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February 9, 2016

Dippable Salad For Kids

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Salad kids can dip!

For many parents, salad is the final frontier–something they really, really wish their kids liked (but alas, their kids just don’t). My strategy has always been to serve “Starter Salads” to my kids. And not for nothing, but that approach also worked on my husband, who now eats big salads nightly and orders them in restaurants even when I’m not there. (I get all choked up just thinking about it.)

Salad kids can dip!

Here’s another idea for getting kids to love their greens: Create a “dippable” salad. I got this idea one night when I was making Caesar salad (get the recipe: Lightened-Up Caesar Salad). As I was tearing romaine, my seven year old kept sneaking pieces off the cutting board. He especially loved the leaves at the very center of the romaine hearts–the ones that are small, yellow, crunchy, and sweet. I eventually put some into a little bowl for him, and off he went, munching away.

Who says salad has to be eaten with a fork, anyway? The centers of romaine hearts are the perfect size and shape for holding and dipping and can be served right alongside carrot sticks, peppers, cucumbers, and other raw veggies with a favorite dip. When you serve veggies in different ways on different days, you may just hit on something your kids love!

Salad kids can dip!

Here are some recipes for homemade salad dressings to make and serve as dips:

Everyone Loves This Vinaigrette

Lightened-Up Caesar Dressing

Raspberry Vinaigrette

Creamy Apple Vinaigrette

How to make a salad that kids can dip!

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A salad kids can dip!

 

Hi! I'm Sally, a dietitian-mom.

I believe that EVERY mom can feel successful and confident about feeding her kids, lose the stress, and finally enjoy mealtime again.

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Filed Under: Nutrition Advice + Ideas, Picky Eating Tagged With: picky eaters, salad, vegetables, veggies

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    February 9, 2016 at 4:00 pm

    This is such a great idea. My two year old is really into dipping anything and everything. Plus she does like salad and things like bell peppers, so this would be the perfect lunch!! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 9, 2016 at 4:11 pm

      Thanks Jennifer!

      Reply
  2. Shelley says

    February 10, 2016 at 10:37 am

    Dips are among the worst offenders when it comes to junk food. I am reluctant to start my kids on that nasty habit. Veggies are delicious and healthy until you smear them with grease and who knows what else. All that greasy oil is loaded with fat and calories, completely neutralizing the good properties of the veggies. I simply do not see the logic of treating vegetables in such a fashion. Sorry to be a party pooper but this really needs to be pointed out. People can do whatever, but at least they should be making an informed decision.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 10, 2016 at 11:30 am

      Shelley–It’s great if your kids enjoy veggies on their own, and mine certainly do sometimes as well. But I see nothing wrong with using dips and dressings as a tool for not only seasoning food but also helping kids feel comfortable with eating veggies, especially new ones. I actually wrote a post about that here: https://www.realmomnutrition.com/2014/11/06/defense-ranch-dressing/ Dressings can also be a great way to get healthy fats such as olive oil, fresh and dried herbs–and my Caesar dressing is made with Greek yogurt.

      Reply
  3. Heather Mason says

    February 10, 2016 at 4:17 pm

    I love the dippable salad concept! I’m going to recommend this to my clients that won’t eat regular salads.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      February 10, 2016 at 8:40 pm

      Thanks Heather!

      Reply
  4. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:12 am

    You just totally inspired me Sally! We’ve been having a bit of a picky spell going on with the 7 year old. I know it is just a phase so I am not worked up about it (yet) but in the meantime, I’m happy for this creative way to get her to eat her veggies.

    Reply
  5. Kristin says

    July 21, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    What kind of bowls are you using and what size. They are fun. My kids would love them

    Reply
    • Sally says

      July 22, 2017 at 11:29 am

      Hi Kristin–they are little ramekins I found at World Market: http://bit.ly/2vvYj2b

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 20 Healthy Lunchbox Ideas For Toddlers And Preschoolers - Real Mom Nutrition says:
    April 11, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    […] cracker and peanut butter sandwich, “Dippable Salad” (thanks Sally for the idea!) with butter lettuce, rainbow carrots and ranch, Pirate’s Booty, […]

    Reply
  2. Creamy Greek Yogurt Poppyseed Dressing - Real Mom Nutrition says:
    June 5, 2019 at 3:29 pm

    […] How to Make a Salad Your Kid Can Dip! […]

    Reply
  3. 99 Brilliant Snack & Lunch Ideas For Kids (No More Picky Eaters!) - Kids Love WHAT says:
    June 14, 2019 at 4:29 pm

    […] to try vegetables they might otherwise wrinkle their noses at. Enjoy this deconstructed salad from Real Mom Nutrition. Cut romaine hearts, carrots, sweet bell peppers and other veggies into sticks and serve them with […]

    Reply

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