Whether the kids have recently switched to a vegan or plant-based diet, or you are looking to prepare more heart-healthy recipes for the whole family, creating a repertoire of easy dinner recipes for kids that are also vegan can be a challenge — especially if not everyone at the table is avoiding animal products. But we promise that these easy vegan recipes for kids will satisfy everyone's cravings by leaning into familiar flavors and cooking techniques (we're looking at you, slow-cooker vegetarian chili).
Every single one of these vegan recipes is super quick to prepare and even the pickiest eaters will be asking for a second serving of pasta or second slice of vegan pizza. Plus, there are a few recipes that work just as well for after-school snacks, and every one is also a vegetarian recipe. You can prepare these recipes for dinner and pack leftovers in their lunch boxes the next day. Soon enough, these kid-friendly vegan recipes will become a regular part of your family dinner routine. Meatless Mondays will be replaced with plant-based patties any day of the week, and your go-to kid-friendly breakfast menu will expand to include eggless options. With these budget-friendly recipes, cooking vegan for the whole family has never been so easy (or delicious!).
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Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas
Con Poulos
Taco Tuesday just got a meatless makeover thanks to these sweet and smoky vegetarian fajitas (skip the sour cream or use a vegan-friendly replacement!).
Butternut squash gets a Moroccan spin with spicy cumin, ginger, and cinnamon. Made in a slow cooker, the sweet aroma will fill your home for hours before serving.
Ready in just 25 minutes, this soup combines oodles of vegetables into one bowl so the kids get a healthy serving greens while the cannellini beans add vegan protein to the mix.
On the topic of soup, stir the pot with this recipe that will satisfy any chicken and rice soup craving by swapping poultry for chickpeas and small red beans.
Vegetarian Chili with Wheat Berries, Beans, and Corn
CON POULOS. FOOD STYLIST: VIVIAN LUI. PROP STYLIST: MEGAN HEDGPETH.
The beauty of this easy chili recipe is that you can prepare all of the ingredients and freeze for up to 3 months. Then, place in a slow cooker, cover, and cook for 8 to 9 hours on low. Skip the sour cream and cheddar, or swap for non-dairy, vegan alternatives.
For another plant-based alternative, sauté crumbled tofu in a non-stick skillet for a speedy weeknight dinner that has all your favorite seasonings without the added dairy.
Spaghetti pleases most kids, and this recipe will also please parents thanks to the addition of green beans and cremini mushrooms. To keep vegan, skip the grated parmesan.
Steve Giralt; Food Styling by Anne Disrude; Prop Styling by Marina Malchin
This pesto pasta holds the cheese (optional for serving) and adds frozen broccoli florets, garlic, fresh basil, and grated lemon zest for a classic Italian flair.
If the kids (and let's be honest, you) love a hefty bowl of mac & cheese, then this vegan version is the perfect creamy creation to try. Plus, there are some added greens for extra nutrition.
Pizza night, anyone? The cashew sauce in place of your typical mozzarella shreds, combined with sun-dried tomatoes, corn, and jalapeño slices will have you grabbing for another slice.
Burgers for dinner is always an easy go-to option regardless of season, and this homemade vegetarian patty works just as well as for those following a vegan diet.
If they used to love tuna salad sandwiches packed in their lunch boxes, then they will love this vegan alternative that mashes chickpeas with mayo for an easy meal on-the-go.
Courtney CampbellCourtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits.
Elizabeth BerryEditorial AssistantElizabeth Berry (she/her) is the digital editorial assistant for Woman’s Day, where she covers seasonal recipes, holiday gift ideas, and other lifestyle topics for the website.