Summertime is the perfect season to get creative with salads, sandwiches, and wraps that kids can help make and enjoy. Summer meals should be light, fresh, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
Here are ten kid-friendly summer meal ideas that your little ones will love:.
1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic favorite among children and are the perfect summer lunch option. You can add some healthy elements by using whole-grain bread, low-fat cheese, and some roasted veggies like tomatoes or peppers.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese for some variety.
2. Fruit Skewers
Summer is full of fresh and juicy fruits that are perfect for snacks or desserts. You can create colorful and fun fruit skewers by using a variety of fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, and grapes.
You can even add some yogurt for dipping or drizzles of honey for some sweetness.
3. Veggie Wraps
Veggie wraps are a perfect way to incorporate more fresh veggies into your child’s diet. You can use whole-grain tortillas and add some cucumber, carrots, avocado, lettuce, and some protein like chicken strips or hummus.
You can also add some seasoning or sauces to make them more flavorful. Kids can help assemble and wrap the ingredients themselves.
4. Smoothie Bowls
Smoothie bowls are a fun and healthy way to start your mornings or as an afternoon snack on a hot summer day. You can blend different fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like nut butter or chia seeds.
Kids can add some healthy toppings like granola, coconut flakes, and berries.
5. Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are a great way to use up leftover pasta and create a cool and refreshing meal for kids. You can use whole-grain pasta and add some veggies like cherry tomatoes, diced carrot, cucumber, and bell peppers.
Kids can help mix the ingredients together and add some dressing of their choice.
6. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are an easy and quick meal option that kids will love. You can use cheese, grilled chicken, vegetables, and whole-grain tortillas. You can even add some salsa or guacamole for dipping. Kids can help assemble and cook the quesadillas.
7. Salad Bowls
Salad bowls are a great way to make a nutritious and filling meal that kids can customize to their liking. You can use a variety of greens like spinach, kale or romaine lettuce and add some grilled chicken, boiled eggs, cheese, and roasted veggies.
Kids can choose their toppings and dressing.
8. Hummus and Veggie Plate
Hummus and veggie plates are a perfect way to snack on something healthy and yummy. You can use different veggies like carrot sticks, bell pepper, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. You can also use different flavors of hummus for some variety.
Kids can help cut and arrange the veggies on the plate.
9. Fish Tacos
Fish tacos are a fun and tasty way to introduce seafood to kids. You can use different types of fish like salmon or tilapia and add some fresh salsa, avocado, and shredded cabbage.
Kids can help assemble the tacos and top with their favorite herbs or sauces.
10. Omelet
Omelets are a great way to boost protein and nutrients in your child’s diet. You can use whole eggs or egg whites and add some veggies like mushrooms, spinach, onions, and bell peppers. You can also add some cheese on top.
Kids can help whisk the eggs and chop the veggies.