20 Easy Summer Lunch & Dinner Recipes for Kids
Here are 20 easy, fun, and healthy summer recipes for kids! Even the picky eaters are going to love at least one of these recipes. These recipes are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack for the little ones.
Summer’s almost here! I can’t believe we’re already halfway through April…the year is just flying on by. But I’m so excited for warm weather, beach days, and farmer’s markets that are just around the corner!
The best part of summer is the return of all the yummy seasonal fruits & veggies. While fall is all about hearty casseroles and soups, summer is the perfect time for light, refreshing, and simple summer meals for kids and the whole family.
Today, I’m sharing my list of the 20 best easy and healthy summer meals for kids! This is a round-up style post, meaning that these recipes were created by other amazing food bloggers.
Please note that most of these recipes are for preschool-aged kids and up, but I think they work just as well for teens or even picky adults! You could adapt some of these recipes for toddlers, but just be careful and make sure everything is soft and doesn’t contain any choking hazards.
If you enjoy this post, don’t forget to check out my roundup of yogurt popsicle recipes and high-protein summer smoothies for kids!
Plus, don’t forget to check out all of my 5-ingredient summer recipes on this blog!
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1. Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels
Recipe source & credit: A Pop of You
These simple turkey & cheese pinwheels make a delicious lunch idea for kids! It’s also a good source of protein and dairy. Pair it with fruits or a side of veggies to make it a balanced, nutritious meal.
2. Carrot & Hummus Pinwheels
Recipe source & credit: Plant Power Couple
This is a great vegetarian alternative to the turkey & cheese pinwheels mentioned above! It’s quick and easy to whip up and a great snack or lunch idea.
3. Peanut Butter & Jam Fruit Tacos
Recipe source & credit: A Better Choice
Turn a kid favorite into a unique dish with these PB&J fruit tacos! I think these are also super versatile since you can mix & match the fruit and experiment with other types of nut butters to switch things around.
4. Summer Squash Baked Feta Pasta
Pasta is a kid favorite…andddd also my favorite. Try this summer spin on the classic viral TikTok feta pasta bake that includes summer squash and medley tomatoes. Kids will love the bow-tie pasta and the yummy creamy flavors in this simple pasta dish!
5. Crispy Broccoli Quesadillas
Recipe source & credit: High Chair Chronicles
Quesadillas are so simple to make, and they’re a great way to add vegetables into a kid-friendly food. Plus, it’s ready in no time for a quick and fuss-free lunch!
6. Rainbow Yogurt Parfaits
Recipe source & credit: Sugar Spice & Glitter
How cute are these rainbow parfaits? It’s a great source of dairy for your little one that can be topped with colorful fruits to create refreshing summer treat! No cooking involved!
7. Salmon Nuggets
Recipe source & credit: Feeding Tiny Bellies
Salmon is a powerhouse food, especially for its iron and protein content. Kids who love dunking their food in sauces & dips will love these healthy salmon nuggets!
8. Pizza Egg Muffins
Recipe source & credit: What Moms Love
I’m sure you’ve heard of egg muffins before, but have you heard about pizza egg muffins?! These are a delicious way of getting protein and veggies into your kid’s diet! Plus, they’re super simple to make and can be frozen to reheat in a jiffy for a quick meal during the week.
9. Tuna Pita Pockets
Recipe source & credit: Clean Eating With Kids
These mini pita pockets are easy for little hands to grab & eat! Fill it with tuna (or their favorite chopped meat), and add veggies to make it a complete meal that’s nutritious and simple to make!
10. Bagel Fruit Pizzas
Recipe source & credit: My Everyday Table
Take advantage of colorful summer fruits and make these super simple 5-minute bagel pizzas for breakfast or even lunch! This healthy take on pizza will leave kids satisfied and give them a good boost of vitamin C.
11. Chicken Sausage Zucchini Pasta
This is a fun, colorful pasta made with zucchini, chicken sausage, and a tomato basil sauce that your kids will absolutely love! Pair it with a fun noodle shape to make it interesting and fun for the little ones.
Tired of the same old snacks?
Get a FREE printable list of 101 easy snack ideas!
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12. Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Recipe source & credit: Yummy Toddler Food
Meatballs are a fun food for toddlers, kids, and adults! I usually make my own because of the high sodium content found in a lot of packaged meatballs. Plus, it’s a great way to add your own seasonings, herbs, and vegetables in there to make it delicious and healthy.
13. Sandwich Sushi Roll
Recipe source & credit: Somewhat Simple
These cute little sandwich sushi rolls are a little bit like pinwheels, but the way they’re rolled makes it look more like a kid-friendly sushi! This makes a great, healthy lunch for your tot and is great for dipping too!
14. Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups
Recipe source & credit: In The Kitchen With Matt
Okay I am adding this recipe to my weekly meal prep plans ASAP! These yummy grilled cheese roll-ups are sure to be a hit with the whole family, and they’re super simple and easy to whip up even for a last-minute meal.
15. Chicken & Broccoli Fritters
Recipe source & credit: My Fussy Eater
These fritters are packed with protein and green veggies to make a satisfying lunch for kids. Make them ahead of time to reheat in a pinch for a quick lunch!
16. Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Cups
Recipe source & credit: My Fussy Eater
Kids love mac & cheese, but it doesn’t always feel like the most nutritious meal out there. This healthy twist on the classic comfort food will give your child a dose of veggies while still having their noodle fix!
17. Owl Rice Cakes
Recipe source & credit: A Few Shortcuts
I love how cute these little owl rice cakes look! You can use fresh summer produce and your child’s favorite toppings to create these owl rice cakes that are almost too adorable to eat.
18. Cauliflower Cheesy Quinoa
Recipe source & credit: Healthy Little Foodies
Another cauliflower food hack! This blends the power veggie with quinoa to make it delicious and healthy for little ones.
19. Bunny Butt Pancakes
Recipe source & credit: Gather in My Kitchen
How cute are these bunny butt pancakes?! Even though these go great with Easter bunch, you can definitely make them all summer long to give your kids a fun, delicious, and healthy breakfast that will make ’em laugh!
20. Bluey Peanut Butter Toast
Recipe source & credit: Passion for Savings
Kids these days absolutely love Bluey, and they’re going to adore this cute peanut butter toast! Super simple to make, and topped with fruits to keep them energized.
I hope you enjoyed this round-up of 20 super easy & healthy summer meal ideas for kids! If you’ve tried any of these, or have other recommendations for simple summer dishes, share in the comments below!
More Seasonal Recipe Roundups
- 15 Yogurt Popsicle Recipes
- 15 High-Protein Smoothie Recipes
- 12 Peach Recipes (5 Ingredients or Less)
- 15 Easy Cucumber Lunch Recipes (5 Ingredients or Less)
- 20 Summer Recipes For Kids
