Feeding a toddler can be both exciting and challenging. By now, your little one is ready to explore a variety of foods and textures, but you want to ensure they are eating healthy, minimally processed meals. You also want to make sure you are avoiding choking hazards. With your busy lifestyle, it’s helpful to have ideas that are relatively quick and easy to prepare.

Balancing all of these priorities, here are 15 nutritious and easy-to-prepare food ideas that will keep your toddler happy and healthy. And, of course, eating plenty of vegetables!

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What are Some Easy Toddler Meal Ideas?

1. Avocado Toast

   Avocado toast is a simple, nutrient-packed meal that toddlers love. Mash ripe avocado and spread it on whole-grain toast. You can add a sprinkle of lemon juice for flavor and a dash of finely chopped veggies like tomatoes or cucumbers for extra nutrition. I like to cut my toast pieces into 1-inch wide strips to make it easy for little fingers to grab.

2. Banana Pancakes

Pancakes are naturally sweet and soft, making them perfect for little hands and mouths. My go-to pancake mix is Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes flapjack & waffle mix. This is packed with protein and fiber for some extra nutrition. I love blending bananas or berries into this for some extra goodness and sweetness.

No pancake mix on hand? No problem. Whip up easy 3-ingredient pancakes using a banana, eggs, and some flour.

3. Vegetable Omelette

A vegetable omelette is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. You can whip up an egg and some finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until fully set, and then cut into bite-sized pieces for your little one to enjoy.

If you are in to meal prepping, prepping ready-made “vegetable omelette muffins” can be a big help for busy mornings, or really anytime. Instead of cooking in a pan, put 1 egg plus some veggies into a greased muffin tin and bake these. You can freeze the extras and pull them out when you want a healthy, quick meal.

Here is are my favorite toddler plates that are similar to the photo above. I personally like toddler plates with suction to help avoid plate throwing!

4. Greek Yogurt With Berries

Greek yogurt is rich in protein and calcium, essential for your toddler's growth. Top plain Greek yogurt with a handful of fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries. This simple dish is both refreshing and nutritious, perfect for breakfast or a snack. I would recommend cutting blueberries in half for your 12 month old to avoid a choking hazard.

5. Turkey Meatballs

If you’re looking for a great finger food packed with protein, turkey meatballs can be a great option. Mix ground turkey with finely chopped onions, breadcrumbs, and an egg. Roll into small balls and bake in the oven. These can be served with a side of steamed veggies or whole grain pasta.

6. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a superfood that's perfect for toddlers. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and mix with finely chopped vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice for a tasty, nutrient-rich meal. It’s also a great new texture to introduce to your little one if you haven’t yet given them quinoa.

7. Apple and Cheese Slices

Apple and cheese slices make for a quick and healthy snack. Slice an apple into thin wedges and pair with small, thin slices of a mild cheese. This combination provides a good mix of carbohydrates and protein, keeping your little one satisfied. At 16 months old, this is still a favorite snack of my youngest!

8. Steamed Broccoli with Hummus

Steamed broccoli florets are soft and easy for toddlers to eat. Personally, I like to cook a batch of them in my Instant Pot at the beginning of the week to have available as an easy snack or addition to any meal. Pair them with a small serving of hummus for dipping. This duo offers plenty of fiber, vitamins, and protein, making it a great snack or side dish.

9. Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry

A chicken and veggie stir-fry is quick to prepare and full of nutrients. Cut chicken breast into small pieces and sauté with a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. I like to use frozen mixed veggies, especially when I’m short on time and don’t have time to chop or fresh veggies available in my fridge. Serve over a small portion of brown rice for a complete meal.

10. Cottage Cheese with Peaches

Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium, perfect for growing toddlers. It’s also a great new texture to introduce to your little one if you haven’t already. Top a small bowl of cottage cheese with slices of fresh or canned peaches. If you are using canned peaches, I recommend looking for peaches that are canned in water instead of in juice to avoid extra added sugar. This sweet and creamy combination makes for a delicious snack or dessert.

11. SPinach and Cheese Quesadilla

A spinach and cheese quesadilla is a tasty way to incorporate greens into your toddler's diet. Spread a thin layer of cheese on a whole-grain tortilla, add a handful of fresh spinach leaves, and top with another tortilla. Cook in a non-stick pan until the cheese is melted and cut into small wedges.

12. Mixed Berry Smoothie

This is an absolute favorite in my house—not just for my kids as 12 month olds but also all the way up to my oldest, who is almost 8. A mixed berry smoothie is a refreshing and nutritious drink. Blend together a mix of fresh or frozen berries, a banana, and a splash of milk or yogurt. I also often add in some chia seeds and ground flaxseed for extra fiber, healthy fats, and nutrition. This smoothie is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast.

14. WHole WHeat Pasta with Marinara Sauce

Whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce is a classic and easy meal. Cook whole wheat pasta according to package instructions and toss with a simple marinara sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Add a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor. For some extra protein, I like to use chickpea noodles instead of wheat noodles—my favorite brand that my young kids also love is Banza. It’s high fiber, high protein, and gluten free. I also sometimes add cooked ground turkey or beef to the sauce if I have it available and to make it into a more complete meal.

15. Oatmeal with fresh Fruit

Oatmeal is a versatile and nutritious breakfast option. Cook oats with milk or water and top with fresh fruit like bananas, berries, or apple slices. You can also add a small amount of cinnamon.

When cooking oatmeal for my toddlers, I tend to make it a little more dry, with less fluid. This makes it so that they can pick it up easier with their fingers or a spoon. Runny oatmeal is more difficult for little hands to eat. By simply adding a bit less water than you normally would, your oatmeal consistency can be easier for toddlers. I use both traditional rolled oats or steel cut oats for this—again, it’s great to expose your toddler to various different textures as early as possible.

Final Thoughts

With these toddler meal and snack ideas, you’re now ready to introduce new foods to your little one and to ensure you’re giving them healthy, nutritious food. Having some easy go-to meals for your toddler make mom life much easier.

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