10 Vegan Kid-Friendly Meals for the Whole Family
Getting kids to eat healthy can be challenging, especially when you’re transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. The good news? With a little creativity, you can create vegan kid friendly meals that are both nutritious and fun!
From lunchbox favorites to quick family dinners, this list will inspire you to prepare meals that your little ones will actually enjoy. Here are 10 tasty and kid-approved vegan meals to add to your rotation.
1. Vegan Mac and Cheese
This creamy, dairy-free twist on a classic is a hit with kids of all ages. Use a blend of cashews, nutritional yeast, and carrots to create a rich and cheesy sauce. Serve it with whole wheat pasta for added fiber, and watch it disappear from their plates!
Tip: Add steamed broccoli or peas to sneak in extra veggies.
2. Chickpea Nuggets
Chickpea nuggets are the perfect plant-based alternative to chicken nuggets. Mash chickpeas with breadcrumbs, flax egg, and a mix of kid-friendly spices like garlic powder and paprika. Bake or pan-fry until golden brown, and serve with ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping.
Why Kids Love It: They’re crunchy, dippable, and fun to eat!
3. Rainbow Veggie Wraps
Wraps are colorful, fun to assemble, and packed with nutrients. Fill a whole wheat tortilla with hummus, grated carrots, sliced cucumbers, spinach, and bell pepper strips. Roll it up tightly, slice into pinwheels, and serve for a bright and healthy lunch.
Tip: Let kids pick their favorite veggies to make it interactive.
4. Mini Vegan Pizzas
Turn pizza night into a fun family activity! Use pita bread, English muffins, or homemade dough as the base. Top with tomato sauce, vegan cheese, and toppings like mushrooms, olives, and spinach. Bake until the cheese melts, and let the kids enjoy their custom creations.
Why It’s a Favorite: Kids love getting involved and building their own pizzas.
5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
These tacos are packed with flavor and nutrients. Roast sweet potato cubes with a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder, then layer them in taco shells with seasoned black beans, avocado, and salsa. Add a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor!
Bonus: They’re easy to make in under 30 minutes.
6. Vegan Pancakes with Berries
Who says pancakes are just for breakfast? Make a batch of fluffy vegan pancakes using plant-based milk, bananas, and whole wheat flour. Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a treat kids will love any time of day.
Tip: Make extra and freeze for quick morning meals.
7. Lentil Sloppy Joes
This hearty, protein-packed meal will quickly become a family favorite. Cook lentils with tomato sauce, onions, and a mix of spices to create a delicious filling. Serve it on whole wheat buns with a side of sweet potato fries for a kid-friendly dinner.
Why Kids Love It: It’s messy, tasty, and fun to eat!
8. Vegan Quesadillas
Cheesy quesadillas are always a hit, even when they’re vegan. Use a mix of vegan cheese, black beans, and mashed avocado between two tortillas. Pan-fry until crispy, then slice into triangles and serve with salsa for dipping.
Tip: Add spinach or diced tomatoes for an extra nutritional boost.
9. Banana Peanut Butter Roll-Ups
For a quick and easy snack, spread peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla, place a peeled banana in the center, and roll it up. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a fun, sushi-like snack that kids will adore.
Why It’s Perfect: It’s sweet, protein-packed, and portable!
10. Vegan Chili
A warm and cozy bowl of vegan chili is a great way to sneak in protein and veggies. Use kidney beans, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes as your base. Add mild spices and serve with vegan cornbread for a complete meal kids will love.
Bonus: Chili is perfect for leftovers and meal prep.
Make Meal Planning Easy with Family Daily
Creating vegan kid friendly meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. These ideas are easy to prepare, packed with nutrition, and most importantly, kid-approved. By getting creative and involving your kids in the kitchen, you’ll show them that plant-based meals can be just as tasty as their non-vegan favorites.
Looking for more help with meal planning and grocery list building? Download the Family Daily app today to simplify your family’s mealtime and discover even more kid-friendly recipes!
