Getting picky eaters to enjoy vegetables can be a challenge, but with the right recipes, it’s entirely possible. These side dishes are both nutritious and packed with flavors that will win over anyone. Forget about the unenthusiastic responses to greens; these dishes will have everyone asking for seconds.
Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
Crispy green bean fries from the air fryer come with a spicy dip, making veggies fun to eat. It’s a great way to make a healthy snack that feels like a treat, perfect for anyone hesitant about greens.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
Spinach Cheddar Cakes
These spinach and cheddar cakes are perfect for those who are not big on veggies. The combo of cheese and spinach is so good, it’ll win over even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they’re great as a snack or a side, especially with that creamy buffalo dip.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Cheddar Cakes
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
If you’ve got frozen broccoli and an air fryer, you’re all set for a side dish that turns out crispy, not mushy. This recipe is super quick and makes broccoli that even veggie skeptics will want to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin
This broccoli and cauliflower gratin is loaded with cheese and breadcrumbs, making it a hit for veggie doubters. It’s a great way to enjoy these vegetables, covered in cheesy goodness that makes everything better.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin
Air Fryer Okra Fries
Okra in the air fryer turns out crispy and crunch, shaking off its slimy reputation. Seasoned to perfection, this okra fries recipe is a fantastic way to get your greens in, even if you think you don’t like okra.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Okra Fries
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
What picky eater would say no to asparagus when it’s wrapped in bacon? Bacon grease coats the asparagus as it cooks to crispy perfection and the salty addicting bite of bacon in each forkful will convert even the most die-hard green haters.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Cheesy Quinoa
Quinoa mixed with cheese and zucchini makes a dish that’s both comforting and a smart way to sneak in more veggies. It’s a hit with everyone, making it a great choice for a family dinner side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Quinoa
Stuffed Round Zucchini
Stuffed round zucchini is as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for a healthy side dish. It’s a creative way to serve squash that’s bound to be a hit, even with those usually skeptical about vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Round Zucchini
Zucchini Fries
Baked vegan zucchini fries are so good, they’ll make you forget you’re eating vegetables. With a crunchy texture, they’re a perfect side or snack for anyone, especially those not keen on their greens.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fries
Zucchini Ricotta Bake
This zucchini ricotta bake is an easy, cheese-filled dish that reminds you of lasagna but simpler and with a veggie twist. It’s a great way to enjoy zucchini, even for those who usually steer clear of it.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Bake
Utica Greens
Utica greens come packed with flavors from escarole, prosciutto, and hot peppers, all topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. It’s a side that goes well with anything and is perfect for introducing more greens in a very tasty way.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens
Spicy Collard Greens and Rice
Spicy collard greens paired with lemon and brown rice make a complete side that’s great with any protein. It’s an easy way to make a nutritious dish that even those who shy away from greens will find hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Collard Greens and Rice
Fried Plantains
Picky eaters will love the texture and taste of simple fried plantains. Similar to potatoes but sweeter, they’re a wonderful stand-in carbohydrate when you want something a little different on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Fried Plantains
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
