Trying to get your family on the plant-based train but realizing cow's milk is in seemingly all their favorite dishes? I know when I first went vegan I was shocked at just how many "healthy" kid recipes were loaded with dairy. But the transition to plants doesn't have to be a struggle. You can wean your kids from cow's milk, without anyone feeling like their missing out, with these easy and delicious vegan recipes for kids.
Bonus: all the recipes are completely oil-free too!
Before We Begin: The Easiest Way to Get Your Kids Eating Plant-Based Foods
Fill the fridge with love! Get ready-made and delicious kid-friendly recipes delivered to your door...and they're all whole food plant-based. Fresh and ready to heat and eat in minutes. Get started now.
Mains: 5 Vegan Recipes for Kids Who Love Dairy
1. Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Image and Recipe from Nutriciously
This recipe for vegan mac and cheese will make your kids forget all about dairy. Seriously! So creamy and comforting plus it's loaded with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
2. Cheesy Vegan Quesadillas
Image and Recipe from The Vegan 8
One bite of these cheesy vegan quesadillas will have you questioning if there really isn't any dairy in the recipe...but rest assured, no cow's milk here. It features homemade vegan mozzarella instead, and it's not only packed with plant-based protein but completely oil-free!
3. 3-ingredient Vegan Pancakes
Image and Recipe from The Sweet Simple Vegan
Is there anything better than pancakes on a lazy Sunday morning? And if you thought you needed to say goodbye to fluffy pancakes now that you're family's on the plant-based train, boy do I have good news for you. These delicious vegan pancakes are ridiculously easy to make, naturally sweet and healthy!
4. Healthy Vegan Pizza Rolls
Image and Recipe from Nutriciously
When it comes to vegan recipes for kids, you can't not include pizza, am I right? Vegan pizza rolls are the ideal snack for kids who are used to more Standard American fare. These veggie-loaded pizza rolls are also a busy mom's best friend as they can be stored in the freezer for heat-and-go snacks.
5. Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta
Image and Recipe from Healthy Girl Kitchen
Lasagna is kind of the ultimate comfort foods, for kids and adults! Traditional lasagna however involves copious amounts of milk for the bechamel, and dairy in the sauce and layers. But you don't have to give up on this family favorite. Just veganize it with this oil-free vegan recipe for kids, featuring heavenly tofu ricotta that can also be used in many other comfort food favorites, like vegan manicotti.
Desserts: 5 MORE Vegan Recipes for Kids Who Love Sweets
And now for the really fun part: dessert!
1. Yogurt Parfait
Image and Recipe from V Nutrition
This creamy yogurt vegan parfait is perfect for breakfast, a light snack, or a healthy dessert! And it's versatile as all get out so feel free to add anything your kids like: berries, all-natural nut butter, refined sugar-free granola. The possibilities are endless.
2. Vegan Hot Chocolate
Image and Recipe from Chocolate-Covered Katie
You can still cuddle up with your kids' favorite winter beverage thanks to this easy and delicious vegan hot cocoa recipe.
3. Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake
Image and Recipe from MamaSezz
Speaking of favorite beverages, this vegan recipe for kids is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Creamy peanut butter and raw cacoa powder join forces for one delicious dairy-free milkshake!
4. Banana Nice Cream
Image and Recipe from Chocolate-Covered Katie
Today, vegan ice cream can be found in nearly any grocery store but, unfortunately it's often high in fat, added sugar, additives and preservative. The good news is, you can easily vegan ice cream at home using everyday ingredients, specifically frozen bananas! Sound good? Heck yes it does! Choose from these 10 kid-friendly vegan ice cream flavors, from peanut butter and cookies and cream to mint chocolate chip.
5. Date Caramel Sauce
Image and Recipe from MamaSezz
This caramel sauce is dairy free, oil-free, AND refined sugar free. Perfect for dipping apple slicers, drizzling over vegan pancakes, or even enjoying by the spoonful!