Salads in Summer: Yes please! 7 Easy, Kid-friendly Salad Recipes

These 7 salads will keep your kids happy and you feeling great about their health!

I love salads, but my kids can be picky. Finding meals that are both nutritious and kid-approved can feel like a challenge. But what if salads could become your secret weapon? With the right ingredients and a little creativity, salads can be more than just a side dish—they can be a fun, delicious, and healthy meal your kids will actually enjoy. Here are seven easy salad recipes that will make even the picky eaters excited to dig in!

1. Rainbow Veggie Salad

This colorful salad is beautiful to look at and packed with crunchy veggies. The variety of colors makes it fun to eat, and you can get your kids involved in choosing and chopping the veggies.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup cucumber (diced)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup bell peppers (assorted colors, diced)
  • 1 cup sweet corn (cooked)
  • 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • Ranch dressing or a favorite vinaigrette

Instructions:

  1. Mix all the veggies in a large bowl.
  2. Add shredded cheese if desired.
  3. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Dig in right away, or let sit in the fridge for the flavors to mingle.

2. Fruity Chicken Salad

The sweet and savory combination of fruits and chicken makes this salad a winner. Plus, the addition of yogurt instead of mayo keeps it light and healthy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
  • 1 apple (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup grapes (halved)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, apple, grapes, cranberries, and walnuts.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  4. Serve on its own or in a lettuce or wheat wrap.

3. Taco Salad Bowl

Who doesn’t love tacos? This salad version includes kids’ favorite taco ingredients in a fun, crunchy bowl.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup ground beef or turkey (cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning)
  • 1 cup lettuce (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (cooked)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Tortilla chips (crushed)
  • Salsa and sour cream for topping

Instructions:

  1. Layer the lettuce, taco meat, tomatoes, beans, and corn in a bowl.
  2. Sprinkle with cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
  3. Top with salsa and sour cream.
  4. Serve immediately.

4. Pasta Salad with Veggies and Cheese

Why Kids Will Love It: Pasta and cheese? Yes, please! This salad is packed with bite-sized veggies and cheese, making it a hearty and satisfying option.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked pasta of choice (rotini or any other fun shape)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup cucumber (diced)
  • 1 yellow pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls or cubed cheddar
  • 1/4 cup black olives (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup Italian dressing

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese, and olives.
  2. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  3. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

5. Berry Spinach Salad

Why Kids Will Love It: This sweet salad combines the goodness of fresh berries with the crunch of spinach, making it a tasty and vitamin-packed option.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup strawberries (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans
  • Balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and blueberries.
  2. Sprinkle with feta cheese and almonds or pecans.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
  4. Serve immediately.

6. Crunchy Broccoli Salad

Why Kids Will Love It: This salad is full of crunch, with a sweet and tangy dressing that makes broccoli irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

7. Yummy Avocado Salad

Why Kids Will Love It: Creamy avocados and a tangy lime dressing make this salad smooth and refreshing, perfect for summer days.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados (diced)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (cooked)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped) – optional
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, gently mix the avocados, tomatoes, corn, and red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Conclusion

These seven salads are full of fresh ingredients, easy to make and affordable as well. They’re fun for kids to eat and also for grownups to bring to lunch! Modify them to suit your family’s taste and these recipes just may become your family favorites. Give them a try and watch your kids discover the joy of eating their veggies!

Let me know your favorite summer salads or give a response in the comments below:

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