Want to turn fish sticks into an entire meal? Here are the best side dishes to serve with fish sticks for kids!
When you’re busy, it can feel like a huge task to put together a meal for your kids. Seriously, when did meal times get so stressful?
I try to serve my kids 3 items at each meal – a main dish, a fruit (or veggie), and a crunchy or carby side.
Fish sticks are a favorite among kids, thanks to their crispy texture and mild flavor. But, a fish stick does not make a whole meal.
To make mealtime even more exciting and nutritious, we’ve compiled a list of the best side dishes that complement fish sticks perfectly. These options are not only delicious but also provide a balanced and wholesome meal for your children.
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Free printable side dish planner!
Make sure to download our free printable side dish planner! This checklist gives you ideas for side dishes for your kids every day of the week!
Understanding the Importance of Balanced Meals
Before we dive into the specific side dishes, let’s discuss the importance of serving balanced meals to your kids.
Fish sticks are a great source of protein, but incorporating other food groups is essential for their growth and development.
Pairing fish sticks with well-rounded sides ensures a diverse range of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats.
Incorporating Veggies for Added Nutrition
Vegetables play a vital role in your child’s diet. They provide essential nutrients, contribute to a balanced meal, and help develop healthy eating habits.
When serving fish sticks, consider pairing them with colorful vegetable options such as:
- Steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets
- Oven-roasted carrots or sweet potatoes
- Sautéed zucchini or yellow squash
- Green beans with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
- Creamed spinach or kale for added creaminess
Wholesome Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent addition to any meal, and they can bring a touch of heartiness to fish sticks.
These options not only provide energy but also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Consider serving fish sticks with:
- Brown rice or wild rice pilaf
- Quinoa salad with vegetables
- Whole wheat couscous or pasta
- Cornbread muffins or corn on the cob
- Whole grain bread or rolls for mini fish stick sandwiches
Fresh and Flavorful Salads
Salads can be a refreshing and nutritious addition to your child’s meal. Opt for salads with kid-friendly ingredients and flavors.
Here are some ideas:
- Crispy green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette
- Colorful fruit salad with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Kid-friendly coleslaw with a creamy dressing
- Pasta salad with vegetables and a light dressing
- Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
Dipping Sauces for Fun and Variety
Kids love dipping sauces! Pairing fish sticks with flavorful and nutritious dips can elevate their mealtime experience. Consider offering these options:
- Classic ketchup or marinara sauce
- Tartar sauce or mayonnaise mixed with a touch of lemon juice
- Greek yogurt-based cucumber and dill sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce or teriyaki sauce
- Homemade honey mustard or barbecue sauce
When serving fish sticks to your little ones, it’s important to provide a well-rounded meal that includes a variety of food groups.
By pairing fish sticks with colorful vegetables, wholesome whole grains, fresh salads, and flavorful dipping sauces, you can create an enjoyable and nutritious dining experience for your busy preschoolers.
The best side dish recipes to serve with fish sticks for kids
Here are some specific recipes for side dishes that go great with fish sticks!
The best side dishes to serve with fish sticks for kids
Want to turn fish sticks into a balanced meal? Here are the best side dishes to serve with fish sticks!
Serve this Mexican Street Corn Dip as a crowd pleasing appetizer, a tasteful spread for poultry, or a snack to be enjoyed by the spoonful and ready in just 15 minutes. Warm cheese, mayo, and roasted corn never tasted so good!
A Baked French Fries Recipe that is so easy to make! Learn how to make homemade fries that are oven baked, healthy, crispy and delicious.
This air fryer butternut squash is a healthier alternative to French fries! Great as a side dish for kids.
This sweet potato rice is easy, healthy and so delicious! Both kids and adults love it.
Bite size corn fritters are easy and delicious. Kids of all ages love them.
This Seasoned Tater Tots recipe is a great way to doctor up a frozen bag of tots. No more soggy bland boring tater tots. These are the perfect side dish for burgers, hot dogs, and more.
These delicious Bacon Zucchini Fritters are loaded with veggies and super crispy. They can be served as a side dish or appetizer.
Easy air fryer carrot fries are the perfect way to get picky eaters to eat more veggies! Perfectly crispy and full of flavor these are sure to be a staple side dish!
corn ribs are a kid favorite recipe made with just 6 ingredients. They are ready in just 12 minutes when made in the air fryer.
Both kids and adults are going to love these mac and cheese cups with veggies!
Each cup is packed with al dente pasta, a creamy cheese sauce and loads of your favorite vegetables, all baked in a muffin tin.
Simple finger food made with grated sweet potato and fried for a golden crispy crust.
Make these absolutely delicious Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks. They are full of flavor and the perfect texture.
Roasted Parmesan Garlic Cauliflower is a fun, delicious way to make cauliflower. Roasting the cauliflower brings out a sweet flavor that pairs nicely with garlic and warm parmesan cheese. This makes an easy side dish the whole family will love!
This Classic Coleslaw Recipe is an easy side dish or topping for pulled pork sandwiches! It’s addictively crisp and crunchy with a creamy coleslaw dressing, and includes just 3 ingredients!
These crispy roasted potatoes are seasoned to perfection with big but simple flavors even kids will love!
Polenta roast potatoes, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, these baked crusted potatoes are a perfect side dish for any occasion.
These honey orange glazed carrots are ready in only about 20 minutes, thanks to getting a head-start in the microwave!
These Air Fryer Green Beans are the perfect mix of easy, quick and oh so tasty vegetable treat. The beans are cooked in very little low-calorie cooking oil making them a healthier treat.
Cheesy Hash Brown Bites is an addictive and delicious dish prepared using shredded hash brown potatoes and cheese as the main ingredients.
These air fryer veggie tots make the perfect side dish and are such a delicious way to eat up those veggies. They’re nice and soft on the inside and crispy on the outside!
Microwave Corn on the Cob is a quick and easy way to enjoy the delicious taste of fresh corn without having to boil a pot of water or heat up the grill.
Hot, crispy, & sweet beer-battered onion rings are the perfect sidekick for fish sticks.
What’s your favorite fish stick side dish?
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I’m Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I’ve made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈