Top 5 Meatless Monday Ideas for Kids: Fun and Tasty Plant-Based Meals

Meatless Mondays are a fantastic way to introduce your kids to plant-based meals while teaching them about sustainability. Skipping meat just one day a week can positively impact the environment, and it's a great excuse to try out new, healthy recipes. The best part? These meals are fun, delicious, and easy to make.

Here are five kid-approved Meatless Monday ideas using whole foods that your whole family will love!

1. Veggie Quesadillas with Guacamole

Quesadillas are always a hit with kids, and they’re super easy to make. Ditch the meat and pack them with colorful veggies like bell peppers, spinach, and corn, along with black beans for extra protein and fiber.

How to Make It:

• Spread shredded cheese on a whole-wheat tortilla.
• Add sautéed or roasted veggies and black beans.
• Top with another tortilla and cook in a skillet until both sides are crispy and golden.

Serve with a side of guacamole and salsa for dipping. This meal is fun, filling, and packed with nutrients.

Why Kids Love It: Kids can personalize their quesadillas by picking their favorite veggies, which makes them more likely to dig in and enjoy their meal.

2. Cheesy Veggie Pasta Bake

Pasta is always a crowd-pleaser, and this cheesy veggie bake is perfect for a comforting family meal. It's loaded with nutritious vegetables, topped with melty cheese, and will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

How to Make It:

• Cook whole-grain pasta (like penne or rotini) and set aside.
• Sauté a mix of veggies, like zucchini, broccoli, and mushrooms.
• Toss the cooked veggies with the pasta and marinara sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
• Top with shredded mozzarella and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Why Kids Love It: It’s cheesy and familiar—two things kids love! Plus, the veggies blend perfectly into the pasta, so they’ll enjoy all the flavors without feeling overwhelmed by the greens.

3. Mini Veggie Pizzas

Turn your Meatless Monday into a pizza party with mini veggie pizzas! This idea is great for letting kids get hands-on by creating their own mini pizzas with their favorite toppings.

How to Make It:

• Use whole-wheat pita bread, English muffins, or flatbread as the pizza base.
• Spread a layer of marinara sauce.
• Let your kids add their own toppings like sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach.
• Sprinkle with cheese and bake until the cheese melts and everything is golden.

Why Kids Love It: Kids get to be the chef! Making their own mini pizzas allows them to choose their favorite toppings and feel proud of their creation.

4. Sweet Potato Tacos

Tacos are always a family favorite, and roasted sweet potatoes make a delicious, hearty filling. They’re naturally sweet, which makes them appealing to kids, and packed with fiber and vitamins.

How to Make It:

• Peel and dice sweet potatoes, then toss with olive oil, cumin, and paprika.
• Roast in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized.
• Serve in soft corn or flour tortillas and let your kids choose their favorite toppings, like avocado, black beans, shredded lettuce, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese.

Why Kids Love It: Tacos are fun to assemble, and roasted sweet potatoes bring a sweetness that kids love. Plus, they can load up on their favorite toppings!

5. Homemade Lentil Patties with Sweet Potato Fries

For a fun, whole-foods twist on nuggets, try homemade lentil patties! Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, making them a great plant-based alternative. Pair them with oven-baked sweet potato fries for a wholesome meal.

How to Make It:

• Cook red or green lentils until tender, then mash them in a bowl.
• Mix the lentils with grated carrots, breadcrumbs, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika.
• Form the mixture into small patties and cook them in a skillet until crispy on both sides.
• For sweet potato fries, slice sweet potatoes into thin strips, toss with olive oil, and bake until crispy.

Serve with a side of ketchup or a yogurt-based dip for dunking.

Why Kids Love It: The lentil patties are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them fun to eat, especially with their favorite dips. The sweet potato fries add a touch of natural sweetness that kids love.

Get (No-m)Eating

Meatless Mondays can be a fun and tasty way to introduce your kids to healthy, plant-based meals. These recipes use whole foods that are nutritious, easy to prepare, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether it’s veggie quesadillas or homemade lentil patties, these meals will make your Meatless Monday both delicious and enjoyable for the whole family.