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EatingWell’s best kid-friendly, healthy recipes are perfect for the summertime. You can count on recipes like healthier fried chicken salad, shrimp and asparagus kebabs, and one-pot pasta to refuel the little ones after long days spent in the sun.Many of these meals are not time-intensive, and you can prepare a lot of the ingredients beforehand to make things easier. If you need a little extra time after a day out, you can always add in akid-friendly healthy snack. And if your summer day was especially pleasant, treat the kids to ahealthy dessert.
EatingWell’s best kid-friendly, healthy recipes are perfect for the summertime. You can count on recipes like healthier fried chicken salad, shrimp and asparagus kebabs, and one-pot pasta to refuel the little ones after long days spent in the sun.
Many of these meals are not time-intensive, and you can prepare a lot of the ingredients beforehand to make things easier. If you need a little extra time after a day out, you can always add in akid-friendly healthy snack. And if your summer day was especially pleasant, treat the kids to ahealthy dessert.
01of 30Individual Seven-Layer Dip in Jars with Baked Tortilla ChipsView RecipeJerrelle GuyThese little jars are like nachos for the road—with plenty of protein from zesty black beans and taco-spiced Greek yogurt, heart-healthy fats from avocado and a little crunch from toasted corn. Homemade baked tortilla strips are a perfect dip delivery system; their length helps you dig out every last bite from the portable jars.
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Individual Seven-Layer Dip in Jars with Baked Tortilla Chips
View Recipe
Jerrelle Guy
These little jars are like nachos for the road—with plenty of protein from zesty black beans and taco-spiced Greek yogurt, heart-healthy fats from avocado and a little crunch from toasted corn. Homemade baked tortilla strips are a perfect dip delivery system; their length helps you dig out every last bite from the portable jars.
02of 30BBQ Carrot DogsView RecipeShock everyone with this recipe for veggie dogs that actually taste like hot dogs. They’re an amazing (and healthy!) vegan alternative to traditional meat hot dogs. Serve in whole-wheat hot dog buns and top with all your favorite toppings, such as sauerkraut, relish, ketchup and mustard, for the ultimate barbecue meal.
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BBQ Carrot Dogs
Shock everyone with this recipe for veggie dogs that actually taste like hot dogs. They’re an amazing (and healthy!) vegan alternative to traditional meat hot dogs. Serve in whole-wheat hot dog buns and top with all your favorite toppings, such as sauerkraut, relish, ketchup and mustard, for the ultimate barbecue meal.
03of 30Pizza SlidersView RecipeMini burgers make a fun, kid-friendly meal. Italian herbs, marinara and melty mozzarella give them the appeal of pizza.
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Pizza Sliders
Mini burgers make a fun, kid-friendly meal. Italian herbs, marinara and melty mozzarella give them the appeal of pizza.
04of 30Tortilla Pepperoni PizzaView RecipeThis easy pizza takes only 15 minutes from start to finish and uses simple ingredients you could find in your pantry. Tomato paste adds flavor without sogging out the crust. Skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian-friendly version, or add your own favorite toppings.
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Tortilla Pepperoni Pizza
This easy pizza takes only 15 minutes from start to finish and uses simple ingredients you could find in your pantry. Tomato paste adds flavor without sogging out the crust. Skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian-friendly version, or add your own favorite toppings.
05of 30Turkey, Cheese & Veggie PlateView RecipeThis colorful picnic dinner idea features tasty munchies you don’t need utensils for and mild flavors that kids prefer, like deli meat, cheese and crunchy raw veggies. It’s easy to assemble this complete menu, and adults will enjoy it as much as the kids. The menu calls for store-bought hummus and cookies, but you can easily make them yourself (see Tips, below).
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Turkey, Cheese & Veggie Plate
This colorful picnic dinner idea features tasty munchies you don’t need utensils for and mild flavors that kids prefer, like deli meat, cheese and crunchy raw veggies. It’s easy to assemble this complete menu, and adults will enjoy it as much as the kids. The menu calls for store-bought hummus and cookies, but you can easily make them yourself (see Tips, below).
06of 30One-Pot Lemon-Broccoli Pasta with ParmesanView RecipeThis hearty pasta dish with bright, fresh flavor is ideal for busy weeknights. The Parmesan adds welcome saltiness and notes of umami and you get added texture from the slight crunch of broccoli and whole-wheat noodles. Add some shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp or crispy chickpeas to punch up the protein.
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One-Pot Lemon-Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan
This hearty pasta dish with bright, fresh flavor is ideal for busy weeknights. The Parmesan adds welcome saltiness and notes of umami and you get added texture from the slight crunch of broccoli and whole-wheat noodles. Add some shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp or crispy chickpeas to punch up the protein.
07of 30Grilled Cheese and Tomato SandwichView RecipeA classic grilled cheese sandwich is dressed up with slices of fresh tomato. Lunch was never so quick and easy.
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Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is dressed up with slices of fresh tomato. Lunch was never so quick and easy.
08of 30FalafelView RecipeTuck these tasty chickpea patties into whole-wheat pitas and top with tahini sauce. Be sure to soak the chickpeas overnight for the creamiest mixture. The quick-soak method won’t work for these pan-fried falafel patties.
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Falafel
Tuck these tasty chickpea patties into whole-wheat pitas and top with tahini sauce. Be sure to soak the chickpeas overnight for the creamiest mixture. The quick-soak method won’t work for these pan-fried falafel patties.
09of 30Cornflake Air-Fryer Chicken NuggetsView RecipeThese crispy air-fried chicken nuggets are a quick kid-friendly dinner that parents will love too. The homemade nuggets are healthier than fast-food versions—and more flavorful, thanks to the cornflake coating. You can also cut the chicken into strips for air-fryer chicken tenders. Be sure to cook those 2 to 3 minutes longer, or until done.
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Cornflake Air-Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These crispy air-fried chicken nuggets are a quick kid-friendly dinner that parents will love too. The homemade nuggets are healthier than fast-food versions—and more flavorful, thanks to the cornflake coating. You can also cut the chicken into strips for air-fryer chicken tenders. Be sure to cook those 2 to 3 minutes longer, or until done.
10of 30Grilled Chicken Tacos with Slaw & Lime CremaView RecipeIn this easy and healthy chicken taco recipe, we top grilled chicken tenders with a crunchy and colorful vegetable slaw and a simple blend of sour cream, lime juice and cilantro. The chicken is cooked on a grill pan, so these crowd-pleasing chicken tacos make for a great 25-minute weeknight dinner year-round.
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Grilled Chicken Tacos with Slaw & Lime Crema
In this easy and healthy chicken taco recipe, we top grilled chicken tenders with a crunchy and colorful vegetable slaw and a simple blend of sour cream, lime juice and cilantro. The chicken is cooked on a grill pan, so these crowd-pleasing chicken tacos make for a great 25-minute weeknight dinner year-round.
11of 30American GoulashView RecipeAmerican goulash, also known as old-fashioned goulash, is the perfect economical family meal. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so this satisfying dish can be made in just one pot.
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American Goulash
American goulash, also known as old-fashioned goulash, is the perfect economical family meal. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so this satisfying dish can be made in just one pot.
12of 30Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy JoesView RecipeTwo of our favorite comfort-food sandwiches join forces in these family-friendly dinner sandwiches. We found that softer buns make this easier to eat, and it’s all the better when wrapped takeout-style in a sheet of foil.
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Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes
Two of our favorite comfort-food sandwiches join forces in these family-friendly dinner sandwiches. We found that softer buns make this easier to eat, and it’s all the better when wrapped takeout-style in a sheet of foil.
13of 30One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta PastaView RecipeA little bit of Sunday meal prep goes a long way in this one-dish pasta recipe. The pasta is cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge to use for meals all week, but any leftover cooked pasta you have on hand will do. Chicken sausage with feta is especially good in this recipe.
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One-Pot Spinach, Chicken Sausage & Feta Pasta
A little bit of Sunday meal prep goes a long way in this one-dish pasta recipe. The pasta is cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge to use for meals all week, but any leftover cooked pasta you have on hand will do. Chicken sausage with feta is especially good in this recipe.
14of 30Black Bean TacosView RecipeMixing mashed canned beans with whole beans and seasonings makes an incredibly simple taco filling from your pantry. Top these speedy 5-ingredient tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa or any of your favorite taco toppings.
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Black Bean Tacos
Mixing mashed canned beans with whole beans and seasonings makes an incredibly simple taco filling from your pantry. Top these speedy 5-ingredient tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa or any of your favorite taco toppings.
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This easy load-and-go crock pot recipe is a great dinner to make with your kids. Let the kids stir the sauce while you rub the ribs, then just let the slow cooker do the rest of the work! Serve with a colorful coleslaw and brown rice.
16of 30Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus KebabsView RecipeShrimp and asparagus both cook very quickly, making them a perfect pair on the grill. We’ve seasoned them in delicate flavors—lemon, garlic and dill—so their natural sweetness can shine through. Pick fat asparagus stalks for easier skewering.
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Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus Kebabs
Shrimp and asparagus both cook very quickly, making them a perfect pair on the grill. We’ve seasoned them in delicate flavors—lemon, garlic and dill—so their natural sweetness can shine through. Pick fat asparagus stalks for easier skewering.
17of 30Broccolini, Chicken Sausage & Orzo SkilletView RecipeWe love this quick skillet meal for busy evenings. The sausage and orzo simmer together in chicken broth, resulting in a creamy, risotto-like dish in under 30 minutes.
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Broccolini, Chicken Sausage & Orzo Skillet
We love this quick skillet meal for busy evenings. The sausage and orzo simmer together in chicken broth, resulting in a creamy, risotto-like dish in under 30 minutes.
18of 30One-Pot Lemon Asparagus Pasta with ShrimpView RecipeBrie PassanoThis quick one-pot shrimp and pasta dinner is cooked with asparagus in a lemony sauce. Feta cheese sprinkled over the top adds another savory layer, but feel free to skip it and add additional fresh herbs and a lemon slice instead.
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One-Pot Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Shrimp
Brie Passano
This quick one-pot shrimp and pasta dinner is cooked with asparagus in a lemony sauce. Feta cheese sprinkled over the top adds another savory layer, but feel free to skip it and add additional fresh herbs and a lemon slice instead.
19of 30Stir-Fried Chicken & Broccoli with Mango ChutneyView RecipeResist the urge to make this stir-fry chicken recipe in a skillet instead of a wok, which will hold all your ingredients better. Buy a carbon-steel wok at an Asian market (or online) for around $30 and you’ll have it forever. Make one stir-fry and you’ll wonder how you survived without it.
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Stir-Fried Chicken & Broccoli with Mango Chutney
Resist the urge to make this stir-fry chicken recipe in a skillet instead of a wok, which will hold all your ingredients better. Buy a carbon-steel wok at an Asian market (or online) for around $30 and you’ll have it forever. Make one stir-fry and you’ll wonder how you survived without it.
20of 30Clam Chowder with Broccoli Stems & CornView RecipeKeeping frozen corn, canned clams and clam juice on hand means spur-of-the-moment chowder in any season. If you typically compost your broccoli stems, save them for this soup—they hold up better than florets. Set out bowls of toppings like diced red bell pepper, snipped chives or more bacon.
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Clam Chowder with Broccoli Stems & Corn
Keeping frozen corn, canned clams and clam juice on hand means spur-of-the-moment chowder in any season. If you typically compost your broccoli stems, save them for this soup—they hold up better than florets. Set out bowls of toppings like diced red bell pepper, snipped chives or more bacon.
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Turkey Burgers with Spinach, Feta & Tzatziki
22of 30Pita “Pizza"View RecipePearl mozzarella isn’t just for snacking! Try slicing it to top an individual pita pizza with fresh tomato and basil. A little goes a long way.
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Pita “Pizza”
Pearl mozzarella isn’t just for snacking! Try slicing it to top an individual pita pizza with fresh tomato and basil. A little goes a long way.
23of 30Chicken & Zucchini CasseroleView RecipeThis baked chicken and zucchini casserole is creamy, hearty and low-carb! The whole family will love this easy casserole, plus it’s a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies.
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Chicken & Zucchini Casserole
This baked chicken and zucchini casserole is creamy, hearty and low-carb! The whole family will love this easy casserole, plus it’s a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies.
24of 30Pizza Lettuce WrapsView RecipeGo light and fresh when you’re craving pizza. These easy lettuce wraps have all the taste with fewer carbs and calories.
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Pizza Lettuce Wraps
Go light and fresh when you’re craving pizza. These easy lettuce wraps have all the taste with fewer carbs and calories.
25of 30Camping Chicken QuesadillasView RecipeThese make-ahead quesadillas are a genius campfire dinner solution. Assemble and wrap in foil at home, then once you get to camp, just throw over hot coals for a quick campsite meal.
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Camping Chicken Quesadillas
These make-ahead quesadillas are a genius campfire dinner solution. Assemble and wrap in foil at home, then once you get to camp, just throw over hot coals for a quick campsite meal.
26of 30Cacio e Pepe Pasta with PeasView RecipeThe sauce for this pasta dish is just cheese and pepper (aka cacio e pepe in Italian). Try this with kids as a simple yet sophisticated alternative to standard mac and cheese. Lots of black pepper adds a touch of heat, priming picky palates for spicier food.
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Cacio e Pepe Pasta with Peas
The sauce for this pasta dish is just cheese and pepper (aka cacio e pepe in Italian). Try this with kids as a simple yet sophisticated alternative to standard mac and cheese. Lots of black pepper adds a touch of heat, priming picky palates for spicier food.
27of 30Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk DressingView RecipeA blend of whole-wheat panko and fine cornmeal gives this healthy chicken recipe the perfect amount of crunch even though it’s not deep fried. Making an easy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing recipe means you can skip bottled, which may have additives and stabilizers.
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Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
A blend of whole-wheat panko and fine cornmeal gives this healthy chicken recipe the perfect amount of crunch even though it’s not deep fried. Making an easy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing recipe means you can skip bottled, which may have additives and stabilizers.
28of 30Noodle Bowl with Rainbow Veggies & Peanut SauceView RecipeWith tons of colorful vegetables, sesame rice noodles and a healthy peanut sauce, this noodle bowl is a hit with adults and kids alike. Assemble the bowls before serving or let everyone make their own. Serve with Sriracha hot sauce, if desired.
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Noodle Bowl with Rainbow Veggies & Peanut Sauce
With tons of colorful vegetables, sesame rice noodles and a healthy peanut sauce, this noodle bowl is a hit with adults and kids alike. Assemble the bowls before serving or let everyone make their own. Serve with Sriracha hot sauce, if desired.
29of 30Avocado, Tomato & Chicken SandwichView RecipeIn this healthy chicken sandwich recipe, the avocado is mashed to create a healthy creamy spread.
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Avocado, Tomato & Chicken Sandwich
In this healthy chicken sandwich recipe, the avocado is mashed to create a healthy creamy spread.
30of 30Quick Risotto with Shrimp, Corn & EdamameView RecipeIn this healthy, quick risotto recipe, we use instant brown rice instead of Arborio rice, and frozen corn and edamame to speed up the cooking time and add fiber. To get the creamy risotto texture without slow cooking, we stir in cream cheese and Parmesan just at the end of cooking.
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Quick Risotto with Shrimp, Corn & Edamame
In this healthy, quick risotto recipe, we use instant brown rice instead of Arborio rice, and frozen corn and edamame to speed up the cooking time and add fiber. To get the creamy risotto texture without slow cooking, we stir in cream cheese and Parmesan just at the end of cooking.
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