Quick & Healthy Kids Meal Ideas
If you have super easy mealtimes with your kids, this might not be for you. But I am always trying to get them to try new things that are e-a-s-y for me and also put some nutritional value into their meal. It’s important to make sure our kiddos are eating a balanced diet, but we may not have much time during the day, especially if we’re working from home, too. Making healthy and delicious lunch and dinner options for the kids doesn’t mean that we have to spend hours in the kitchen. If you’re stuck trying to think of some new quick and healthy lunch ideas, check out the list I’ve created below!
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Vegan mac and cheese is the perfect way to sneak in some good ingredients while disguising it as a yummy meal! Make the “cheese” out of raw cashews and nutritional yeast, and even blend in some vegetables while you’re at it!
Avocado Hummus Quesadilla
If you’re looking for a different way to use up your avocados, try this avocado hummus quesadilla. I like to make mini quesadillas by using something circular to make cut-out tortilla rounds. Then, I coat the top of the tortilla with whatever hummus we have in the fridge. I place 1-2 avocado slices on one side and top with a little cheese if I’m feeling it. I fold it in half and brown both sides on a pan. They are so quick to make, plus they’re perfectly sized for little hands that like to dip in salsa.
Veggie Roll-Ups
Veggie Roll-Ups are the perfect bite-sized lunch idea, especially for busy days! All I do is grab a tortilla, spread a little bit of my favorite dip or hummus on, and then I toss on some thinly sliced veggies. I like using spinach, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, or whatever I have on hand, but it really depends on what the kids are into at that given moment. Right now, they LOVE peppers. You can even add cheese to these. Roll the tortilla up tightly and slice off one-inch thick rounds!
Mini Pita Pockets
Mini Pita Pockets can be so yummy if you fill them right! Fill yours with avocado, cherry tomatoes, plain greek or coconut yogurt, lemon juice, cilantro, cheese if desired, whatever spices you’d like, and chicken if you prefer it.
Broccoli Cheese Cups
Broccoli Cheese Cups are kind of like a treat! I simply mix together some frozen broccoli, egg, cheese, spices, and breadcrumbs (or you can use crushed crackers). Distribute your mixture into a cupcake pan and bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees. These also make great breakfast cups if you use more eggs and create a quiche-like cup!
Veggie Taquitos
Taquitos are so versatile! I use small tortillas, fill them with corn, black beans, red pepper, onions, cilantro, and spices. I roll them up and toss them seam-side down on a baking sheet. When they are done cooking, dip them in salsa, guacamole, or whatever your heart desires!
Almond Butter + Jelly
The classic lunch food, PB&J, has been a favorite forever. If you’re looking for a new twist, use almond butter instead of regular peanut butter, and a less-sugar, more-natural jelly. I just flip over the jar to see the ingredients used (should be just fruit, with no added sugar!) Use a cookie cutter to make their sandwich more fun!
If you need some side ideas, I like to toss in oranges, apples, strawberries, grapes, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, natural applesauce, mango, melon, carrots, cucumber, or edamame. And of course - we do treats after!
Do you plan to add one of these ideas to your kiddo’s day? Let me know which is your favorite down below in the comments!