If you are a picky eater, it cannot be easy to enjoy a variety of healthy meals, especially when trying to stay in a calorie deficit. These low calorie meals for picky eaters will please even the most fussy eaters.
It would be best to ensure that meals contain good nutrients. Plus, a healthy amount of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
You also want flavorful food in your healthy recipes. Something that smells delightful will be more attractive too for the pickiest eater!
Best Meals for Picky Eaters
If you have a child who is a picky eater, choose a meal that gets them involved with the preparation!
Choose an ingredient you know your picky kids eat and produce a simple recipe around this.
Some food options to consider are –
- chicken (breast meat)
- turkey (breast meat)
- zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- few-ingredient salads
- soup
See below which meals we can make that satisfy picky eaters taste buds!
1. Chicken Zucchini Pasta
Source: allnutritious.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 327
- Fats: 16g
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 25.4g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 20g
Let’s kick off with this chicken zucchini pasta. Except the pasta isn’t regular pasta. This is made from zucchini and onions!
A spiralizer is used to make the noodles. This will encourage picky eaters by making the preparation fun!
If chicken is a staple in your home, you must know these other tasty low calorie chicken recipes.
2. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Source: jessicainthekitchen.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 269
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
This Mediterranean chickpea salad bears many eye-catching colors. It’s appealing to the eye, so looks more tempting to eat on your healthy diet!
This salad includes popular veggies – tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Combine these with feta, chickpeas, and parsley.
3. Mexican Bean Salad
Source: allnutritious.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 287
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fiber: 13g
- Sugar: 4.7g
A bean salad is an excellent alternative to a regular salad full of greens. It’s especially great for vegetarians for adding protein.
Corn, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes add sweetness to the dish, and the black beans will quickly become one of your favorite foods.
4. Greek Chicken Bowl
Source: wholesomeyum.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 287
- Fats: 15g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
This Greek chicken bowl is a nutritious choice for a picky palate.
It combines chicken with a few vegetables common in Greek cuisine. You’ll find zucchini, tomatoes, and onions in this dish.
5. Mango Avocado Salad
Source: allnutritious.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 312
- Fats: 20g
- Protein: 5.2g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 13g
- Sugar: 18g
Are you a picky eater who doesn’t eat much salad? Then try changing it up with this mango avocado salad!
Salads don’t need to be boring. The mango in this one adds delicious sweetness. And the avocado brings a lovely creamy texture!
6. Shirataki Noodles
Source: wholesomeyum.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 235
- Fats: 20.8g
- Protein: 7.7g
- Carbs: 3.4g
- Fiber: 2.1g
- Sugar: 1.3g
Shirataki noodles also go by other names – konjac or miracle noodles. They’re an excellent keto replacement for regular noodles.
Okay, they don’t have the most incredible texture. But this shirataki noodle recipe will change anybody’s mind!
These are served with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. This elevates the flavor and texture of this dish!
7. Avocado Wrap
Source: allnutritious.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 244
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 6.1g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Sugar: 1.4g
Adding creamy avocado to crunchier textures is a feast for the palate and great for picky adults. This avocado and cucumber wrap is the perfect quick midweek lunch.
Take a few essential healthy ingredients – avocado, cucumber, and mixed leaves.
These healthy wraps are also perfect for picnics or packed lunches.
8. Singapore Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Source: christinascucina.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 294
- Fats: 20g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 7g
Marinated chicken skewers are so easy to prepare. So much so that the picky eaters can help and feel rewarded for their efforts!
These Singapore-style chicken skewers can be made not too spicy. Just use a mild curry powder.
They are best served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce.
9. Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
Source: allnutritious.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 312
- Fats: 9.6g
- Protein: 9.3g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 8.4g
- Sugar: 19g
This sweet potato dish is a healthier way of eating potatoes for breakfast! And perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
The creamy sweet potato is paired with juicy blueberries and nutty pumpkin seeds. It delivers a sensation of texture that the pickiest of eaters will love!
10. Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Source: thishealthykitchen.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 56
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Spiralized zucchini is often known as zoodles. This name alone is more fun and enticing!
For this recipe, zucchini is spiralized to create zoodles. Get the kids involved with this step!
The zoodles are then mixed with heirloom tomatoes and creamy pesto. A dish that is bursting with flavor but ready in no time!
11. Spaghetti Squash with Ground Turkey
Source: healthbeet.org
Per Serving:
- Calories: 263
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 19g
This spaghetti squash combines just four ingredients. Picky eaters won’t feel overwhelmed by this.
The whole dish is relatively easy to put together. Using a low-calorie pre-packaged spaghetti sauce saves time.
The spaghetti squash adds a soft texture. The turkey adds lovely meatiness. And the pasta sauce brings it all together!
12. Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 220
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Air fryer turkey meatballs are so versatile. They can be served individually as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or with pasta sauce.
Ground turkey, bell peppers, and fresh herbs create these meatballs. Try swapping the peppers for grated carrots as an alternative!
13. Potato Leek Soup
Source: pinchandswirl.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 180
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Soup is easy for picky eaters to get nutrients in their meals. You’ll find a delightfully creamy texture in this potato leek soup.
The flavorful broth adds an extra dimension to this delicious soup. It’s also a one-pot wonder that we love so much!
Serve this up with some whole-meal bread.
14. Sweet Potato Toasts
Source: nutriciously.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 224
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 20g
These vegan sweet potato toasts are another option for potatoes at breakfast! There are so many ways to mix these up.
They can be topped with a variety of sweet or savory options. Try hummus and avocado – or berry chia jam and apple.
15. Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 120
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
Time for another one-pot wonder soup! This one is cooked in an Instant Pot, but you can use the stovetop instead.
Adding spices to cauliflower makes an otherwise bland vegetable tastier! It doesn’t need hot ones; adapt them to your taste.
16. Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Source: joyfoodsunshine.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 99
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Tacos are such a fun food that it’s no problem getting kids to eat them. Especially when made from scratch. You can create your spice level with this.
Provide a variety of toppings. And let the family fill their tacos at the dinner table. This adds to the enjoyment!
17. Chicken Fajitas
Source: simplylowcal.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 206
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Fajitas are another Mexican dish that the household is sure to enjoy. Colorful bell peppers are pleasing to the eye. The aroma of the marinade is pleasant to the sense of smell!
The whole recipe is cooked in one skillet. It’s a simple one to introduce the kids to cooking. And another easy clean-up!
18. Grilled Chicken Tenders
Source: nourishplate.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 194
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
These chicken tenders are coated in a simple but flavorful marinade. Tenders are quicker to cook than chicken breast. So you can enjoy more time with family and friends!
Cook them on the outside grill during the summer! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, it’s just as easy to grill indoors.
19. Cheeseburger Quesadilla
Source: masonfit.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 245
- Fats: 13g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 11g
A cheeseburger quesadilla is a fantastic alternative to a regular cheeseburger!
You’ll find all the ingredients of a regular cheeseburger. That is ground beef, shredded cheese, ketchup, mustard, and pickles.
But it’s all served up in a pita! Grill the filled pitas for a charred texture, and you have a delicious meal.
20. Pistachio Chicken
Source: joyfoodsunshine.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 197
- Fats: 11
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
This pistachio crust is a unique and exciting way to eat chicken! It’s so easy to make that even the kids can help.
Pistachios add a satisfying crunch and elevated flavor. Serve it on top of a simple lettuce salad, inside pita bread, or with a selection of roasted vegetables!
21. Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup
Source: mymorningmocha.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 214
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
Chinese-style chicken and sweetcorn soup is ideal for a cold winter day. It’s created with ingredients you’re likely to have in your pantry and refrigerator.
Ribbons of egg add creaminess to the soup. A sweetcorn and scallion garnish looks like an inviting ray of sunshine!
22. Doritos Taco Salad
Source: simplylowcal.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 115
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
How can you make a simple taco salad more exciting? Add a sprinkle of nacho cheese Doritos!
It contains nutrients and protein from lettuce, tomato, and ground beef. The taco seasoning and Catalina dressing add vibrant flavor.
So, you don’t need to feel guilty about the Doritos that level this salad up!
23. Vegan Lentil Soup
Source: keepingthepeas.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 104
- Fats: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 19g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
Lentil soup is an easy way to add protein to your meal. This vegan soup is packed with healthy veggies.
Vegetable avoiders won’t even know they’re in the soup! The red lentils and rich stock make this soup warming and hearty.
Serve this soup with a whole-meal baguette for a winter-warming meal.
24. Chicken and Rice Bowl
Source: healthbeet.org
Per Serving:
- Calories: 105
- Fats: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 11g
This chicken and rice bowl requires little preparation or time. It’s the perfect meal for a busy midweek.
All you need is frozen, lean chicken breasts and some healthy frozen veggies! Frozen vegetables are a lifesaver for time limitations and picky eaters.
25. Chicken Piccata
Source: healthyseasonalrecipes.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 264
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Suppose you want hearty Italian comfort food. Then chicken piccata is the recipe you need to go for!
This is a delicious and healthier version of classic Italian lemon chicken. It reveals capers, lemon, white wine, and parsley sauce.
26. Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken Bites
Source: skinnycomfort.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 220
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Are you looking for a healthier alternative to breaded chicken nuggets? Then these air fryer rotisserie chicken bites are for you!
The seasoning tastes like the rotisserie chicken you’d find in the store. And it’s easy to make!
27. Korean Ground Beef
Source: masonfit.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 201
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 11g
Here we have another healthier version of a higher-calorie dish. This Korean-inspired ground beef comprises only a few ingredients.
It certainly doesn’t compromise on flavor with essential Asian ingredients. Sesame oil adds a nutty taste, while Gochujang adds sweetness.
28. Cheesy Vegan Zoodles
Source: runningonrealfood.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 188
- Fats: 1.4g
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 10g
We’re going back to zoodles with this vegan recipe. This uses nutritional yeast to add a salty, cheesy taste.
There is no need to compromise on flavor either. Garlic, onion, and red pepper add a taste of revelation to these zoodles!
29. Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Source: dinneratthezoo.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 263
- Fats: 8g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 17g
Chicken, broccoli, and carrots are great for a stir fry. Honey adds a sweetness to this, which picky eaters may appreciate.
This does use plenty of garlic, but it can be reduced to preference. You can also swap the carrots and broccoli for your favorite veggies.
30. Chicken Pastina Soup
Source: twocloveskitchen.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 213
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
The star-shaped pasta in this pastina soup will surely appeal to kids! But it doesn’t skimp on flavor for the grown-ups, either.
The rich broth of this soup provides a contrast to the light lemon and dill. Shredded chicken gives a delicious meaty flavor.
Enjoy staying in your calorie deficit with these other skinny pasta recipes.
31. Healthy Cheeseburger Bites
Source: masonfit.com
Per Serving:
- Calories: 48
- Fats: 1.3g
- Protein: 6.8g
- Carbs: 2.3g
These mini bites are such fun to snack on. This is a unique twist for cheeseburger lovers! All the flavors of a regular cheeseburger in one bite.
You could use ground chicken or turkey for variation. Serve these with ketchup for dipping!
Keep on your low cal diet with these other tasty low calorie recipes!