Move over, meat – we’ve got some fab suggestions for plant-based meals for kids and the rest of the family. Whether you're vegan or not, you'll love these healthy vegan recipes!
There’s a growing awareness around plant-based diets and reducing our meat intake. Serious stats, alarming articles and disturbing documentaries such as The Gamechangers or Forks Over Knives have made us seriously ponder the impact of eating meat– on our bodies and the planet. From smarter snacking to healthier dinners, we’ve recognised the benefits of rethinking what we’re putting on our plates – and, as a result, are fully embracing Veganuary and the Meat-Free Monday movement that’s swept the planet. Whether once a week, a full-on conversion to going vegan, or something in between, the bottom line is that every little bit helps. And we’re showing you how plant-based meals for kids are both possible, and yummy!
Why go meat-free on Mondays?
Now more than ten years in, the Meat-Free Monday scheme was pioneered by former Beatles singer Paul McCartney and his daughters Stella and Mary, with the idea that “one day a week can make a world of difference”. The not-for-profit campaign aims to raise awareness of the negative environmental impact of animal agriculture and industrial fishing and encourages people to help slow climate change, conserve natural resources and improve their health by having at least one plant-based day each week.
Some scary stats to consider:
- A World Health Organisation report in November 2015 ranked processed meat as a group 1 carcinogen.
- A 2019 study of more than 12,000 people found those who ate mostly plant-based foods were 32 per cent less likely to die from heart disease.
- Experts believe that if every family in the UK went meat-free just once a week, it would have the same environmental impact as taking 16 million cars off the road.
First off, don’t panic. It’s actually surprisingly easy to go meatless for at least one meal a week at home. Our tip? Plan ahead and make sure you’ve got the right ingredients on hand at home – that way, you won’t fly into a fluster come dinner time and just resort to cheesy pasta (again). These plant-based meal ideas for kids will make you feel like a total supermum when everyone demands second helpings!
16 plant-based meal ideas for kids and families
Sometimes, a lot of our meals work just as well by simply not including meat. But if you’re in need of some vegan food inspo, check out our current faves from some great recipe sites.
1. Pumpkin curry
Craving for something spicy? Well, we’ve got a plant-based recipe that you and the kids will love – a comforting pot of pumpkin curry. Made with spices, pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and extra-firm tofu, this is a hearty meal that’ll garner rave reviews and seconds… probably even more! Bonus: it only takes 30 minutes to make it. Plant-Based on a Budget has the recipe list and full instructions on how to make this. BRB, I’m making this for our dinner now.
2. Easy vegetable teriyaki stir-fry
If you love a good stir-fry, then this is one recipe that you should try out. It’s super easy and quick to make, plus you don’t have to worry about preparing side dishes since it’s loaded with proteins, fat, whole grains, and plenty of veggies. Oh, not to mention that this is also vegan and gluten-free! Pop over to Hummusapien for all the steps.
3. Quick chickpea bolognese
Speaking of quick and easy, here’s another plant-based recipe to keep handy when the hunger pangs hit the kids (and you). According to Forks Over Knives, you can chop out the chickpeas to give the sauce a finer texture or just leave them as is. Either way, the bolognese is loaded with all the yummy veggie goodness.
4. Vegan sausage rolls
Here’s a plant-based alternative to sausage rolls. Flaky puff pastries stuffed with savoury mushroom onion filling… We reckon once you’ve had this, you’ll be going, “Meat who?” These can be served at birthday parties, family get-togethers, and even as a midday snack in your kid’s lunchbox. Simple Ceecee has the deets on how to make these delish rolls.
5. Oil-free vegan fried rice
Looking to reduce – or even eliminate – oil from your diet? Then this plant-based meal is definitely one recipe that you and the fam can get behind. Just swap out the oil for water, and use your favourite veggies, good ol’ leftover brown rice, and soy sauce. The good thing about this recipe is that you can adjust it according to your whims and fancies. More veggies? Sure, why not! Add more soy sauce? Go for it! Plant Based and Broke has the instructions on making this yummy staple.
6. Vegan pancakes
Here’s another simple recipe that you can whip up for breakfast. It only takes 15 minutes tops and requires only three ingredients: banana, oats, and milk, AKA stuff that you can find in your kitchen. Add in a little bit of cinnamon for a more flavourful flapjack. We’ll definitely be making more of these, thanks to Green Evi!
7. Squash risotto with roasted kale
This is a heartwarming plant-based meal that you can serve any time of the day. Adding squash and kale creates a yummy, hearty dish that the kiddos will surely lap up to the bottom of the bowl. The Cook’s Cook has listed down this recipe that’ll guarantee second helpings from everyone after they’re done.
8. Vietnamese rice paper rolls
Paired with a mean dipping sauce, Vietnamese fresh spring rolls are a one-way ticket to Yumsville! Better yet, you can get the kids to help you roll ‘em, too. Pack them full of your favourite ingredients: we love crunchy beansprouts, fresh mint, sweet carrot, red cabbage and vermicelli noodles.
9. Veggie chilli
This one’s great for packing in oodles of veg… and it’s all mostly hidden! You can also tweak your spices to suit your tastes. We like to use a food processor to whizz up different varieties of mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, onion and capsicum, then fry off until it starts to go gnarly. Then add in your beans, a couple of tins of peeled plum tomatoes, and your spices (ground cumin, chilli flakes and paprika are a good start). You can add what you like really, but for those who like to follow a recipe, this one from Simply Recipes could inspire you. Serve with brown rice, cous cous or quinoa for extra bulking.
10. Butternut squash linguine
This vegan pasta dish looks so decadent, but it’s actually surprisingly simple, and we reckon the little people in your life will gobble it up too. The puréed butternut squash tastes creamy without a dollop of dairy in sight. Full marks to Cookie and Kate for such a sterling recipe!
11. Vegan lentil shepherd’s pie
This one’s a great one during rainy season when you just want something super warm and comforting. In this recipe from Cupful of Kale, it’s out with the lamb and in with the lentils, while the sweet potato mash topping is gorgeousness in every bite. Nom.
12. Sweet potato black bean burgers
Kids love burgers, right? There’s just something about eating with their hands that they can’t get enough of! Grab your food processor and quickly rustle up these moreish black bean burgers from Making Thyme for Health. You can top them with anything you like, but we like some red onion and fresh avocado. Serve with sweet potato fries sprinkled with a little cayenne pepper for extra nom factor.
13. Baked vegetable tater tots
We seriously dig how quick and easy these morsels are to rustle up. Not only that, but they make great party food for both kids and adults. They’re loaded with zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, onions, and garlic… and you won’t be able to stop at just one! Check out the recipe from Sweet Simple Vegan.
14. One-pot peanut sauce noodles
We haven’t got round to trying this one yet, so can’t vouch for its yumminess, but it’s certainly next on our list! We like the sound of its simplicity, and we know our kids will love slurping on those nutty noodles. Thanks to Vegan Richa for this one! Psst, best to avoid this one if the littlies have a peanut allergy.
15. Cauliflower-base mini pizzas
Pizza + kids = happiness! Healthy Little Foodies have a great little recipe – it’s not vegan as it uses cheese (although you can easily swap out the cheddar for vegan cheese), but it’s still a good no-meat meal to try with the young ‘uns. Get them to help you add assorted toppings too, to get them helping out in the kitchen. You could also make a pizza on a larger scale if you prefer to super-size.
16. Breakfast cereal bars
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it can be a challenge getting the kiddos to have their breakfast when everyone’s just rushing to get to school on time! This recipe from Healthy Grocery Girl gets the thumbs up from us. Not only are they easy to make, but you can also pack them in lunchboxes for a midday snack.
17. Vegan tacos
Kiddos love tacos, so why not “veganize” using this ingenious recipe from BBC Good Food that ensures kiddos get all of their daily 5 veggies in one serve, plus the surprising addition of kiwis amps the zesty punch of this dish.
Enjoy your plant-based meals, folks!
