12 Kid-Friendly Vegetarian Meals (They’re Full of Protein and Fiber!)

There are tons of reasons why kids might choose a vegetarian diet, whether it’s environmental concerns, animal welfare issues, or the health benefits of a meat-free lifestyle. The important thing is to support their choice by serving dishes that balance protein and fiber so they don’t fall into the trap of becoming “pizza vegetarians,” which most of my friends and I were in college. Whether your family eats a vegetarian meal every night of the week or just enjoys a good meatless Monday, here are a dozen recipes to keep everyone well fed and happy.

If you start the dough for this focaccia pizza on Thursday, you can be enjoying a delicious homemade pizza night that’s leagues better than delivery by Friday, and that feels pretty spectacular. It’s hard to beat the classic sauce and cheese combo, but should you feel inclined, you can add some veggie toppings, like mushrooms or banana peppers.

Get the recipe: The Best-Ever Focaccia Pizza 

When meat is no longer in the center of the plate, vegetables get a chance to be the star, and this cheesy grilled broccoli is more than deserving of the spotlight. Marinating the broccoli in olive oil and lemon juice gives it a nice flavor and texture after a spin on the grill. Serve it over a bed of creamy polenta for a satisfying dinner.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Grilled Parmesan Broccoli 

It takes a bit of cajoling to get my kids to eat beans, and by cajoling, I mean adding cheese. Here, chickpeas are quickly simmered in a bright, fresh tomato sauce before getting topped with a handful of feta. The result is a fast-cooking vegetarian meal that still packs plenty of protein. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of couscous.

Get the recipe: 5-Ingredient Feta and Tomato Braised Chickpeas 

Come summertime, I can’t get enough of the fresh corn I find at the farmers market, and I end up buying dozens of ears with no definite plan. When that happens, this one-pot corn pasta comes to my rescue. With a bit of creaminess from the ricotta cheese, this light summer pasta dish is a certified crowd-pleaser that goes well with a nice caprese salad.

Get the recipe: One-Pot Corn Pasta 

Growing up, I used to go to this little German restaurant in Virginia called Edelweiss, and on the veggie plate (which I, as a bratwurst-avoiding child always ordered) there was a veggie loaf so good that I would dream of it between visits. This recipe is as close as I’ve found to that savory, meatless-yet-meaty loaf, and it’s perfect for a family dinner or for slicing into sandwiches for lunch the next day.

Get the recipe: Vegetarian Nut Loaf 

Wholesome ingredients? Check. Fun to eat? Check. Affordable and easy to make? Check and check! This bright and delightful vegetarian riff on stuffed bell peppers checks all the boxes and makes a great dinner choice for veg-loving kids.

Get the recipe: Protein-Packed Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers 

Typically, French onion soup is made with beef stock, making it off-limits for our vegetarian friends, but this recipe harnesses the deep-cooked flavor of caramelized onions and a little tangy umami from a splash of balsamic vinegar to get pretty darn close to that beloved soup, but here, it’s transformed into a dinner-worthy main dish with the inclusion of frozen potato gnocchi and, of course, plenty of gruyere cheese.

Get the recipe: French Onion Skillet Gnocchi 

Indian cuisine lends itself to delicious, flavor-loaded vegetarian dishes like this one, which cleans out your veggie drawer and bathes the contents in a fragrant, ginger-laced tomato sauce. I like to serve this with basmati rice, homemade raita, and frozen garlic naan, and leftovers are a rare sight after such a dinner.

Get the recipe: Vegetarian Tikka Masala

Egg dishes are a good choice for vegetarian kids, assuming they eat eggs, of course, because they include a good source of protein without meat. And this sheet-pan frittata uses the brilliant trick of roasting veggies in the oven before adding eggs to the sheet tray, which means you can swap the broccoli and tomatoes for whatever ingredients your kiddo likes best, like mushrooms, peppers, cauliflower.

Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Veggie Frittata 

Chili night is always a hit with my kids because they love adding their own toppings — avocado, onions, crackers, chips, etc. The customization lets them feel like they’re in charge, and when I’m serving this veggie-loaded chili, I can feel confident they’re getting a wholesome, healthy meal (even if they’re drowning it in sour cream).

Get the recipe: Vegetarian Chili 

In my opinion, the tender vegetables simmered in sauce are always the best part of any pot pie, and this stunning centerpiece of a meal (a fantastic option for holiday celebrations) has nothing but veggies, a rich hearty sauce, and a delightful buttery puff pastry crust, so good parts only. 

Get the recipe: Vegetarian Root Vegetable Dinner Pie 

Start with a bag of thick tortilla chips, add a 30-minute vegetarian chili, and then pile on the toppings for this incredibly fun sheet tray nacho dinner. This can easily lean vegan if you substitute your favorite vegan cheese or queso sauce.

Get the recipe: Vegetarian Chili Cheese Nachos