There are tons of creative and fun ways to lure those picky eaters into enjoying wholesome snacks that will make you and your toddler both smile! When searching online for healthy kid snacks or recipes, it can be a little overwhelming, so we've done the work for you. Here are some our favorite easy and inventive toddler meals!
Sandwich Puzzle
Photo credit: bumblebeetoys.com
We Love It Because...toddlers generally adore puzzles. This fun take on the sandwich is a great way to get them to pick it up and pop it in their little mouths!
Here's How to Make It...make a sandwich of your choosing. Cut using a puzzle shaped sandwich cutter, like this cute one we found, or use a sharp knife to cut puzzle piece shapes. Mix up the pieces and watch your tot have fun piecing it back together!
Red Pepper and Hummus Volcano
Photo Credit: Abbey Rodriguez
We Love It Because...hummus is so rich in protein, fiber and numerous other nutrients. This is such a delightful way for our kids to enjoy it!
Here's How to Make It...As per Abbey Rodriguez's instructions: Place 2 tablespoons of hummus on a plate. Use a butter knife to spread the hummus into a triangular shape. Cut a red pepper into 1/4-inch slices, and place them at the top of the hummus to make it look like spewing lava.
Egg Snowmen
Photo credit: Roxy's Kitchen
We Love It Because...it's almost Winter and what could be more seasonally perfect than egg snowmen?
Here's How to Make It...Here are Roxy's detailed instructions with photos. You might swap out the peppercorns for cut up raisins or something more kid-friendly if your child doesn't like pepper. You could also swap out the uncooked pasta for a strip of carrot.
Mix and Match Easy Meals
Photo credit: theleangreenbean.com
We Love It Because...these meals are super colorful, fun, toddler sized, and just downright inspirational! They were all created by a Registered Dietitian mom. These are also great for on-the-go or packed day-care lunches.
Here's How to Make It...from left to right, here is what's in each compartment:
Photo credit: theleangreenbean.com
Frozen Peas + Nectarine + Turmeric Yogurt Chicken with ketchup
Grandma’s mac and cheese + Blueberries + Cabbage Roll
Hard Boiled Egg + PB Banana Chia Pudding + Avocado Toast
Avocado + Cheese + Simple Mills Crackers + Turkey + Hummus
Scarecrow Veggie Tray
Photo credit: livinglocurto.com
We Love It Because...children love to dip and there's major dipping potential here! Use lots of different veggies and they'll be crunching away! Plus, who can resist this lovable scarecrow's face?!
Here's How to Make It...Amy Locurto used "Wheat Thins for a hat, filled a bowl with dill dip, then created straw hair from carrots, yellow peppers and celery". If you are looking for some great yogurt based toddler approved dips, babyfoode.com has some terrific ones!
Healthy Chocolate Hummus
Photo credit: superhealthykids.com
We Love It Because...it's healthy chocolate. 'Nuff said!
Here's How to Make It...*Note this recipe uses peanut butter or almond butter, so if your kiddo has nut allergies, you may want to try a nut-free alternative
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, unsalted chickpeas
- 3-4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder*
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter OR almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Add all ingredients into the cup of a large food processor, and puree until smooth.
- Serve with fresh fruit, crackers, or pita chips.
*Note: Use 3 tablespoons of cocoa for a lighter, "milk" chocolate hummus, and 4 tablespoons for "dark" chocolate hummus.
No Bake Sunflower Freezer Cookies
Photo credit: happyhealthymama.com
We Love It Because...Happy Healthy Mama says, "These no-bake cookies only have 4 clean ingredients and don’t taste like you are eating a healthy cookie. They also happen to be very allergy-friendly. They are nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, egg-free, wheat-free, and dairy-free." We just can't get enough of these delicious cookies!
Here's How to Make It...Follow these fool-proof instructions at happyhealthymama.com and enjoy!
Do you have any great kid snacks or meals that you'd like to share? If so, let us know!