If you've got veggie-averse kids at home, now's the time to start introducing them to fresh produce. Farmers markets are bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables, and they're sweeter and tastier than any other time of the year. From fresh asparagus and peas to carrots, Spring onions, kale, and more, we've rounded up our favorite kid-friendly springtime recipes. Bon appétit!
Egg Fried Rice
Leftover rice gets a fun and healthy upgrade with Annabel Karmel's egg fried rice. She says adding chicken, prawns, and vegetables — especially Spring onions, peas, and carrots this time of year — "makes a complete meal, and this is a great, quick supper to throw together for all the family. It's fun to serve chicken rice in a bowl with some child-friendly chopsticks."
Chicken Teriyaki
You'll forget your favorite takeout's phone number after trying this slow-cooker chicken teriyaki from Cooking Classy. This Asian dish has just the right amount of salty and sweet, which results in lots of empty plates. Boost it with some farm-fresh vegetables to make it even healthier.
Source: Cooking Classy
Spicy Citrus Grilled Shrimp
Kelsey Banfield's The Naptime Chef specializes in quick and easy recipes that can be prepared in about as long as it takes a tot to nap. Her spicy citrus grilled shrimp "can easily be prepared at any time during the day and grilled up in no time for dinner." Plus, it's light and refreshing for this time of year.
Source: The Naptime Chef
Turkey Sliders With Baked Potato Wedges
Dinnertime may be a rush, but it's a great time to bring kids into the kitchen. Everyday Food's Sarah Carey shares a recipe that kids can easily lend a hand in making: "Give burgers and 'fries' a healthier, more kid-friendly spin by baking them in the oven (no spattering grease!). Just make sure a grown-up handles the pans."
Source: Everyday Food
Simply Super Salmon Teriyaki
We can't stress the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids enough. The healthy fats — found in oily fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and mackerel —optimize messaging between nerve cells in the brain, keeping the brain functioning properly. Getting kids to eat the nutrient-rich foods isn't a fight when they are well seasoned. Annabel Karmel says, "My children and I all love Japanese food, and it is well worth investing in bottles of sake and mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine), as you will want to make this salmon teriyaki over and over again!" Snow peas and sugar snap peas — common accompaniments to Japanese cooking —are particularly good this time of year.
Source: Annabel Karmel
Marinated Beef With Vegetables
Beef doesn't have to be an all-day affair. Annabel Karmel says: "This delicious, quick, and easy-to-prepare beef stir-fry is bound to become a family favorite. It makes a great all-in-one meal."
Source: Annabel Karmel
Pork and Mango Stir-Fry
Meals that can be prepped in the morning and then quickly cooked at dinnertime are ideal for families juggling after-school activities. This pork and mango stir-fry from Amanda Haas and Cooking Light — which can also be made with chicken breasts — can be prepped before everyone heads off for work and school in the morning and then cooked in just 10 minutes! Pack it full of fresh vegetables for a real Spring meal.
Source: Cooking Light Real Family Food
Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
Getting kids to try fish can be tricky, but just read the ingredients in Amanda Haas and Cooking Light's parmesan-crusted tilapia, and you know it is something your kids will love. Amanda says it tastes great on its own or served in fish tacos for kids who love to build things!
Source: Cooking Light Real Family Food
Middle Eastern Chicken Burgers
If your kids love hamburgers, it's time to introduce them to the burger's fun new cousin. Weelicious's Catherine McCord replaces the beef in the traditional patty with lighter and healthier ground chicken and then jazzes it up with some fresh herbs from the garden to create Middle Eastern chicken burgers. "By incorporating some curry, garlic powder, fresh parsley, and mint into the ground chicken and sauce, you give the ordinary burger a huge burst of unforgettable flavors." She says her family enjoys them off the bun as much as on!
Source: Weelicious
Couscous Salad With Chickpeas, Tomatoes, and Mint
On weeknights, every minute counts, and if Mom and Dad don't need to turn on the stove, that's precious moments saved! Jessica Seinfeld's couscous salad with chickpeas, tomatoes, and mint doesn't require any oven time, as it simply uses hot tap water for making the couscous. Packed with protein and flavor, Jessica says, "it's also perfect the next day for a brown-bag lunch."
Source: Do It Delicious
30-Minute Italian Lemon Chicken Sauté
This quick, easy, and light chicken dish from A Year at the Table is wonderfully versatile and can be served with rice or pasta. With lots of bright lemon flavor — lemons are juiciest this time of year — this dish is a perfect dinner any night.
Source: A Year at the Table
Chicken Pizza
Instead of ordering takeout, try making this homemade chicken pizza tonight for a real family-friendly treat. From POPSUGAR Food, this recipe is easier than you think and masks tomatoes with a lot of cheese and fresh flavor. Leave out the jalapeño if your kids aren't into spice.
Soy-Ginger Flank Steak
Serve your flank steak the way the pros do, and cut it diagonally instead of straight up and down. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike!
Source: The Mom 100 Cookbook: 100 Recipes Every Mom Needs in Her Back Pocket
What to Make: Mango Sherbet
As the days get warmer, cool off with a refreshingly tropical mango sherbet. The limited ingredients — including one of Spring's powerhouse fruits, the mango — maintain the vivid flavor of the fruit.
Photo: Lauren Hendrickson
Asparagus Pizza
Fresh flavors come together in perfect Spring harmony for a lovely asparagus pizza with lemon vinaigrette.
Carrot Zucchini Bread
If you're looking for a twist on tradition, it's time to taste some carrot zucchini bread, made with Spring-fresh carrots.
Avocado-Pear Smoothie
A creamy avocado and pear smoothie is a cool and refreshing way to start your morning.
Steamed Baby Carrots
A simple side of steamed baby carrots with orange-dill butter would be a welcome addition to any Spring meal.
Carrot Rosemary Potato Latkes
Latkes aren't just for Hanukkah. Our carrot rosemary potato latkes make for a happy and healthier version of the much-adored appetizer any time of the year.
Spinach- and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells
Spinach is particularly tasty in Spring months. Knowing that kids can't get enough pasta (and cheese) makes these spinach- and ricotta-stuffed shells a great addition to the weeknight dinner rotation.
Source: Real Simple