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You know how much we love vegetarian recipes with big flavors and exciting new ideas, but that doesn’t always make it easy to find vegetarian meals for kids.

The issue is that kids tend to prefer familiar foods and simple flavors over spicy Indian sauces or complex flavors that grown ups love.

While that doesn’t go for all kids, we wanted to help parents out by coming up with a list of kid-friendly vegetarian recipes. (Or recipes for the vegetarian university students out there looking for comfort food, we won’t tell).

This compilation of vegetarian recipes for kids covers every meal from breakfast recipes, like pancakes or scrambled eggs, to lunch and dinner recipes, like cucumber sandwiches or pizza.

We also have a list of vegetarian lunch ideas for school, if that’s more what you’re looking for.

Why are kids picky eaters?

First things first, being a picky eater as a kid is totally normal.

BUT it can be hard for parents to find recipes for picky eaters, especially if you’re trying to stick to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Often, kids are just naturally more sensitive to taste, scent or texture and prefer familiar foods. If not, it might be a way to gain control over mealtimes.

That’s why we’ve included twists on some classics like vegan nuggets to replace chicken nuggets, and veggie burgers to replace beef burgers, in this list of vegetarian recipes for kids.

Here’s our list of vegetarian meals for kids

We want to make mealtimes a little smoother for any vegetarian family out there, so if that’s what you’re looking for, read on!

Best kid’s recipes for breakfast

Bonus: a tasty, quick and healthy recipe

Bulgur porridge completely revitalises the morning rush – with a naturally sweet (and incredibly tasty) whole grain breakfast – it’s vegan, too!

Bonus: a beautiful and satisfying breakfast with yummy compote

Looking for a healthy way to start the day? Raspberry compote yogurt breakfast – 21g protein & just 303 kcal per serving!

Bonus: simple, mega delicious and high-protein breakfast

Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins. Simple recipe, great taste. Low carb and high in protein. Perfect as a full meal or filling snack.

Bonus: a dessert for breakfast with many health benefits

Did you know you can have DESSERT for BREAKFAST? And still be HEALTHY!? Try our breakfast pear crisp & see for yourself!

Bonus: light, fluffy and easy shredded pancakes

Love pancakes, but looking for something new? Try our couscous kaiserschmarrn recipe- healthy, delicious shredded pancakes!

Bonus: easy, quick, tasty and full of nutrients

Our take on the tried and true combo of egg on Avocado Toast. It’s high-protein and delicious with just a hint of spice! Feel free to swap the sriracha for your favourite sauce!

Bonus: healthy, sweet yet savoury, smooth yet slightly grainy

A classic homemade Jamaican breakfast made vegan and more nutritious – and bursting with the same sweet and scrumptiously savoury taste!

Bonus: a high-protein and healthy dessert, a great way to use up leftover bread

Looking for a new breakfast treat? Try our bread pudding breakfast – a healthy, high protein take on the classic dessert (too many carbs? Try one of these high protein low carb puddings instead!)!

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: super speedy and healthy breakfast that tastes like a naughty treat

Try out this delish Overnight Oats combo of blueberries, lemon, yogurt and maple syrup. You won’t be disappointed!

Bonus: can be made sweet or sour with different toppings

This vegan French toast should be on every food radar. Our simple guide with the dos and don’ts of French toast means breakfast has never been easier! Kids will absolutely love our sweet version with cinnamon.

Bonus: a complete meal great for the entire family

A healthy high-protein version of those famous Tiktok baked oats. They’ll fill you up and keep you smiling until lunch!

Bonus: quick, easy, flavourful and high in protein

Vegan Breakfast Potatoes – the best way to start the day. Animal-friendly, high in protein and even higher in taste. Yes please!

Bonus: fast, nutritious, healthy and tasty

This yogurt parfait is rich with fruits and nuts and is a deliciously quick way to start the day. Never get bored of breakfast again!

Bonus: incredibly quick, tasty, simple and nutritious breakfast

Make the best scrambled eggs you’ve ever had with our quick & easy but simple to follow recipe – so good you’ll never look elsewhere again!

Bonus: easy, light, tasty and fluffy 🙂

These no egg pancakes are easy, light and fluffy. Perfect for savoury or sweet toppings, look no further if you need pancakes without egg!

Bonus: a refreshing change from oats, creamy and filling

Looking for a tasty new porridge recipe? Try bulgur porridge! No oats, just bulgur wheat, drizzled with sweet rhubarb!

Bonus: quick, tasty and nutritious

These quinoa egg muffins are incredibly high in protein – and super-quick, too! Perfect any time of the day.

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: super easy, nutritious and chocolatey 🙂

A beautiful mix of bananas, cacao powder and peanut butter for this oatmeal (for more oatmeal inspo try this protein oatmeal with apples). All three ingredients are known for their “affinity” to each other.

Bonus: crunchy, sweet, full of taste and such a healthy breakfast!

Quinoa Breakfast Porridge with Hot Blueberry Drizzle. A beautiful union of delicious but easy to find spices and fruits in a simple and satisfying breakfast.

Bonus: super simple to make, incredibly healthy and so yummy!

34g of natural protein. Just three ingredients: Cottage cheese, eggs and oats. 12 minutes from start to finish. You won’t be disappointed!

Bonus: simple, quick, healthy and so delicious

Our Chia Breakfast Pudding calls for just 5 ingredients. Excellent for all those who don’t like to chow down on a big bowl of oats every morning!

Bonus: quick to make, cheap ingredients, high protein meal and yummy 🙂

Easy Tomato Omelette. There is a trick to making the perfect omelette – and it’s weirdly easy. We’ll show you how. You’re gonna love this one!

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: very quick, simple and flavourful

This Overnight Oats combo just can’t go wrong. Cinnamon, apple sauce and oats work so well together. You’ll enjoy it for ages!

Bonus: egg benefits and minimal prep

A Quick Eggy Bread Recipe. Simple but satisfying, and so very tasty. Ready in just a few minutes – why wait longer for a delicious and healthy breakfast?

Bonus: a mega simple, delicious and nutritious meal

This world’s simplest pancakes recipe contains just two ingredients (egg and banana) and is super quick – just minutes from bowl to plate! Simple and tasty.

Bonus: super fluffy and light, takes 5 minutes, 2 eggs and a microvawe

Looking for a protein packed start to your morning? Whip up our healthy & tasty microwave mug omelette in minutes!

Bonus: the health benefits of bananas and oats, many options for toppings

After a healthy breakfast recipe you can rustle up quickly? Try our oatmeal banana pancakes, served with blueberry syrup – the ultimate breakfast!

Bonus: a delicious and healthy breakfast idea, lovely colour

Looking for a healthy breakfast upgrade? We’ve made eating your greens easy with these delicious green waffles!

Bonus: a wholesome breakfast you can prep ahead

Ever heard how powerful a good oat breakfast can be? Try our Swiss Bircher muesli recipe – super easy and yummy!

Bonus: fluffy, healthy, can be frozen and reheated

There is no time for chit-chat when fluffy lentil pancakes are to be cooked. Just follow a few deliciously easy steps.

Bonus: it’s creamy and chocolatey, so why wouldn’t kids love it?😄

This deliciously smooth cashew milkshake can be made any way you like – just follow the simple instructions and you’ll be drinking a mega shake in five minutes!

Bonus: fresh, fruity and crunchy

An insanely healthy chia pudding with almond milk that will give you all the nutrients you need, without any unnecessary calories.

Protein: 13g
Calories: 280kcal
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: FoodMeanderings
Bonus: beautiful breakfast kids can make on their own

This Bagel Toad in a Hole breakfast is an easy recipe kids can make on their own for Mom on Mother’s Day or for themselves on any day, using either the stove or microwave. Made to look like a flower with an egg in a hole bagel middle, fruit (pineapple and raspberry) petals and a green onion stem, this healthy vegetarian recipe is a fun and simple breakfast or brunch (why not try out some of our other veggie breakfasts too?)!

Protein: 8g
Calories: 134kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: ItsNotComplicatedRecipes
Bonus: quick, fresh, healthy and so satisfying

Pea, Mint and Feta Frittata is simple to prepare and full of fresh, bright flavours. Made with the popular combination of pea and mint, it is a versatile dish, and there are many ways in which to enjoy it.

Healthy lunches for children

Bonus: easy, nutritious, with plenty of protein and fiber from black beans

A black bean burger recipe that doesn’t fall apart, tastes awesome and can even be made vegan (try our plant-based burger recipes for more inspo)! What could be more BBQ perfect?

Bonus: easy to make, cheesy and delicious pizza with different topping and base options

These pizza pancakes are perfect for lunch or dinner – super simple and full of the most exciting base and taste combos make it the best of both worlds (but if you’re after more traditional pizzas, check out our favorite veggie pizza recipes)! Try it right away!

Bonus: light and colourful wraps, feel free to get creative with them

Looking for a light lunch or snack? Try our vegan lettuce wraps, inspired by Korean ssam & filled with crispy tofu!

Bonus: quick, creative, easy and tasty

This mega quick lunch recipe from ace chef Jansen Schouten is bound to please – it’s tasty, nutritious and most importantly – a break from the norm!

Bonus: perfect for a lunch box, super simple and healthy

The Ultimate Avocado Sandwich. A healthy and nutritious sandwich filled with avocado, cheese, tomatoes and rocket for a juicy and unbeatable taste!

Bonus: a healthy veggie joy for people of all ages

Searching for a vegetarian soup recipe that’s big on health benefits & low on calories? Try this zucchini (courgette) basil soup (check out our other fave zucchini recipes if you like this!)!

Bonus: simple ingredients, tasty, healthy and nutritious

Make these corn fritters your new go-to recipe with ingredients you’ll always find in your kitchen. They’re vegan-friendly, too!

Bonus: super simple, delicious and full of important nutrients

Tomato Mozzarella Bread. Easy to make Italian tomato and mozzarella bread. High in calcium and Mediterranean flair. Delicious.

Bonus: simple, creamy, fresh and soft sandwiches

The ultimate guide to cucumber sandwiches. Know the traps to avoids and the tricks to making the best cucumber sandwiches available in polite society.

Bonus: quick, healthy, versatile and delicious meal

These awesome high-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters, and even made vegan, too!

Bonus: quick, light, warming and comforting soup

Irresistible Pea and Mint Soup, the classic British dish that’s fresh, light and with the promise of summer yet to come!

Bonus: pack well for school

Greek Pitas Recipe. Ready in 10 minutes. High in vitamin A, C and iron. Bursting out with delicious ingredients, perfect as a snack or healthy meal.

Bonus: simple, healthy, quick and absolutely delicious

All the taste and all the goodness – without the fish. The new kid on the vegan block is even tastier than the original!

Bonus: quick, high in protein and absolutely delicious

This tempeh sandwich is THE new vegan sandwich. Mega tasty and super nutritional, it sets the new bar for all sandwich lovers out there.

Bonus: veggie goodness with cheddar cheese, a great way to make kids eat broccoli and cauliflower😄

Make the most out of your veg with this Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup – tasty, easy, healthy, full of vitamins and only five mins to prep!

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: flavorful, quick and fun

The new vegan burrito is here, paving the way and setting the standard. Mega quick and perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Protein: 8g
Calories: 189kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: VeggieDesserts
Bonus: fast, easy and full of goodness

With these veggie hot dogs, I’ve pureed the lentils and veggies so they have a finer and more ‘veggie dog’-like texture. The smoked paprika and garlic powder give them that classic hot dog aroma and taste, but they’re full of goodness from pulses and veggies.

Protein: 15g
Calories: 171kcal
Ready in: 52 minutes (just 5 minutes prep)
Recipe by: NoSweatVegan
Bonus: oil-free, versatile, flavorful and perfect for dipping

If you’ve been searching for an easy and delicious vegan Chick-fil-A style nugget recipe, then you’re in luck. These veggie nuggets combine agave sweetness and briny pickle juice for a unique yet familiar flavor.

Protein: 12g
Calories: 238kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: Cooktoria
Bonus: quick, tasty, tender, and healthy

These light, golden-brown Broccoli Fritters make a delicious vegetarian dinner or lunch — and kids love them, too! Ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: FlavoursTreat
Bonus: perfect for kids lunch box and parties

Open faced sandwich is fun to make for kids and even more fun to eat!! Let’s excite kids with adorable creations and show them the fun of making healthy choices.

Protein: 2g
Calories: 149kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: TheVeganLunchBox
Bonus: you can add different flavours

Easy but delicious pizzas swirls made with puff pastry. These simple vegan pastry swirls are great hot or cold and perfect for lunch boxes.

Vegetarian kid’s dinners

Bonus: so easy, delicious, healthy, can be stored in the fridge

Hands down, the best gluten-free pizza alternative out there. Never feel like you’re missing out again!

Bonus: juicy, flavoursome and healthy

After the perfect cauliflower steak? Try this simple & delicious roasted cauliflower steak with ricotta and pepper sauce!

Bonus: cheap ingredients, creamy, easy to make a big pot and absolutely liked by kids

The simple yet incredibly effective aromatised oil makes these vegan mashed potatoes better than any of their contemporaries. Creamy without the cream. Fun to let the kids help make it, too!

Bonus: sweet and satisfying veggies kids will surely enjoy

These honey roasted carrots and parsnips will impress at your next potluck or roast dinner: the ultimate nutrient-packed winter side dish.

Bonus: easy, healthy and tasty salad

This classic creamy cucumber salad has been passed down for good reason – it’s incredible! It’s also simple and quick, just the way it should be.

Bonus: amazing health benefits

Spinach Tomato Quesadillas. Easy to make and ready in 15 minutes max. It’s packed full of vitamins K and A, B2 and B6, C, calcium and potassium. Incredible.

Bonus: colourful, healthy and super fun

The beets are bangin’ in this eye-catching dish. Highly nutritious, beetroots are an awesome addition to any pasta meal – including this beauty!

Bonus: sweet potatoes packed with nutrients

This sweet potato and feta bake (yams bake) recipe is the perfect comfort meal. Like casserole, but full of nutritious veggies for that delicious health kick!

Bonus: a low carb veggie lasagna, full of fiber and protein

Having a good lasagna recipe under your belt means you’re really getting somewhere in the culinary world. And this the Best Lasagna Ever. Go on, shine.

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: so easy, quick, high in protein and tasty recipe

Melted cheese and baked beans is a UK favourite when it comes to baked potatoes – and we have the perfect recipe and cooking instructions!

Bonus: a healthier, meat and dairy-free version of the classic pasta recipe

Love a good bolognese but trying to eat less meat? Try our healthy, plant-based lentil bolognese – you’ll never look back!

Bonus: protein, fiber, vitamin A

Watching your weight but love Mexican food? Give taco night a healthy twist with these light, tasty sweet potato tacos!

Bonus: light, fluffy and delicious

Vegetarian toad in the hole paves the way for a meat-free future – why eat meat when you can have this instead?

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: an easy, creamy, healthy meal

Our delicious vegan take on the trendiest cafe food of the moment, Mushrooms on Toast. It’s perfect for everything from a savory breakfast to a light dinner.

Bonus: a cheesy lasagna-like dish

This healthy high protein vegetarian moussaka is a true veggie delight with Greek soul and full of flavour and texture!

Bonus: delicious, nutritious and fun

These veggie lentil tacos are our new go-to meal. SO TASTY and stacked with lentil protein and fiber, it’s time to take dinner up to the next level.

Protein: 12g
Calories: 206kcal
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: FoodMeanderings
Bonus: simple, tasty, cheesy

This Dill Pickle Pizza is made with Alfredo sauce, dill weed and garlic for a rich and creamy pizza sauce that pairs perfectly with pickles!

It’s carnival food at its finest and tastes just like the Pickle Pizza at the Calgary Stampede.

Protein: 14g
Calories: 370kcal
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: MrsJonesKitchen
Bonus: cheesy, comforting, very tasty

This meat free pesto lasagna is made from layers of pasta, béchamel sauce and a basil spinach pesto. It’s rich and creamy, and perfect cool weather comfort food.

Protein: 8.7g
Calories: 117kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: KetoVegetarianRecipes
Bonus: simple, healthy and sooo tasty

A low carb pizza made from spaghetti squash is a delicious vegetarian meal (more low carb vegetarian dishes here!). It has a slightly sweet taste and is a creative way to enjoy spaghetti squash.

Protein: 22g
Calories: 542kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: SixHungryFeet
Bonus: creamy, cheese and great for the whole family

A family-friendly, easy, and quick dinner for your busy evenings packed full of flavor and nutritional ingredients.

Protein: 17g
Calories: 442kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: AllThatsJas
Bonus: quick, easy, tasty and affordable dish

An easy stovetop dish, this Spanish pasta frittata with mushrooms and spinach is a great solution for a fast vegetarian comfort meal (more quick vegetarian recipes here!).

Protein: 8g
Calories: 358kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: DebraKlein
Bonus: simple, crispy and super fun

This Gluten-free Vegan Flatbread Recipe is super easy to make, uses just a few simple ingredients and makes the perfect healthy appetizer or dinner (if you need gluten free food, here are 100 gluten free veggie recipes for you!).

Crispy pizza crust that uses no yeast so it’s ready in minutes.

Protein: 14g
Calories: 377kcal
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: KitchenSanctuary
Bonus: vibrant, tasty, and full of cheesy crunchiness

My crispy-coated cheese-filled veggie burgers are so tasty (if these go down well, try some more vegetarian burger recipes)! Even meat-eaters will love them! A great way to get the kids to eat more veg.

Calories: 365kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: TheHealthyToast
Bonus: super versatile, delicious and so gorgeous!

Enjoy the last of summer peaches with this summer-inspired twist on an easy weeknight dinner classic!

Snacks, dips and sides that kids will love