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

kidsveggies18

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.

kidsveggies14

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

1.

Baked Zucchini Fries

Just as crispy as their fried potato cousins.

Get the recipe

kidsveggiesbrussels

Smile Sandwich

2.

Buffalo Brussels Sprouts

Don’t forget the crumbled blue cheese.

Get the recipe

kidsveggies10

Jo Cooks

3.

Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

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

Get the recipe

kidsveggies12

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

4.

Spaghetti Squash Fritters

Got winter squash? Make these.

Get the recipe

kidsveggies9

Gimme Some Oven

5.

Rainbow Veggie Skewers

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

Get the recipe

kidsveggies8

Danny Kim/Bon Appetit

6.

Parmesan-Roasted Cauliflower

A sprinkle of cheese goes a long way.

Get the recipe

kidsveggies15

Erin McDowell

7.

Roasted Edamame

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

Get the recipe

kidsveggies11

Cafe Delites

8.

Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Wait, is this dinner or dessert?

Get the recipe

kidsveggies21

With Salt and Wit

9.

Rainbow Power Kale Salad

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

Get the recipe

kidsveggies16

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

10.

Crispy Roasted Artichokes

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside.

Get the recipe

kidsveggies18

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

11.

Eggplant Parm Bites

It’s alllll about the dipping sauce.

Get the recipe

kidsveggies51

Closet Cooking

12.

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots

Taste the rainbow.

Get the recipe

kidsveggies131

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

13.

Pesto Zoodles

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

Get the recipe

kidsveggies17

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

14.

Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin

Baked to perfection.

Get the recipe

kidsveggies41

Cooking Classy

15.

Parmesan Butternut Squash

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

Get the recipe

kidsveggies7

Slice of Kitchen Life

16.

Creamy Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms

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

Get the recipe

kidsveggies3

Gimme Delicious

17.

Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots

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

Get the recipe

kidsveggies6

Bowl of Delicious

18.

Roasted Mexican Zucchini

Try this on taco night.

Get the recipe

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.

More Stories You'll Love

Hungry for Low-Carb Fast Food? Here Are 15 Options We Love, from McDonald’s to Chipotle

Oh My Gouda! Whole Foods Market’s ‘12 Days of Cheese’ Sale Is Almost Here

McCormick’s 2024 Flavor of the Year Is Unexpected (and Delicious)

Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (December 11 – 17)

by PureWow Editors

The Cookie Issue

The Best Store-Bought Pasta Sauce You Can Buy at the Grocery Store in 2023, According to Our Taste Test