5 DIY dinners kids can help make

Tired of cooking for your kids? Between the meal planning, prep and actual cooking, making weeknight dinners can feel like a full time job. Call in some extra help with these assemble-your-own-style meals that not only turn dinner time into a fun activity the whole family can participate in, but it also lets kids have some choice as what they want to eat—a blessing when you're dealing with picky eaters.

1. Personal pizzas

Position rack in centre of oven, then preheat to 425F. Help your kid spread about 1/4 cup of pizza or white sauce evenly over the surface of a pita, not quite to the edge. Let them sprinkle with cheese and desired toppings. Place pitas on a large baking sheet. Bake until cheese melts, 6 to 7 min.

Get the homemade pizza sauce recipe here.

Get the homemade white pizza sauce recipe here.

2. Greek chicken salad

Give each kid a bowl with some lettuce and have them add chicken and their favourite toppings. Drizzle with dressing.

Get the Greek-style chicken recipe here.

Get the Greek-style lemon dressing recipe here.

3. Vegetarian tofu grain bowls

Scoop grain like quinoa or bulgar into a bowl, then load up with tofu and their favourite toppings. Drizzle with dressing.

Get the crispy salt and pepper tofu cubes recipe here.

Get the nutty salad dressing recipe here.

4. DIY tacos

Help your kids scoop beef mixture into hard or soft taco shells. Add desired toppings. Spoon on pico de gallo and sprinkle with cheese.

Get the pico de gallo recipe here.

Get the saucy beef taco filling recipe here.

5. DIY fresh spring rolls

Lay a damp kitchen towel on the counter. Fill a pie plate with warm water and place beside towel. Dip 1 rice paper round into water and leave until pliable, about 30 sec. Lay softened rice paper round on towel. Let your kid arrange about 1 cup of desired toppings along bottom third of rice paper round.

Help kids lift edge of rice paper round closest to you and wrap once over filling. Fold in sides, then continue rolling to form a log. Set seam-side down on a platter. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Slice rolls in half diagonally. Serve with dipping sauces.

Get the Vietnamese dipping sauce recipe here.

Get the peanut dipping sauce recipe here.

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