38 Sneaky Ways to Eat More Vegetables

Trick your kids (and yourself!) into eating more veggies by incorporating them into your favorite meals. These recipes are sneaky good at disguising good-for-you ingredients.

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Chicken Florentine Meatballs

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 272 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 0.500 fat.
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Sweet Potato Fritters

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I had leftover sweet potatoes and had to think up a new way to use them. We love spice, so I flavored these fun fritters with harissa, just enough for flavor but not too spicy. If you want more heat, you can always adjust the spice to please your taste buds. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 2 fritters : 217 calories, 13g fat (10g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
3/37

Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.

4/37

Zucchini Boats

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.

5/37

Mushroom Tacos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 300 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
6/37

Vegetable Meat Loaf

Total Time 55 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I'm not big on leftovers, so I've pared down my recipes to serve two. This meat loaf is simple and quick to prepare, plus it helps you eat your veggies. It's great served with cheddar-topped baked potatoes. —Judi Brinegar, Liberty, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 330 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 1349mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
7/37

Pork Lettuce Wraps

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Casual, flavorful and low in carbohydrates, these Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wrap, which allows them to personalize to suit their tastes. —Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 199 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
8/37

Strawberry-Carrot Smoothies

Total Time 5 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My children resist veggies, but they love this carrot smoothie. It packs in lots of good-for-you fruits and veggies—but to my kids, it's just a super delicious breakfast. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 141 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 reduced-fat milk.

9/37

Chicken Parmesan

Total Time 40 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants. Then I found this recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making the beloved dish at home. After more than 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy preparing his favorite recipes. —Iola Butler, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 444 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 166mg cholesterol, 1496mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.

10/37

Vegetable Strata

Total Time 1 hour 55 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 677 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 244mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein.
11/37

Ginger-Kale Smoothies

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Since I started making this green smoothie recipe for breakfast every day, I honestly feel better! Substitute any fruit and juice you like to make this recipe your own healthy blend.—Linda Green, Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 121 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fruit, 1 vegetable.
12/37

Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 246 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 161mg cholesterol, 510mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
13/37

Air-Fryer Eggplant

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My kids love these air-fryer fries, and I like that they're healthy. Coated with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, these eggplant fries are delicious and guilt-free. —Mary Murphy, Atwater, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 135 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 0.500 starch.

14/37

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator: I shred and freeze zucchini from my garden each summer so that I can make this bread all winter long. My family loves this chocolaty treat. —Shari McKinney, Birney, Montana
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 212 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

15/37

Moroccan Flatbreads

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves these tacos with Middle Eastern seasoning lots of vegetables. Ground turkey or beef may be substituted for the lamb. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 flatbread: 423 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
16/37

Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Puffy dinner rolls take on rich color when you add squash to the dough. Any squash variety works—I've even used cooked carrots. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll: 186 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
17/37

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I can never get enough of this baked sweet potato fries recipe! Even though my grocery store sells precut fries in the frozen foods section, I still love to pull sweet potatoes out of my garden and chop them up fresh! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 243 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
18/37

Veggie Mac and Cheese

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.

19/37

Cream of Asparagus Soup

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We have a large asparagus patch and are able to freeze a lot for the year. My recipe highlights the flavor of the vegetable and is very easy to make. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 154 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat-free milk.

20/37

Grilled Eggplant Pita Pizzas

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 pizzas
From the Recipe Creator: We grow eggplants and love to use them for our special pizza. Grilling adds robust flavor to the crust, veggies and garlic. Waiting for the eggplants to grow is the hardest part! —Judy Barrett, Chelsea, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 pizza: 428 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
21/37

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For weeknight dinner I want something fast, easy and not ordinary. This mashed cauliflower side dish is a perfect substitute for mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 243 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 439mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
22/37

Creamy Eggplant & Mushroom Monte Cristo

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: As a child, I wouldn’t eat veggies. As a parent, I try to include them in creative ways. I'm proud to say this eggplant sandwich is a hit with my son. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 573 calories, 36g fat (13g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 939mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein.
23/37

Veggie Enchiladas

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 7 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have from your garden: yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn—all taste great! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 2 enchiladas: 346 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
24/37

Zucchini Patties with Dill Dip

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 dozen (3/4 cup dip)
From the Recipe Creator: These crisp-tender patties are a nice alternative to crab cakes and taste very similar, thanks to the seafood seasoning. They always get gobbled up! —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 patty with 1-1/2 teaspoons dip: 93 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
25/37

Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Our children call these “Gramby Meatballs” because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It’s a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York
Nutrition Facts: 3 meatballs: 234 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 0.500 starch.
26/37

Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
27/37

Zucchini Pancakes

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These Zucchini Pancakes are a tasty change of pace from ordinary potato pancakes. Add a little shredded onion to give them a savory kick. —Charlotte Goldberg, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 2 pancakes: 174 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.

28/37

Cheeseburger Bowl

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is a lighter way to enjoy an American summer staple. You can try a version of the dressing with 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts: 2 cups salad mixture with 2 tablespoons dressing: 374 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1099mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.

29/37

Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/37

Zippy Turkey Zoodles

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor—and these spiced-up zoodles prove it. If you don't have a spiralizer, simply slice the zucchini julienne-style. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1-3/4 cups: 332 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
31/37

Sweet Potato Bread

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves quick breads. This one is moist and spicy. If you don't have mini loaf pans, it works just as well in regular size pans. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 228 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Oven-Fried Squash

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Baked yellow squash is beautifully crispy. You don’t have to turn the pieces, but do keep an eye on them. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 137 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.

33/37

Sloppy Joe Recipe

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.

34/37

Roasted Tomato Soup

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Just before the first frost of the season, we gather up all of the tomatoes from my mom’s garden to create this flavor-packed soup. Although it sounds like a lot of garlic, when it’s roasted, the garlic becomes mellow and almost sweet. We serve this soup with toasted bread spread with pesto.—Kaitlyn Lerdahl, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 276 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
35/37

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Total Time 20 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This simple snack is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini pizza: 29 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
36/37

Eggplant Sausage Casserole

Total Time 1 hour 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you want your kids to happily eat their eggplant, serve it in this lovely layered casserole. Our whole family enjoys it. Always a popular potluck item, it's a great company dish, as well. —Carol Mieske, Red Bluff, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 606 calories, 36g fat (15g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1066mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
37/37

Salsa Spaghetti Squash

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you want spaghetti, but are eating gluten-free or trying to keep a lid on carbs, there's always spaghetti squash as a flavorful alternative. Subtly sweet, tender and satisfying, this is one colorful dish. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups squash with 1 cup salsa mixture: 244 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 720mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 10g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.