Eating Clean Recipes for Families

If you’re looking for eating clean recipes that are delicious, kid-approved, and practical, this post has everything you need.

You’ll find tips and recipes to help you get started and stay committed to clean eating.

“How does eating clean work when you have a family?”

“What does it mean to eat clean?”

These are questions I get asked a LOT.

The first question is what we will be exploring today. For a more in-depth explanation of what clean eating means, check this post out, but in short, it is a way of eating that focuses on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods while eliminating unnecessarily processed ingredients, sugar, and fats.

In the meantime, let’s get started on tips to help you make those health goals a reality.

Eating Clean on a Budget

One concern I hear a lot of is: “eating clean is so expensive!” and while there is truth in the statement, it heavily depends on what you are eating. 

Many sources promoting clean eating recommend grass-fed meats, organic, and locally sourced foods. While these options are ideal; they’re not necessary to eat a healthy, minimally processed diet that’s rich in a variety of fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 

Here are a few simple tips to help you stock your fridge and pantry with good options without breaking the bank. 

Be Selective with Organic
No, you don’t HAVE to buy everything organic. The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list a great source to go from when shopping for produce.  

Shop the Freezer Aisle
Frozen veggies and fruit are often better quality and less expensive than fresh and they last longer in the freezer.

Buy in Season
When produce comes in season, there’s an abundance that can often mean marked down prices in the grocery store! Berries, peaches, squash, zucchini, and tomatoes are in season during the summer. Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and root vegetables are in season during winter months. 

 I recommend buying them in bulk and storing the extra in the refrigerator.

 Clean Eating Meal Plan for Families

From my experience with preparing clean recipes and Whole30 compliant meals for my family, I wanted to create a meal plan that would help other parents achieve their goals and make meals their kids would enjoy. 

Many of the meals are interactive and easy to prep-ahead. Every week comes with a meal map of planned out meals, a completed shopping list, and a step-by-step meal prep guide to help you pull off fresh meals all week long.

If you want to learn more about the Family KickStart Program, click here.

Meal Prep Tips

There’s no denying that there will be a little bit more cooking involved when you’re eating clean, but there are ways you can make these real-food recipes easier even when you’re short on time.

The answer: meal plan for the week and break down the recipes to do a few batches of meal prep. Example: On Sundays and Wednesdays, set aside time to chop veggies, make lunches, marinate meats, baked potatoes, or cook entire recipes for the upcoming meals.

These couple hours spent meal prepping will save you A LOT of time and frustration during the week because dinner is halfway made and lunch is ready to be packed into the book bag. See where I’m going?

I further discuss how to do this in this video:

Clean Recipes for Families

A common clean eating core value is to enjoy food cooked with the most simple techniques possible such as sheet pan dinners, stir-fry’s and fresh salads.

However, I’ve found that to achieve a healthy balance with the kids, there should be a little room for pancakes, baked chicken nuggets, and pizza inspired recipes. I made sure to include a few examples below :)and don’t worry, each dish was recreated with natural, healthy ingredients without sacrificing flavor, and I confident you’ll find some new favorites.

Dinner Recipes

We’ve made it to our favorite part: the recipes! Each of these recipes are recreated into clean and delicious meals from popular classics like chicken nuggets, New Orleans Style Jambalaya, and pizza! There’s something for everyone and I know you’ll find a few new favorites from the list. 

Recipe: Chicken & Veggie Chili

A bean-free chicken chili that’s light and no frills! Serve it topped with avocado slices, cilantro, and cheese if using.

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Power Bowls

One of my favorite low-carb recipes made with slow cooker Buffalo chicken and cauliflower rice. I treat it like a regular burrito bowl and load it up with my favorite toppings.

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes (coming soon!)

Can’t wait to share this delicious loaded potato recipe with you! Sweet potatoes pack vitamin A, fiber, and work perfectly with the smoky Buffalo chicken, Blue cheese crumbles, and Homemade Ranch!

Recipe: Cheesy Taco Skillet

Everything you love in a taco, in an easy, quick skillet dinner. Serve this over a bed of lettuce and all your favorite taco toppings.

Recipe: Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya

A New Orleans classic made low-carb and healthy thanks to cauliflower rice, bell peppers, and turkey sausage! It’s so flavorful and definitely a winner with the kids.

Recipe: Pizza Chicken
You can’t go wrong with this pizza and cheese combo! Swap the Mozzarella cheese with shredded Parmesan.

Recipe: Shakshuka

This is breakfast for dinner on a whole new level! Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb swap!

Recipe: Asian Beef Bowls

A classic Asian take-out dish made in the slow-cooker with good-for-you ingredients!

Recipe: Greek Chicken Farro Bowls

Marinated chicken breast, feta cheese, and fresh veggies on top cooked farro with Tzatziki sauce. It’s a delicious meal that can be served for dinner and lunch the next day!

Recipe: Copy Cat Chick fil a Nuggets

These healthy, baked nuggets go a long way at the dinner table! They’re grain-free, delicious, and a more wholesome meal than the drive-thru version.

Lunch Recipes

If you want to stick to clean eating, meal prep lunches are a must. These recipes will help you stick to your goals and still enjoy some of your favorite meals. 

I recommend preparing things like salads, bistro boxes, and the quiches and packing them into lunch containers like these, at the beginning of the week. 

Recipe: Chicken Caprese Bowls

It’s the classic Caprese salad amped up with chicken, avocado, and black olives! Serve it with homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette for best results.

Recipe: BLT Bowls

Bacon is clean and we love it in this salad! Ranch is the dressing of choice and goes perfectly with the avocado, fresh tomatoes, and crispy bacon!

Recipe: Salsa Chicken Burrito Bowls

Made with leftover salsa chicken from the Salsa Chicken Tacos. I swap cauliflower rice for regular but you can use what works best for your family.

Recipe: Carrot & Zucchini Mini Quiches

We can’t get enough of mini quiches for lunch. One recipe makes 24 and they’re packed with protein and veggies.

Recipe: Salmon Nicoise Salad

Inspired by the popular nicoise salad, it’s satiating but won’t leave you feeling that afternoon slump.

Recipe: Shrimp, Corn, and Avocado Salad

A favorite summer recipe made with corn, tomatoes, shrimp, and avocado. You can serve it at room temperature or chilled. Tip: add bacon, it’s amazing!

Recipe: Chicken & Hummus Bistro Box

Hummus with everything! This bistro box takes less than 3 minutes to assemble and you can interchange ingredients according to your taste.

Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast is the first meal of the day so let’s make it count! Each of these recipes are recreated from the foods kids adore. If making the Cassava Flour Pancakes, omit the syrup and serve them with fresh fruit. 

Recipe: Easy Blender Bread

Grain-free, gluten-free, and so delicious! You can use it like regular toasts or to make sandwiches.

Recipe: Cassava Flour Pancakes

The fluffiest, lightest pancakes and they’re completely grain-free! Your family will have a hard time believing they aren’t made with regular flour.

Recipe: No-Cook Oatmeal with Berries

A simple, breakfast made with rolled oats, fresh berries, and your choice of milk. It’s super refreshing, light, and a perfect way to start the day.

Recipe: Peaches & Cream Smoothie Bowl

If you’re a smoothie lover, this will be a new favorite recipe! I recommend making it with frozen peaches for the best texture and add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.

Recipe: Chorizo & Butternut Squash Hash

Savory, hearty breakfast hash that’s super delicious and could pass for dinner. I love it topped with fried eggs and avocado (not pictured).

Clean Snacks

Whether it’s after school or post-workout, snacks are a must, and the recipes listed below appeal to both kids and adults. Try the Hummus Stuffed Celery with a batch of this Homemade Greek Hummus, and whatever you do, the Chocolate Chip Blondies are a MUST. 

Recipe: Pineapple Green Smoothie

The smoothie I look forward to most after a workout. Made with pineapple, spinach, and protein powder.

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Snack Bar

Inspired by my kid’s favorite granola bar, this one is made with nuts, seeds, and chocolate chips. Make a batch for the week and store in the refrigerator for an easy grab and go snack.

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Blondies

One of THE MOST popular recipes on this blog and it’s no wonder why! Made with clean ingredients and it tastes like cookie dough, but in a snack bar form.

Recipe: DIY Deviled Egg Bar

One of my favorite recipes to pull out for entertaining and this deviled egg bar covers all the bases! You’ll find a fiesta inspired, bacon & cheddar, Greek Hummus, and much more!

Recipe: Hummus Stuffed Celery

This is one great way to get the kids snacking on their veggies! Instead of peanut butter and raisins, the celery is filled with hummus and Kalamata olives.

Recipe: Lunchbox Cookies

Who doesn’t love a good cookie? This healthy recipe doesn’t disappoint. Serve them for a delicious snack or with fruit for a quick breakfast.

Eating Clean as a Family

Eating clean with a family does not and should not be complex, all you need are the right recipes with simple, real-food ingredients, because who has time for Dragonfruit Acai smoothie bowls sprinkled with cacao nibs? 

If you’re digging this clean eating thing and have a family, the Family Kickstart could be the very thing to get you started in the right direction.

Many of the meals are interactive and easy to prep-ahead. Every week comes with a meal map of planned out meals, a completed shopping list, and a step-by-step meal prep guide to help you pull off fresh meals all week long.

You can learn more about the Family KickStart Program here. And for a free sample week, be sure to check out this free download! 

Alright, that’s a wrap, and as usual, I’ve included a new recipe for you to try below!