If you’ve got a toddler in your house, you know how challenging it can be to feed them dinners that they’ll enjoy that are also nutritious. Our advice? Compromise, with a twist.

Cook them their favorite dinners, but add veggies, protein, and greens inside so they won’t notice.

Below is a meal plan that most toddlers would love. Not all the recipes are packed with veggies, so add them in yourself whenever possible. Meatballs, for example, are the perfect place to incorporate riced cauliflower, chopped spinach, shredded carrots or zucchini, or cooks beans or lentils. If your little one has a couple of favorite veggies then of course prepare them and serve on the side for a healthy addition to the meal. Remember to vary the texture and presentation of your veggies, from fresh cut cucumber sticks to sauteed carrots to steamed broccoli.

Lastly, always end with some fresh fruit. Most toddlers enjoy fresh berries, melon, grapes (be sure to cut into small pieces), apples or banana.

Even if they take a few bites + fruit, you can call it a success!

We hope your little one enjoys this menu!

Monday: Savory Meatballs

by: Esther Ottensoser

Basic meatballs in tomato sauce are always a super kid-friendly option. Remember to cut into small pieces for the youngest kids.

 

Tuesday: Homemade Fish Sticks

by: Sina Mizrahi

The breading for these homemade tilapia fish sticks has a unique twist- the bread crumbs or panko are combined with ground coconut. Lightly seasoned, this dish will go over well with kids.

Serve with mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Chicken Pretzel Nuggets

by: Brynie Greisman

Pretzels present a very novel idea in coating your chicken cutlets. Everyone is intrigued by how they look and wants to try them. They taste best freshly made, however, I’ve made them on a Thursday and served them on Shabbos — both at night and by day, and they were fine.

Serve with brown rice.

Thursday: Spinach Alfredo Pasta

by: Sina Mizrahi

I love a classic Alfredo sauce, but the spinach here gives it a nice twist. It adds some healthy greens, which we all need more of. You can also serve this baked by transferring everything to a baking dish, adding some cheeses, and baking at 350°F until the cheese melts. Frozen chopped spinach is a super-easy way to up your tot’s intake of vitamins and minerals.