Finding salads that kids love often feels like a daunting task. However, with the right recipes, it’s entirely achievable–and these 15 salads are ones that my kids keep begging for, over and over again.
This collection features 15 salads that are sure to capture the interest of younger diners. They’re not only quick to whip up but are also brimming with flavor, crunch and color. And for the parents, it’s important to know that they are full of nutritious components.
Expect these dishes to become a staple at your dinner table. The flavors and textures are specially chosen to delight children, making second helpings a common request.
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
The Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing combines the hearty texture of kale with the sweetness of apples, ready in just 20 minutes. Main ingredients include fresh kale, crisp apples, and a homemade creamy poppy seed dressing that brings a delightful sweetness to the dish. This salad offers a balance of textures and flavors that even kids enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Fried Halloumi Salad
Crisp and golden, the Fried Halloumi Salad is a quick, 15-minute meal that pairs the salty cheese with fresh greens. It includes pan-fried halloumi, mixed greens, and a tangy dressing. The salad delivers a satisfying contrast between the warm cheese and the cool, crisp lettuce. It’s a unique twist on cheese that kids find surprisingly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Arugula Salad with Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, and Pomegranate Seeds
Ready in just 15 minutes, the Arugula Salad with Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, and Pomegranate Seeds is a colorful and nutritious option. It features peppery arugula, creamy mozzarella, crunchy pecans, and juicy pomegranate seeds. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite interesting. This salad is a fresh way to enjoy a variety of produce in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Salad with Endive, Mozzarella, Pecans, and Pomegranate Seeds
Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
The Russian Vinaigrette Salad, a 45-minute root vegetable blend, is a vibrant and earthy option. It includes beets, carrots, and potatoes, dressed in a simple vinaigrette. The salad has a robust flavor that is both familiar and comforting. It’s a colorful addition to the dinner table that kids find fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta is a refreshing, 25-minute dish that’s packed with herbs and tangy feta cheese. The main ingredients are bulgur wheat, fresh parsley, tomatoes, and feta, creating a light yet satisfying taste. This salad is known for its bright flavors and is a great way to introduce kids to more diverse grains.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Korean Kohlrabi Salad
Korean Kohlrabi Salad is a spicy and crunchy 20-minute side dish. It features julienned kohlrabi, carrots, and a flavorful spicy dressing. This salad offers a unique taste experience with its combination of heat and crunch. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to new vegetables and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Korean Kohlrabi Salad
Lime, chili and ginger-dressed broccoli
The Lime, chili and ginger-dressed broccoli is a zesty and nutritious 15-minute dish. It combines broccoli with a tangy and slightly spicy dressing. This salad is both refreshing and has a kick that can pique a child’s interest. The main ingredients are broccoli, lime juice, chili, and ginger.
Get the Recipe: Lime, chili and ginger-dressed broccoli
Salmon Salad with Bagel
In just 10 minutes, the Salmon Salad with Bagel transforms the classic bagel with lox into a fresh, meal-worthy salad. It includes chunks of smoked salmon, bagel pieces, and a mix of greens. The salad tastes creamy and smoky, with a satisfying crunch from the bagel. It’s a playful way to serve a familiar favorite in salad form.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad with Bagel
Spicy Moroccan carrot salad Paleo
Spicy Moroccan carrot salad Paleo is a 30-minute dish with a bold flavor profile. The main ingredients are carrots, spices, and herbs, creating a sweet and spicy taste. This salad is both aromatic and has a pleasant heat that kids find exciting. It’s a great way to enjoy carrots in a more adventurous way.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Moroccan carrot salad Paleo
Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
The Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard is a crisp and tangy 20-minute creation. It combines thinly sliced fennel, sweet pears, and apples with a zesty mustard dressing. This salad has a refreshing crunch and a slightly sweet taste. It’s an easy way to get kids to enjoy the unique flavor of fennel.
Get the Recipe: Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
Roasted sweet potato salad
Roasted sweet potato salad is a warm, 45-minute dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. It features roasted sweet potatoes, mixed greens, and a variety of seeds. The salad has a sweet, earthy flavor that’s enhanced by the roasting process. Kids often enjoy the familiar taste of sweet potatoes in this new form.
Get the Recipe: Roasted sweet potato salad
Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils
The Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils is a 20-minute dish bursting with fresh flavors. It includes a mix of berries, peppery arugula, crunchy nuts, and tangy pomegranate arils. This salad offers a sweet and savory combination that kids find appealing. It’s a visually stunning option that’s also packed with nutrients.
Get the Recipe: Berry Salad with Red Onions, Arugula, Nuts, and Pomegranate Arils
Moroccan pearl couscous salad
Moroccan pearl couscous salad is a hearty, 30-minute dish with exotic spices and vibrant vegetables. It includes pearl couscous, a variety of vegetables, and a Moroccan-inspired dressing. The salad has a warm, slightly spicy flavor and a satisfying texture. It’s a great way to introduce kids to new grains and spices.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan pearl couscous salad
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios is a 20-minute, refreshing dish with a kick. It combines citrus fruits with a spicy dressing and crunchy pistachios. The salad has a bold taste that’s balanced by the sweetness of the fruit. It’s an exciting way to enjoy citrus in a more adventurous salad.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Citrus Salad with Pistachios
Ukrainian Cucumber Salad
Enjoy a taste of Ukraine with the Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. This simple yet refreshing salad, featuring fresh cucumbers, dill, and a light dressing, is a favorite for my kids.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad