When it comes to recipes, the words “healthy” and “kid-friendly” don’t always go together. Fortunately, you can find kid-friendly, healthy recipes that don’t take long to make with a search online right now.
Here’s a look at some simple recipes, all of which feature five ingredients or less, that are sure to leave your kids begging for more. Keep in mind that each of these recipes is meant to be tasty but also pack a healthy kick of nutrients for kids.
Green Goodness Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup of low-fat milk
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach
Directions
Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until the mix is completely smooth. Serve the smoothie in a large cup complete with a fun straw.
Not Your Grandma’s Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs (You can make them yourself out of whole grain bread.)
- 1 1/2 cups of grated carrots (You can add or substitute other grated vegetables into the recipe.)
- A dash of salt and pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Shape into balls by hand. (Kids can even help with this step.) Place meatballs on a greased baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for approximately one hour, or until they are golden brown and not pink inside.
Tuna Melt with Extra Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 bagel sliced in half
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (Or any other favorite cheese.)
- 1 tsp of Mayonnaise
- A dash of salt and pepper
Directions
Combine the tuna, mayonnaise, salt and pepper in a bowl. Spread onto each half of the bagel. Sprinkle well with the cheese. Place bagels on a baking sheet and place in the oven on broil for two minutes.
Pizza Anytime
Ingredients
- 1 English muffin sliced in half
- ½ cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce
- Sliced mushrooms
- Sliced pepperoni
Directions
Spread the pizza sauce on each half of the English muffin. Sprinkle cheese on each half of the English muffin and add the mushrooms and pepperoni slices. Place on a baking sheet and broil for two minutes.
Tasty Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients
- ½ cup of granola
- ½ cup of fresh berries (Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
- 1 cup of Greek style plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Directions
In a dessert cup or glass, place half the granola, top with 1/3 the yogurt and half of the berries. Repeat the steps again with a layer of the remaining half of granola, 1/3 of the remaining yogurt, and the remaining half of the berries. The final layer with be the last 1/3 of the yogurt. Drizzle honey over the top and serve. Yum!