25 Vegetarian Dinner Ideas For Kids

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When it comes to mealtime, finding vegetarian options that kids actually enjoy can sometimes feel like a daunting task.

Whether you’re looking to introduce more plant-based meals into your family’s routine or you’re already rocking the vegetarian lifestyle, the key to success is simple: keep it fun, flavorful, and creative.

In this blog, we’ve rounded up 25 irresistible vegetarian dinner ideas that are perfect for kids. From colorful veggie-packed pasta dishes to kid-friendly twists on classic favorites like tacos and pizza, these recipes are not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients to fuel their growing bodies.

Vegetarian Dinner Ideas For Kids

1. Mini Veggie Pizzas

Why order delivery when you can make adorable mini pizzas at home?

Start with whole wheat pita bread as the base.

Spread marinara sauce on top, then let the kids sprinkle on shredded cheese and their favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.

Pop them in the oven for 10 minutes, and dinner is served! It’s a fun, hands-on meal perfect for little helpers.

2. Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies

Take this classic comfort food up a notch by sneaking in some veggies!

Blend steamed cauliflower or butternut squash into the cheese sauce for added creaminess and nutrients.

Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber.

Kids will love the cheesy goodness, and you’ll feel great knowing they’re getting their veggies in too.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice or Noodles

A stir-fry is a quick and colorful way to get kids excited about veggies.

Toss broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and tofu in a skillet with a kid-friendly teriyaki sauce.

Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

The vibrant colors and sweet flavors are sure to win them over.

4. Cheese Quesadillas with Guacamole

Quesadillas are a dinnertime lifesaver!

Add a sneaky dose of greens by layering finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini with the cheese.

Grill until golden and serve with guacamole or salsa for dipping.

It’s melty, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

5. Veggie Pasta Bake

Turn pasta night into a hearty casserole! Cook pasta and mix it with marinara sauce, ricotta, and spinach.

Layer with shredded mozzarella in a baking dish and bake until bubbly.

The cheesy topping makes it irresistible, even for picky eaters.

6. Sweet Potato Tacos

Switch up taco night with sweet potatoes! Roast cubes of sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cumin and paprika.

Load them into soft tortillas with black beans, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.

The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory toppings.

7. Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

This kid-approved classic gets a vegetarian twist with lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Simmer them in a tangy tomato sauce and serve on soft buns.

Add a side of carrot sticks or sweet potato fries for a satisfying meal.

8. Veggie Burgers

Homemade or store-bought veggie patties make a fantastic dinner.

Serve on whole grain buns with their favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

Pair with roasted potato wedges or a side salad for a balanced plate.

9. Rainbow Veggie Sushi Rolls

Let your kids try their hand at sushi-making!

Spread cooked rice on nori sheets and add colorful veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and avocado.

Roll them up, slice, and serve with soy sauce. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy dinner.

10. Broccoli Nuggets

These bite-sized nuggets are a sneaky way to get kids to eat their veggies.

Mix grated broccoli with breadcrumbs, cheese, and an egg.

Shape into small nuggets and bake until golden.

Serve with ketchup or ranch for dipping.

11. Vegetable Soup with Grilled Cheese

Pair a comforting bowl of veggie-packed soup with gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.

Use carrots, celery, tomatoes, and pasta in the soup, and let kids dunk their sandwiches for extra fun.

12. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto & chicken

Swap traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles.

Toss them with homemade or store-bought pesto, and top with cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese.

It’s light, fresh, and perfect for warm evenings.

13. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Halve bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of rice, black beans, shredded cheese, and salsa.

Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

It’s a colorful, wholesome dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

14. Spinach and Cheese Enchiladas

Roll up tortillas with a filling of sautéed spinach, black beans, and shredded cheese.

Arrange them in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce and more cheese, then bake until bubbly.

They’re a cheesy, comforting dinner option.

15. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

This hearty dish swaps meat for lentils or mashed chickpeas.

Layer a savory filling of veggies and lentils with creamy mashed potatoes, then bake until golden.

It’s a warm, filling meal for chilly evenings.

16. Breakfast for Dinner

Who says you can’t have breakfast at night?

Whip up veggie-packed omelets or scrambled eggs and serve with whole grain toast and avocado slices.

Add a side of fresh fruit for a complete meal.

17. Homemade Veggie Nuggets

Blend carrots, broccoli, and chickpeas in a food processor, then shape into nuggets.

Coat with breadcrumbs and bake until crispy.

These nuggets are perfect for dipping and packed with plant-based goodness.

18. Caprese Salad Skewers

Make salad fun by threading cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a refreshing dinner that feels fancy but is super easy to make.

19. Veggie Fried Rice

This quick and easy dish is a lifesaver on busy nights.

Stir-fry rice with scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and a splash of soy sauce.

Add tofu or edamame for extra protein.

20. Minestrone Soup

Packed with pasta, beans, and a rainbow of vegetables, minestrone soup is a filling and flavorful option.

Serve with crusty bread for dipping, and watch it disappear from their bowls.

21. Vegetable Lasagna

Layer lasagna noodles with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, spinach, and zucchini.

Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly.

It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinner.

22. Baked Falafel Wraps

Fill warm pita bread with baked falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Add a side of carrot sticks or cucumber slices for a fresh, balanced meal.

23. Veggie Pancakes

Grate zucchini and carrots into a batter, then fry them up as savory pancakes.

Serve with a dollop of yogurt dip or applesauce for a delicious and sneaky veggie-packed dinner.

24. Creamy Tomato Soup with Croutons

This classic soup gets a kid-friendly upgrade with homemade croutons.

Use fresh or canned tomatoes for the soup, and top with crunchy croutons for added fun.

25. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Bake sweet potatoes until tender, then stuff them with black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

It’s a nutrient-packed dinner that’s as colorful as it is tasty.