12 Easy Recipes for Teens & Older Kids on the Go
As kids grow up, they often have more demanding schedules – so parents may need to get more creative to ensure they get their fruits and veggies! We’ve created a list of 12 kid-friendly recipes that appeal to older kids and teens.
The list includes make-ahead meals and snacks as well as quick and easy options to whip up on busy days. There are also recipes for different times of day, and most are simple to take on the go.
You might even be able to get some help making all or part of these dishes, depending on your crew’s age and comfort level in the kitchen. Give it a whirl!
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Egg Bites for Easy Mornings
These kid-friendly recipes make breakfast a breeze. They’re simple to assemble and customize with your family’s favorite vegetables – or add new ones in.
Egg-celent Breakfast Muffins
Get a strong start to your day with these fun, easy and nutritious egg bites. They’re so yummy and cheesy, with pops of color from broccoli and bell peppers. In just 30 minutes, your hot, fresh breakfast is served!
Sweet Potato Egg Cups
These mini frittatas are packed with sweet potatoes, spinach, and cheese for a tasty, satisfying breakfast or snack. Make and serve hot … or let them cool, then freeze for a simple solution on busy mornings.
Simple Smoothie Recipes
Cool, refreshing smoothies offer such an appealing (and portable) way to get more servings of fruit in a day. These are easy recipes for teens and kids to make on their own!
Creamy Berry Peach Smoothie
Berries and peaches make a perfect pair. You only need four simple, healthy ingredients for this recipe, which adds avocado and almond milk for one creamy, dreamy peach and berry smoothie.
Strawberry Walnut Date Smoothie
This unique smoothie combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with sweetness from strawberries and dates. It’s like a sophisticated, sippable take on a PB&J and oh-so-easy to make and take on the go.
Fruit- and Veggie-Forward Baked Goods
Sometimes, you just need to wrap the goodness of fruits and vegetables in the form of cookies, muffins and other treats – like these crowd-pleasers!
Rice Krispies® Apple Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies
For a nourishing snack, these “breakfast” cookies are equally delicious any time of day. They include applesauce and raisins for natural sweetness and texture – and only get better when enjoyed with your milk of choice.
Sweet Potato Muffins
Flavored with warm, comforting cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, these muffins are a time-tested kid favorite. They’re gluten-free, so they fit into a variety of diets, and they freeze well for future snacking!
Easy Energy Ball Recipes
With these quick snacks, active teens and older kids can stay fueled up through school days, sports practices, hangouts with friends, and all the activities on their agenda.
Chocolate Pomegranate Energy Bites
Look no further for a healthy, filling protein snack full of antioxidants. These pomegranate chocolate balls are nut-free, and they can be vegan with one substitution. Refrigerate to enjoy now or freeze for later!
No-Bake Blueberry Coconut Energy Balls
Ready in less than 10 minutes, these energy balls feature the underrated combo of blueberries and coconut for a refreshing bite. Add chopped nuts for crunch or dip in melted chocolate for a sweet finish.
Simple Sandwiches with a Twist
You can’t beat a sandwich as a lunch staple or quick snack! These recipes will help you mix it up with imaginative ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables.
PB & Berry Tacos
If your kids love a classic PB&J, try this lunchbox-ready, “mini taco” version. For the taco filling, use strawberries, blueberries or any other favorite berries to replace the jelly. They’re fresh, juicy and fun to eat.
Fiesta Ham Roll Up
Teens and older kids will love these savory roll-ups, which they can make using what’s in the fridge! Start with ham, string cheese and guacamole, then add other sliced vegetables or leafy greens to taste.
Easy Veggie Recipes for Dinner
When you want to enjoy quick but flavorful dinners with no fuss, we’ve got you covered. Both of these kid-friendly recipes come together in 30 minutes or less.
One Pot Taco Tortellini
Our cheesy, creamy taco tortellini combines classic pasta with Taco Tuesday flair. It uses pantry staples like marinara sauce and taco seasoning – and you can add your go-to canned or fresh veggies, like black beans and corn.
Easy Weeknight Walking Tacos
This dinner is so fast and flexible! The base is ground beef and zucchini, but each person can customize with even more veggies, such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, black beans, corn, onions and jalapeños.
Bonus: Bento Box Inspiration
Bento boxes bring variety, allowing you to create a balanced meal or set of snacks that match your mood. Another of our easy recipes for teens and kids to make for themselves!
Blueberry Pecan Snack Box
Here’s one of our favorites to get you started: blueberries, cucumber slices and ranch dressing, a hard-boiled egg, pecans, cheese, and salami. You can sub in more fruits and veggies for additional nutrients like fiber.
Find recipes for your family
You know your people – and we’ve made it easy to search for what they need and want. Browse our kid-friendly recipes tag for more ideas and add filters for health and dietary needs. We’ve also compiled popular quick and easy, 5-ingredient recipes as well as easy, affordable, healthy meals built almost entirely from pantry staples. Notice a theme? We want you to have all kinds of fruit- and veggie-forward options at your fingertips to help you simplify and enjoy your meals and snacks!
