Are you looking for a way to introduce some delicious vegetables into your family’s meals that even the pickiest of eaters will love? Look no further.
We’ve compiled 10 tasty and healthy vegetable side dishes that are sure to make kids (and adults) alike jump for joy, so you can finally get in those nutrients without having to worry about any complaints.
From pesto potatoes to roasted asparagus with Parmesan cheese, these vegetable dishes have something for everyone – even the pickest of eaters.
So read on, and get ready to include some veggies in your next meal.
Why Choose Vegetable Side Dishes?
Vegetable side dishes are the perfect way to add flavor and nutrition to your plate.
They provide vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and dietary fiber.
Plus, they’re low in calories and high in antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of certain diseases.
To get the best out of your veggie sides, opt for fresh produce that’s in season.
Also, try different herbs, spices, and cooking techniques to make them even more delicious.
Whether you’re looking to add more veggies to your meals or simply want to switch up the sides, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Roast ’em, steam ’em, or sauté ’em for a unique taste.
And don’t forget, picking vegetable sides over unhealthy options like fries or mashed potatoes is a great way to lower your intake of bad fats and sodium.
10 Vegetable Side Dishes for Picky Eaters
Tackling picky eaters when it comes to veggies? 10 Vegetable Side Dishes have got you covered.
Here are some delicious options:
1 – Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a delicious dish.
It’s classic macaroni and cheese with the added bonus of veggies.
This twist is perfect for picky eaters who don’t like trying new foods.
Veggies are pureed and mixed into the creamy, cheesy sauce.
This dish is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
It’s also customizable, so you can add extra ingredients like bacon or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Kids and adults alike will love this one-of-a-kind dish.
Serve it to picky eaters and they won’t even realize how nutritious it is.
A win-win for all.
2 – Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon
Mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon? Yum.
This side dish is not only delicious, but nutritious too.
To make it, follow these steps:
- Peel and chop 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes.
- Put chunks in a pot of water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Mash with a potato masher or fork. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and mix.
This side dish is the perfect balance of sweet and warm flavor.
Plus, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Add it to your meals for extra flavor and essential nutrients.
Enjoy this delightful treat.
3 – Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is a scrumptious and full-flavored veggie side dish.
Even the piciest of eaters will love it.
Its mix of garlic and parmesan creates a party of flavors in your mouth.
Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Put broccoli florets in a large bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure each floret is coated.
- Spread the broccoli on the baking sheet in one layer. Make sure not to overcrowd. This way, they’ll roast evenly and be crispy.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the broccoli. Place in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
The garlic infuses its aroma into the broccoli while the parmesan cheese adds richness.
The result is roasted broccoli with a crunchy outside and tender inside.
It’s full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
If you want to add more veggies to your meals or please picky eaters, try Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli.
It’s a hit of flavors and nutrition.
Enjoy.
4 – Carrot Fries with Ranch Dip
Carrot fries – crunchy outside, tender inside – are a treat for picky eaters.
Cut thin and baked, not fried, they’re healthier and less greasy too.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper and spices, then bake until golden brown.
Dip them in cool, tangy ranch for a flavor combo hard to resist.
For an extra twist, try spicy mayo or garlic aioli.
Carrot fries with ranch dip are delicious and nutritious – perfect for the pickiest of eaters.
5 – Cauliflower Tots
Delicious and nutritious Cauliflower Tots are sure to please even picky eaters.
Grated cauliflower makes a healthier alternative to tater tots.
Before baking, squeeze out any moisture in the cauliflower.
Then, mix it with breadcrumbs, eggs, cheese, and seasonings.
Form the mixture into tots and place them on parchment paper.
Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy these tots as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or as a snack.
Their crispy exterior and soft interior will tantalize even the pickiest eaters.
6 – Buttery Corn on the Cob
Buttery Corn on the Cob is a popular, yummy veggie side dish that picky eaters love.
Here’s why:
- It’s cooked perfectly, giving it a tender, juicy texture. Plus, the butter adds creamy, rich flavors, making the corn even sweeter.
- The butter coating acts like a shield, keeping the corn moist and preventing it from drying out. So, each bite is full of flavor.
- You can season it with various spices and herbs, like garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
- It looks great too. The bright yellow kernels combined with the butter’s gloss give an inviting, mouthwatering plate.
It’s simple to see why buttery corn on the cob is a fave for picky eaters.
7 – Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey Glazed Carrots: a vegetable side dish that even picky eaters will love.
Coated in a sweet, sticky honey glaze for extra flavor.
This glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, making them more enticing.
And, as it cooks, it caramelizes creating a slightly crispy outer layer.
A yummy combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a great accompaniment to any meal.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare – just toss the carrots in honey, butter, and seasonings, then roast them until golden brown.
The result? A delicious and healthy side dish that’s sure to please.
8 – Zucchini Parmesan Chips
Delightful and crispy Zucchini Parmesan Chips are a veggie side dish that even picky eaters love.
Thin zucchini slices, coated in parmesan cheese and crumb mixture, are packed with nutrients.
- Making them is simple – just use olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder and Italian herbs.
- Arrange the chips on a single layer on a baking sheet and bake till golden and crispy.
- Serve as an appetizer, snack or side dish – perfect for any meal.
- Picky eaters will love the cheesy flavor and crunchy texture of these chips – a healthy alternative to regular potato chips.
Zucchini Parmesan Chips are also customizable – try different seasonings or dips to make them your own.
Enjoy them alone or pair with marinara sauce or ranch dressing – a delicious way to get more veggies in your diet.
9 – Sweet Potato Bites with Maple Dip
Maple Dip is a yummy condiment that goes perfectly with sweet potato bites.
Its sweet and savory tastes combine for an amazing flavor.
- Maple Dip’s sweetness heightens the natural sugary taste of roasted sweet potatoes.
- Sweet potato bites have a crunchy outside and soft inside – super satisfying.
- The dip adds a creamy and smooth texture to each bite.
- Cinnamon in the dip boosts the total flavor.
To make these tasty sweet potato bites, slice sweet potatoes into bite-size pieces and roast.
As they cook, mix maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and a bit of cinnamon.
Stir until combined.
Once the sweet potato bites are done, serve with the maple dip for dipping.
It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish – even picky eaters will love it.
So when you’re looking for a veggie side dish that will please picky eaters, try Sweet Potato Bites with Maple Dip.
You won’t regret it.
10 – Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine is a scrumptious veggie dish.
Even picky eaters will love it.
Its mix of crisp beans and crunchy almonds is a treat for the tongue.
Start with fresh beans.
Blanch them to keep their vivid color and crunchiness.
Then, sauté in butter and garlic for a savory flavor.
But what really sets this dish apart is the toasted almonds.
They add crunch and sweetness.
Their earthy taste complements the beans nicely, making a delicious harmony.
Some recipes call for a spritz of lemon juice or zest.
The tartness cuts through the richness and adds a delightful zing.
Tips for Encouraging Picky Eaters to Enjoy Vegetables
Encouraging picky eaters to enjoy veggies can be tricky.
Here are some tips:
- Let them pick and help prepare veggies. This encourages ownership and interest.
- Offer vegetables in different forms and cooking methods – like grilling or roasting – to add variety and taste.
- Make veggies visually appealing.
- Be a model; eat and enjoy veggies yourself.
- Patience is key. Gradually introduce new veggies, no force or pressure.
Remember, each child is unique.
Tailor according to their individual tastes.
Implement these strategies consistently and patiently to create a positive environment around veggies and foster a healthier relationship.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, having a picky eater in the family can be quite a challenge when coming up with tasty meals.
But by adding vegetable side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or cauliflower, mac and cheese, or veggie burgers, you can turn even the fussiest into an enthusiastic veggie lover.
Try our top ten recipes and watch them gobble up their vegetables in no time.
As always remember to adjust each recipe according to your family’s preferences for extra flavor and nutrition.
So don’t worry too much if your kids aren’t eating enough vegetables – it just means more delicious food for you.
Get creative and start experimenting with tasty ways to get your picky eaters excited about their veggies.
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