Trying to cook nourishing and wholesome meals for your family can be frustrating, particularly if your children are picky eaters who refuse to eat anything that looks remotely like a vegetable.
We understand that, after a long day, nobody wants to spend hours slaving over a hot stove to feed their family so we decided to take the stress out of mealtimes and put together a selection of healthy dinner dishes that your kids are guaranteed to love. And the best part?
You can whip all of these delicious recipes up in just 15 minutes.All featured recipes serve four.
Chicken and Prawn Zoodles
Image Source: Instagram
This delicious yet healthy low carb, high protein dish swaps high-calorie spaghetti for zucchini making it suitable for those who are following gluten-free or low carb diets. This recipe requires a spiralizer.
Ingredients
- 250g prawns
- 300g chicken breasts
- 4 zucchinis
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 white onions
Ingredients
- 80g cherry tomatoes
- 1/4tspsea salt
- 1/4tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Peel and slice the garlic and onion before placing in a pan with one tablespoon coconut oil.
Cook over moderate heat. Cut the chicken breasts into small chunks and add to the pan, stirring occasionally. Remove both ends of the zucchinis before spiralizing into long, spaghetti-like strands.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add to the pan with the chicken, at this point, you may need to add the second tablespoon of coconut oil.
Stir the contents of the pan for one minute before adding the prawns, salt, and pepper. After another minute add the zucchini strands and toss ingredients together until the zucchini is heated through.
Sausage Rolls
Image Source: Instagram
This simple recipe is a healthier version of the junk food classic that children love. It is ideal for those days you are craving unhealthy comfort food and is guaranteed to be a success with the kids.
Ingredients
- 8 slices wholemeal bread
- 3 egg yolk
Ingredients
- 8 good quality sausages
- Mixed salad
Remove the crusts from the bread. Remove the sausage meat from the casing, placing one in the centre of each slice of bread. Fold the bread around the meat until completely enclosed. In a bowl whisk three egg yolks together and coat each of the now wrapped sausages in it. Once coated, place each of the sausage rolls on a baking tray and place in the oven at 200 degrees C (390 degrees F) for 15 minutes, turning once at the ten-minute mark. While they are cooking, prepare a salad to serve with the sausage rolls.
Cauliflower Rice Paella
Image Source: Instagram
This is a healthier version of a classic dish that replaces white rice with a low-carb,low-calorie substitute. The combination of flavourful, wholesome ingredients makes this a delicious dinner that will nourish and satisfy your entire family.
Ingredients
- 2 cauliflowers
- 2 red peppers
- 250g mussels
- 250g prawns
- 100g chorizo
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 white onion
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/4tsp salt
- 1/4tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Peel and slice the onion and garlic before adding to a pan with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally. Remove the heads from the cauliflower and place in a food processor, blitzing until they form rice like consistency. Halve and deseed the peppers before slicing and adding to the pan. Cut the chorizo into small pieces before adding to the pan along with the mussels and prawns. Add another tablespoon of coconut oil if required along with the salt, pepper and paprika. Cook on a moderate heat for three minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cauliflower to the pan, stirring until the contents are thoroughly mixed and hot throughout.
Minted Lamb Zucchini Boats
Image Source: Instagram
This delicious recipe makes the perfect light meal that does not compromise on taste. The high protein, low carbohydrate dish is suitable for anyone following a low carb diet but could be served with a side of rice or couscous for those individuals with a larger appetite.
Ingredients
- 500g lamb mince
- 4 large zucchinis
- 2 onions
- 2 cloves garlic
Ingredients
- Few sprigs of fresh mint
- 60g feta cheese
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Mixed salad
Slice the zucchinis in half lengthways and remove the seeds to form a hollow section in the centre. Place the zucchinis under the grill hollow side up. Peel and slice the onion and garlic and place in a pan with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Cook on a moderate heat, stirring occasionally. After two minutes, add the mince to the pan along with the second tablespoon of coconut oil and stir. Remove the stalks from the mint and finely chop the leaves before adding to the pan, stirring until it is evenly distributed throughout. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the zucchini from the grill and evenly distribute the lamb mixture into the hollow area of the boats. Once the boats are full, top with crumbled feta cheese before placing back under the grill until the cheese melts. Serve with salad.
Spicy Sweet Potato Stack
Image Source: Instagram
This recipe combines delicious flavours with vitamin-rich sweet potato creating a seemingly indulgent dinner that can be enjoyed guilt-free. It is a satisfying and filling meal that the entire family is guaranteed to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1/4tsp salt
Ingredients
- ½ tsp cayenne
- 12 slices good quality bacon
- 150g spinach
- ½ block cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
Place a pan of water over high heat.While waiting for the water to boil, peel and chop the sweet potato into small chunks before adding to the pan. Place a tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan and add the bacon, occasionally turn until cooked to your liking. Set the bacon aside. Once soft, drain the sweet potato and mash using a potato masher. When smooth, place the potato in a bowl along with the eggs, almond flour, salt and cayenne pepper. Whisk together until a smooth batter like consistency is formed, adding more almond flour if required. Heat one tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan and pour the batter into smallish form circles, turning until golden brown on both sides. Repeat until all of the mixtures has been used and you have enough pancakes to create four stacks. Layer the pancakes with the bacon, sliced cheddar and fresh spinach leaves before serving.
Chicken Fajitas
Image Source: Instagram
This recipe makes the perfect quick and healthy meal that still tastes delicious. The high protein, low carb recipe is ideal for those following a low carb diet as the tortilla wraps ordinarily used have been substituted for lettuce leaves, making it another way to encourage children to eat more vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 large romaine lettuce
- 400g chicken breast
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 150ml water
- 3 peppers
- 2 large onions
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 large tomatoes
- 4 tablespoon tomato puree
- 1/4tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ block cheddar cheese (optional)
Peel and slice the garlic before adding to a pan with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Add the sliced tomatoes and onion, cooking over moderate heat. Cut the chicken breast into strips and add to the pan, stirring occasionally. Next, halve, deseed and slice the peppers into strips before adding to the pan. Pour 150 ml of boiling water over the stock cube and, as this is dissolving, add the tomato puree, chili and paprika to the pan. Then add the dissolved stock cube and stir well before leaving to simmer. Separate the lettuce leaves and rinse well before drying and placing in a bowl alongside grated cheese. Remove the chicken fajita filling from the hob and place everything on the table. Allow your family to serve themselves.
Pita Bread Pizza
Image Source: Instagram
This healthy take on a classic favourite makes a quick, tasty and fun recipe that can be enjoyed by all the family. It is the perfect go-to meal when you need to feed smaller children while keeping them entertained. Simply provide each child with a base, lay a selection of toppings on the table and allow them to make their own pita pizzas.
Ingredients
- 4 wholemeal pita breads
- 4 heaped tablespoons tomato puree
Ingredients
- Toppings of your choice
Spoon one heaped tablespoon of tomato puree onto the center of each pita and spread until evenly distributed. Top each pita with vegetables, meats and cheese in order to recreate your favorite pizza flavors. Why not try spinach, red onion, cherry tomatoes and goat’s cheese for a delicious and healthy meat-free version? Grill for ten minutes and serve with salad.
Chicken Nugget Wrap
Image Source: Instagram
This healthy take on the junk food favourite provides a high protein, filling meal that kids and adults will love. The crunchy nuggets are combined with fresh salad and wholemeal wraps to create a wholesome and balanced meal for the entire family.
Ingredients
- 400g chicken breast
- 100g sesame seeds
- 100g almond flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 ripe avocado
- Mixed salad
- 8 wholemeal tortilla wraps
Cut the chicken into chunks and set aside. In one bowl, crack and whisk the eggs together and, in another, combine the almond flour, sesame seeds, salt and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg before coating in the sesame seed mixture. Repeat this process and place the now coated chicken into a pan with two tablespoons of coconut oil and cook on a moderate heat until golden brown on both sides and cooked throughout.While the chicken is cooking, halve the avocados and scoop out the flesh. Place in a bowl and mash until smooth. Place a spoonful of avocado in the center of each wrap and spread evenly before topping with mixed salad. Once the chicken nuggets are cooked, place on top of the salad and wrap the tortilla around them before serving.
Sweet Potato Sliders
Image Source: Instagram
This healthy twist on a classic replaces burger buns with vitamin-rich sweet potato to create a delicious and satisfying guilt-free meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 500g mince
- 1 white onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 2 large tomatoes
- Lettuce leaves
- Salad to serve
Thinly slice the potatoes to form large circles. Place on a tray and pop into a preheated oven at 200 degrees C (390 degrees F). Peel and finely dice the white onion and combine with the minced, salt, pepper and egg whites. Shape chunks of the mixture into small patties, repeat until all the mixture has been used. Add the patties to a pan along with one tablespoon coconut oil and cook over moderate heat, occasionally turning until cooked.Remove the sweet potato slices from the oven and arrange on a plate with the beef patties, lettuce leaves and sliced tomato to create tiny burgers. Serve with salad.
Fish Fingers
Image Source: Instagram
This healthy version of the children’s classic is sure to be a firm favourite with kids and adults alike. Served with minted mushy peas and new potatoes, this delicious recipe is healthy comfort food that will satisfy the entire family.
Ingredients
- 600g hake
- 200g breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 400g frozen peas
- 3 tbsp vinegar
Ingredients
- 30g butter
- Sprig of mint
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 500g new potatoes
Boil the potatoes in a pan with water.Remove all bones and skin from the hake before slicing into 12 even fingers. In one bowl, crack and whisk the eggs and, in another, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each fish finger into the egg and, once coated, repeat with the breadcrumbs. Place one tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan over a moderate heat and add the fish, occasionally turning until golden brown and cooked throughout. While the fish is cooking, boil the peas in a pan with water for five minutes and, once soft, drain and mash with the butter. Remove the stalks from the mint and finely chop the leaves before adding to the peas along with the vinegar, stir well. Drain the potatoes and serve with the fish fingers and a generous dollop of peas.
Kids can be very picky when it comes to food. Making food look appetizing and delicious while keeping it nutritious can be a tough job. These recipes are only a few of the healthiest and effective ways to engage your kids in getting the nutrients they need.
