The secret to getting kids to eat their greens: 17 salad recipes

Photo of author

| Published:

Getting kids to eat greens doesn’t have to be a battle with these 17 salad recipes. Designed to be kid-friendly, these salads incorporate greens in a way that children will find irresistible. The recipes focus on making greens less intimidating and more fun to eat. With a mix of textures and colors, these salads can easily become a favorite part of any meal. The secret to getting kids to eat their greens is making them less intimidating and more fun.

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

California Steak Salad

California steak salad with strawberries and avocados.
California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Many kids might turn up their noses at traditional leafy dishes, but when you mix things up with a bit of flair like in a California Steak Salad, they’re more willing to try. It’s a cheerful bowl full of vibrant colors that can intrigue even the pickiest eaters at your table. Everyone finds something they love in it, and it’s quick to put together on a busy evening. It’s one of those meals that can help your family enjoy mealtime together without stress.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Cucumber Kimchi

Cucumber kimchi on a white plate with a pair of chopsticks lifting a slice of cucumber.
Cucumber Kimchi. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Convincing kids to eat spicy food might sound daunting, but Cucumber Kimchi could be a game changer. It introduces a milder version of traditional kimchi, making it a suitable choice for the family table. The intriguing textures might just capture your child’s curiosity. Besides, it’s a fun and engaging dish that encourages everyone to try just one bite more.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi

Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

A salad with strawberries, blueberries and feta cheese.
Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Introducing kids to greens through something as delectable as this Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing can make a world of difference. The sweetness of the berries helps mask the typical blandness they might complain about in greens. It’s visually appealing too, with a pop of color that draws little eyes. It’s easy to whip up and can be a refreshing side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Blueberry Dressing

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A bowl of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Who says salads can’t be hearty? With Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, you’ve got a dish that’s robust enough to stand as a meal on its own. It’s great for kids who love a bit of excitement on their plate, and it brings a playful vibe to dining. Packing it for school lunches could also be a great way to incorporate greens into their diet subtly. It’s about making healthy eating fun and relatable to them.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad on a salad leaves.
Avocado Egg Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Sometimes, all it takes is blending favorites into something new like Avocado Egg Salad to see kids enjoy their greens. You can serve this during any meal, and it’s likely to become a quick favorite. Plus, it’s filling enough to be satisfying but still light, embodying the essence of what a comforting meal should be. Helping kids accept more greens might just be easier than you think with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

burrata salad with balsamic glaze including spring mix, basil leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Bridging the gap between decadent and nutritious can be effortless with something like a Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze. This dish is a subtle way to introduce a sophisticated palette to the younger members of the family. It can make dinner feel like a special occasion and is quick to prepare. More importantly, it invites everyone at the table to relax and enjoy a shared meal that feels a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Pea Salad

Pea salad in a blue bowl.
Pea Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pea Salad might seem simple, but its friendliness on the plate makes it beloved. It’s one of those dishes that don’t intimidate but rather welcomes all to the table with a familiar feel. Kids can enjoy the mild taste, and it pairs well with many main dishes. It’s a fantastic way to include veggies in your kid’s diet subtly. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, which is always a bonus on hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

For a sweet twist on greens, trying Cabbage Apple Salad might just do the trick. It’s crunchy and sweet, which can be a hit with the kids. This dish also pairs wonderfully with many different meals, making it versatile. It’s the kind of salad that can bring a refreshing change to the dinner routine, encouraging kids by keeping their interest. Also, it’s straightforward to toss together.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Cashew Aoli Mason Jar Salad

Three jars of salad, pouring dressing on top.
Cashew Aoli Mason Jar Salad. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Bringing fun to salads can be as simple as how you present them. Cashew Aoli Mason Jar Salad makes eating greens an adventure. It’s visually appealing, stacked in layers, which can entice kids to dig in. Preparing it can also become a fun family activity. It’s an easy lunch option and stores well, making your busy life just a little bit simpler.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Aoli Mason Jar Salad

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad on a white plate.
Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Combining flavors in a way that speaks to all ages, Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad is about cozy familiarity with a twist of sophistication. It has a comfort food vibe, which can make kids more receptive to trying it. Serving it at family gatherings can make meals memorable. It’s another excellent way to sneak those greens into your child’s diet fairly effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Fennel and Mango Slaw

Overhead of fennel mango slaw in bowl.
Fennel and Mango Slaw. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Kids often enjoy a mix of sweet and crunchy elements in their meals. Fennel and Mango Slaw incorporates these aspects well, making it appealing for young eaters. It’s bright and colorful, which can make it a fun addition to the dinner table. Perfect for introducing new textures, it can also be a subtle way to incorporate more greens into their diet without overwhelming them.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw

Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower potato salad garnished with green onions in a bowl with a fork.
Cauliflower Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sometimes the key to introducing kids to more vegetables is mixing them with familiar favorites. Cauliflower Potato Salad does just this by blending well-liked elements in a comforting mix. Ideal for family gatherings, it invites everyone to try a bite without making a big fuss about eating greens. It’s soft and easy to eat, which is great for younger ones.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad

Sesame Salmon Bowl

Sesame Salmon Bowl with cucumber, avocado, sesame seeds, red cabbage, green onions and spring mix in a white bowl.
Sesame Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Introducing more nutritious options in a child’s diet can be as simple as presenting it in an exciting way. Sesame Salmon Bowl offers a wholesome meal that includes greens in a way that’s appealing to kids. It’s packed with mild flavors, ensuring that it’s not too overwhelming. It’s a wonderful meal that brings the family together, encouraging healthier eating habits gently.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Salmon Bowl

Strawberry Salad

A close up image of a Strawberry Salad with greens, feta cheese and fresh strawberries.
Strawberry Salad. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Seeing fruits like strawberries in a salad can make greens much more appealing to kids. Strawberry Salad is vibrant and can be a sweet spot at any meal. It’s simple, fresh, and has a playful feel that can make children more curious about what they’re eating. It’s also quick to put together, making it a practical choice for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing lighter meal options to family dinners can often include dishes that cater to various taste preferences. Shirazi Salad fits this role effectively. It’s fresh, light, and doesn’t overpower the palate, which makes it suitable for children. It’s also colorful, which adds a visual appeal that could pique a child’s interest in trying something new.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

7 Layer Salad has a way of captivating attention with its varied layers, each offering a new texture and taste. It’s a playful dish that encourages kids to explore different components. It makes greens a part of a larger, interesting dish rather than the focus, easing them into enjoying veggies. Plus, it’s a satisfying meal that brings everyone together.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combining familiar flavors in a new form can be a great way to introduce more nutritious options to kids. Big Mac Salad mimics the taste of a favorite burger but in a healthier format. It’s exciting for children to find a salad that reflects the flavors of something they already love. It’s comforting yet offers a fresher take on traditional fast food, making it both fun and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.