Kid-friendly dinner sides can be a challenge to come up with, especially when trying to find something that is both healthy and tasty. Parents know how important it is to get their children to eat vegetables, but this can be easier said than done. Fortunately, there are many options for kid-friendly dinner sides that are both nutritious and delicious.
One of the essential kid-friendly side dishes that parents should have in their arsenal is roasted vegetables. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes, making them more palatable for children. Another healthy option for children is mixed vegetable rice. This dish is an excellent way to introduce children to new vegetables while also providing them with a filling and nutritious meal.
For parents who are short on time, quick and easy vegetable sides are a great option. Air fryer zucchini chips and easy crispy broccoli are both simple to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. For parents looking for a creative twist on classic sides, sweet potato casserole and broccoli rice casserole are both great options. These dishes offer a unique take on traditional sides while still providing children with the nutrients they need.
Key Takeaways
- Roasted vegetables and mixed vegetable rice are essential kid-friendly side dishes.
- Quick and easy vegetable sides like air fryer zucchini chips and easy crispy broccoli are perfect for busy parents.
- Creative twists on classic sides like sweet potato casserole and broccoli rice casserole are a great way to introduce new flavors to children.
Essential Kid-Friendly Side Dishes
When it comes to dinner time, parents often struggle to get their kids to eat their vegetables. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious and healthy side dishes that kids will love. Here are a few essential kid-friendly side dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic kid-friendly side dish that is always a hit. Whether it’s homemade or from a box, kids love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish. For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat pasta and adding some pureed vegetables like butternut squash or cauliflower to the cheese sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a great alternative to regular french fries. They are sweet, crispy, and packed with nutrients like vitamin A and fiber. To make them even more appealing to kids, try cutting them into fun shapes like stars or hearts.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Asparagus may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when you think of kid-friendly side dishes, but when it’s wrapped in bacon, even the pickiest eaters will give it a try. Simply wrap a strip of bacon around each asparagus spear and bake in the oven until crispy. The salty, savory flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter taste of the asparagus.
These are just a few of the many kid-friendly side dishes that parents can serve with dinner. By getting creative and adding a fun twist to classic dishes, parents can encourage their kids to eat more vegetables and develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
Healthy Options for Children
When it comes to feeding children, parents often struggle to find healthy options that their kids will actually eat. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious side dishes that are perfect for picky eaters.
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and this broccoli casserole is a tasty way to get kids to eat their veggies. Made with fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and whole wheat bread crumbs, this casserole is a healthy and satisfying side dish that kids will love.
Kale Chips
Kale is a superfood that is packed with nutrients, and kale chips are a fun and tasty way to get kids to eat their greens. To make kale chips, simply toss kale leaves with olive oil and sea salt, and bake them in the oven until crispy. Kids will love the crunchy texture and savory flavor of these delicious chips.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a versatile and nutritious grain that is perfect for salads. This quinoa salad is packed with veggies like bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers, and is dressed with a tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for vegetarian and vegan families.
Overall, there are plenty of healthy and delicious side dishes that are perfect for children. Whether you’re looking for something savory like broccoli casserole or something crunchy like kale chips, there are plenty of options to choose from. By incorporating these nutritious side dishes into your child’s diet, you can help them develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
Quick and Easy Vegetable Sides
When it comes to kid-friendly dinner sides, vegetables can be a tough sell. But with a little creativity and some tasty recipes, even the pickiest eaters can learn to love their greens. Here are three quick and easy vegetable sides that are sure to please.
Parmesan Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that is often overlooked by kids. However, by adding some Parmesan cheese, it can become a delicious and kid-friendly side dish. To make Parmesan broccoli, simply steam or roast the broccoli until it is tender. Then, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss until the cheese is melted and the broccoli is coated. This simple dish is a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a delicious and easy side dish that kids will love. Simply toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until golden brown and tender. You can also add some garlic or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Roasted cauliflower is a great alternative to potatoes or other starchy side dishes.
Green Beans with Almonds
Green beans are a classic side dish that can be made even more delicious with the addition of almonds. Simply blanch the green beans until they are crisp-tender, then toss with some toasted almonds and a little bit of butter. This dish is simple, elegant, and perfect for any occasion.
Overall, there are many quick and easy vegetable sides that can be made for a kid-friendly dinner. By getting creative and adding some tasty ingredients, you can turn even the most reluctant veggie eaters into fans.
Creative Twists on Classic Sides
When it comes to kid-friendly dinner sides, classic dishes like mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole are always a hit. But why not mix it up with some creative twists on these old favorites? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a classic side dish that’s perfect for fall and winter dinners. But instead of the usual marshmallow topping, try something a little different. For a savory twist, top your sweet potato casserole with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. This will give your casserole a crispy, flavorful crust that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Garlic-Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple at any dinner table, but they can get a little boring after a while. To give your mashed potatoes a little extra flavor, try adding some garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. This will give your potatoes a savory, cheesy flavor that’s sure to be a hit with kids.
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
If you’re looking for a low-carb, gluten-free side dish that’s still kid-friendly, try making crispy baked zucchini fries. Simply slice your zucchini into thin strips, coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, and bake them in the oven until they’re crispy and golden brown. These fries are a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables, and they’re so delicious that even adults will love them.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to put a creative twist on classic dinner sides to make them more appealing to kids. Whether you’re adding extra flavor to your mashed potatoes or making crispy zucchini fries, these dishes are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Kid-Friendly Sides for Special Diets
When it comes to dinner sides, finding options that are both kid-friendly and suitable for special diets can be a challenge. Whether your child has a gluten intolerance, follows a vegan diet, or needs to limit their carb intake, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious options to choose from.
Gluten-Free Pasta Salad
For a tasty and filling side dish that is gluten-free, try making a pasta salad using gluten-free noodles. There are many types of gluten-free pasta available, such as brown rice noodles, quinoa noodles, and chickpea noodles, which can be used as a base for a variety of pasta salads. To make the salad more appealing to kids, try adding colorful veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, and top it off with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a classic dinner side that can easily be made vegan-friendly. Instead of using ground meat, try using a protein-rich filling made from lentils, quinoa, or tofu. Mix in some veggies like onions, garlic, and mushrooms, and season with herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. Stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake until tender for a tasty and nutritious side dish.
Low-Carb Cauliflower Tots
For a low-carb alternative to traditional tater tots, try making cauliflower tots. Simply grate raw cauliflower and mix it with eggs, cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder and parsley. Form the mixture into tot shapes and bake until crispy. Not only are these tots lower in carbs than traditional tater tots, but they also provide a serving of veggies and are sure to be a hit with kids.
By incorporating these kid-friendly sides into your family’s dinner routine, you can ensure that everyone can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some healthy side dishes suitable for children?
When it comes to healthy side dishes for children, there are many options to choose from. Some great choices include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, sweet potato fries, quinoa salad, and fruit skewers. These options are not only healthy, but they are also colorful and appealing to children.
Which side dishes are recommended for a child’s birthday celebration?
For a child’s birthday celebration, it’s important to have side dishes that are both delicious and festive. Some great options include macaroni and cheese, mini pizzas, fruit salad, and vegetable skewers. These dishes are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
What are easy and appealing side dish options for picky young eaters?
Picky young eaters can be a challenge, but there are many easy and appealing side dish options that they are sure to enjoy. Some great choices include roasted sweet potato wedges, cheesy broccoli, cucumber salad, and homemade potato chips. These dishes are simple to make and have a kid-friendly appeal.
Can you suggest simple and quick side dishes that kids will love?
For busy parents, simple and quick side dishes are a must. Some great options include baked sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or squash, fruit salad, and hummus with pita bread. These dishes are quick to prepare and are sure to be a hit with kids.
What are the best vegetable side recipes for a kid-friendly meal?
Vegetables can be a tough sell for kids, but there are many delicious vegetable side recipes that kids are sure to love. Some great options include roasted broccoli, carrot fries, zucchini fritters, and cauliflower tots. These recipes are not only healthy, but they are also tasty and kid-approved.
What side dishes should I prepare for a kid-friendly barbecue?
For a kid-friendly barbecue, it’s important to have side dishes that are both delicious and easy to eat. Some great options include corn on the cob, watermelon slices, pasta salad, and grilled vegetables. These dishes are perfect for a summer barbecue and are sure to be a hit with kids.
My name is Laura, and as a mother of two, I understand firsthand the joys and challenges of raising a child. That’s why I created this website, to provide a comprehensive and trustworthy source of information and support for new and expectant parents.