Spring is finally here, and with that comes the perfect reason to shake up your family meals! However, getting kids on board with fresh spring foods can be a challenge. With the right mix of flavour, colour, and hands-on prep, even salads can become something kids can enjoy eating!
1. Greek Pasta Salad
Why kids love it: It’s pasta (a win). Plus, there are bite-sized toppings and a light-tasting dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (bowties or rotini work best)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (chopped)
- ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup feta cheese (cubed or crumbled)
- ½ cup black olives (sliced)
Dressing:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Boil the pasta and let it cool completely.
- Add the chopped veggies and feta to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss gently.
- Chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before serving.
Make it Kid-Approved:
- Go light on the onions or skip them if your kids find the flavour too strong
- Let your kids add their own toppings (they’ll feel more in control if they can customize the salad to their liking)
2. DIY Veggie Wraps
Why kids love it: They get to build their own healthy and tasty lunches!
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- Hummus or cream cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Grated carrots
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced cheese (optional)
- Deli meat (optional)
Instructions:
Lay everything out buffet-style and let the kids assemble their own wraps! You can also make them into pinwheels.
3. Crispy Smashed Baby Potato Bites
Why kids love it: It’s crispy and crunchy! What’s not to love?
Ingredients:
- Baby potatoes (halved)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Freshly grated parmesan
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Brush two large rimmed baking sheets with olive oil.
- Arrange the potatoes on the oiled baking sheets.
- Use the back of a cup to press them down.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on each potato.
- Season each smashed potato with salt, pepper, and the remaining seasonings.
- Roast the potatoes until they’re golden brown, about 25 to 35 minutes.
At Green Schools Green Future, we assist students to develop practical knowledge about nutrition. With hands-on learning, students learn about the origin of food, how to select healthy ingredients, and how to create meals such as those shown above. Cooking becomes part of the classroom experience, which fosters creativity, and boosts confidence at a young age when they have begun to learn about health.
4. Strawberry Pancake Dippers
Why kids love it: Pancakes…but snackable. Also less of a messy food than full-sized pancakes.
Ingredients:
- Pancake batter
- Sliced strawberries
- Maple syrup
Instructions:
- Cook pancakes in small circles
- Serve with fresh strawberries and a side of maple syrup for dipping.
5. No-Bake Chocolate Banana Bites
Why kids love it: Chocolate + bananas + no oven? An easy, healthy, fail-safe recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Toppings: crushed graham crackers, coconut shavings, sprinkles, and/or chopped nuts
Instructions:
- Slice bananas into the size of thick coins.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, or in a pot on the stove.
- Stir in coconut oil
- Dip each banana slice into the melted chocolate
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and add toppings
- Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until firm.
Make It Kid-Approved:
- Let kids dip and decorate their own pieces
- Use fun toppings like colourful sprinkles to make them more exciting
At Green Schools Green Future, we value personal wellness, being intentional about technology use, and sustainability. We are building our first green school to teach students healthy habits, future-ready skills, and eco-friendly technologies. Help us raise the capable leaders of tomorrow by making a donation.
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References:
Donofrio, J., & Moore, P. (2019, July 1). 37 Best Salad Recipes. Love and Lemons. https://www.loveandlemons.com/salad-recipes/
Roberts, A. (2019, June 18). 21 kid-friendly salad recipes – Today’s Parent. Today’s Parent. https://www.todaysparent.com/recipes/salad-20-delicious-kid-approved-recipes/
The BakerMama. (2021, March 10). Kids in the Kitchen: Spring Break. The BakerMama. https://thebakermama.com/recipes/kids-in-the-kitchen-spring-break/
