Veggie pizza

20 Quick Dinner Ideas For Picky Eaters

Posted on October 6, 2023. Last updated on October 31, 2023
Alyssa a registered dietitian
Written by Alyssa

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 

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Grilled cheese sandwhich

Recipe for Turkey & Veggie Meatballs 

Turkey and 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!

Alyssa Miller picky eating dietitian
Hi there! My name is Alyssa

I'm a registered dietitian and picky eating specialist with nearly a decade of experience, mom of three, and the founder of Nutrition for Littles. I'm dedicated to making mealtimes enjoyable and nutritious for families.

Do you need more help with your picky eater? I want to invite you to my free class to reverse picky eating!

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