7 Low-Calorie Side Dish & Dinner Recipes for Kids

Colorful Veggie Stir-Fry

Colorful Veggie Stir-Fry is a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s perfect for kids! Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, this stir-fry is not only low in calories but also high in vitamins and minerals. It’s a fun and engaging way for children to enjoy their vegetables, and you can easily customize it by adding their favorite ingredients.

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
4. Toss in the snow peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Drizzle soy sauce over the veggies, mixing well to coat.
6. Serve warm, topped with sesame seeds if desired, over cooked rice or quinoa if using.

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Baked Sweet Potatoes With Cinnamon

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon is a delightful and healthy dish that kids will love! This simple recipe features sweet potatoes baked to perfection and sprinkled with warm cinnamon, making them not only delicious but also a nutritious option. They can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a wholesome snack.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then pat them dry.
3. Prick the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and slice them open.
6. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with cinnamon, and add honey or maple syrup if desired. Enjoy!

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Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice is a fun and nutritious alternative to traditional rice, making it a great low-calorie option for kids. This dish combines grated cauliflower with melted cheese, creating a tasty and creamy side that even picky eaters will enjoy. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that can accompany a variety of main dishes or stand alone as a healthy snack.

Cooking Steps:

1. Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower and chop it into florets.
2. Using a food processor or grater, pulse or grate the cauliflower until it resembles rice.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the riced cauliflower.
4. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
5. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Remove from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt before serving. Enjoy!

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Zucchini Noodles With Marinara Sauce

Zucchini Noodles with Marinara Sauce is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta, making it an excellent low-calorie option for kids. This dish features spiralized zucchini, also known as “zoodles,” topped with a rich and flavorful marinara sauce. It’s easy to prepare and packed with vitamins, making it a favorite for both children and parents.

Cooking Steps:

1. Spiralize the zucchini using a spiralizer or julienne peeler to create noodle-like strands.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute.
3. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for 2-4 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce, mix well, and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

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Mini Veggie Frittatas

Mini Veggie Frittatas are a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for kids. These bite-sized oven-baked egg muffins are packed with a variety of vegetables and can be customized with your child’s favorite ingredients. Not only are they low in calories, but they are also a great source of protein, making them an excellent option for any meal or snack.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Stir in the diced bell pepper, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced onion (and cheese if using).
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the frittatas are set and lightly golden on top.
6. Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

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Quinoa Salad With Fresh Veggies

Quinoa Salad with Fresh Veggies is a colorful and nutrient-dense dish that’s perfect for kids. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with a medley of fresh vegetables. It’s not only low in calories but also a versatile recipe that can be tailored to include your child’s favorite toppings. Serve it as a side dish or a light main course!

Cooking Steps:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water and then combine it with vegetable broth or water in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Fluff quinoa with a fork and allow it to cool.
4. In a large bowl, mix together the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, grated carrot, and chopped parsley.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pour over the vegetable mixture.
6. Add the cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
7. Serve the salad immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for extra freshness. Enjoy!

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Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and nutritious dish that kids will love. These vibrant bell peppers, filled with a cheesy spinach mixture, make for a wholesome meal that is both flavorful and low in calories. Not only do they provide essential vitamins and minerals, but they are also easy to customize based on your child’s taste preferences!

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
5. In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
6. Fill each bell pepper with the cheese and spinach mixture.
7. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil; bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and peppers are tender.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!