Not all kids are adventurous at mealtime. That's why we rounded up a variety of balanced, healthy meals for picky eaters. Your little one is sure to find a new favorite!
22 Healthy Meals for Picky Eaters
Updated May 03, 2024
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Meatless Chili Mac
I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. — Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats
This yummy breakfast bowl gives everyone's favorite sandwich a healthy twist. Switch to crunchy peanut butter and sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top if you like the extra crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Lettuce-Wrap Burgers
A lettuce-wrap burger offers all the best parts of a burger—a juicy patty, crisp toppings and a delicious sauce—without the bun.
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Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
For an easy meal that's equal parts cozy, comforting and satisfying, turn to this 30-minute creamy chicken and rice soup recipe.
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Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken
With its nicely seasoned tomato sauce, this enticing chicken entree is especially good over pasta. My father loved this dish. —Deanna D’Auria, Banning, California
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Turkey Burgers
These juicy, tender patties on whole wheat buns make a wholesome, satisfying sandwich. We especially like to make grilled turkey burgers, but you could also pan-fry them. —Sherry Hulsman, Elkton, Florida
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Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza
A wonderful crust layered with herbed tomato sauce and toppings encourages my family of six to dig right in to this low-fat main course. —Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana
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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Don't tell anyone, but this butternut squash mac and cheese recipe has a secret. It incorporates a nutritious vegetable and cuts out the butter, but it's still so rich!
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Peanut Butter-Banana Yogurt Parfaits
For a lightning-fast breakfast, I layer vanilla yogurt with bananas, peanuts and multigrain cereal. It’s crunchy, easy and perfect for kids.—Teresa Miller, Hamilton, Indiana
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Seasoned Chicken Strips
These strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado
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Ham ‘n’ Cheddar Cups
Start your day out right with these delicious muffins. Studded with ham, cheddar cheese and bacon, they're a meal in one—and a handy breakfast on the run when you need to be out the door in a hurry. —Carla Hodenfield Ray, North Dakota
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Taco Stuffed Shells
Taco stuffed shells are a welcome twist on Taco Tuesday, easy to make, with results that are sure to please. Make it once, and this recipe just may end up with its very own weeknight slot.
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Slow-Cooked Turkey Sloppy Joes
This tangy sandwich filling is easy to prepare in the slow cooker, and it goes over so well at gatherings large and small. I frequently take it to potlucks, and I'm always asked what my secret ingredient is! —Marylou LaRue, Freeland, Michigan
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Avocado Quesadillas
Avocados give quesadillas some nutritional value and, fortunately, my son likes them. Thinly slice the avocado, and add chicken or beef for extra protein. —Debbie Limas, North Andover, Massachusetts
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Homemade Fish Sticks
I am a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these are amazing with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
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Satisfying Tomato Soup
After craving tomato soup, I decided to make my own. My sister Joan likes it chunky-style, so she doesn't puree. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich. —Marian Brown, Mississauga, Ontario
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Whole Grain Banana Pancakes
My kids love homemade banana bread, so why not make it in pancake form? These freeze well for a special breakfast any day. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
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Spinach and Turkey Pinwheels
Need an awesome snack for game day? My kids love these easy four-ingredient turkey pinwheels. Go ahead and make them the day before—they won’t get soggy! —Amy Van Hemert, Ottumwa, Iowa
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Black Bean Burritos
My neighbor and I discovered these delicious low-fat burritos a few years ago. On nights my husband or I have a meeting, we can have a satisfying supper on the table in minutes. —Angela Studebaker, Goshen, Indiana
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Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
When my brother, sister and I were young, Mom would bake this cinnamon-scented oatmeal before driving us to school. Whenever I make it, I have lots of happy memories. —Vincent Taylor, Houston, Texas
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Fish Tacos
A cool sauce with just a bit of zing tops these breaded fish tacos (that are actually healthy!). This recipe is a delicious guilt-free dish that doesn't break the bank. —Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington
Originally Published: April 20, 2020
