Delicious Healthy Recipes for Picky Eaters

Healthy Recipes for Picky EatersPin
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Looking for healthy recipes for picky eaters that are perfect for kids? Cooking for a crowd can feel like a challenge, but with a little creativity, you can sneak in all the nutrients they need. Many picky eaters avoid veggies and fruits, but I’ve packed these recipes with hidden nutrients they won’t even notice. From healthier versions of their favorite foods to balanced meals, here are some recipes that your picky eaters—and a crowd—will love!

The good thing is that nothing can undo the nutritional values of different ingredients, like veggies, even when you pair them with something labeled as “bad food,” such as hot dogs. The key is balance, so here are some healthy (or healthier) recipes your picky eater will adore, as they are all based on their favorite foods!

28 healthy recipes for picky eatersPin

Zucchini Pizza Crust

This recipe transforms pizza into a healthy, veggie-packed option that even picky eaters can enjoy. The crust has a mild zucchini flavor with a satisfying crispness, making it a fun way to sneak more vegetables into a favorite meal without compromising on taste.

Zucchini Pizza Crust
Dive into a deliciously healthy twist on classic pizza with this Zucchini Pizza Crust recipe, featuring a crispy, veggie-packed base that’s perfect for a fun, family-friendly meal—give it a try and enjoy sneaking those veggies past the kids!
Check out this recipe
zucchini pizzaPin

Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

The cottage cheese base offers a protein boost while still giving that classic pizza experience. The flatbread crisps up nicely in the oven, and with its customizable toppings, even picky eaters will enjoy their slice.

Viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread Pizza
In just a few simple steps, the Viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread Pizza offers a delicious and customizable meal that suits any occasion. This low-carb delight is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy pizza without the guilt. The flatbread itself, with its hint of Italian seasoning, makes a fantastic base that crisps wonderfully in the oven. Give this easy, tasty recipe a try—everyone will love customizing their slice!
Check out this recipe
viral cottage cheese flatbread pizzaPin

Cauliflower Breadsticks

It’s a fun, low-carb side dish or appetizer that feels indulgent but is packed with healthy ingredients.

Low-Carb Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks
Have you ever heard of cheesy cauliflower breadsticks? This dish combines the mild, nutty flavor of cauliflower with the rich, melty goodness of cheese, creating a delicious and irresistible combination. It's a perfect appetizer or side dish that's easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd, appealing even to those who usually shy away from vegetables.
Check out this recipe
Low-Carb Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks ketoPin

Oven Baked Potatoes

These potatoes are a perfect comfort food that appeals to everyone, including picky eaters. They’re golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning.

Crispy Potatoes From The Oven
These Crispy Oven-Baked Potatoes are absolutely delightful and make the perfect side dish for any meal. Give them a try—you’ll love how crispy and flavorful they are! They’re great for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for some comfort food.
Check out this recipe
recipe crispy potatoes from the ovenPin

Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash

Made with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and smoky paprika, this traditional Hungarian-inspired dish is easy to prepare thanks to the Instant Pot. Packed with veggies like carrots, celeriac, and parsnip, this dish is as nutritious as it is comforting.

Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash Recipe
This Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash is a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and full of rich flavors. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner, and the Instant Pot makes the cooking process a breeze. Try it out, and enjoy a taste of traditional Hungarian flavors in a fraction of the time!
Check out this recipe
Juicy Instant Pot Chicken PaprikashPin

Tortellini Soup

Tortellini soup with kale can be a healthy option for picky eaters, especially if you’re sneaky about the kale! The creamy broth and cheesy tortellini are comforting and familiar, making it easier to get those greens in without complaints. It’s a balanced meal with veggies, protein, and a little indulgence, so everyone’s happy.

Instant Pot Kale Tortellini Soup
This Instant Pot Kale Tortellini Soup is everything you want in a comforting meal—quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. Give this Kale and Parm Soup a try, and you’ll keep coming back for more!
Check out this recipe
creamy instant pot tortellini soup with kale and parmPin

Greek Yogurt Bagels

They’re soft, simple, and versatile. You can serve them plain or add toppings like a little cream cheese, peanut butter, or even some melted cheese to make them more appealing. Plus, they’re packed with protein, so it’s a win for both taste and nutrition!

Greek Yogurt Bagels from the Air Fryer
These Greek yogurt bagels are the perfect mix of easy and delicious, making them ideal for high-protein breakfast, snacks, or brunch. Whip up a batch and see how versatile and satisfying homemade bagels can be. They’re a game-changer! Quick and easy to make in an air fryer, these 2-ingredient bagels are a perfect DIY project.
Check out this recipe
greek yogurt air fryer bagels high protein recipePin

Cornflake Chicken

Baking instead of frying reduces the oil content, making this a healthier choice without sacrificing taste. With straightforward prep and cooking steps, this dish comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.

Crispy Cornflake Oven Baked Chicken Recipe
This recipe provides a delightful way to enjoy chicken with a crunchy twist. Serve this Crispy Cornflake Oven Baked Chicken at your next meal and watch it become a new family favorite!
Check out this recipe
crispy oven baked cornflake chicken recipePin

Broccoli Potato Bites

The combination of tender potatoes and fresh broccoli creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist. The addition of Gouda cheese adds a rich, savory depth to each bite.

Broccoli Potato Cups Recipe
Give these Broccoli Potato Cups a try for your next meal or event—they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Check out this recipe
broccoli and potato cupsPin

Chocolate Cake

This no-bake cake is light and chocolaty, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without the extra calories or guilt. Its simple, rich flavor makes it a great choice for picky eaters who want something sweet and uncomplicated.

Plus, the fact that it’s flourless means it’s lighter, making it easier to indulge without feeling too heavy.

Healthy No-Bake 2 -Ingredient Chocolate Cake
This Healthy No-Bake 2-Ingredient Chocolate Cake is perfect for any occasion, especially when you’re short on time but want something sweet and satisfying. It’s a great dessert for get-togethers or a simple family night treat. Did I mention it’s flourless and light? Give it a try and enjoy the bliss of guilt-free indulgence!
Check out this recipe
Healthy No-Bake 2 -Ingredient Chocolate Cake RecipePin

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies look like the classic chocolate chip version but with the added benefit of oats for extra fiber and nutrients. They still deliver the sweet, chocolatey goodness that picky eaters crave, but with healthier ingredients.

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
These healthy oatmeal cookies are not just a treat to your taste buds but also a boost to your health, perfect for enjoying any time of the day. They look like chocolate chip cookies, so feel free to serve them during holidays as a healthy snack.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies with oatmealPin

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

This ice cream is rich, creamy, and indulgent, with the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavors. The cottage cheese adds a protein boost while keeping it light. Even picky eaters who aren’t fans of traditional cottage cheese won’t be able to tell—it’s a smooth and satisfying dessert that feels like a real treat.

Cottage Cheese Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
This ice cream is perfect for those warm summer evenings or as a treat after a long day. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try for your next gathering or family dessert – it’s sure to impress!
Check out this recipe
cottage cheese peanut butter ice cream recipePin

Oven-Baked Chicken Fingers

You can get extra crunchy chicken fingers without deep-frying them! If you want to introduce more flavors and spices, you can marinate chicken in Greek yogurt-based dip, which will additionally tenderize the meat.

Healthy Chicken Fingers {Oven Baked}
Quick and easy healthy chicken fingers made with real food ingredients. Perfect finger foods served with fried and ketchup!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Chicken Fingers {Oven Baked}Pin

Homemade Pizza with Veggie Faces

A lot of kids eat with their eyes first, so they will probably love loads of veggies in this shape. The addition of wholemeal spelt flour is subtle but effective, as it enhances the nutritional value of the pizza without changing the texture. 

Toddler recipe: homemade pizza with veggie faces
Here’s a toddler recipe to keep little bellies full and hands busy. They can decorate these pizzas themselves and pack in four of their five-a-day
Check out this recipe
Toddler recipe: homemade pizza with veggie facesPin

Banana Pancakes

Pancakes for breakfast are a staple dish, but we all know they aren’t the most nutritional thing to start a day with. Here is one fabulous recipe loaded with all the good things – protein, fiber, and omega-3s, while giving you the traditional pancake feel.

Healthy Pancakes
These quick, easy, and delicious Healthy Pancakes are high in protein, fiber, and omega 3s… the perfect start to the day!
Check out this recipe
Healthy PancakesPin

Cheese Crackers

These are probably the healthiest crackers you can make, as the base is whole wheat flour and rolled oats. They definitely won’t be bland because rosemary and cheddar cheese give the signature “cheese cracker” aroma!

Easy Cheese Crackers Recipe
This Cheese Crackers recipe has whole grains, a delightfully crisp texture, and a super straight forward method. They’re a delicious homemade snack.
Check out this recipe
Easy Cheese Crackers RecipePin

Chocolate Pudding

It is possible to make a fantastic chocolate pudding without any chocolate! Avocado and banana give the desired creamy consistency, while fine-quality cocoa, maple syrup, and almond butter are responsible for the chocolatey smack.

Healthy chocolate pudding
Healthy chocolate pudding, made with only healthy ingredients. Delicious and sweet, can be eaten for breakfast guilt-free.
Check out this recipe
Healthy chocolate pudding Pin

Strawberry Milkshake

Kids adore milkshakes, but they tend to be overly sugary and have 0 nutritional value. This one is nothing like that, though, as it is stuffed with fresh strawberries, cashews, dates, and any milk you fancy!

Healthy Strawberry Milkshakes – Easy and Kid Approved!
Healthy Strawberry Milkshake Homemade Easy Recipe, Vegan and allergy friendly Options, No added sugar perfect Valentines smoothie for kids
Check out this recipe
Healthy Strawberry Milkshakes - Easy and Kid Approved!Pin

Chocolate Cupcakes with Hidden Vegetables

The veggies in these cupcakes are truly hidden, as there are tons of them: zucchini, carrot, broccoli, and spinach. They actually blend very well with cocoa because of their natural sweetness and pretty bland taste when thermally treated. 

Kids’ chocolate cupcakes with hidden vegetables
Delicious chocolate cupcakes with a healthy twist! These vegetable-packed treats will delight and nourish even the fussiest of eaters.
Check out this recipe
Kids’ chocolate cupcakes with hidden vegetablesPin

Vanilla Cupcakes

To be honest, vanilla cupcakes are healthiER variety! This batter is fabulous for making a regular birthday cake, for example, as it still has all the perks of a regular cake with a more nutritious selection of ingredients.

Healthy Vanilla Cupcakes
These healthy vanilla cupcakes are light and fluffy, but made with whole wheat flour and less butter and sugar than traditional cupcakes. They’re easy to make and perfect for any celebration!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Vanilla CupcakesPin

Mac and Cheese with Veggies

This is a classic creamy, cheesy pasta that has a fine amount of veggies – cauliflower and zucchini. You won’t feel any texture as they are both pureed into the cheese sauce, plus bacon and cheese mask their flavors very well.

Healthy Mac and Cheese LOADED with Hidden Veggies
More vege than cheese sauce but oh so delicious and the kids will never know
Check out this recipe
Healthy Mac and Cheese LOADED with Hidden VeggiesPin

Crispy Veggie Fries

Fries are most likely the most adored side dish in the world, but they hold on to so much oil. These are air-fried, and instead of classic potatoes, this recipe asks for sweet potatoes, parsnips, and multicolored carrots, so you know this is micronutrient heaven!

how to make crispy veggie fries without the fat
Get this easy recipe for veggies fries without the fat. Made with Philips Airfryer.
Check out this recipe
how to make crispy veggie fries without the fat Pin

Beef Burger with Hidden Veggies

There is nothing wrong with a beef patty, but if you want to boost its nutritional value – add some onion, carrot, and zucchini. They will actually make it softer and juicier, much more flavorful than plain beef.

Hidden Veggies Beef Burgers – Making kid food healthier
Hidden veggies Beef burgers are a kids meal made healthier. Serve with more veggies and veggie fries to make this a n even healthier kids meal
Check out this recipe
Hidden Veggies Beef Burgers - Making kid food healthierPin

Healthy Chocolate Coconut Balls

Healthy chocolate coconut bites are a simple, naturally sweet treat that’s perfect for picky eaters and packed with wholesome ingredients like dates, cocoa, and coconut.

Healthy Chocolate Coconut Bites
These Easy Healthy Chocolate Coconut Bites are perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, no-bake snack. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any time of day. Give these chocolate coconut balls a try—you’ll love how easy they are!
Check out this recipe
healthy chocolate coconut bites RecipePin

Chocolate Chickpea Truffles

Healthy, protein-packed treat that’s naturally sweet and perfect for satisfying picky eaters with a chocolate craving.

Healthy Chocolate Chickpea Truffles
These Healthy Chocolate Chickpea Truffles are the ultimate guilt-free chocolate treat. They’re rich, satisfying, and packed with natural ingredients, making them perfect for any occasion. These vegan chocolate energy balls are a must-try if you are looking for a healthy chocolate treat. Whip up a batch today and see how delicious healthy snacking can be!
Check out this recipe
High Protein chocolate chickpea truffles RecipePin

Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

First thing first, this is not only a sauce for pasta, as it goes perfectly with gnocchi, shakshuka, pizza, meatballs, chicken, rice, and many more. It is a well-balanced blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and cream cheese.

Healthy Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce
This healthy veggie pasta sauce is loaded with hidden vegetables and dairy-free cream cheese for a flavorful, vegan sauce. Great for kids!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce Pin

Garlic Pasta with Veggies and Parmesan

Pasta is still pasta, even when loaded with colorful veggies! It is always a good idea to use whole wheat varieties, as the taste difference is not huge, especially when served with a flavorful sauce and cheese.

Healthy Garlic Pasta with Veggies and Parmesan
This flavorful Garlic Veggie Pasta is made with fresh broccoli, zucchini, red onions, seasonings, whole wheat spaghetti, and is topped with parmesan
Check out this recipe
Healthy Garlic Pasta with Veggies and ParmesanPin

Veggie-Loaded Chicken Bites

The base for this dish is ground chicken, which picky eaters generally adore. So, it is a perfect blank canvas to load with different vegetables, like zucchini, carrot, spinach, and onion, but grated, so they don’t have a great influence on texture.

Veggie-Loaded Chicken Bites
These Veggie-Loaded Chicken Bites aren’t just easy to make, but they are super delicious and a healthy start to dinner! Family-friendly, gluten free, Paleo and Whole30
Check out this recipe
Veggie-Loaded Chicken BitesPin

Hidden Veggie Meatballs

There is approximately 0 chance your picky eater detects veggies in hearty, rich tomato sauce. These meatballs are a fusion of pork and turkey ground, plus zucchini and carrot. P.S. The recipe calls for almond flour, so they are gluten-free, as well.

Hidden Veggie Meatballs (Gluten free, Dairy free)
These hidden veggie meatballs are the best way to sneak in extra vegetables to your diet, or for kids! They’re gluten-free and dairy-free.
Check out this recipe
Hidden Veggie Meatballs (Gluten free, Dairy free)Pin

Popsicles

These are the popsicles every parent wants their kid to eat! You can easily make them with different fruits; just sprinkle some lemon juice and honey in pureed fruits for the sweetness and texture.

How to Make Popsicles
Learn how to make popsicles from scratch and try these three fruit popsicle flavors: strawberry, mango and kiwi. It’s an easy healthy recipe that kids will love!
Check out this recipe
How to Make PopsiclesPin

Chickpea Brownies

Here’s one healthy, fudgy treat that’s packed with protein and fiber, making them a sneaky way to satisfy chocolate cravings for even the pickiest eaters.

Chickpea Brownies
This Chickpea Brownie recipe is a delicious, guilt-free treat that fits just about any occasion. Try it out and see for yourself—you’ll love how easy and tasty it is to make these healthier brownies! Perfect for dessert, snack time, or whenever you need a chocolatey pick-me-up.
Check out this recipe
chickpea browniesPin

Club Sandwich

These are fantastic to pack up for school! Use your favorite wholemeal bread and add the layers of hummus, lettuce, chicken breast, tomato, cucumber, and carrot – so you have everything: whole grains, lean proteins, fiber, and micronutrients! YUM!

Club Sandwich for Kids
Packed with chicken, hummus and veggies this Club Sandwich makes a really tasty and healthy lunch recipe for kids!
Check out this recipe
Club Sandwich for Kids Pin

Hot Dog

For this one, you need to find fine-quality hot dogs. I would recommend you go with turkey ones, as they are less fatty. Then, stuff whole grain buns with yummy veggies like kale, tomatoes, radishes, or anything your kid prefers.

A Healthy Hot Dog Recipe for Your End-of-Summer BBQ
A hot dog recipe that isn’t a diet fail? Sign us up!
Check out this recipe
A Healthy Hot Dog Recipe for Your End-of-Summer BBQPin

Corn Dogs

Hot Dog’s big brother – Corn Dog, is the other favorite fair food! This is definitely a more nutritious version, as it calls for good-quality hot dogs, whole wheat flour for dipping, and baking instead of frying.

Healthy Homemade Corndogs
These homemade baked corndogs are healthy and delicious, plus a lot of fun to make! Wrap them individually and freeze them for later!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Homemade CorndogsPin

Baked Donuts

Bribing kids with donuts is the ultimate praxis for many, many parents, and it actually works! This is a healthier variety of their beloved sweets, as it calls for oat and almond flour, coconut sugar, and baking instead of frying! 

Healthy Baked Donuts
A healthier take on the classic donut! These are made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, oat flour, coconut sugar, and maple syrup. They are fluffy as can be, perfectly sweet, and a light treat that would go absolutely perfect with a morning cup of coffee or tea!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Baked DonutsPin

Breakfast Superfood Cereal

Store-bought cereals are almost exclusively loaded with empty calories and sugars, which give no fuel for kids in the morning. Check out this recipe with superfood ingredients like quinoa, almonds, chia, hemp, and flaxseeds to make sure your child eats a healthy variety of their favorite food! 

Homemade Healthy Breakfast Superfood Cereal (Vegan)
A delicious homemade healthy superfood cereal that is vegan and gluten-free. Made with toasted quinoa, hemp seeds, chia seeds & more!
Check out this recipe
Homemade Healthy Breakfast Superfood Cereal (Vegan) Pin

Creators, big thank you for these fabulous ideas on how to boost the nutritional value of picky eaters’ safe foods!

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