Is your toddler on a strict diet of chicken fingers and Cheerios? You want kids to eat healthy, but what do you do when you have a picky eater?
Lynn Walters, executive director of Cooking with Kids, Inc., explains that you can encourage your kids to eat healthy by getting them involved in the process! “If children participate in cooking, they are much more likely to want to eat it,” she shares. “They are proud of their accomplishments.”
Plus, cooking can be a great way for kids to bond with their parents, nannies, or babysitters. Toddlers can start by tearing up leaves or plucking herbs before moving onto more advanced skills like mixing.
If you need some ideas, here are 18 healthy recipes that your toddlers can help you make:
Breakfast
- Easy Blueberry Banana Yogurt Smoothie
Smoothies can be a great way for kids to eat fruits, vegetables and even protein (use Greek yogurt for an extra protein blast). Have your toddler help you add the ingredients to the blender and press start. It’s as simple as that.
- Apple-Raisin Baked Oatmeal
This breakfast is a great on-the-go recipe. You can make it ahead of time and grab it on your way out the door. Your kids can help you mix and stir all the ingredients together. You also can add fun faces with fruit, which your kids are sure to enjoy.
- Whole Wheat Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
This recipe is also great for breakfast on a busy morning or to put in a lunchbox for a snack. Have your kids mix the ingredients or even pour the batter into the muffin tin if they have steady hands.
Lunch
- Cream Cheesy Cucumber Sandwich
This is an easy recipe for school lunches. Have them spread the cream cheese on each piece of bread while you cut the cucumbers. Then, put everything together, and you’re done!
- Smiley Face Quesadillas
This recipe is fun and easy. Your kids can cut any type of face, shape or design into the top tortilla, and then carefully lay it down on top of the heated tortilla and cheese. Be sure to use plastic knives, and monitor them closely! They will definitely be enthusiastic about seeing their creations!
- Chicken Fingers
This is a healthier take on a classic kid’s dish. Plus, they will love dipping the chicken in the flour and eggs, even though it might be a little messy.
Dinner
- One Pan Cheesy Lemon Chicken Pasta
This is a bit of a healthier take on the classic macaroni and cheese. Your little one will love helping you add the ingredients, which include a big handful of cheese.
- Pizza Soup
Your kids are sure to think this dish is a fun twist on their favorite pizza. Have them help you chop and cut all of the vegetables and stir the ingredients together. Be sure to ask them what kind of vegetables they like in their pizza soup.
- Tacos
This dish is easy for toddlers to assemble, even if it may be a little messy for them to eat. Let them choose what kind of meat, vegetables, sauces and sides they want in their tacos, so they feel involved.
- Magic Spaghetti Squash
This is a fun meal for kids because they can see the gourd transform before their eyes. Your kids can scoop out the seeds and brush it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, have them add their favorite sauce or topping to their magic spaghetti.
Snacks
- Soft Pretzel Letters and Numbers
This recipe is educational and fun on a whole bunch of levels. Not only can your kids help you roll out the dough (and get their hands messy), but they can work on their numbers, letters, or spelling by making the pretzels into different shapes. Let your kids get creative and have fun.
- Cheese and Fruit Kabobs
Kabobs are one of the easiest dishes to make, especially when you don’t have to cook any of the ingredients. Ask your kids what their favorite fruits are and have them line them up on the stick. This may be a good time to have them try different types of fruits and cheeses, too.
- Make Your Own Go-Gurts
What kid doesn’t love go-gurt? Use a healthy yogurt (like Greek yogurt) and some fresh fruit to make this snack healthier than the store bought ones. Your kids can help by mixing the yogurt or putting it into plastic liners.
- Rainbow Fruit and Veggie Salads
Again, this is any easy and healthy snack. Let your kids pick out their favorite fruits and vegetable, as well as some new ones. Then, have them help you carefully cut up the fruit and mix it in the bowl.
- Strawberry Fruit Roll-ups
Show your toddler how to make a homemade — and healthy — version of this popular snack. Little fingers will enjoy rolling up the treats.
Desserts
- Frozen Peanut Butter Berry Pops
This frozen snack will help you cut some of the excess sugar out of your kids’ diets. Let your kids help you pour the juice mixture into the molds and place them in the freezer. They are sure to enjoy their frozen treats.
- No-Bake Cookies
This dessert is great for young kids to make because you don’t have to worry about them burning themselves on a hot oven or pan. Plus, your children will love mixing and shaping the cookies and eating them right away!
- Snow Ice Cream
For all those winter lovers, this recipe is really fun. All you need to do is collect some clean snow and mix it with condensed milk and vanilla. Your kids will love playing in the snow and making it taste great!
Sara Parker is an editor and writer who is passionate about the written word. She loves to read, write, travel and try new things.
