Dare we say it… the weather is on the turn and with noticeably warmer and brighter days upon us, it feels like summer is just around the corner. As we look ahead to family barbecues in the garden, weekend trips to the beach and picnics in the park, so too do we bid farewell to hearty and wholesome winter foods. In their place emerge lighter, fresher dishes that still pack a punch when it comes to flavour but are equally nutritious. For children, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet throughout the year is vital—not only for physical growth but also for supporting energy levels and concentration.
Nannies and parents play a key role in fostering healthy eating habits and the change of season offers a great opportunity to introduce new flavours, textures and ingredients. With children spending more time outdoors and being more active, meals that are nutritionally dense but also quick to prepare have their appeal as it still supports childrens’ growth but allows everyone to make the most of the longer evenings.
Here, we are sharing five simple, child-friendly recipes that are perfect for transitioning between seasons and embracing the summer.
1. Rainbow Veggie Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
250g Pasta (whole wheat optional)
75g Cherry tomatoes
75g Cucumber
50g Sweetcorn
50g Grated carrot
50g Peas
Drizzle of olive oil
Juice of a lemon
A sprinkle of mild feta or cheddar
(Optional) add 100g of chopped chicken, tofu or chopped sausages for an added source of protein
(optional) for an extra creamy sauce, why not add in a dollop of greek yoghurt or a spoonful of pesto for added colour and flavour?
Instructions:
Simply cook pasta and allow it to cool.
Toss with finely chopped or grated raw veg, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkling of the cheese. Serve cold and mix in your optional extras.
Nutritional perks: Packed with fibre, vitamin and calcium-rich ingredients, this salad combo supports digestion and bone development while exposing children to a colourful variety of vegetables.
2. Chicken and Mango Wraps
Ingredients:
200g Cooked shredded chicken breast
100g Diced ripe mango
1 Baby gem lettuce
50g Grated carrot
Tortilla wraps
½ cup Greek Yoghurt
Juice of a lime
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix together your shredded chicken, mango and roughly chopped and grated veg.
Spoon in a dollop of greek yogurt and a squeeze of lime juice to taste and mix together until everything is coated in the yoghurt dressing.
Roll into wraps and either slice into pinwheels or roll tightly into a traditional wrap shape.
Nutritional perks: High in protein and rich in vitamin A ingredients, these wraps can support immune function and muscle growth while offering a naturally sweet and savoury flavour children love.
3. Courgette and Cheese Fritters
Ingredients:
1 Grated courgette (squeezed dry)
2 Eggs
100g Wholemeal flour
200g Grated cheddar
A pinch of mild seasoning of choice (we recommend salt, garlic granules and a dash of paprika)
To serve - greek yoghurt or houmous
Instructions:
Mix your eggs, seasoning and flour into a thick batter, gradually adding the grated courgette as you go.
Once thoroughly mixed, fold in the grated cheese before spooning dollops onto a hot, lightly oiled or buttered pan and cook until golden and crisp on both sides.
Serve with a spoonful of natural yoghurt or houmous.
Nutritional perks: The ingredients in these fritters are rich in protein and vitamin B6 which can support brain development as well as a child’s energy levels and metabolism—perfect for active kids on warmer days.
4. Berry and Banana Smoothie Bowls
Ingredients:
250g Frozen berries (the bags of frozen summer berries work well for this)
1 ripe banana
1 cup of Greek yoghurt or milk alternative
Optional toppings like granola, chia seeds or sliced fruit
Instructions:
Blend the frozen fruit, banana and yoghurt until you have a thick and smooth cake-batter texture. Pour into bowls and top with extras for texture and crunch. This couldn’t be simpler!
Nutritional perks: Smoothie bowls are packed full of fruits so it’s even easier for children to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, calcium and fibre which all support immune health, digestion and can help with hydration which is essential on warmer days.
5. Salmon and Sweet Potato Fishcakes
Ingredients:
500g Cooked salmon (you could either buy cooked, cook ahead of making this recipe or use up leftovers from a previous dinner)
500g Mashed sweet potato (a standard white potato will also work if preferred)
1 egg
120g Breadcrumbs
Handful of chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
If there’s one thing we love, it’s a simple set of instructions…
Simply combine the salmon, herbs, egg and potato (either in a bowl or a food processor) before shaping into patties.
Once formed, coat lightly in breadcrumbs and pan-fry until crisp.
Serve with a cucumber and tomato salad and a little dollop or greek yogurt, mayo or sweet chilli sauce for extra flavour.
Nutritional perks: Packed with scrumptious salmon, these fishcakes are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, helping to promote healthy brain function and develop strong bones.
Supporting Healthy Eating at Home
Nannies can be a huge asset when it comes to mealtimes by planning, preparing and even involving children in the kitchen. Whether they are helping to introduce new ingredients or reinforcing positive food habits, nannies are ideally placed to offer practical, day-to-day support with nutrition and alleviate pressure on busy parents.
With these simple and nourishing spring into summer recipes, we hope it’s even easier to make mealtimes something the whole family can look forward to.