When it comes to getting kids excited about eating vegetables, it can often feel like an uphill battle. However, with the vibrant produce that spring and summer bring, there’s an opportunity to introduce a variety of fresh, colorful, and delicious veggies in a fun and creative way. This blog post is dedicated to celebrating the bounty of these seasons with recipes that kids will not only enjoy but also want to help prepare.

Whether you’re looking to introduce more veggies into your family’s diet or simply want to make mealtimes more exciting, these kid-approved, veggie-packed recipes will have everyone asking for seconds. From grilled veggie skewers to colorful pizzas, let’s explore these delightful dishes!

Why Focus on Seasonal Vegetables?

The beauty of spring and summer is the abundance of fresh, vibrant vegetables that are at their peak during these warmer months. Seasonal produce is not only more flavorful and nutritious but also more affordable and environmentally friendly. Including seasonal veggies in meals ensures you’re offering your family nutrient-rich ingredients that support growth, development, and overall health.

Moreover, involving kids in the process of picking, preparing, and cooking vegetables can make a big difference. By helping in the kitchen, they develop a greater appreciation for the food they eat, which encourages them to try new flavors.

Recipe 1: Rainbow Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange)
• Zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. Let your kids help by threading the vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors to create a rainbow effect.
4. Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve warm and watch the smiles on your kids’ faces as they devour this colorful, veggie-filled meal.

Why Kids Love It: Rainbow Veggie Skewers are not only visually appealing, but they also encourage creativity as kids can choose which veggies to include. Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them more appealing to young palates.

Recipe 2: Fresh Spring Pea Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of your favorite pasta
• 1 cup fresh spring peas (or frozen if out of season)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, lightly sauté the spring peas in olive oil until they’re tender but still bright green.
3. Toss the pasta with the peas, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Why Kids Love It: The sweetness of fresh peas combined with the zesty brightness of lemon creates a light yet flavorful pasta dish. It’s simple but delicious, making it a hit with kids who might otherwise shy away from vegetables.

Recipe 3: Garden Veggie Pizza

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough or pre-made pizza crust
• Marinara sauce
• Sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, and olives
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. Roll out the pizza dough and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Let your kids top the pizza with a colorful variety of sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, and olives.
5. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Drizzle a bit of olive oil around the edges of the pizza crust.
7. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.

Why Kids Love It: Kids love pizza, and when they get to customize their own toppings, it’s even better! The combination of veggies and cheese ensures that they get the nutrients they need while enjoying their favorite meal.

Recipe 4: Summer Veggie Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Grilled summer vegetables (corn, squash, onions)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Grill the summer vegetables until tender, then chop them into small pieces.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly brush it with olive oil.
3. Place a tortilla in the pan, sprinkle half with cheese, and add a layer of grilled vegetables.
4. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy on both sides.
5. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole.

Why Kids Love It: Quesadillas are fun to eat and easy to hold. The melted cheese combined with the sweetness of grilled veggies makes for a tasty, mess-free meal that kids can enjoy on the go.

Recipe 5: Caprese Salad Skewers

Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Skewer the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves in alternating patterns.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.

Why Kids Love It: These skewers are simple, bite-sized, and packed with flavor. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil is a winning trio that even the pickiest eaters will love.

Recipe 6: Grilled Veggie Wraps

Ingredients:

• Assorted grilled vegetables (eggplant, peppers, zucchini)
• Whole grain tortillas
• Hummus

Instructions:

1. Grill the vegetables until tender and slightly charred.
2. Spread hummus on each tortilla and add the grilled veggies.
3. Roll the wraps tightly and slice in half.

Why Kids Love It: Wraps are an excellent way to get kids to eat veggies without them even realizing it. The combination of the creamy hummus and grilled veggies offers a burst of flavor that makes this meal feel special.

Recipe 7: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach
• Sliced strawberries
• Toasted almonds
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the spinach, strawberries, toasted almonds, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette dressing and serve.

Why Kids Love It: This salad is sweet, crunchy, and savory, making it a delightful combination for kids. The strawberries add a familiar sweetness,