meal option for constipation diet for babies.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Mash the banana and mix with oats, milk, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Cook the batter on a non-stick pan until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with syrup or fresh fruit.
3. Vegetable Paratha (Stuffed Flatbread)
Stuffed with mashed vegetables, vegetable paratha is a wholesome and tasty breakfast option your kids will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup mashed vegetables (carrots, spinach, potatoes)
- Salt, garam masala, and ajwain (carom seeds)
Instructions
- Knead the dough with water and make small portions.
- Stuff the dough with mashed vegetables and roll out into flat discs.
- Cook on a tawa with ghee or oil until golden brown on both sides.
4. Moong Dal Chilla (Lentil Pancakes)
Moong dal chilla is a protein-rich savory pancake made from yellow lentils, ideal for a healthy breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup moong dal (yellow split lentils)
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the moong dal for a few hours and blend it into a smooth batter.
- Add the vegetables and spices.
- Cook on a griddle until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with chutney or yogurt.
5. Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
A quick and refreshing breakfast, this parfait is loaded with yogurt, fruits, and granola. Isn’t it one of the simplest among easy recipes for kids list?
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup mixed fruits (banana, berries, mango)
- 2 tbsp granola
Instructions
- Layer yogurt, fruit, and granola in a glass.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a quick breakfast.
6. Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
This no-cook breakfast is a go-to of all easy recipes for kids for busy mornings that you can prepare the night before.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/2 apple, chopped
Instructions
- Mix oats, milk, cinnamon, and apple in a jar and refrigerate overnight.
- Serve chilled in the morning.
7. Avocado Toast
Made with healthy fats, avocado toast is a simple, quick, and nutritious one among the easy recipes for kids.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 slices whole-grain bread
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mash the avocado and spread it on toasted bread.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then serve.
Quick-to-make Lunch Recipes For Kids
Lunch should be filling and healthful to keep your kids energized throughout the afternoon. Here are 8 easy recipes for kids to make lunchtime exciting:
8. Vegetable Biryani
This flavorful rice dish is a hit with kids. Vegetable biryani is rich in nutrients and can be a wholesome lunch recipe for kids.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Sauté onions with garam masala and spices.
- Add the mixed vegetables and rice, then cook for a few minutes.
- Add water and cook in a pressure cooker or rice cooker until the rice is fully cooked.
- Serve with raita or yogurt.
9. Vegetable Pulao
An easy-to-make easy recipe for kids, vegetable pulao is light but filling, making it an ideal lunch for kids.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Sauté onions and vegetables in oil.
- Add rice, water, and salt, then cook until the rice is tender.
- Serve with a side of yogurt or pickles.
10. Spinach and Cheese Sandwich
This cheesy, veggie sandwich is quick and easy to make, ensuring your kids get a balanced lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 1/4 cup spinach, sautéed
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- Butter for toasting
Instructions
- Spread spinach and cheese between slices of bread.
- Butter the outer sides and toast until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with tomato ketchup.
11. Lentil Soup
Packed with protein, this easy recipe for kids is comforting and ideal for a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup lentils (yellow or green)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook lentils with water, turmeric, and salt until soft.
- Sauté onions and tomatoes with spices.
- Add cooked lentils to the sautéed mixture and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve with bread or crackers.
12. Vegetable Quesadillas
An enjoyable and easy meal for kids, these quesadillas are filled with vegetables and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers, onions, spinach
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Place vegetables and cheese on one tortilla.
- Top with another tortilla and cook in a pan with oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Cut into wedges and serve.
13. Vegetable Stir-fry with Rice
This colorful stir-fry is quick to make and full of veggies, making it one of the easiest easy recipes for kids for lunch.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté vegetables with ginger garlic paste.
- Add cooked rice and soy sauce, stir-fry for a few minutes.
- Serve hot.
14. Chickpea Salad
A refreshing and healthy lunch recipe for kids, chickpea salad is easy to make and full of protein.
Ingredients
- 1 cup boiled chickpeas
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber, tomatoes, onions
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine chickpeas with veggies and toss with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
15. Palak (Spinach) Paratha
An excellent nourishing lunch option among easy recipes for kids to sneak in some greens.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- Salt, ajwain, and cumin for flavor
- Water to knead dough
Instructions
- Knead flour with spinach and spices into a dough.
- Roll into discs and cook on a tawa with ghee or oil.
- Serve with yogurt or pickle.
Best Snack Recipes For Kids
When hunger strikes between meals, these snack recipes for kids are perfect for healthy snacks.
16. Vegetable Samosas
Samosas are a crunchy snack that kids will enjoy. You can make them healthier by filling them with a variety of vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup boiled peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 10-12 samosa wrappers (or use spring roll sheets)
Instructions
- Cook the onions with spices, then mix in mashed potatoes, peas, and carrots.
- Spoon the filling into the samosa wrappers and fold them into triangles.
- Deep fry or bake the samosas until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with chutney.
17. Mini Pizzas
These easy recipes for kids make pizza night chill and customizable. Mini pizzas are great for portion control and can be topped with any veggies your child likes.
Ingredients
- 4 mini pita breads or English muffins
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Toppings (bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or tomatoes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread pizza sauce on the pita bread.
- Sprinkle with cheese and add desired toppings.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with a side of veggies or fruit.
18. Cucumber Sandwiches
Refreshing and light, these cucumber sandwiches are easy to make and best for a quick snack.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of whole grain bread
- 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Cream cheese or hummus
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Spread cream cheese or hummus on one slice of bread.
- Layer with cucumber slices and season with salt and pepper.
- Close the sandwich and cut into small squares or triangles.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
19. Apple Nachos
A sweet, amazing twist on nachos, apple nachos are a great way to get kids to eat more fruit.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp granola
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- Arrange apple slices on a plate.
- Drizzle with melted peanut butter and honey.
- Top with granola and a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Serve as a quick and healthy snack.
20. Veggie and Hummus Cups
These veggie cups paired with hummus make a great snack recipe for kids who love to dip their food.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hummus
- Assorted vegetables (carrot sticks, cucumber, bell peppers)
Instructions
- Arrange cut vegetables in small cups.
- Serve with a side of hummus for dipping.
- This snack is easy to pack for school lunches too!
21. Cheese Sticks
Kids love cheese, and these easy cheese sticks are a quick snack that’s both delicious and energizing.
Ingredients
- 4-5 string cheese sticks
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (optional for dipping)
Instructions
- Simply serve the string cheese as is or with marinara sauce for dipping.
- It’s a no-fuss, kid-approved snack that’s full of calcium.
22. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Fries are the most loved one among easy recipes for kids! Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries, and they’re easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the sweet potato strips with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with a yogurt dip or ketchup.
23. Fruit Skewers
These colorful fruit skewers are yummy and have enough vitamins, making them one of the great snack recipes for kids.
Ingredients
- A variety of fruits (grapes, apple slices, berries, melon cubes)
- Skewers
Instructions
- Thread the fruit onto wooden or plastic skewers.
- Serve as a fun and healthy snack for kids.
- You can even pair these with a small amount of yogurt or chocolate for dipping.
24. Rice Cake with Nut Butter
A simple and filling snack recipe for kids, rice cakes topped with nut butter are a healthful option.
Ingredients
- 1 plain rice cake
- 2 tbsp peanut or almond butter
- A drizzle of honey or banana slices
Instructions
- Spread nut butter on the rice cake.
- Top with banana slices or drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
- Serve immediately.
Easy Dinner Recipes For Kids
Dinner is the time to wrap up the day with a healthy meal. These easy recipes for kids are both tasty and healthy, ideal for a family dinner.
25. Veggie Mac & Cheese
A kid-favorite, veggie mac & cheese is a great way to sneak in some vegetables while keeping dinner entertained.
Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1/2 cup broccoli, steamed
- 1/2 cup cauliflower, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a separate pan, steam the broccoli and cauliflower.
- In the same pan, melt cheese with milk to make the sauce.
- Mix cooked pasta, veggies, and cheese sauce together. Serve warm.
26. Veggie Tacos
These easy veggie tacos are a good dinner option that kids can assemble themselves.
Ingredients
- 4 small tortillas
- 1 cup black beans, cooked
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Lettuce, tomato, avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with black beans, corn, cheese, and salsa.
- Add optional toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado.
- Serve with a side of fruit or a light salad.
27. Vegetable Frittata
A hearty, egg-free frittata packed with vegetables and perfect for a nutrient-rich dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda (optional for fluffiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk chickpea flour, water, turmeric, baking soda, salt, and pepper until smooth. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, onions, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers, carrots, and spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour the chickpea batter over the cooked vegetables in the pan. Stir gently to distribute the veggies evenly.
- For stovetop: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 8–10 minutes, until the top is set and the bottom is golden. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3–5 minutes.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the frittata is firm and slightly golden on top.
- Slice into wedges and serve with a side salad, chutney, or yogurt for a complete meal.
28. Vegetable Fried Rice
A great way to use leftover rice, this one of easy recipes for kids is quick, simple, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, beans)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp ginger garlic paste
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté ginger garlic paste.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the rice and soy sauce, stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve hot with a side of stir-fried tofu.
29. Vegetarian Pizza
A delicious and customizable dinner recipe for kids, this vegetarian pizza is easy to make with pre-made dough.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread pizza sauce, sprinkle cheese, and top with vegetables.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
30. Pasta Primavera
A healthy pasta dish full of fresh vegetables, pasta primavera is best of all easy recipes for kids for a light dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Sauté the vegetables in olive oil until tender.
- Toss the pasta with sautéed veggies and top with Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm.
Conclusion
These 30 easy recipes for kids offer a wide range of vegetarian meal options that are both healthy and appealing to young palates. Making sure your kids eat a variety of fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains is vital for their growth and development. By choosing easy-to-prepare meals like the ones listed above, you can ensure that your kids enjoy meals that are delicious, wholesome, and fun. Don’t hesitate to modify these recipes based on your child’s preferences—whether that’s adding or skipping ingredients, adjusting spice levels, or experimenting with different vegetables.