Kid-Friendly Salad Recipes Even The Pickiest Eater Will Love
Most kids will turn up their cute little noses at the idea of salad, but often it's just the idea that throws them. You say salad they think healthy, green and, well, yucky. But as well all know, salads can go far beyond lettuce and celery—and if done right they can appeal to even the pickiest eaters out there.
These eight salad recipes are sure to please your veggie-fearing kids and they’re so delicious, they’d be great at a summer barbeque, too! Maybe, for the kids, just don't call it salad!
Magic Rainbow Bean Salad
It's not just salad, it's magic. We love the idea of adding a bit of whimsy to your salad with a fun backstory—I mean who doesn’t love Jack and the Bean Stalk? This combination of crunchy and soft is a perfect mix for young eaters. The rainbow colours don't hurt either. Get the recipe at The Jolly Beetroot.
Roasted Beet & Broccoli Slaw
Science of Mom rated this salad recipe toddler and mom approved and we couldn’t agree more. Not only is the recipe delicious, it’s also a great way to use up those broccoli stems that you might throw out, otherwise. Save them from last night’s dinner and make a great lunch for you and the kids.
Simple Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Watermelon and cucumber might as well be considered their own food group for kids during the summer. This super simple salad recipe gives you a fun new way of serving your kid’s favourites. The Allergic Kid has a great recipe that is dairy, gluten and peanut-free!
Crunchy Asian Noodle Salad
Crunchy noodles will be enough to sell many kids on this one; they’ll probably forget the cabbage is there at all. We found a great recipe from Vegan in Melbourne with the added bonus that, you guessed it, this is a vegan salad recipe.
Rice Noodle Sushi Salad
Another great, wheat and meat free salad recipe, The Crispy Cook combines noodles, seaweed and bite-size tofu pieces to make a dish that is sure to please. Add pickled ginger and wasabi to taste, or leave it on the side for adults to add to their plates.
Carrot Raisin Quinoa Salad
What kid could possibly turn their nose up at a quinoa salad, especially one with such great colours? This colourful slaw-like salad packs in protein with just enough sweetness. Your kids will be happy to help adding the raisins and seeds. Get the recipe from Aggie's Kitchen.
Bite-Size Greek Salad
Everything is better on a stick—hot dogs, ice cream cones and even salads! More skewer than salad, this salad-on-a-stick can be served as an appetizer or alongside a main. It’s a super simple recipe and you can customize it all you like, but Cooking with My Kid has a great recipe that kids can make with a little supervision.
Crunchy Taco Salad
Taco Tuesday? How about Taco Salad Saturday or Sunday? Any day can be taco day and if your kids love taco nights, why not try a taco salad? You know they already love the taste and it’s a great way to get a bit more veggies into your kids. We love the Teeny Tiny Foodie’s recipe.