The days are getting longer and the temperatures are getting warmer. These changes are a sign that spring is finally here! With the arrival of spring, a lot of fresh produce is available. .  Salads are a great way to add more fruits and vegetables into your day. As you know, fruits and vegetables are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals; all important for the health of children and adults! 

There are so many different ways to enjoy salads, think of your salad bowl as a blank canvas, completely customizable to your liking. Making a salad can be exciting. Kids can help with tasks based on their age. One thing younger kids  can do is  add the ingredients into the bowl. Older kids can use a plastic knife to cut some of the ingredients with parent supervision. There are many ways to make a salad fun and exciting. Your salad does not have to consist of  vegetables only. Continue reading for some more creative ideas to add to your salad!

  1. Add fruits: You can use fresh, canned, frozen (and thawed) or dried fruits.  Check out fruited spinach salad and spinach strawberry and cantaloupe salad
     
  2. Add protein: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, cheese, eggs, leftover cooked chicken or nuts (nuts and seeds add a nice crunch ) are all good additions to make your salad more filling and a main course. Try this chicken waldorf salad or fresh asparagus, tomato, and feta salad or bravo bean salad
     
  3. Add grains: Try  adding  leftover cooked pasta or rice to your salad. Try this rice salad or crookneck squash pasta salad

Have fun experimenting with your salads! Try adding cooked vegetables or try and make your salad as colorful as possible and try This vinaigrette dressing which works with any of your fun salad creations!

funding statement logo

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP in cooperation with Maryland’s Department of Human Services and University of Maryland Extension. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.