Return to top
featured in… The Huffington Post CookingLight Reader's Digest Women's Health BuzzFeed Glamour Whole Foods Oprah Winfrey Network CNN Food Network Healthline Shape

Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

50 Healthy Recipes For Picky Eaters

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.

Are you struggling to find healthy and tasty recipes that your picky eaters will enjoy? Then this guide is for you! Here are 50 of our best kid-friendly and healthy recipes for picky eaters that are guaranteed to get your kids excited about nutritious food!

You’ll find plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, all made with fresh ingredients and packed with nutrients. Whether your child is a vegetarian, the pickiest eater on the planet, or has a sweet tooth, there’s something on this list for everyone. So put on your apron and get ready to whip up some tasty treats that the whole family will love!

Easy Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese

Three ingredient tomato soup with canned tomatoes served in a white bowl with fresh basil and crusty bread as a garnish.

This is one of our favorite heart healthy recipes for picky eaters. Not only is it low in calories and fat, but it’s also packed with antioxidants and fiber thanks to the canned tomatoes and options for adding pureed hidden veggies in this soup. Made with simple ingredients, this creamy, savory, flavor-packed dish is super easy to make, and is perfect for the entire family. It’s delicious on it’s own, or paired with this sourdough grilled cheese sandwich – which picky eaters are sure to enjoy! Get this tomato soup with canned tomatoes recipe here.

Banana Peanut Butter Sandwich

What kid can resist a peanut butter sandwich?? This classic recipe is one of those familiar foods that most kids will love. But this picky eating recipe gets a healthy makeover with the addition of whole grain bread, heart healthy walnuts, no sugar-packed jam, and a drizzle of antioxidant rich honey. Super kid friendly and ready in just 15 minutes! Get this banana peanut butter sandwich recipe here.

Taco Lasagna

slice of easy healthy vegetarian layered taco casserole with tortillas, white baking dish in the background

Who doesn’t want to have a long list of healthy recipes for picky eaters? And this hearty, satisfying taco casserole is just the perfect addition. It’s basically a lasagna that resembles a cheesy enchilada, but your picky eaters won’t realize it has tons of hidden veggies packed in between the layers. It’s healthy, can easily be made vegan, and is naturally gluten-free. And the best part? It’s so easy to make! Get this layered taco casserole recipe here.

Mexican Soup with Black Beans

Mexican bean soup served in a bowl topped with avocado and tortilla chips.

Get ready to spice up your taste buds with this delicious Mexican bean soup! Packed with authentic flavors, this hearty soup is perfect for the whole family – it’s spicy and savory for adults, but can easily be adjusted for kids too. Add your favorite toppings – from creamy avocado, to sour cream, to crunchy tortilla chips, the possibilities are endless (and kids love customizing their own bowls!) Great for any occasion, and total comfort food. Get this Mexican bean soup here.

Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup

easy healthy instant pot broccoli cheddar soup recipe in a white bowl

Another addition to your list of healthy food ideas for picky eaters is this easy Instant Pot recipe! With just forty-five minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. This lightened-up version of the classic soup is packed with flavor and still has all the cheesy goodness that even your picky kids will love. Get this broccoli cheddar soup here.

Veggie Nachos

Loaded veggie nachos piled with veggies, jalapenos, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, olives served on a white platter.

Looking for meals for fussy eaters? These loaded veggie nachos are a good idea to add to your list! Nachos are a great way to create a fun and healthy meal that everyone will enjoy. They’re also a perfect vehicle for adding veggie packed toppings into a meal that even young kids will eat! With their layers of crunchy chips, ooey-gooey melted cheeses, and tasty toppings, this is one of those healthy foods that’s always going to be a hit whenever you serve it. Get this loaded veggie nachos recipe here.

Vegan Enchiladas 

easy healthy vegan enchilada casserole recipe in a white baking dish

Packed full of flavor, this Mexican-inspired dish is a lightened-up version of a family favorite, so you can enjoy it without any guilt. It’s a great way to get your kids to try new foods, since you can add just about anything into an enchilada – everything from hearty beans to magical cauliflower! Ready in just about 30 minutes, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights but is still one of our favorite healthy dinner recipes for picky eaters! Get this vegan enchilada casserole recipe here.

Vegan Tacos With Black Beans

vegan tacos with black beans, avocado, veggies, and cilantro, served on a white plate

Who’s ready for taco night? These tacos are sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, they’re super easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes! I included it in this list of healthy recipes for picky eaters because it has great flavors, satisfying texture, quick prep time, and is made with healthy ingredients! Get this vegan tacos recipe here.

Stuffed Vegetarian Bell Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy option for a busy weeknight meal. It’s also one of my favorite fun recipes to make for kids, because you can set out a bunch of filling options and kids can customize their peppers however they want! The added bonus is, they won’t even realize they’re eating an entire bell pepper with this meal. Plus, they’re gluten-free and can easily be made vegan! Get this healthy stuffed vegetarian peppers recipe here.

Vegetarian Chili Mac & Cheese

Instant Pot chili mac and cheese served in a white bowl with an instant pot in the background.

Doing meal prep for picky eaters can be challenging, but with the Instant Pot meal prep can be a breeze! One of my favorite healthy recipes for picky eaters is this Instant Pot chili mac and cheese! This hearty vegetarian dish is packed with flavor and can easily be made vegan or gluten-free. Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you need a healthy meal on your dinner table! Get this Instant Pot chili mac here.

Veggie Packed Rice & Beans

vegetarian stew recipe with beans and rice, served on a white plate with a spoon

Not only is it one of the best budget-friendly, family-friendly, and kid-friendly meals, but it is also packed with protein and fiber from the beans and rice, making this stew a nutritious meal that is great for warm and cold weather months! You can also opt to make it into a rice bowl style meal. Get this vegetarian bean stew recipe here.

Italian Red Lentil Pasta Recipe

Red lentil pasta served on a white plate with superfood marinara sauce.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this vegetarian dish is ready in just 30 minutes and is sure to become a new favorite and add to your list of healthy recipes for picky eaters. Lentil pasta is a great swap for regular pasta, because it tastes pretty similar when tossed with sauce, but has 10-15 grams of protein per serving! The rich marinara sauce is mixed with tender vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a wholesome and balanced meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Get this red lentil pasta recipe here.

Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna

finished vegetarian zucchini lasagna in a white baking dish

This vegetarian-friendly dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Not only is it a tasty alternative to traditional lasagna, but it’s lower in carbs and higher in fiber than regular lasagna, thanks to the zucchini sheets replacing lasagna noodles! And best of all, it’s easy to make and will be one of the favorite family meals you’ll love. Get this vegetarian zucchini lasagna recipe here.

Healthy Mac & Cheese

healthy mac and cheese with broccoli served in a white bowl

Who says comfort food has to be unhealthy? This healthier mac & cheese with broccoli is great for the whole family, and is one of my favorite healthy dinners for picky eaters. Made with gooey cheese and with lots of veggie add-ins as options, this dish is one of those easy healthy meals for picky eaters that you’ll come back to again and again. Get this healthy mac and cheese recipe here.

Garlic Veggie Pasta

garlic pasta with veggies in a white bowl with parmesan cheese

Indulge in a guilt-free Italian dish that will tantalize your taste buds and is a great option for dinners or even healthy lunches for picky eaters. This garlic veggie pasta is made with whole wheat spaghetti, fresh broccoli, olive oil, zucchini, red onions, and seasonings, and topped with parmesan cheese. Get this garlic pasta recipe here.

High Protein Veggie Burgers

pumpkin burgers on a white plate - black bean pumpkin burgers topped with spinach, tomato, cheese, onions, ketchup

What kid doesn’t like burgers and fries? If you’re looking for more high protein meals for picky eaters, this recipe is for you. And with these homemade patties made with black beans, you’ll end up with a healthier burger that’s packed with flavor and nutritional value. Serve it up with these air fried sweet potato fries or air fryer frozen french fries for a complete meal. This is a fast food makeover that will leave you and your kids loving healthy eating! Get this high protein veggie burger recipe here.

Veggie Quesadillas

veggie quesadilla recipe - black beans tomato corn quesadilla served with cold beer salsa and yogurt dip sause on dark wooden background.

Quesadillas are one of those easy meals that you can make with minimal effort, and this healthy veggie quesadilla is just bursting with melted cheese, black beans, and crisp vegetables. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and is great for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal. It’s also a fun way to get your kids in the kitchen, because they can help with assembling the quesadillas with fillings they love. The best part? It’s super customizable, makes good meals for picky eaters, vegans, vegetarians, and any gluten-free needs as well. It’s also ready in under 30 minutes! Get this veggie quesadilla recipe here.

Mexican Pizza

What kid doesn’t like copycat takeout recipes? This Taco Bell copycat Mexican pizza recipe is super satisfying, ready in less than 30 minutes, and is a healthier version of the takeout classic (but tastes just as good as the original!) It is also a great idea to add to your next meal plan for picky eaters! Get this Mexican pizza recipe here.

Naan Bread Pizza

Crispy naan bread pizza topped with mozzarella and basil, on a wooden cutting board.

This simple yet mouth-watering dish is made by spreading marinara sauce on top of naan bread, adding your favorite toppings, and baking it until the edges are crispy and golden brown. It’s perfect to add to your list of easy dinner ideas, and by swapping in some whole wheat naan bread, you’ll end up with a healthier pizza that kids will love! Get this naan bread pizza recipe here.

Falafel Wrap

Homemade easy falafel wrap recipe on a white plate.

Get ready to indulge in some healthy comfort food with this delicious falafel wrap recipe! These crispy falafel patties are baked to perfection instead of fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing any flavor while helping you solve your little kids’ picky eating problems. Get this falafel wrap recipe here.

Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme

healthy vegan crunchwrap supreme - taco bell copycat recipe, stacked on a cutting board

Craving a vegan version of Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap? Look no further! The Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme is a delicious plant-based twist on the classic menu item. Not only does it taste just as good as the fast food favorite, but it’s also healthier! This recipe is incredibly easy to make and even kid-friendly, making it the ultimate vegan comfort food. It’s a recipe any super picky eaters will love! Get this vegan crunchwrap supreme recipe here.

Chickpea Curry With Sweet Potatoes

sweet potato and chickpea curry in a white bowl served with rice

Transform your child’s eating habits with this gorgeous curry! With just a handful of ingredients, including sweet potatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and spices like cumin and turmeric, you can create a dish that’s crave-worthy and delicious. It’s not too spicy, but is packed with flavor, so it’s great for both adults and kids. This is one of those healthy recipes for picky eaters that you will truly enjoy making (and eating!)! Get this sweet potato chickpea curry recipe here.

Vegetable Au Gratin With Parmesan Cheese

Baked vegetable au gratin in a baking dish.

The vegetables are cooked to perfection – crisp and tender – before being smothered in a cheesy sauce that will make you swoon. And don’t forget about the crunchy topping of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese that takes this dish over the top! It’s one of the kid-friendly dinners that your entire family will enjoy! Get this vegetable au gratin here.

Easy Pita Pizzas

healthy homemade pita pizza / pita bread pizza with veggies as toppings on a cutting board

I haven’t met any kids that don’t like pizza, and using whole wheat pitas as your base allows you to make individual kid-sized pizzas at home in just 15 minutes! Set out a variety of fresh vegetables, cheese and sauce, and let your kids make their own pizza – it’s a great way to get kids excited about veggies in their food! And since everyone can customize their own meal, this is perfect when you’re starting to make more healthy family dinners for picky eaters! Get this pita pizza recipe here.

Creamy Spinach And Banana Smoothie

Easy spinach and banana smoothie with peanut butter served in a mason jar glass with a straw.

With sweet bananas, nutrient-rich spinach, creamy peanut butter, and your milk of choice, this is one of those easy recipes that comes together in just 5 minutes. And the best part? It’s simple to customize and is a great way to get your greens! Whether you’re vegan or gluten-free, you can still enjoy this tasty treat. It’s one of the healthy smoothies for picky eaters I highly recommend! Get this spinach and banana smoothie here.

Simple Mixed Berry Smoothie

Easy healthy mixed berry smoothie served in a glass with a straw.

Get ready for a tasty treat that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied! This mixed berry smoothie recipe is not only healthy, packed with antioxidants, creamy, and delicious, but it also has no added sugar. That’s right – you can indulge in this refreshing drink without the guilt, and kids tend to think it’s a berry milkshake! Get this mixed berry smoothie here.

Healthy Banana Peach Smoothie

Peach banana smoothie served in a glass with a straw and mint leaves as a garnish.

This easy recipe is so creamy and thick, you’ll feel like you’re indulging in a decadent treat – but it’s actually super healthy! Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this smoothie will give you the energy you need to power through even the busiest of mornings. The best way to start your day, and one of those delicious meals your kids will love! Get this banana peach smoothie here.

Creamy Broccoli Smoothie

Healthy broccoli smoothie with banana in a glass on a white countertop.

One of the easiest ways to sneak in some extra veggies to your meal is this creamy broccoli smoothie! Packed with hidden veggies and naturally sweet flavors from mango and banana, this smoothie is the perfect breakfast or snack for busy days, it’s a great healthy recipe for picky eaters to make regularly. Kids won’t know how much broccoli they’re actually getting in this smoothie, and it will quickly become one of their favorite foods. Get this broccoli smoothie here.

Fresh Fruit And Vegetable Smoothie

fruit and vegetable smoothie, served in a glass mason jar, topped with pineapple and spinach leaves

This smoothie is packed with fruits and veggies, but your kids will feel like they’re just drinking fruit juice because the flavor of the veggies sort of disappears into this delicious drink! It’s the perfect easy way to get your daily dose of nutrients while also satisfying your taste buds. With ingredients like spinach, banana, strawberries, and almond milk, this smoothie is both refreshing and satisfying. Get this fruit and vegetable smoothie here.

Avocado Puree

Avocado puree baby food served in a white bowl with a spoon.

Looking for a healthy and delicious way to introduce your little one to solid foods, or to get some more healthy fats into your child’s diet? This simple recipe requires no special equipment and is ready in less than 5 minutes! Avocado baby food or pureed avocado is one of the easiest recipes you can make for your little one, and it’s sure to quickly become one of your favorite easy baby food recipes. If you add some spices to it, it quickly becomes an easy guacamole for adults and older kids too! Get this avocado puree recipe here.

Healthy French Toast

quick healthy french toast with berries and syrup served on a white plate

This easy french toast recipe is a decadent yet healthy treat! It’s super versatile, can be customized to any dietary preference, and has a variety of topping ideas for all of the picky eaters in your family. Made with wholesome ingredients and healthier swaps, it’s naturally low in sugar and high in dietary fiber from whole grains. Take it a step further by transforming it into multigrain French toast sticks or an overnight casserole. You really can’t go wrong with this You really can’t go wrong with these healthy recipes for fussy eaters! Get this healthy french toast recipe here.

Green Waffles

Healthy green waffles served on a white plate with fresh berries, whipped cream and maple syrup.

How do you make waffles green?? By adding secret spinach into them of course! Kids are going to go crazy for these green monster waffles – they’re soft, fluffy, and just slightly sweet, and you really can’t taste the spinach at all. And the best part? It’s super easy to make! This will instantly become one of your favorite meal ideas for fussy eaters. Get this green waffles recipe here.

Vegan Baked Oatmeal (11 Ways!)

One slice of vegan baked oatmeal with blueberries topped with vegan whipped cream on a white plate.

Kids will not be able to resist this vegan baked oatmeal recipe. Even though it’s made with oats, it tastes like cake! It also happens to be super easy to make and incredibly versatile. We included 11 different variations, but the possibilities for mix-ins, flavor combinations and toppings are endless! This recipe is perfect for vegans, busy parents, or anyone who loves delicious food. Get this vegan baked oatmeal recipe here.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Healthy, gluten free chocolate chip banana bread sliced on parchment paper.

This super moist and delicious bread is not only kid-friendly, but it’s also gluten-free and can easily be made vegan too. It also has a whole wheat flour substitution option! Get this chocolate chip banana bread recipe here.

Easy Breakfast Fruit Salad

Low calorie breakfast fruit salad served in a white bowl, topped with yogurt and mint.

This sweet and satisfying dish is perfect for even the busiest mornings, and it’s super versatile too. You can use any fruits you like, so it’s easy to customize to your tastes and have healthy meals every week. It’s a great way to get your kids’ day started off right, with a combination of fruits and lean protein from the yogurt sauce! Get this breakfast fruit salad recipe here.

Breakfast Quinoa Oatmeal

Quinoa oatmeal served with banana slices, nuts, milk and berries in a white bowl with a spoon.

Yes, you can make oatmeal with quinoa instead of oats! Hearty quinoa simmered with nuts, fresh fruit, and your milk of choice makes this oatmeal quinoa porridge a creamy, satisfying dish that’s packed with nutrition. With this, you will never run out of breakfast ideas for picky eaters! Get this quinoa oatmeal recipe here.

Fried Potatoes And Onions 

fried potatoes and onions served on a white plate with rosemary on top

This fried potatoes and onions recipe is the perfect way to start your day. It’s easy to make, super hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s like french fries with a magical twist! Serve them with some simple scrambled eggs to create more complete healthy meal ideas for picky eaters! Get this fried potatoes and onions recipe here.

Healthy Bananas And Cream Oatmeal

Homemade bananas and cream oatmeal in a bowl, topped with milk.

The combination of creamy oats and sweet bananas will satisfy your cravings while keeping you full until lunchtime. Bananas also happen to be a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, which means they’re packed with nutrition. Make a big batch of it for the whole family, and add it to your regular rotation of healthy recipes for picky eaters – because it makes a great breakfast, lunch or even an easy dinner recipe. Get this bananas and cream oatmeal recipe here.

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

Pumpkin spice oatmeal with blueberries in a white bowl on a wooden countertop.

This tasty dish is packed with all the flavors of autumn and can be made quickly and easily on the stovetop or in the microwave. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and comes with vegan and gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy it. Get these pumpkin spice oatmeal here.

Mini Pancakes With Whole Grains

thick and fluffy mini pancakes - silver dollar pancakes recipe on a white plate with fresh fruit

These fluffy and soft pancakes are the perfect way to start your day off on the right foot and are another great addition to your healthy meals for picky eaters. Made with cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla, these pancakes are a little bit sweet and full of flavor. Get this mini pancakes recipe here.

Oatmeal Banana Pancakes Recipe

Healthy Pancakes stacked on a white plate with oatmeal and bananas and nuts and syrup

Indulge in a guilt-free breakfast with these healthy pancakes made with oats and sprouted wheat! They are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet. A must-have in your list of healthy breakfast ideas for picky eaters! Get this healthy pancakes recipe here.

Breakfast Cookies

Healthy gluten free vegan breakfast cookies served on a white plate.

Vegan breakfast cookies are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day off right, without sacrificing taste or convenience. This easy recipe takes just 20 minutes to make, is high in fiber, and is perfect for those busy mornings when you need some quick meals or healthy snacks on the go. You can make a giant batch and enjoy them all week, which is they they’re one of my favorite meal prep ideas for picky eaters. Get this vegan breakfast cookies recipe here.

Healthy Fruitcake Cookies

These sweet treats are delicious and guilt-free treats that everyone can enjoy. Packed with pecans and dried cherries, these cookies offer a chewy texture that is simply irresistible. Get this dried fruit cookies recipe here.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Powdered peanut butter cookies stacked on a sheet of parchment paper.

These cookies are moist, chewy, and perfectly sweet – the ultimate guilt-free indulgence for the whole family. They’re one of those healthy meals for fussy eaters that taste like a total indulgence, but with just a few simple ingredients, these low sugar, all natural cookies are great for giving your kids a treat you can feel good about. Get these powdered peanut butter cookies here.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Gluten free banana chocolate chip muffins on parchment paper on top of a blue napkin.

These gluten-free chocolate chip muffins are the perfect combination of healthy and sweet. Made with light and fluffy ingredients, these muffins are packed full of natural sweetness from ripe bananas and just the right amount of decadence from the chocolate chips. They work well as a grab and go breakfast or after school snack for kids, but are great for adults too. Get these gluten free banana chocolate chip muffins here.

No Bake Chocolate Almond Milk Pudding

Healthy chocolate almond milk pudding served in white bowls topped with chocolate shavings.

Your kids won’t believe that this pudding is actually made from heart healthy avocado and antioxidant rich cocoa powder! This creamy and delicious chocolate almond milk pudding is the perfect indulgence but also happens to be low in sugar and rich in healthy fats. Making your super healthy kids happy while eating healthy! Get this chocolate almond milk pudding here.

Peanut Butter Date Balls

date balls on a white platter

These peanut butter energy balls with dates are the perfect combination of creamy, rich chocolate and natural sweetness. This a simple way to give your kids something healthy without compromising taste! They’re great for cold lunch box ideas for picky eaters too – since they store and keep really well and are the perfect size for lunch boxes! Get this date balls recipe here.

Healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

healthy Chocolate Banana Ice Cream Recipe in a black bowl

This healthy chocolate banana ice cream recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without any artificial ingredients or added sugars. Kids won’t believe they’re actually eating frozen bananas as the base of this ice cream. Get this chocolate banana ice cream here.

Gluten Free Brownies

gluten free brownies stacked on top of each other against a white background

These brownies are everything you could ever want in a dessert – rich, fudgy, and oh-so-satisfying. They also happen to have a secret ingredient that makes them both flourless and super healthy for your kids to enjoy! Get these gluten free brownies here.

No Bake Date Bars

No Bake Healthy Date Bars Homemade Lara Bar Recipe on a white parchment paper

In just ten minutes of prep time, you can create a batch of these tasty treats that are packed with natural ingredients and have no added sugar. This recipe is a fun twist on the classic Lara Bar and one of your next favorite healthy recipes for picky eaters! Get these date bars here.

More Kid-Friendly and Healthy Recipes For Picky Eaters!

8 responses to “50 Healthy Recipes For Picky Eaters”

  1. Oh yum! Such a wonderful collection of recipes. I especially love the Peanut Butter Date Balls and Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal.5 stars

  2. Loving all these recipes. I’m forwarding this to my mom cause she’s into making smoothies lately and needs more ideas.5 stars

  3. Great round-up of recipes to test out! They all look wonderful. I’m not sure where to start first they all look amazing!5 stars

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to newsletter

Copyright 2024 The Picky Eater®, LLC. All rights reserved.