20 Vegan Recipes for Kids They'll Actually Enjoy
They won't be able to wait and see what you packed in their lunch box.
Whether the kids have recently switched to a vegan or plant-based diet, or you are looking to prepare more heart-healthy recipes for the whole family, creating a repertoire of easy dinner recipes for kids that are also vegan can be a challenge — especially if not everyone at the table is avoiding animal products. But we promise that these easy vegan recipes for kids will satisfy everyone's cravings by leaning into familiar flavors and cooking techniques (we're looking at you, slow-cooker vegetarian chili).
Every single one of these vegan recipes is super quick to prepare and even the pickiest eaters will be asking for a second serving of pasta or second slice of vegan pizza. Plus, there are a few recipes that work just as well for after-school snacks, and every one is also a vegetarian recipe. You can prepare these recipes for dinner and pack leftovers in their lunch boxes the next day. Soon enough, these kid-friendly vegan recipes will become a regular part of your family dinner routine. Meatless Mondays will be replaced with plant-based patties any day of the week, and your go-to kid-friendly breakfast menu will expand to include eggless options. With these budget-friendly recipes, cooking vegan for the whole family has never been so easy (or delicious!).
Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas
Taco Tuesday just got a meatless makeover thanks to these sweet and smoky vegetarian fajitas (skip the sour cream or use a vegan-friendly replacement!).
Potsticker Stir-Fry
This Asian-style meal features vegetable potstickers instead of chicken or pork.
Get the Potsticker Stir-Fry recipe.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach
This hearty vegetable dish gets a kick of crunchy texture from sliced almonds, and works well as a light main or a side dish.
Quick Sautéed Beans and Tomatoes
You can get this simple vegan dish on the table and ready to eat in just 15 minutes.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Stew
Butternut squash gets a Moroccan spin with spicy cumin, ginger, and cinnamon. Made in a slow cooker, the sweet aroma will fill your home for hours before serving.
Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup
This Panera favorite is still loaded with the same goodness, without using any dairy or chicken broth.
Get the Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe at Stacey Homemaker.
Smoky Vegan Macaroni And Cheese
This one-of-a-kind creamy "cheddar" sauce is made from cashews and nutritional yeast.
Get the Smoky Vegan Macaroni and Cheese recipe at Blissful Basil.
Vegan "Meatball" Subs
Top these delicious chickpea "meatballs" with your favorite marinara sauce and some vegan parmesan for a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Vegan "Meatball" Subs recipe at Karrisa's Vegan Kitchen.
Loaded-with-Veggies Soup
Ready in just 25 minutes, this soup combines oodles of vegetables into one bowl so the kids get a healthy serving greens while the cannellini beans add vegan protein to the mix.
Get the Loaded-with-Veggies Soup recipe.
Sweet Potato, Bean and Rice Soup
On the topic of soup, stir the pot with this recipe that will satisfy any chicken and rice soup craving by swapping poultry for chickpeas and small red beans.
Vegetarian Chili with Wheat Berries, Beans, and Corn
The beauty of this easy chili recipe is that you can prepare all of the ingredients and freeze for up to 3 months. Then, place in a slow cooker, cover, and cook for 8 to 9 hours on low. Skip the sour cream and cheddar, or swap for non-dairy, vegan alternatives.
Get the Vegetarian Chili with Wheat Berries, Beans, and Corn recipe.
Tofu Tacos with Romaine Slaw
For another plant-based alternative, sauté crumbled tofu in a non-stick skillet for a speedy weeknight dinner that has all your favorite seasonings without the added dairy.
Get the Tofu Tacos with Romaine Slaw recipe.
Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms
Spaghetti pleases most kids, and this recipe will also please parents thanks to the addition of green beans and cremini mushrooms. To keep vegan, skip the grated parmesan.
Get the Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms recipe.
Fusilli with Broccoli Pesto
This pesto pasta holds the cheese (optional for serving) and adds frozen broccoli florets, garlic, fresh basil, and grated lemon zest for a classic Italian flair.
Get the Fusilli with Broccoli Pesto recipe.
Crispy Chickpeas
You can prepare these chickpeas as an after-school snack, or toss them into a salad for a boost of protein packed with flavor the kids will love.
Get the Crispy Chickpeas recipe.
Creamy Vegan Pasta
If the kids (and let's be honest, you) love a hefty bowl of mac & cheese, then this vegan version is the perfect creamy creation to try. Plus, there are some added greens for extra nutrition.
Get the Creamy Vegan Pasta recipe at Love & Lemons.
Best Vegan Pizza
Pizza night, anyone? The cashew sauce in place of your typical mozzarella shreds, combined with sun-dried tomatoes, corn, and jalapeño slices will have you grabbing for another slice.
Get the Best Vegan Pizza recipe at Love & Lemons.
Best Veggie Burger
Burgers for dinner is always an easy go-to option regardless of season, and this homemade vegetarian patty works just as well as for those following a vegan diet.
Get the Best Veggie Burger recipe at Love & Lemons.
Plant-Based Chickpea Salad
If they used to love tuna salad sandwiches packed in their lunch boxes, then they will love this vegan alternative that mashes chickpeas with mayo for an easy meal on-the-go.
Get the Plant-Based Chickpea Salad recipe at Hungry Blonde.
Vegan Meatball Gnocchi Skillet
Purchase your favorite plant-based meatballs and gnocchi and then bake this dish in the oven for 25 minutes.
Get the Vegan Meatball Gnocchi Skillet recipe at Hungry Blonde.
Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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