Side Dishes Kid Friendly: Delicious and Healthy Options for Picky Eaters

Kid-friendly side dishes are an essential part of any meal, especially for parents who want to make sure their children are eating a balanced diet. While it can be a challenge to get kids to eat their vegetables, there are plenty of creative and healthy options that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One of the easiest ways to get kids to eat their veggies is by making them fun and creative. For example, cutting carrots into fun shapes or making veggie kabobs can make them more appealing to kids. Additionally, incorporating fruits into side dishes can be a great way to get kids to eat more produce. For example, fruit salad or grilled pineapple can be a healthy and tasty addition to any meal.

Another great option for kid-friendly side dishes is using an air fryer. Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to make crispy and delicious sides without the added fat and calories of traditional frying methods. From crispy sweet potato fries to zucchini chips, there are plenty of options that kids are sure to love.

Key Takeaways

• Kid-friendly side dishes are an essential part of any meal for parents who want to make sure their children are eating a balanced diet.
• Creative and healthy options like fun-shaped veggies and fruit-based sides can make it easier to get kids to eat their produce.
• Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to make crispy and delicious sides without the added fat and calories of traditional frying methods.

Essential Kid-Friendly Side Dishes

When it comes to kid-friendly side dishes, there are a few classic options that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Here are three essential side dishes that every parent should have in their recipe arsenal.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and a classic kid-friendly side dish. Whether you make it from scratch or use a boxed mix, kids love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish. To make it a little healthier, try adding some pureed butternut squash or cauliflower to the cheese sauce.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another classic side dish that kids love. They’re creamy, buttery, and the perfect accompaniment to any meal. To make them a little more interesting, try adding some roasted garlic, chives, or shredded cheese to the mix.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular french fries and are a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. They’re sweet, crispy, and packed with vitamins and minerals. To make them even more appealing, try serving them with a side of ketchup or honey mustard dipping sauce.

Overall, these three side dishes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters and are a great way to get kids to eat their veggies. They’re easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

Healthy Vegetable Options

Getting kids to eat their vegetables can be a challenging task. However, with the right recipes, it can be easy to get them to enjoy healthy veggies. Here are three kid-friendly vegetable recipes that are healthy and delicious.

Broccoli and Cheese

Broccoli and cheese is a classic combination that kids love. Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Cheese provides calcium and protein, making it a great addition to any meal.

To make this dish, steam the broccoli until it is tender but still firm. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the broccoli and put it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is a great side dish for any meal and is sure to be a hit with kids.

Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a simple and delicious way to get kids to eat their veggies. Cauliflower is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a crispy texture that kids love.

To make this dish, simply cut the cauliflower into florets and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, roast the cauliflower in the oven until it is golden brown and crispy. This dish is a great addition to any meal and is sure to be a hit with kids.

Zucchini Sticks

Zucchini sticks are a fun and healthy alternative to french fries. Zucchini is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Baking the zucchini sticks instead of frying them makes them a healthier option for kids.

To make this dish, cut the zucchini into sticks and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, coat the zucchini sticks in breadcrumbs and bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy. These zucchini sticks are a great side dish for any meal and are sure to be a hit with kids.

Incorporating healthy vegetables into meals can be a challenge, but with these kid-friendly vegetable recipes, it can be easy and delicious.

Creative Fruit-Based Sides

When it comes to kid-friendly side dishes, fruit-based options are always a hit. They’re colorful, sweet, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Here are a few creative ideas to try out:

Fruit Salads

A fruit salad is a classic side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a great way to incorporate a variety of fruits into a single dish. For a simple fruit salad, chop up some strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple, and mix them together in a bowl. You can also add in some blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for extra color and flavor. To make the fruit salad more exciting, try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Baked Apple Slices

Baked apple slices are a delicious and healthy side dish that kids will love. To make them, simply slice up some apples and arrange them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle them with a little bit of cinnamon and sugar, and bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until they’re soft and golden brown. These apple slices are perfect for pairing with a sweet potato casserole or a vegetarian main dish.

Overall, fruit-based sides are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your kid’s meal. They’re easy to prepare and always a hit with the little ones.

Convenient Air Fryer Creations

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook our meals, and they are especially great for whipping up quick and healthy side dishes that kids will love. Here are two convenient air fryer creations that are perfect for busy parents and picky eaters alike.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Potatoes are a staple in many households, and with an air fryer, you can make them crispy and delicious without all the added oil. Smashed potatoes are a fun and easy side dish that kids will love, and they are perfect for dipping in ketchup or ranch dressing.

To make smashed potatoes in the air fryer, start by boiling small potatoes until they are fork-tender. Then, use a fork or potato masher to gently flatten them, being careful not to break them apart completely. Brush the potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Air Fryer Veggie Medley

Getting kids to eat their veggies can be a challenge, but with the air fryer, you can make them crispy and delicious in no time. This veggie medley is a colorful and nutritious side dish that is perfect for any meal.

To make the veggie medley, chop up your favorite veggies into bite-sized pieces. Some great options include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers. Toss the veggies in olive oil and season with your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Place the veggies in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes, until they are crispy and tender.

This low-carb and gluten-free side dish is also vegan-friendly, making it a great option for families with dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your kids’ diets without them even realizing it.

Overall, air fryers are a great tool for busy parents who want to make healthy and delicious side dishes for their kids. With these convenient air fryer creations, you can whip up tasty and nutritious meals in no time.

Sides for Special Diets

When it comes to feeding kids with special dietary needs, it can be challenging to find side dishes that are both nutritious and delicious. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for those who are gluten-free or vegan. Here are two great options to consider:

Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

For kids who are gluten-free, pasta salad can be a great side dish option. Gluten-free pasta is widely available and can be used to make a variety of tasty salads. One delicious option is a Mediterranean-inspired salad made with gluten-free pasta, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette. This salad is not only gluten-free but also packed with flavor and nutrition.

Vegan Baked Beans

For kids who are vegan, baked beans can be a great side dish option. Traditional baked beans are made with bacon or other animal products, but vegan baked beans can be made with simple ingredients like navy beans, tomato sauce, molasses, and spices. This dish is not only vegan but also high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

Other great side dish options for kids with special dietary needs include rice dishes, vegetable side dishes, and dishes made with Mediterranean ingredients like chickpeas and tahini. With a little creativity and some knowledge of special diets, it’s easy to create side dishes that are both healthy and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some simple side dish recipes that children will enjoy?

Children tend to enjoy simple and familiar flavors, so classic side dishes like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables are often a hit. Other options that kids might enjoy include homemade potato chips, sweet potato fries, and fruit salad. For more ideas, check out this list of 25 easy kid-friendly side dishes or this collection of 27 kid-friendly side dishes.

How can I make healthy side dishes more appealing to kids?

One way to make healthy side dishes more appealing to kids is to involve them in the cooking process. Children are more likely to try new foods if they have a hand in preparing them. Another tip is to make healthy side dishes fun and colorful. For example, you can cut vegetables into fun shapes or use a variety of colorful fruits in a fruit salad. Finally, try to offer healthy side dishes alongside familiar favorites so that children have a variety of options to choose from.

What are popular side snacks for children’s parties?

Popular side snacks for children’s parties include finger foods like chicken nuggets, mini pizzas, and mozzarella sticks. Other options might include veggie cups with dip, fruit skewers, and popcorn. For more ideas, check out this list of 20+ kid-friendly side dish recipes.

Can you suggest easy-to-make side dishes for children with picky eating habits?

For children with picky eating habits, it can be helpful to offer side dishes that are similar to foods they already enjoy. For example, if a child likes french fries, try making homemade sweet potato fries or zucchini fries. If a child likes macaroni and cheese, try making a healthier version with whole wheat pasta and a vegetable-based sauce. Other options might include roasted vegetables with a sprinkle of cheese or a simple fruit salad.

What are suitable cold side dish options for a kid-friendly menu?

Cold side dishes can be a great option for a kid-friendly menu, especially during the summer months. Some ideas might include pasta salad with vegetables, cucumber salad with dill, or a simple caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. For more ideas, check out this list of 10 kid-friendly side dishes for dinner.

Which vegetables are best to use in kid-friendly side dishes?

When it comes to kid-friendly side dishes, it’s important to choose vegetables that are mild in flavor and not too bitter. Some good options might include sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, and corn. You can also try roasting vegetables with a sprinkle of cheese or seasoning to make them more appealing to children.