Kids love these!!! Zucchini Pizza Dippers. A healthy snack or lunch for even the most skeptical veggie haters.

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Contributor post written by Renee from Raising Generation Nourished

Let’s talk about veggies, shall we?

Specifically kids and veggies.

Groan

Kids love these!!! Zucchini Pizza Dippers. A healthy snack or lunch for even the most skeptical veggie haters.

I know, I know. Sometimes the subject of kids and veggies is draining to even think about, but hear me out today! Because not only do I have a few tips to make them tolerate veggies with less complaints, but I also have a super fun recipe they will all come running for!

Unfortunately these days, those of us trying to bring a more real food approach to our homes have to compete with bright, fun cartoons making super processed food look really fun, and anything in the form of a veggie takes on the form of fake “veggie straws.”

Kids love these!!! Zucchini Pizza Dippers. A healthy snack or lunch for even the most skeptical veggie haters.

So here’s the deal.

My experience has been that my little ones who aren’t as fond of veggies accept veggies better when they are fun, and the kids get to be a part of this fun.

4 Fun Ways to Help Kids Love Veggies

Fruit and Veggie Bingo Game

1. Dip It

Platters of a variety of veggie sticks in their size with yummy 5 minute Ranch dip can work with kids and teens of any age. They get to pick which veggies go on their plate, and not only will it taste good with the homemade Ranch, but the friendly fats in the Ranch will help the fat-soluble vitamins in the veggies absorb in the body. Win-win.

2. Oodles of Noodles

Making veggie “noodles” with a spiralizer is another way to make the veggies fun, while keeping the integrity of it still being a vegetable.

3. Embrace Change

Change things up! Some kids do thrive on the familiar, but the majority of kids will jump at something new if it is fun. Especially if it has the word pizza in it!

4. Play BINGO

Hey, it’s Kristin. I just had to add to Renee’s fabulous tips. Another fun way to encourage a love for veggies is to play BINGO. Not just any BINGO, a fruit and veggie inspired version. You can download a free printable game to play while enjoying Zucchini Pizza Dippers. Back to Renee…

Kids love these!!! Zucchini Pizza Dippers. A healthy snack or lunch for even the most skeptical veggie haters.

One of my girls is just not a zucchini fan. I have prepared it for her many ways. She will tolerate it spiralized but that’s about it. I don’t push veggies the girls don’t care for, although kids do typically begin to accept veggies that keep showing up on their plate.

I found a way of making zucchini that makes my little one who isn’t a zucchini fan inhale about two whole zucchinis in one sitting! She loves Parmesan Baked Zucchini Spears, and one day I decided to dress those zucchini spears up a little different.

It’s amazing what a little Italian seasoning and a great pizza/spaghetti sauce to dip in will do.

Kids love these!!! Zucchini Pizza Dippers. A healthy snack or lunch for even the most skeptical veggie haters.

Zucchini Pizza Dippers are the perfect size for little hands, and kids love to dip!

Let the kids serve themselves and dip family-style around the table. I know my kids always eat more when I serve food on a platter they can share together – there is something about the socialization of sitting with your community and eating together. Kids thrive off on it.

Other than the fact that this dish makes my kids very happily eat some veggies, my favorite part about Zucchini Pizza Dippers is how easy and quick this meal comes together — just a few minutes (less than twenty to be exact) to cut and toss the zucchini sticks on the baking sheet and into the oven.

Zucchini Pizza Dippers make a great quick lunch addition with some pepperoni slices and a piece of fruit, or a great dinner side. I even served these dippers as an after school snack one day.

Zucchini Pizza Dippers
5 from 1 vote

20-Minute Zucchini Pizza Dippers

Other than the fact that this dish makes my kids very happily eat some veggies, my favorite part about Zucchini Pizza Dippers is how easy and quick this meal comes together — just a few minutes (less than twenty to be exact) to cut and toss the zucchini sticks on the baking sheet and into the oven.
Kristin Marr
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 varies with size
Calories 104 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3-4 small zucchini sliced long into quartered spears, and then I like to halve each spear so they are easier for little ones to dip (smaller/skinnier zucchini work better than the big fat ones)
  • 1 TB avocado oil or melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 2 tsp italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups spaghetti sauce

Instructions

  • Place the zucchini on a baking sheet and toss them with the oil, seasonings, and cheese.
  • Line up the zucchini so the flesh is facing up.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, and then under the broiler on high for another 3-5 minutes. Watch the dippers under the broiler after a few minutes so they don’t get too brown.

Notes

Find my favorite kitchen essentials, here.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 1035mgPotassium: 647mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 775IUVitamin C: 24.4mgCalcium: 114mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Kids love these!!! Zucchini Pizza Dippers. A healthy snack or lunch for even the most skeptical veggie haters.

More Real Food You May Like:

Fruit and Veggie Bingo Game

Get Your Kids to Love Veggies: Printable BINGO Game

5 Hands-On Ways to Help Your Family Love Real Food

5 Hands-On ways to Help Your Family Love Real Food

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One Bowl Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies

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4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Such a great idea! I love Zucchini and i love pizza, perfect combo for me!
    Thanks for the recipe!!
    Xo Jenny