18 Side Dishes That Will Make Your Kids Actually Like Vegetables

Yep, it's possible

Author image: screen shot 2020 05 14 at 6 31 35 pm

By Lindsay Champion

•

Published Dec 6, 2016

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

If your kids love broccoli, congrats! You’re the luckiest mom on earth. But if your kids refuse to put a fork into anything green, we’re here to help. Try these 18 veggie dish dishes that are so tasty, your picky little eaters might even ask for seconds.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

1.

Baked Zucchini Fries

Just as crispy as their fried potato cousins.

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Smile Sandwich

2.

Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

Don’t forget the crumbled blue cheese.

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Jo Cooks

3.

Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

Shh, these sinful-looking snacks have a secret: They’re actually made of cauliflower.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

4.

Spaghetti Squash Fritters

Got winter squash? Make these.

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Gimme Some Oven

5.

Rainbow Veggie Skewers

The only thing more fun than making this side is watching your kids devour them.

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Danny Kim/Bon Appetit

6.

Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower

A sprinkle of cheese goes a long way.

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Erin McDowell

7.

Roasted Edamame

Boiled soybeans? Yawn. Roast edamame to take it to the next level.

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Cafe Delites

8.

Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Wait, is this dinner or dessert?

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With Salt and Wit

9.

Rainbow Power Kale Salad

The secret to getting your kid to eat this salad? Peanut dressing.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

10.

Crispy Roasted Artichokes

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

11.

Eggplant Parm Bites

It’s alllll about the dipping sauce.

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Closet Cooking

12.

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots

Taste the rainbow.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

13.

Pesto Zoodles

If your kid likes spaghetti, she’ll love zucchini noodles.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

14.

Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin

Baked to perfection.

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Cooking Classy

15.

Parmesan Butternut Squash

Sweet, crunchy and nutritious? It’s a miracle.

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Slice of Kitchen Life

16.

Creamy Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms

Two veggies in one…plus a tiny bit of cheese.

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Gimme Delicious

17.

Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots

The key to getting him to finish his broccoli: Let him dunk it in ketchup.

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Bowl of Delicious

18.

Roasted Mexican Zucchini

Try this on taco night.

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screen shot 2020 05 14 at 6 31 35 pm

Lindsay Champion

Freelance Editor

From 2015-2020 Lindsay Champion held the role of Food and Wellness Director. She continues to write for PureWow as a Freelance Editor.