Start your family’s week off right by adding a Meatless Monday theme night into your weekly dinner routine. In addition to having a positive effect on the environment, Meatless Monday does double duty, by giving the family a weekly restart while at the same time, getting more veggies on the table. If you want to start a Meatless Monday plan, consider these recipes even the pickiest little eaters will enjoy:
Awesome Broccoli Marinara
Perfect for time-strapped moms who can opt for shortcuts during meal preparation (minced garlic, can of tomatoes), this dish doesn’t skimp on flavor. Turn this “side dish” into an entree by tossing with pasta, pine nuts, basil and fresh Parmesan cheese.
Get the recipe at AllRecipes.
Baked Spaghetti Squash & Cheese
Take your mac and cheese game to the next level with this healthier take on the traditional dish. When smothered in cheese, it’s nearly impossible to decipher a spaghetti noodle versus a spaghetti squash noodle. If you’re feeding four or less people, save room for leftovers, as this recipe goes a long way.
Get the recipe at Skinny Taste.
Dumpling Stir Fry
Another recipe that maximizes your time, frozen dumplings serve as the base for this meal that’ll make you feel like you’re in a Chinese restaurant. Insider tip: double the sauce and add a hint more ginger to pack a more flavorful punch.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Lentil Burgers with Lemon-Basil Mayonnaise
Once your kiddos feast on this burger, they’ll probably never utter the words “McDonald’s” again. Seriously, while this one is a bit more time consuming (total cooking time 65 minutes), it is worth the wait and tasty enough that no one will miss beef-based burgers.
Get the recipe at Food Network.
Mini Spinach and Cheese Pizzas
A tasty elevation to a standard cheese pizza, this recipe provides an opportunity to develop your child’s cheese palette. While it calls for ricotta cheese, fresh mozzarella and burrata are also delicious substitutions.
Get the recipe at Martha Stewart.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not have it twice? These pancakes are sweet and mouth-watering, making it hard to eat only one stack! What’s more, they freeze really well so you can sleep in instead of cooking breakfast the next morning. You’re welcome.
Get the recipe at Jar of Lemons.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
This article originally published on April 8, 2019. It has been updated with the most recent information.