Lentil Recipes for Picky Eaters | Quick and Easy Recipes
Meal Planning can be a challenge when you have picky eaters in your house. Especially when you want to serve healthy foods that are quick and easy to make. Today I’m sharing a collection of easy lentil recipes for picky eaters.
Lentils are one of those foods that are so good and so good for you. It’s a shame not everyone loves them. Not only do they taste delicious, but lentils are so quick and easy to make!

My kids were never that picky. Although some of my kids did have one or two foods they particularly disliked. Thankfully it was never a big issue and they grew up eating a wide variety of healthy foods.
I became vegetarian in 1998 and at that time my (first three) kids also became vegetarian. I really haven’t missed eating meat – although sometimes I have fond memories of certain recipes my mom used to make. I do appreciate how much better I feel as a vegetarian and how much healthier my kids became afterward as well.
Transitioning to a healthier diet can feel difficult, but it is possible! Of course, you don’t have to make the switch to being a vegetarian to still enjoy a healthier diet. These lentil recipes are a great way to incorporate more vegetarian fare into your diet or even as part of your Meatless Monday themed menu plan.
Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters
Finding kid friendly lentil recipes is kind of tricky, but I’m pretty positive these recipes are a great start! Every mom needs quick, easy, dinner ideas for picky eaters. Here are a few more ideas:
- Taco Tuesday Recipe Ideas
- Meatless Monday Themed Dinner Ideas
- Throwback Thursday Recipes from Back in the Day
- Make It Together Monday | Themed Dinner Ideas
How long do Lentils Take to Cook?
Lentils are a staple food in many parts of the world and an inexpensive way to feed your family. They are so quick to make – often you can get them on the table in less than 30 minutes! This makes them an ideal addition to your weekly menu planning.
related: Eat at Home | Save Time and Money with Easy Meal Planning
16 Lentil Recipes for Picky Eaters
“And you, take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and emmer, and put them into a single vessel and make your bread from them.” Ezekiel 4:9 ESV
This 30 minute lentil bolognese is made from scratch with a super flavorful tomato sauce and tender nutrient packed lentils. This bolognese recipe is easy, vegan, and you will not miss the meat in this bolognese!
This French Lentils recipe uses simple ingredients even picky eaters will find palatable!
Mini Meatloaves: Vegan Meatloaf Muffins (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)
Mini Meatloaves! These Vegan Meatloaf Muffins are gluten-free, allergy-free, and a perfect kid-friendly dinner idea! These individual, healthy, meatless lentil loaves are full of plant-based protein and veggies. Made in a muffin tin, they’re a freezer-friendly recipe and perfect for meal prepping!
These Easy Mexican Vegan Tacos / Mexican Lentil Tacos are sooooo good even carnivores won't notice they're meat-free.
Nourishing and hearty, this cheesy veggie lentil stew in the Instant Pot is a wonderful comfort food for lunch or dinner. It's grain and gluten-free super family friendly.
This easy Red Lentil Pasta Salad recipe is vegan and gluten-free. Dressed in an Italian herb dressing and full of Mediterranean flavor!
This Red Lentil Dahl is a full-on comfort meal that your whole family will love. It requires common ingredients, minimal prep, and it’ll cook up beautifully in 30 minutes or less!
This lentil soup requires nothing except adding ingredients to a pot! It actually takes 5 minutes to get it cooking and that's it!
Made with lentils instead of chickpeas, this lentil falafel isn't your average falafel and makes for a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
These Lentil Pancakes are a great finger food to eat with curry or dips. They are gluten, dairy, egg and nut-free so perfect for those with allergies.
These vegan sloppy Joe’s are so delicious and use lentils as the filling. They taste just like the real thing because of the seasonings used in this recipe.
These bite size lentil nuggets are loved by kids and adults alike. Perfect for dunking or use as salad toppers.
This vegan shepherds pie is so delicious and easy to make. The filling is tender veggies mixed with yummy lentils and it is very high in protein.
This full flavored, quick and easy Instant Pot gluten free lentil soup is going to fill your tummy without breaking the bank!
Instant pot Street Tacos are a fun and healthy dinner that’s so easy to make! They’re filled with delicious taco flavored lentils that the whole family will love.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, 6 Quart
I love using my Instant Pot to cook beans and lentils! Using an Instant Pot can really cut down the cooking time for recipes and I highly recommend one for every busy mom!!
I think these lentil recipes are perfect for picky eaters. I’m hungry just writing this post!! Let me know which recipe looks yummy to you in the comments below. Also, how many picky eaters live in your house??
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