13 Quick and Easy Vegetable Sides To Make For Kids
Do you struggle to get enough vegetables into your child's diet?
We all know eating vegetables is beneficial, but let's face it sometimes it can be a struggle to get little ones to eat all their veggies.
The Benefits Of Eating Vegetables
Eating vegetables is beneficial because they provide our bodies with nutrients and fiber that help you to feel more energized, boost immune functions, and aid in removing toxins from the digestive tract.
Vegetables also provide anti-oxidants, can help combat obesity, and naturally improve health by increasing the microbiome density within the digestive system.
By simply eating more plants you can help the whole family to begin building better eating habits.
But what about if your kids don't like vegetables?
How To Get Fussy Eaters To Eat Vegetables
Sometimes getting fussy eaters to eat vegetables can be near impossible.
If you want your fussy eater to enjoy vegetables you can begin by role modeling healthy eating habits yourself.
Allow your child to see you eating and enjoying a variety of vegetables.
Prepare vegetables often in a variety of ways.
Make it a point to talk about the benefits of eating a variety of colorful plants.
Teach your child where their food comes from.
Get hands on by planting a small garden to harvest the freshest ingredients easily.
Let your child help prepare delicious meals.
Be consistent in serving healthy delicious veggies often.
You can begin building better eating habits and get your fussy eater to eat more vegetables with these simple tips.
But what vegetable sides taste best and how should I prepare them?
List Of 13 Easy Vegetable Sides
Preparing vegetables is easy.
Most often prep includes washing, peeling, and chopping.
From there preparing vegetables is pretty simple.
Choose which cooking method suits you best.
The great thing about vegetables is many can be served raw or you can choose to cook your vegetables by steaming, sautéing, air frying, or simply roasting them in the oven to perfection.
#1 Broccoli and Sweet Potato
This combination can be prepared with an air fryer, steamed, or simply oven roasted.
Wash, peel, and chop your vegetables evenly then simply drizzle olive oil and season to your liking with salt and pepper.
Then cook with any of these methods until softened and serve.
This combination pair nicely with any protein and is lovely when served with rice.
#2 Corn and Green Beans
This is a simple veggie side that takes minutes to prepare.
You can use frozen or canned ingredients for this vegetable combination.
Simply combine corn and green beans and cook until warmed through in a small sauce pan.
#3 Zucchini and Mushrooms
If your looking for an easy veggie side that delivers on flavor this is it.
Begin by sautéing mushrooms in butter then add zucchini to the pan and continue to cook until softened and slightly browned.
This is an excellent easy veggie side that pairs nicely with Asian flavors like teriyaki chicken and rice.
#4 Yellow Squash and Green Peas
A perfect pairing for the warm months of Summer.
Enjoy fresh yellow squash from the garden with buttered green peas for a delicious easy veggie side that goes nicely with grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
#5 Asparagus and Potatoes
This vegetable side is a go to for busy weeknight dinners.
Pop washed, chopped, and seasoned potatoes into the oven with a drizzle of olive oil then roast at 375 degree F for 40 minutes flipping potatoes halfway through.
Asparagus only needs a drizzle of olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper set to cook in the oven for 14 minutes.
#6 Spinach and Carrots
A classic pairing like spinach and carrots is a great go to easy vegetable side.
Served raw or cooked, this veggie side is packed with nutrients.
#7 Lettuce and Kale
Get your greens in with lettuce and kale.
Sometimes a veggie side can be as simple as creating a small salad of greens.
#8 Cauliflower and Broccoli
Cauliflower and broccoli is a great veggie side to make for kids.
Whether you prefer steamed, roasted, or sautéed this vegetable pairing can go with just about any dinner.
Enjoy this veggie side along with grilled steak, oven roasted chicken, or baked fish for a delicious weeknight dinner that is simple to make.
#9 Celery and Cucumber
It doesn't get much easier than serving a side of raw crisp vegetables.
Pair it with some homemade ranch and you have yourself a winner.
#10 Eggplant and Tomatoes
For a taste of Italy, enjoy roasted eggplant and tomatoes.
This hardy combination is full of flavor and will leave you feeling satiated.
Serve it will chicken parmesan for an easy dinner idea your kids will love.
#11 Avocado and Corn
A fresh side of avocado and corn is a light and delicious veggie side.
It doesn't get any easier than warming a can of corn then serving it alongside of sliced avocados.
#12 Red Cabbage and Bok Choy
Take your stir fry dinners to the next level with sautéed red cabbage and bok choy.
Pair it with steamed rice and shrimp for a delicious easy weeknight dinner.
#13 Cabbage and Carrots
This is a simple veggie side that can be served raw in a cole slaw or sautéed for a simple vegetable side that your kids will love.
Simple Dinner Ideas For Busy Weeknights
With these easy vegetables sides you can create healthy nutritious family meals.
Creating healthy meals for your children does not have to be complicated.
Simply begin with these easy vegetables sides and pair them with a protein to create a healthy meal in no time.
All of these vegetable sides can be prepared quickly and inexpensively making them a go to for creating simple dinner ideas your whole family will enjoy.
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