When it comes to throwing together dinner [1], we're always walking that fine line of cooking something that's both healthy and accepted by our children's not-so-refined palettes. And while whipping up a bowl of macaroni and cheese is easy enough [2], it's definitely lacking in terms of nutritional value compared to some other options. Trying to expand your family's repertoire beyond chicken nuggets? Same here! Scroll through to get a look at some of our favorite kid-approved recipes — from honey garlic chicken to spaghetti squash — that pack in all the good stuff. We swear, your little ones will gobble them up without a single complaint!
Cauliflower Cashew Alfredo Pasta
Although this bowl of cauliflower cashew alfredo pasta [4] looks like your run-of-mill carb overload, it's made with veggies and a creamy, nut-based sauce that gives it a little extra goodness.
Rainbow Berry Smoothie Bowl
Isn't this rainbow berry smoothie bowl [5] just the most colorful thing?! Add some chia seeds for a special touch.
Crock-Pot Spaghetti Squash
Pull out your slow cooker and substitute your family's favorite starch for a tasty veggie using this Crock-Pot spaghetti squash [6] recipe.
Oven-Baked Fish Sticks
These crispy oven-baked fish sticks [7] will be a surefire crowd-pleaser as soon as they hit the table!
Baked Cheeseburger Sliders
Put a healthy spin on this tried-and-true kid favorite with a baked cheeseburger slider [8] recipe your kids will love, sans too much oil.
Broccoli Cheese Wild Rice Casserole
Sneak your children's least favorite vegetable into dinner seamlessly thanks to this broccoli cheese wild rice casserole [9] with just the right amount of crunch.
Peanut Waffles
A plate of delicious peanut waffles [10] packs a much-needed extra punch in the protein department without sacrificing any flavor.
Chicken Noodle Casserole With Spaghetti Squash
This decadent chicken noodle casserole with spaghetti squash [11] is both gluten- and dairy-free, but don't worry: there's still plenty of creaminess to go around!
Crock-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Dive into a warm bowl of Asian-inspired Crock-Pot honey garlic chicken [12] that makes for the perfect weeknight meal.
Healthy Zucchini Bread
We love this hearty, nutrient-packed healthy zucchini bread [13] that your kids won't be able to resist.
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
A healthy spin on your children's favorite meal of the day is easy to achieve! Just throw together the ingredients for these banana oatmeal pancakes [14], and dig in!
Baked Chicken Meatballs
Swap beef for poultry using this mouthwatering baked chicken meatballs [15] recipe. We bet your kids won't even know the difference!
Taco Beef and Kale Bowls
A hearty taco beef and kale bowl [16] means that even Taco Tuesday gets the healthy treatment.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas
These sweet potato black bean quesadillas [17] are easy on stomachs, budgets, and schedules — win, win, win!
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Baking chicken instead of frying is already a healthy move — this honey mustard chicken [18] is a great way to start making baking a habit in the most delicious of ways.
General Tso's Chickpeas
General Tso's chicken just got a healthy reboot with this chickpea twist [19] that eliminates the usual main ingredient: fried chicken.
Veggie Scrambled Eggs
Making scrambled eggs [20] for dinner isn't just one of the easiest solutions in terms of cook and prep time; it's also one of the best ways to chuck some extra veggies into a dish you know they already love! This veggie scrambled egg plate [21] combines veggies and a bit of cheese for a healthy and protein-packed meal.
Turkey, Potato, and Zucchini Meatloaf
This turkey meatloaf [22] is a healthy twist on the comfort-food classic that the whole family will enjoy.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Not only can this fried rice [23] be whipped up in 15 minutes, but it's also a lot lighter than traditional rice, as the recipe calls for cauliflower instead!
Cauliflower Burgers
These colorful cauliflower burgers [24] are all veggie without sacrificing taste.
Vegetable Lasagna Rolls
These lasagna rolls [25] have all of the cheesy and saucy goodness of your go-to lasagna recipe, but instead of ground meat, they are stuffed with eggplant!
Turkey Tacos
These turkey tacos [26] are sure to spice up your family's Taco Tuesday (or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday!) and only take about 15 minutes to whip up.
Zucchini Noodle Veggie Lo Mein
Ditch take-out lo mein and spiralize some of your family's favorite veggies to make your own version of lo mein [27] with so much less salt but all of the flavor.
Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Skillet
This healthy and hearty skillet meal [28] can be made and enjoyed in just over 30 minutes!