Here’s a curated list of simple, quick, and tasty vegetarian recipes designed with young children in mind—perfect for early learning settings or family meals. These recipes balance nutrition, sensory appeal, and ease of preparation, with options that support cultural inclusion and dietary needs.
1. Creamy Veggie-Packed Pasta
Blend steamed carrots, zucchini, and cottage cheese into a smooth tomato sauce. Toss with soft pasta shapes like shells or spirals.
2. Superhero Mac & Cheese
Make a creamy sauce using Greek yogurt, cheddar, and blended spinach. Serve with wholegrain pasta.
3. Mini Veggie Patties
Mash cooked lentils, sweet potato, and oats. Shape into small patties and pan-fry or bake.
4. Lentil Tacos
Use seasoned lentils as a filling in soft tortillas. Add grated cheese, avocado, and mild salsa.
5. Rainbow Veggie Pizza
Top pita bread or naan with tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and colorful veggies (capsicum, corn, spinach). Bake until bubbly.
6. Vegetable Fried Rice
Sauté cooked rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled egg. Add a splash of sesame oil for flavor.
7. Butternut Squash Soup
Blend roasted squash with veggie stock and a touch of coconut milk. Serve with toast fingers.
8. Banana Oat Muffins
Mash bananas with oats, cinnamon, and a splash of milk. Bake in mini muffin trays.
9. Chickpea Salad Boats
Mash chickpeas with yogurt, lemon, and herbs. Spoon into lettuce cups or serve with crackers.
10. One-Pot Veggie Stew
Simmer chopped veggies, lentils, and pasta in tomato broth. Serve with grated cheese on top.
11. Sweet Potato Wedges
Roast thick-cut sweet potato slices with olive oil and cinnamon. Serve with yogurt dip.
12. Veggie Sushi Rolls
Use soft rice, cucumber, carrot, and avocado rolled in nori or rice paper. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
13. Cheesy Cauliflower Bites
Steam cauliflower, mash with cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake in mini muffin trays.
14. Banana Pancakes
Mash bananas with oats and egg, then pan-fry into mini pancakes.
15. Spinach & Ricotta Pinwheels
Spread ricotta and chopped spinach on puff pastry, roll, slice, and bake.
16. Rainbow Veggie Wraps
Fill soft wraps with hummus, grated carrot, beetroot, cucumber, and cheese.
17. Zucchini Fritters
Grate zucchini, mix with flour and egg, and pan-fry into golden fritters.
18. Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits
Layer yogurt, chopped fruit, and crushed cereal in a cup.
19. Garlic Butter Corn
Steam corn on the cob and brush with garlic butter or olive oil.
20. Vegetable Khichdi (Indian Comfort Bowl)
Cook rice and moong dal with mild spices and chopped veggies. Serve warm with ghee.
Further Reading
Vegetable Flashcards
Teaching Preschoolers About Nutrition
Cooking Skills For Children 2 to 5 Years Old
Health Theme Activities For Toddlers and Preschoolers
Cooking With Toddlers