The mere word “salad” can send kids into shivers. Most kids will simply turn their noses up at a bowl of greens. It is hard to get kids to eat salads, if they are all lettuce and raw carrots, no matter how much you know they are healthy and nutritious. However, with a little creativity, you can come up with fun salad recipes that kids can make and that they will eat. Think beyond the basic dinner salad and try some of these recipes.
Three Drool-worthy Easy Salad Recipes For Kids
I have added four awesome salads that your kids are going to go wild for. They will be happy to shovel those healthy ingredients in their mouth and not care that it’s good for them. Salads can be so gorgeous and taste amazing, you just have to use the right ingredients. Then even your strong-willed kids won’t be able to resist them.
How To Get Your Kids To Eat Salad
You may be wondering if there are things you can do to help your kids be more included to eat salads. Guess what, they will get there! Hang in there and keep encouraging them. Here are some tips to help get them started.
- Let the kids help in the kitchen. Children love to eat food that they helped make. They are much less likely to turn their nose up at it if they actually helped. So give them some freedom to prepare their salad. It’s worth it, I promise.
- Show them you eat healthy too. It’s easy to get onto the kids about not eating healthy, but when you are munching on potato chips, that’s what they are going to want too. Lead by example, and they are bound to want what you have.
- Make all the ingredients bite-sized. They are going to be drawn to salads that have small diced ingredients naturally. It’s easier for them to eat, and they aren’t going to need to cut it.
- Don’t forget the toppings. Even adults go wild for the toppings on a salad. Seeds, nuts, fruit, cheese, and anything else you can think of will add some color and character too.
Supplies Needed To Make Salads
There are a variety of supplies that make salad prepping easier. I wanted to point out a few of our favorites and what we enjoy using. These things aren’t required, but will be nice to have.
3 Fruit Medley Salad
You can make a fruit salad out of almost any type of fruit in the fridge. Take any three types of fruit – apples, bananas, and strawberries are perfect. Wash well and let the kids cut them into small pieces using a blunt knife. Mix the following to make a dip for the fruit salad: one small container of cream cheese, grated lemon peel, and a couple of teaspoons of lemon juice. Add chopped strawberries and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.
Easy Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is great for crackers and makes a good filler for the lunch box.
What You Need To Make Chicken Salad
- 1 can of white meat chicken breast or two cups of cooked, chopped chicken
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise (you can use low fat)
- 1/2 cup of blanched almonds
- 1/2 cup of green grapes cut in half
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Mix the chicken with all ingredients and chill. Serve with crackers.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
This is a delicious and nutritious salad that has a slightly sweet taste that the kids will love.
What You Need To Make Spinach And Strawberry Salad
- 10 ounces of fresh spinach leaves (wash well and tear into small pieces)
- 1 quart of strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions: Mix sesame and poppy seeds in a medium bowl along with sugar, olive oil, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Chill for one hour. In the meantime, mix together the spinach leaves, almonds, and strawberries. Pour dressing over the salad and toss well. Place in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving.
Easy Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is always a good choice and is easy to make for kids. You can do a lot with a pasta salad. This is a basic pasta salad that the kids can make with your help. Add cubed ham, chicken, or even small shrimp if you like.
What You Need To Make Easy Pasta Salad
- 2 pounds tri-colored spiral pasta (prepare according to package)
- 10 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 Large head of broccoli cut into small pieces
- 16 ounces Italian salad dressing
Directions: Cook two pounds of tri-colored spiral pasta according to the package directions. Once the pasta has cooled, toss with 10 ounces of Velveeta cheese cut into cubes, one large head of broccoli cut into small pieces and 16 ounces of Italian salad dressing. Mix together and chill before serving.
Remember that salads can be a great nutritional snack, or a quick and easy meal for the family.
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