5 Fun Ways to Serve Spinach to Picky Eaters This St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to add a little green to your meals! But if you have a picky eater at home, serving spinach might seem like a challenge. At Misa’s Clean Kitchen, we know that getting kids to eat their greens is all about making it fun and approachable. Here are five creative ways to serve spinach that help bridge the gap from “yuck” to “yum,” making it less intimidating and maybe even enjoyable!
1. Leprechaun Pancakes
Who can resist pancakes—especially when they’re green and festive? Blend a handful of fresh spinach with the wet ingredients in your favorite pancake recipe. The spinach makes them a fun green color without any noticeable flavor. Start with a small amount of spinach to ease picky eaters into it, then gradually add more as they get used to the idea. Calling them “Leprechaun Pancakes” makes them even more magical! Check out our protein packed, gluten free recipe here.
2. Shamrock Smoothie Popsicles
Turn a green smoothie into a fun frozen treat! Blend spinach with sweet fruits like banana and mango, add a splash of orange juice, and a bit of coconut milk. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. These Shamrock Smoothie Popsicles are not only delicious but also a perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a nutritious twist.
3. Hidden Clover Quesadillas
Everything tastes better with melted cheese! Add finely chopped spinach to a quesadilla, and let the gooey cheese blend it all together. The spinach softens and becomes less noticeable, making it a great option for hesitant eaters. Pair it with some green guacamole for dipping, and you’ve got a festive, veggie-packed snack!
4. Lucky Pesto Pasta
Pesto is naturally green, making it the perfect sauce to introduce spinach. Blend spinach with basil, olive oil, garlic, nuts (or seeds for nut-free), and parmesan (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free) to make a flavorful, nutrient-rich pesto. Toss it with pasta, and you’ve got a fun, green dish that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! Since the pasta is familiar, it helps ease the introduction to this veggie-packed sauce.
5. Pot o’ Greens Meatballs
For kids who love meatballs, this is a game-changer! Mix finely chopped or pureed spinach into the meatball mixture. The spinach blends right in, boosting the nutrition without altering the taste much. Pair with a fun green dipping sauce made from avocado and Greek yogurt to keep the festive theme going.
Another fun recipe with spinach is our popular Sweet Potato Quiche. Be sure to check that out next here!
Making Greens Fun and Familiar (Without Hiding Them)
We believe that helping picky eaters feel comfortable with new foods is all about positive exposure. When it comes to spinach, the goal isn’t just to get kids to eat it—it’s to help them learn to enjoy it. That’s why these recipes include spinach without completely hiding it. Even if they can’t taste it, they know it’s there, helping them get used to the idea that greens aren’t so scary.
This gradual exposure lets kids become familiar with the look and taste of spinach, making it less intimidating over time. They might not love it right away, but as they get used to seeing and tasting it, they may even start requesting it in other meals!
If we were to fully hide the veggies, kids wouldn’t realize they’re eating them, which doesn’t help them learn to accept or appreciate greens. Our long-term goal is to help kids build a positive relationship with vegetables that lasts a lifetime.
By mixing spinach into familiar foods in fun and festive ways, you’re not only giving their nutrition a boost but also helping them move from hesitation to enjoyment. And who knows? These green goodies might just become family favorites all year long!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! May your day be filled with fun, laughter, and maybe even a little green magic at the dinner table.
