Eating healthy snacks is something we all aim for. We make our grocery lists, plan out our meals, and then switch into parent-mode and grab whatever's convenient. We know how important it is to eat a healthy serving of fruits and veggies, but that doesn’t always mean it’s easy. I’ll be the one to say it—veggies don’t always feel as fulfilling or appealing on their own.

I definitely have moments where, instead of grabbing a bowl of cucumbers or a serving of celery, I’m reaching for those homemade rice crispy treats. But here’s the good news: healthy snacking doesn’t have to be bland and boring! It’s SUPER easy to sneak in a little sweet potato here or zucchini there and forget you’re even eating it.

That’s why today, we’re talking about hidden veggie recipes that are packed with nutrition and are full of flavor. Whether you’re looking to up your veggie intake (or maybe sneak a few veggies onto your little one’s plate), there are recipes the whole family can look forward to.

5 Hidden Vegetable Snacks: Healthy And Fun Bites

If I ask you, “Why is it important to snack on veggies?” Your answer would probably be something along the lines of… “because they’re good for you.” Which is absolutely correct! But… there’s a lot more to it.

That said, before we dive straight into those hidden veggie recipes, we first have to talk about why snacking on vegetables is so important. Diving deep into the benefits is what encouraged me, and I’m hoping it can do the same for you!

Why Snack On Vegetables?

There really are so many benefits to snacking on veggies, and “being good for us” is just one among many. Let’s explore a few other reasons why vegetables deserve a spot on your plate.

Vitamins and Minerals: Veggies have tons of vitamins and minerals. These, in turn, support our everyday functioning.
Fiber: I’ve discussed fiber in previous recipes before, but do you know just how beneficial it is? It aids in digestion and reduces the risk of certain diseases—it’s that kind of good.
Antioxidants: When it comes to keeping up with a healthy immune system, antioxidants play a huge role. Not only do they reduce the risk of cancers and diseases, but they also stabilize and protect your cells. As a result, this improves everything from gut health and eye health to brain function and immune function.
Blood Sugar Control: Did you know that vegetables actually help to regulate blood sugar? That high fiber content slows down how fast sugar can reach your bloodstream. Because of this, you can expect improved insulin-sensitivity and better digestion.
Heart Health: It’s true—veggies are fantastic for heart health. And when your heart is nice and strong, your body follows.
Eye Health: Did your parents ever tell you to eat your carrots to keep your eyesight sharp? We all rolled our eyes at the time, but there’s some truth to that! Certain veggies are great for maintaining good vision.
Higher Energy: When you eat a bunch of artificial sweeteners, you’re bound to crash at some point. Those who eat their veggies have higher, more productive energy levels. Think of veggies as a natural fuel that keeps your energy steady and strong.

What Are The Best Vegetables To Snack On?

Broccoli
Carrots
Squash
Cucumbers
Celery
Peppers
Pea Pods
Cauliflower
Sweet Potatoes
Radishes (a bit of a natural spice, but so yummy)
Avocado

When you’re using veggies in recipes, especially if you’re trying to go easy on the amount at first, you may have a lot leftovers. Instead of tossing them out, put them in this snack box set! It makes storing leftovers super sustainable and convenient.

How To Hide Vegetables In Snacks

Cook them into the food: Cooking your veggies into the food is the easiest way to forget they’re even there. You can’t physically see them, and oftentimes, you can’t really taste them either, like in this chicken nuggets recipe.
Finely chop the ingredients: The finer you chop your veggies, the less noticeable they become. They begin to blend with other ingredients and act as a boost of flavor rather than a distraction.
Use stronger flavors: Some veggies have little to no flavor, and some veggies you can taste if they so much as touch another ingredient. In either case, using stronger, more appealing flavors can help mask those intense veggie tastes and make them easier to enjoy.
Think about the texture: A lot of veggies have a higher water content—great for consuming, not always great for cooking! When adding a blended or pureed veggie to a dish, always make sure you’re using an even ratio. You don’t want your meal to become soggy—yuck! For tips on prepping your vegetables, check out: “Cheap and Easy Ways to Cook Veggies.”

How To Make Snacks With Hidden Vegetables

Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese: Mac and cheese is the reigning champ of easy-to-please lunch or dinner ideas. It’s full of familiar tastes and textures, and it’s packed full of nutrients. (Yes, it’s true!). There are a handful of different ways to sneak those veggies into mac and cheese for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Cauliflower Pizza Crust: Ordering pizza is always fun, but you know what’s better? Making your own pizzas and turning it into a fun bonding experience when the kids wanna join in! It’s even more exciting when these pizzas use cauliflower instead of traditional dough. All the cheesy goodness, none of the stomachaches.
Pasta Salad: Pasta salad is a FANTASTIC way to get a healthy dose of veggies and enjoy a refreshing meal at the same time. For kids, you can use fun noodles and lots of colorful, finely diced veggies. But if you’re making this meal for yourself, layer on the veggies and enjoy! You can also find a healthy, easy-to-make salad dressing recipe in the recipe link.
Breakfast Bowl: What you eat for breakfast can set the tone for the day, so why not start with a healthy breakfast option? This breakfast bowl is perfect for staying full and energized long after you finish it. You can customize it however you’d like with different meats, eggs, veggies, and sauces.
Coconut Milk Smoothie: This coconut milk smoothie is another fun and yummy breakfast option. Or, you can enjoy it as a mid-day treat! One of the best things about smoothies is their versatility. You can toss a handful of greens in, blend them with your fruits, and not even know the difference. Aside from the smoothie being bright green, the taste and texture remain the same!

Hidden veggie snacks are as easy to make as they are delicious!

Eating enough veggies can be hard—no matter what age you are! As parents, we’re more focused on nourishing our kids and then serving ourselves. And for kids, it’s like they turn a certain age and begin turning their noses up at veggies. (Seriously, what’s that about? It’s like they know they’re good for them!). Either way, these recipes are convenient, healthy, and good for you! Because, yes, you CAN have it all.

For more yummy meal and snack ideas, check out these posts:

For more fun and imaginative independent play, order our new book, Playful by Design—out NOW! It’s a guide to transforming your home into a place of creativity and connection, igniting kids’ imagination, and fostering independence.

Don’t forget to check out the Mothercould blog for more yummy, hidden veggie recipes. (Don’t worry, I also have lots of good-for-you sweet treats, too!). And, for play recipes, in-depth tutorials, and exciting activity packs, download the Mothercould in Your Pocket resource.

5 HIDDEN VEGETABLE SNACKS: HEALTHY AND FUN BITES