For kids, summertime is exciting; they welcome it with wide open arms and enthusiasm. They often are unaware of the work and effort it takes for Mom and Dad to make the summer months fun and exciting while adjusting to their kids' new schedule at school. Raising kids is hard work, and trying to find meals they will enjoy eating while avoiding being in front of a hot stove or grill seems almost impossible.
If you're a stay-at-home parent, juggling daily chores and meals can feel overwhelming. Today, we hope to share with parents some of our easy, kid-friendly meals for the summer that hopefully will keep kids, moms, and dads happy, too!
15-Minute Pizza
Here's a delicious meal that will only take 15 minutes, start to finish, to satisfy the pizza-loving kid while offering healthy options for peace of mind.
For this recipe, you can use a tortilla wrap. Substitute the white flour wrap with whole wheat, whole grain, white corn, or other alternatives for a crust. Next, use roughly three tablespoons of tomato paste with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and any other flavors your kid might like. (Some don't mind garlic; some do.) Add turkey pepperoni slices and a thinly sliced vegetable, then sprinkle everything with low-fat or skim mozzarella cheese. Preheat your oven to 425, and bake roughly 8 minutes and voila. An entire pizza for the little one in less than 15 minutes!
Are they not a fan of tomato sauce? Substitute the sauce with something they like, or skip it! Toppings are as versatile as you want, so they can probably accommodate some pickiest eaters.
That's a Wrap
Wrap sandwiches are fast, easy to make, and delicious. You can make a fulfilling, fun finger-food sandwich for the kids with deli-sliced low-sodium turkey, chicken, or shredded leftovers. Take a wrap and layer mustard, mayo, or any sandwich condiment your kid loves, then add meat, cheese, and any toppings they may like. Roll the wrap and cut it into thin slices they can hold to eat. They can be paired with your kids' favorite sides, like apple slices, nuts, or berries.
Family-Friendly Charcuterie Board Meals
There's no shame when it comes to getting your kids to eat! So, if your little one is a grazer who enjoys lots of little things, why not consider a charcuterie board for kids? Cut up low-fat cheeses with sliced veggie spears and strawberries for dessert. Toast a slice of bread with peanut butter and jelly, grapes, and their favorite crackers.
Let your kids graze by combining a plate with cheese slices or cubes, deli or shredded meats, low-fat dips, trail mixes, and seasonal fruits. There's no cooking involved, and these are great for lunch or dinner and can be pre-prepped, such as chopping the veggies and cheeses beforehand and storing them in the fridge for when it's time to eat. Plus, maybe moms and dads would love it, too!
Bring Out The Crockpot
If you have a crockpot, this is a fantastic tool for any busy person or parent to have in their kitchen. You can cook so many delicious and straightforward things, low and slow, with a set-it-and-forget-it mindset until it's mealtime. Additionally, since it's not the stove top or oven, crockpots generate less heat and can be a dump-and-go meal, so parents can save time and effort during hectic summer days.
- Ranch Chicken – An easy crockpot dish that turns chicken breasts into flavor-packed, tender, juicy shredded meat that you can use in a hamburger bun, a wrap, sandwiches, create burritos and taquitos, or even use to top a salad or a bowl. All you need is one can of cream of chicken soup, 1 packet of dry ranch seasoning mix, and either ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water with 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place the soup, ranch packet, broth, or water in your crockpot and whisk until combined. Next, add the chicken breast and make sure it's coated with the sauce on all sides, then cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, and that's it! Want to kick up the flavor? Before adding the chicken, add herbs and spices like garlic powder, dried chives, onion powder, parsley flakes, dillweed, dry ground mustard, and pepper.
- Mac n' Cheese. It's simply comforting for kids and moms, and many adjustable recipes are available online for all budgets and cooking experiences. You can choose healthier options like whole-wheat pasta, low-fat cheeses, and milk, or milk and cheese alternatives can be substituted for those lactose intolerant, and it's a dump-in-the-pot-and-go recipe everyone will love.
- Pulled chicken or pork sandwiches, if either of these things are a favorite for you and the kids, are amazingly straightforward and tasty flavor bombs that will have everyone wanting more.
No Cook For Kids (And Adults)
No time for cooking at all? Too hot to cook, or you don't own a crock pot? Don't worry; Wholey's has your back! Try some of these delectable no-cook meal ideas:
- Peanut butter toast with fruit. Easy, simple, and accessible for kids of all ages. (Or perfect for tired moms and dads to get takeout after the kids are in bed!)
- Shrimp tacos – If your kid is adventurous or enjoys seafood and shrimp, grab some precooked shrimp (or substitute with a cooked rotisserie chicken) and a bag of coleslaw mix. Combine with a taco shell or fresh tortilla, and let the kids top the tacos as they see fit. Make a delicious and creamy sauce with ½ cup sour cream, the zest and juice of a lime, a pinch of sugar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a dash of salt; mix and drizzle over the protein in the taco.
- Microwave cheese quesadillas. There is no need to get out the frying pan or oven with these! Use your favorite tortillas and place one on a microwave-safe plate. Layer your kid's (or yours, we don't judge) cheese or cheese alternative on the tortilla, then top it with their favorite filling items. Some suggestions your kid may like include taco-seasoned chicken or beef, beans, diced tomatoes, avocado, corn, spinach, and bell peppers. Add a small amount of cumin and chili powder if they enjoy it. Once the cheese and fillings are on, place the other tortilla on top and microwave until the cheese has melted, for about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and cut into pieces for a cheesy, effortless meal.
This summer, save yourself from overheating over the stove with Wholey's! Whether you need the freshest seafood on the market, the choicest cuts of high-quality, delectable meats, or are looking for food inspiration for any meal, we'll have something for kids of all ages!