20 Easy Kid Friendly Meatless Recipes for Families (2024)

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By Jen

Whether you are vegetarian, vegan or just looking for a little meatless Monday inspiration. This collection of kid-friendly meatless recipes will help make meal planning easy. Be sure to check out all of our other meatless meals for kids recipes too…we’ve got quite a few awesome kid-friendly vegetarian recipes.

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Like many of you, we have been overwhelmed by the information about eating less meat. Recently, the Canadian government released the updated Canadian Health Guide, in which they recommend eating less meat and more protein alternatives. But…they used to say that meat was healthy? What are we supposed to do?

Well, as confusing as the mix of information might be we are moving ahead with what I have always believed – eating a balanced diet. What this means to us is adding more vegetable and protein alternative meals into our recipe repertoire.

Eating less meat is a healthy break for our bodies and an opportunity to discover new dishes. Let’s face it, the first thought I had when I was thinking of taking on this change was “how am I going to convince my kids to eat more veggies?” Yes, our kids are great eaters, they don’t shy away from very many meals, but adding more vegetable-based dishes might be too much for me to handle.

So, what do you do when you have a challenge ahead? We plan the heck out of that challenge. I’ve been super busy preparing for our new meat-less lifestyle. I’ve done a lot of research and have gathered together a collection of delicious, kid-friendly meatless meals.

We don’t want to just “get by”…we want to enjoy each and every meatless meal we eat.

20 Kid-Friendly Meatless Recipes

20+ Kid Friendly Meatless Recipes

A collection of over 20 delicious kid-friendly vegetarian recipes that are easy to make and delicious.

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Photo Credit:www.budgetbytes.com

Spinach and Mushroom Crustless Quiche

Budget Bytes shares a simple breakfast, lunch or dinner option spinach, mushroom & feta quiche.

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Photo Credit:www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

Vegetarian Lentil Sloppy Joe Sandwich Recipe

One of our favourite kid-friendly vegetarian dinner dishes. A hearty and healthy lentil sloppy joe recipe.

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Photo Credit:damndelicious.net

Easy Lo Mein

Damn Delicious shares a super simple and kid friendly lo mein recipe.

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Photo Credit:www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

Kale Salad with Pesto Dressing and Crispy Chick Peas

Our power packed kale salad has crispy chickpeas, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a kid-friendly pesto dressing.

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Oh, So Very Simple Chickpea Curry Recipe with Rice

A mild curry that kids will love - chickpeas and rice curry for the win.

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Photo Credit:www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

Spring Vegetable Pasta Primavera with Goat Cheese

Kids will gobble up this creamy spring vegetable pasta primavera.

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Photo Credit:choosingchia.com

Black Bean Veggie Burritos

Choosing Chia shares how to bring together this amazing black bean vegetarian burrito - the perfect alternative to a typical taco Tuesday.

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Photo Credit:momstestkitchen.com

Easy Vegetable Pot Pie

Did someone say pie?! Get the kids to eat veggies with Mom's Test Kitchen's easy vegetable pot pie.

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Photo Credit:www.thepioneerwoman.com

Cauliflower Soup

The Pioneer Woman shares a flavour packed smooth cauliflower soup...perfect hot lunch idea.

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Photo Credit:www.eatsamazing.co.uk

Easy Couscous Salad Recipe

Fruit can be savoury too. Pack in the fruit with Eats Amazing's fruity couscous salad.

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Photo Credit:www.cookingclassy.com

Vegetarian Quinoa Chili Recipe

Who said chilli has to be full of beef? Swap out the meat with Cooking Classy's quinoa chilli.

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Photo Credit:www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

Three Cheese Baked Pasta Recipe

Can't forget the kids' favourite three cheese pasta. Yep, gooey and cheesy and perfect for lunch or dinner (my kids would say it's perfect for breakfast too).

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Photo Credit:parentingchaos.com

Rainbow Fruit Pizza

How delightful is this? Kids will love eating Parenting Chaos' colourful rainbow fruit pizza.

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Photo Credit:intheplayroom.co.uk

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry with Lemongrass

Curry is another favourite with our kids. A delicious oaty sweet potato and chickpea curry with lemongrass from In the Playroom.

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Photo Credit:www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

Quick and Easy Vegetarian Meatloaf

Where did the meat go in our vegetarian meatloaf? You seriously won't even miss the meat.

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Photo Credit:food-4tots.com

Cauliflower Tots

Food 4 Tots shares a recipe for irresistible cauliflower tots. Cauliflower is such a versatile vegetable.

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Photo Credit:www.marthastewart.com

Baked Spaghetti and Mozzarella Recipe

Deliciously simple baked spaghetti with mozzarella from Martha Stewart. Classic and crowd pleasing.

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Photo Credit:betsylife.com

Buffalo Quinoa Bites

Kids will go crazy for BetsyLife's Buffalo quinoa bites and dipping sauce.

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Photo Credit:www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

Kid Friendly, Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe

Kids love our vegetarian chili - hearty and rich flavour. Perfect on a cool day and in the thermos too!

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Photo Credit:www.superhealthykids.com

Veggie Nuggets Recipe

Super Healthy Kids shares a crunchy kid favourite veggie nugget recipe.

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Photo Credit:www.shelikesfood.com

BBQ Shepherds Pie with Chickpeas and Lentils

Shepherd's pie without the meat? Yep, She Likes Food shares a kid-friendly vegetarian BBQ shepherd's pie.

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Photo Credit:www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

Easy Cheesy Meatless Lasagna Rolls

Our vegetarian lasagna rolls are fun to make, fun to eat and make delicious leftovers for the lunchbox.

A Few Common Questions About Being Vegetarian

What does “vegetarian” mean?

A vegetarian is a person who does not eat meat and meat products. While vegetarians do not eat meat, they often eat eggs and dairy products. People may be vegetarian for moral, religious, social or health related reasons.

What does “vegan” mean?

Vegan is a word that people are less familiar with – but that has become much more popular in the last decade. A vegan is a person who does not eat meat and meat products – including any dairy products or eggs. Vegans eat nothing that is an animal by product – even honey.

What does “pescatarian” mean?

A pescatarian is another branch of vegetarianism. A pescatarian does not eat meat, but they do eat fish and seafood. While their diet is largely plant-based, they do eat seafood.

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Using a spiralizer or slicing the vegetables thinly can help your vegetarian dishes be more fun and more palatable for kids. This spiralizer is very well-rated and is affordable.

Check out our collection of family friendly vegan recipes too!

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About Jen

Jen Farr is a mother living in Toronto, Canada. She has been sharing her DIY crafts, recipes, activities and parenting advice for over 15 years on her blog Kitchen Counter Chronicle. Jen is the mom of 2 lovely daughters. She believes in the power of taking small steps that can make big impacts on the world.

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Comments

  1. Jennifer Fischer says

    I repinned this and clicked through because I love adding meatless meals to our meal plans and then saw my recipe shared! Thanks so much. This is a great post. I loved it before I saw my recipe and now I love it even more.

20 Easy Kid Friendly Meatless Recipes for Families (2024)

FAQs

What can kids eat for lunch without meat? ›

Easy vegetarian lunch options including hard-cooked eggs with crackers, nut or seed butter sandwiches with jam, hummus wraps, DIY Lunchables (without meat), DIY Uncrustables, pasta salad, hummus and crackers or bread, cheese and cracker plate, rice and bean burritos, bean and cheese quesadillas, and more are easy ...

How to do meatless Monday? ›

12 meatless Monday ideas to start the week off right
  1. Southwest Quinoa Skillet. ...
  2. Spicy Corn Soup. ...
  3. Edamame Burgers with Sriracha Mayo. ...
  4. Chipotle Huevos Rancheros. ...
  5. Kale, Tomato and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms. ...
  6. Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Tomato Sauce. ...
  7. Teriyaki Vegetable Noodle Bowl. ...
  8. Coconut Red-Lentil Curry.

What if my 11 year old won't eat meat? ›

If your child is vegetarian or does not like to eat meat (e.g., beef, pork, goat), chicken, turkey or fish, offer alternatives such as eggs, peanut butter, tofu, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and soy-based meat substitutes. These foods have similar nutrients and will help your child meet their nutritional needs.

What is the best food for non-meat eaters? ›

To get the most out of a vegetarian diet, choose a variety of healthy plant-based foods. These include whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Nuts and legumes, such as lentils, beans and peanuts, also are considered healthy plant-based foods. At the same time, cut back on less healthy choices.

What is the most famous vegetarian dish? ›

Originating in the Middle East, falafel is one the most popular vegetarian foods in the world! As one of the most popular vegetarian foods in the world, falafel needs no introduction! However, the origin of these beloved patties is rather controversial.

Is it OK to eat no meat? ›

Cutting back on meat and eating a predominantly plant-based diet may help with weight management, protect against heart disease and certain cancers, and support a healthy gut. Eating less meat in favor of plants may also have beneficial environmental impacts.

What day is no meat? ›

Catholics abstain from flesh meat on days of penance, such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays of Lent. Abstinence is one of the oldest Christian traditions.

What can I eat with no meat on Friday? ›

What to Eat on Meatless Fridays?
  • Vegetarian & Shrimp. Creole Ragu with Shrimp and Sausage – Paleo Style. ...
  • Fresh Salmon. Grill Pan Ginger Salmon – Indoor Outdoor Recipe. ...
  • Canned Salmon & Tuna. Tuna and Kale Pasta – Budget Friendly One-Dish Meal. ...
  • Eggs, Tofu, Beans & Rice. ...
  • More Special Occasion Meals.

What can I eat instead of meat on Friday? ›

LENT-ils: Protein alternatives for meatless Fridays
  • LENTILS. Although mini, lentils pack a mighty nutritional punch, with a higher amount of protein than all other legumes. ...
  • KIDNEY BEANS. These marvelous beans get their name because they're shaped like the organ. ...
  • PINTO BEANS. ...
  • BLACK BEANS. ...
  • CHICKPEAS.

What is a kiddie meal? ›

The kids' meal or children's meal is a fast food combination meal tailored to and marketed to children. Most kids' meals come in colorful bags or cardboard boxes with depictions of activities/games on the bag or box and a toy inside.

What foods fill up kids? ›

Snacks with fiber or protein help kids feel full longer. Foods with these nutrients take more time to digest. Fiber comes from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Protein comes from beans, cheese, milk, meats, eggs, nuts, and nut butters.

What foods do picky kids eat? ›

Our Favorite Meals for Picky Eaters
  • Baked Potato Bar. With a serve-yourself baked potato bar, your little ones can assemble their own dinner creations! ...
  • Pizza Bagels. ...
  • Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower. ...
  • Chicken Fajitas. ...
  • White Bean Burgers. ...
  • Peas & Cheese Tortellini. ...
  • Veggie Wraps. ...
  • Chicken Bites, Mashed Yams & Green Beans.
Sep 14, 2018

What do you give a child who won't eat meat? ›

Beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and soy products are especially high in protein, but it's also found in dairy products, vegetables, breads, and grains. Protein is an important part of your diet because it provides energy, helps you grow, and allows your body to heal cuts and make other "repairs."

Is it OK if my child doesn't eat meat? ›

They don't necessarily even need to be eating meat regularly to hit their protein needs, which may be a lot lower than you realize. Most kids get enough protein without us even needing to worry about it at all, so you can likely relax if that's your main concern.

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