5 Kid-Approved Recipes for Summer Fun

If you’re a parent, you know the struggle is real when it comes to making meals that please the kids (why can’t they just eat what we eat?). Which is what makes it a small miracle when you find a seafood dish that ticks every box—easy to make, packed with nutrients, and actually eaten by children, not simply pushed around a plate.

Here’s the secret to winning over young palates: Start with familiar flavors and textures, then gradually introduce one or two new elements at a time. We’ve rounded up our favorite recipes that marry both familiar and unexpected ingredients, and get kids involved in the prep so cooking becomes part of the fun. 

SALMON MAC N CHEESE

What’s more kid-friendly than mac ‘n cheese? Mild, tender salmon morsels get folded into a rich, creamy cheese sauce with pasta, creating a protein-packed meal that has a familiar and comforting flavor profile. The arugula add-in may seem like a varsity move, but it’s more subtle than you might think—and even if kids eat around it, it might help them warm up to greens next time. You can also sub in milder greens like baby spinach or leave it out entirely.

KID TIP: Our recipe calls for mozzarella, Swiss and Jack cheeses, but let your kiddo pick out the cheeses they deem the most delicious—then let them do the cheese-sprinkling. 

SALMON BURGERS

For the pint-sized burger-lovers or barbecue buffs in the house, this is your go-to: Flavorful Alaskan salmon is kicked up with finely diced onions and robust barbecue sauce, grilled until each patty is golden-brown perfection, and then layered into a bun with whatever toppings speak to you. Finish with a spritz of lemon for brightness and zing, and you’re off to the races.

KID TIP: Children are master patty molders! Enlist them in the mixing and patty-shaping action, then let them select their favorite patty to put on their bun. For any tiny thrill-seekers in the group, placing a slice of cheese on the patty at the proper moment and watching it melt can be an exciting cooking responsibility.

TUNA PASTA SALAD

Summertime barbecues cry out for pasta salad, and this lemony, veggie-rich version makes the most of the season’s best produce. We used sweet bell peppers, carrots and zucchini, but cherry tomatoes and fresh corn cut right off the cob also work like a charm—and reliably win kids over with their natural sweetness.

KID TIP: If your child is vegetable-wary, assemble separate bowls on the side with each ingredient and let them customize their own pasta salad to their liking.  

TUNA MEATBALLS WITH TZATZIKI

These delectable little meatballs meet two key criteria for kid approval: they’re food you can eat with your fingers and they involve a tasty DIY dip (that’s also secretly good for you!). You can quickly whip up your own tzatziki with a little Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, crushed garlic, and lemon juice—or use pre-bought tzatziki if you’re crunched for time.

KID TIP: Make your meatballs half their usual size so they’re perfect for little hands. Grating cucumber is also a particularly gratifying kitchen activity for kids (dare we say grate-ifying?)

MAPLE SMOKEHOUSE SALMON SOUTHWEST WRAP

For all the taco and burrito fans in the house, this is a winning recipe—and because the smoky-sweet flavors are already infused into your salmon, it all comes together in a flash. Use whatever beans your kiddo likes—pinto, black, red kidney beans, or even white cannellini beans—and layer in the ripest tomatoes and corn you can find in the markets. Mexican-style rice also makes a great addition.

KID TIP: Wraps can be very fun to assemble, and junior cooks can do most of it themselves—just remind them not to overstuff their tortilla.

GETTING KIDS INVOLVED IN THE KITCHEN

The best way to encourage adventurous eating is to make kids partners in meal prep. When children participate in cooking, they develop ownership over the meal and are more willing to try new foods. Assign age-appropriate tasks like measuring ingredients, stirring mixtures, or arranging toppings. Start with simple tasks and gradually increase complexity as their skills and confidence grow.

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new family favorites: Produce is sweet and ripe, the flavors are fresh, and you don’t have to do a whole lot to make your food taste delicious. Remember, new dishes may not be rapturously received by kids the very first time they appear—but if you keep offering variety, stay patient, and celebrate the little victories along the way, before no time you’ll have an adventurous little seafood fan on your hands.