20 Quick Dinner Ideas For Picky Eaters

When you’re running low on steam, thinking up creative dinner ideas for picky eaters is enough to send you running for the hills! I get it. 

Here are some fun and super simple ideas to whip up – they’re great for both mid-week or weekend. Think about printing this out, popping it on the fridge, and reaching for it when you are busy grocery and menu planning. I hope it helps!

(Check the bonus recipe at the bottom too!)

20 Menu Ideas for Dinners For Picky Eaters 

1. Baked sweet potato fries: Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for extra goodness. 
2. Quinoa and ground beef stuffed zucchini boats. Slice your zucchini down the center and fill them with a mixture of quinoa, ground corn, and cheese. Bake until melty, golden, and delicious on top. Make the eating experience about the boat shape and the cheezy, oozy topping. If quinoa is a stretch for your little one, swap it out with rice.
3. Rainbow pasta salad: Make pasta more exciting by adding colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. I recommend adding in grated or cubed cheese. You’re more likely to succeed when cheese is involved. A fun way to serve these elements is to thread them into skewers (cut off the sharp end) and let your little one enjoy pulling each element off.
4. Homemade veggie pizza: Top whole-grain pizza dough with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and loads of finely diced or grated veggies like zucchini and carrots. Pop the veggies underneath the cheese. If you’re on the hunt for dinners for picky eaters, pizza is a sure bet.
5. Cauliflower “mac” and cheese: Stir some steamed cauliflower into the cheese sauce for added nutrients. Another great way to get extra veggies involved is to steam carrots or peppers until soft and then blend them into the sauce, too.
6. Grilled chicken skewers: Thread bite-sized chicken pieces onto skewers and serve with a yogurt-based dipping sauce. Remember to cut off the sharp side of the skewer.
7. Turkey and veggie meatballs: Mix ground turkey with finely grated carrots and zucchini for moist and flavorful meatballs. I like to add an egg to my meatballs for extra juiciness and binding. Scroll down for the recipe for this one!
8. Homemade chicken nuggets: Ditch the processed ones and make your own with lean chicken breast and whole-grain breadcrumbs. Add some chopped fresh parsley and grated carrots into the mixture. Bake your nuggets rather than frying them. These are great in the air fryer, too!
9. Spaghetti with veggie-loaded red sauce: Blend spinach, carrots, and bell peppers into the tomato sauce for a nutrient-packed pasta dish. You can blend in uncooked or steamed veggies. For extra protein and creaminess, add some canned chickpeas and use the water from the can in the sauce.  
10. Mini turkey tacos: Offer lean ground turkey with whole-grain taco shells and various veggie toppings and cheese.
11. Salmon with lemon-dill sauce: Bake salmon fillets and serve with a creamy, homemade lemon-dill sauce.
12. Veggie omelet: Whip up a fluffy omelet stuffed with black beans, tomatoes, and grated parmesan cheese.
13. Homemade veggie soup: Puree a medley of veggies into a comforting soup, served with whole-grain crackers or slices of baguette to dip in.
14. Mashed veggies: A healthier alternative to mashed potatoes. I like to make mashed carrots, parsnips, or sweet potato. Add a touch of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
15. Cheesy veggie quesadillas: Load ’em up with cheese and sneak in some finely chopped veggies. Who can resist a gooey quesadilla?
16. Mini meatball subs: Mini-sized means maximum fun. Slather on some marinara sauce and melted cheese. 
17. Grilled cheese with a twist: Add some sliced apple or ham inside for a surprising center.
18. Mashed potato volcano: Create a mashed potato volcano with a gravy lava flow. It’s fun and delicious.
19. Baked beans and sausages: A classic British dish. The sausages are like little flavor bombs! Add a few carrots and cucumber sticks as a “side salad.”
20. Mini tacos in lettuce cups: Swap taco shells for lettuce cups. They’re like crunchy, edible taco bowls. 

Recipe for Turkey & Veggie Meatballs 

Ingredients

1. 1 pound ground turkey
2. 1/2 cup grated zucchini, squeezed to remove excess moisture
3. 1/2 cup grated carrot
4. 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, squeezed to remove excess moisture)
5. 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
6. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or whole wheat)
7. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8. 1 large egg
9. 1 tsp mixed Italian dried herbs
10. Salt to taste
11. Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 
2. Prepare the vegetables: Grate the zucchini and carrot. Then, finely chop the spinach and onion. Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated zucchini and spinach using a clean kitchen towel.
3. Combine ingredients: Mix the ground turkey, grated zucchini, grated carrot, chopped spinach, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, herbs, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon for this.
4. Shape the meatballs: Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. Take small portions of the meatball mixture and roll them into small, kid-friendly meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
5. Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can check for doneness by slicing one meatball open to make sure there are no pink spots inside.
6. Serve: Once the turkey and veggie meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with your kids’ favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ketchup, or a yogurt-based dip. This is a super fun recipe to make as a dinner for picky toddlers. You’ll love it too!

Wrapping It Up

I hope this quick ideas list brings you much joy (and relief) when trying to figure out fun dinner ideas for picky toddlers and kids. Remember, variety and colorful choices are key!