Who ever said eating greens had to be boring—or a battle? These recipes are fun, super tasty and a guaranteed good time. It's easy being green!
Photo: Roberto Caruso
Finger food is hard to resist, especially when it’s cheesy tots. The broccoli is so tame in these cute bites, you’ll make a believer out of your little veggie-hater. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Tots
Photo: Roberto CarusoIf it’s green, you know it’s good. This smoothie packs apple, avocado, spinach and vanilla kefir. It tastes delicious. Promise. Get the recipe: Green Dream Smoothie
Photo Maya VisnyeiThese little frozen veggie-filled fritters are perfect for small hands—they’re dip-able and nutrient-dense. Leftovers are brilliant for school lunch. Get the recipe: Bacon, Cheese and Veggie Fritters
Photo: Roberto CarusoSure, it’s green. But it’s a CHIP. To get your kale nice and crisp, you’ll need to wash and dry it thoroughly, then have your kid gently massage the leaves with oil—the perfect job for little helpers. You won’t believe how irresistible these are. Get the recipe: Kale Chips
Photo: Roberto CarusoIf you’re going to have greens, you might as well smother them in cheese. This classic soup comes together in just 30 minutes. Get the recipe: Broccoli-Cheddar Soup
Photo: Erik PutzIt’s easy to convince your kids to gobble up peas and broccoli when teeny-tiny orzo pasta is involved. This dish is good hot or cold—just don’t forget the Parmesan. Get the recipe: Primavera Pasta Salad
Shaved lengthwise or sliced into super-thin rounds, this green veggie disappears super fast once it’s been crisped up in the oven. Get the recipe: Zucchini Chips
Photo: Roberto CarusoThe mini star pasta in this warm and satisfying soup will charm kids instantly. In fact, they’ll be so lost in the stars they may not even notice the bits of kale scattered throughout. Get the recipe: Turkey, Bean, Kale and Pasta Soup
Photo: Roberto CarusoHey, no crust, no fuss. Our recipe calls for large—perhaps intimidating—broccoli florets, but you can mince it up so the green is more evenly distributed. We just want to show kids a good time with this eggy dish, not ruin their lives. Get the recipe: Crustless Quiche
Photo: Erik PutzEven green “specks” elicit a hard no from your kid? No worries. Simply tuck these nutritious falafels into warm pita pocket, drizzle with sauce and top with kid-favourite cukes and cherry tomatoes. Get the recipe: Baked Falafel Nuggets with Tomato-Cucumber Salad
Photo: Roberto CarusoThis little hand-held cutie will be hard to resist. Zucchini is probably the most polite vegetable—mild and easy to eat, especially grated, it kind of melts into the egg with salty feta. Go ahead and give it a go. Get the recipe: Zucchini and Feta Frittata
Photo: Maya VisnyeiYour kids will love this cheesy potato gnocchi, you’ll love the broccoli. These homemade dumplings are super easy—we swear!—and super fun to make with kids. Get the recipe: Potato Gnocchi with Creamy Ham-and-Broccoli Sauce
Something very special happens when Brussels sprouts are roasted; they mellow into tender-crisp, sweet little morsels (the maple syrup doesn’t hurt). Paired with carrot’s sweeter cousin, the parsnip, this roasting pan is a guaranteed good time. Get the recipe: Maple-Roasted Parsnips and Brussels Sprouts
Photo: Roberto CarusoWhat kid would turn down cukes? Cool, crisp and super easy to toss together, this salad goes with pretty much everything (we like it with hummus and pita). Get the recipe: Chopped Cucumber Salad
Photo: Maya VisnyeiSalad rolls are an easy dinner and a fun activity rolled into one—see what we did there? Kids will be more than happy to assemble their own and they’re also totally predisposed to over-stuffing. With all these fresh ingredients, you win. Get the recipe: Vietnamese Roast Chicken & Salad Rolls
Photo: Maya VisnyeiYeah, there’s a lot of colourful veg in there, but for your kid, the highlight may very well be the crispy tofu croutons. Does it really matter though, when it’s all devoured in the end? Get the recipe: Shaved Carrot, Fennel and Bok Choy Salad
Photo: Maya VisnyeiRead more:
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.