Spring is the perfect time to explore fresh, local produce — and one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to boost your family’s nutrition is with salads.
Whether you’re serving them as a side or a main dish, salads for kids can be delicious, colorful, and easy to love — especially when little ones help build them.
Start with fresh local produce
Metro Detroit farmers markets are brimming with seasonal inspiration right now. Think crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes and tender lettuce picked just hours before you buy it. Let your kids choose a few items — giving them a say in what goes on their plate can make them more likely to eat it.
Local tip: Visit these beloved spots for a Saturday morning outing and salad-building inspiration:
- Detroit’s Eastern Market – Michigan’s largest open-air market with everything from asparagus to artisan cheese
- Mount Clemens Farmers Market – A Macomb County favorite for Michigan-grown produce and plants
- Royal Oak Farmers Market – A year-round favorite for fresh produce and prepared goods
- Ann Arbor Farmers Market – A local treasure offering a wide range of seasonal vegetables, farm-fresh eggs and cheeses
Make salads fun and kid-friendly
Here’s how to turn salad into something even picky eaters will enjoy:
- Use fun shapes: slice veggies with cookie cutters
- Create a salad bar at home for build-your-own excitement
- Add crunch with seeds or baked pita chips
- Serve dressings in dipping cups or squirt bottles
Kids love to dip — and when they get to choose what goes on their plate, they’re more likely to try something new.
Don’t skip the nutritional power of dairy
Cheese isn’t just a topping — it’s a protein-rich, calcium-packed ingredient that helps growing bodies stay strong. Michigan-made cheeses like Pinconning offer mild, creamy flavors kids love. Crumble in feta, shred sharp cheddar or cube mozzarella.
Next time you’re at the store, pick up some cottage cheese: it’s soft, scoopable, and developmentally appropriate for babies and toddlers. Try it on its own or as a surprise layer in a mason jar salad.
Make your own dressings with buttermilk and yogurt
Skip the store-bought dressings and whip up your own with just a few ingredients:
- Yogurt Ranch: Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, dill, salt
- Buttermilk-Honey Mustard: Buttermilk, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar
- Maple-Lime Vinaigrette: Plain yogurt, maple syrup, lime juice
These homemade dressings cut the sugar and keep the flavor.
Try these salad recipes with your kids
Mix, match, and explore with these flexible salad ideas. They’re fun to prep together and easy to pack for school lunches or summer picnics:
- Chopped Chicken Taco Salad – Full of bold flavors and crunchy toppings
- Green Bean and Tomato Salad – A simple, fresh combo of local favorites
- Grilled Summer Corn, Blueberry and Zucchini Salad – Sweet and smoky
- Quinoa-Veggie Salad with Marinated Feta Cheese – A protein-packed twist
- Chicken Greek Salad – A classic favorite with creamy dressing
- Cucumber Yogurt Salad – Cool, tangy, and great as a side dish
This content is sponsored by United Dairy Industry of Michigan / Milk Means More. Learn more at milkmeansmore.org.
Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy.
