What’s better than filling your little one’s plate with fresh, nourishing food? Making sure the nutritious fare is as tasty as it is good for them, of course!

When you keep your kids fueled with nourishing snacks and meals, they’re ready to take on their days with focus and energy. Healthful meals don’t have to be complicated or lacking in the taste department, either—in fact, there are plenty of ways to add tasty nutrition into the snacks and meals you already dish out!

If you’re looking for ways to add new flavors to your mealtime lineup or simply want to get out of a recipe rut, check out these kid-friendly recipes that’ll have the whole family coming back for more.

Protein-Packed Vegan Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese in all of its comforting, tasty glory is one of the most popular dinner ideas for kids. But what if your bowl of mac and cheese could double as a delicious dinner and a surprisingly healthy menu option?

With a few quick subs, like creamy, nutrient-packed cashew “cheese” sauce and fiber-rich gluten-free chickpea pasta, you can transform this family favorite into a nourishing bowl that doesn’t skimp in the flavor department!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashew nuts (soaked overnight in water)
• ½ cup Sari Foods Non-Fortified Nutritional Yeast
• 1 tbsp white miso (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
• 1 tsp onion powder (or fresh minced onion)
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Approximately 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 lb. chickpea pasta

Directions:

1. Drain the cashews and discard the water they were soaked in.
2. Add to a high-powered blender along with the rest of the sauce ingredients and blend until smooth. Add more almond milk if needed to create the desired consistency. We think it’s just right when it's thick but it runs off the spoon. Place sauce in saucepan and heat gently on low.
3. Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add chickpea pasta and cook according to the directions.
4. Drain, but do not rinse, your cooked chickpea pasta and add it back to the cooking pot.
5. Top with warmed cashew cheese sauce, stir, and serve!

Almond Butter and Acai Jelly Bagel

Kids and snacks go together like…well, peanut butter and jelly! When your little ones come home from playtime looking for a tasty snack, serve up this delightful twist on the classic PB&J and it’ll become a new meal or snack time staple.

Making your own nut butter spread and acai jelly is really simple and is the perfect kid-friendly recipe to work into your kids’ kitchen skillset. Or prep a batch in advance and have healthy food for kids ready to go for an easy sack lunch, after school activities, or homework time.

Get your jam on with our almond butter and acai jelly bagel recipe!

Ingredients:

(Nut butter)

• 450g raw almonds
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 2 Tbsp macadamia or rice bran oil
• 1 heaping Tbsp Sari Foods Organic Gelatinized Maca Powder  

(Acai jelly)

• 1 cup grapes, seedless, frozen or fresh
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp water
• 1 tsp Sari Foods Organic Acai Powder

Directions:

1. Make the acai jelly first by combining all the ingredients in a blender and pureeing until well combined. Pour into a jar and place in the fridge, preferably overnight, to allow the mixture to thicken.
2. Place almonds on a baking tray and bake for 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Place almonds, chia seeds, oil, and maca into a high speed blender and mill until mixture is smooth. Add a little water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
4. Halve your favorite bagel, spread one side with the nut butter mixture, top with acai jelly, and pop the other half of the bagel on top.

Green Sea Monster Smoothie

If you’re looking to get the most out of a quick snack or on-the-go breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a creamy, delicious smoothie! With the help of a high-speed blender, you can whip up a batch for the entire crew, and by adding some superfood ingredients, you’ll be able to bring an exceptionally healthy snack to the table in just minutes.

This smoothie gets a creamy boost from a surprising source: frozen cauliflower. When mixed with tasty berries and a banana, no one will even notice the veggies along for the ride. Add some spinach and spirulina for a fun green color and a hefty boost of nutrients, and this is a snack your kids won’t be able to get enough of!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach
• 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 Tbsp Sari Foods Organic Spirulina Powder
• 1 tsp Sari Foods Vitamin C Powder
• 1 cup almond milk (or liquid of your choice)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to your high-speed blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into glasses (4 kid-sized cups or 2 adult portions) and enjoy!

Spark your kids’ imaginations and nourish their bodies with a well-placed snack or meal made extra special with love and a plant-powered boost. With these snack and dinner ideas for kids in your back pocket, you can take on the week with confidence that you can whip up delightful recipes for kids in no time!