Adding greens and veggies to our own diets can be a challenge – introducing them to our kids can drive us mad! Some kiddos might cringe at the sight of carrots or kale initially, but introducing tasty meals that are healthy and engaging them in conversations around where vegetables come from can plant the seed for a lifelong salad-lover.
This past September, Whole Kids Foundation® opens in a new tab kicked off its annual fundraiser to support school salad bars and gardens and nutrition education classes for teachers. To spread the word, we challenged bloggers around the country to create a tasty salad recipe to substitute for one of their family’s daily meals in the hopes of nurturing some future salad enthusiasts and sparking some healthy discussions around food.
We were impressed with our blogger-friends’ delicious green creations! Here are some of our favorite recipe highlights, but be sure to check out the full posts for more tips on how they got their families to gobble up their greens.
Beef Tenderloin & Autumn Build-it-Yourself Salad Bar opens in a new tab
“I like to assemble this as a ‘salad bar’ of sorts. It gives (my family) the option to try everything without being committed to eating it all if they aren’t fans. Choose 3 or 4 new things to try alongside a couple tried and true favorites. Present it in a fun way like lettuce cups or all chopped and go for it. Don’t let it become a battle. What’s the worst that can happen? They don’t like it. But, if you never try, they’ll never know.”
Holly Hanks, PheMOMenon opens in a new tab
Colorful Kale Salad opens in a new tab
“I recently perfected the best salad ever (no exaggeration), so I have been excited to share it with you and this seems like the perfect way to do it! This salad is a great way to switch it up from the typical romaine lettuce and tomato combo. Just one batch provides enough salad for our family for a couple days. The simple flavors and colorful combo of veggies practically ensures that kiddos of all ages will enjoy it.”
Laura Tepper, The Shopping Mama opens in a new tab
Ahi Tuna Salad with Avocado-Lime Sauce opens in a new tab
“I challenge you, readers, to go this week and create a salad that you’d normally order at a restaurant…. Use fresh ingredients and get in the kitchen with a loved one. It’s such a good experience to go together and get prime ingredients for a nice recipe like ahi tuna salad at the market. To focus on the food. To experience the joy of cooking with your family.”
Chelsea Day, Someday I’ll Learn opens in a new tab
Wholesome Quinoa Salad opens in a new tab
“Nothing is closer to my heart than changing dietary choices for a better life, and, I immediately agreed to enable the campaign! They asked me to create a healthy and nutritious salad that would tempt you to choose it over another meal. It also fit just right with my own health kick. So, in the spirit of the initiative as well as my personal goal, I chose to go completely vegetarian. I went nearly vegan but I could not say no to some Parmesan shavings. Well, what is life without cheese, eh?! ;-)”
Asha Pagdiwalla, forkspoonknife opens in a new tab
Does your family have a favorite salad? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks on getting more fresh greens and veggies on their plates and making them taste delicious!
*$100 was given to each blogger to create their salad recipe and conduct a reader giveaway.
