As Mother’s Day approaches and spring comes into full bloom, now’s a great time to celebrate with fresh, healthy salads. Lots of kids are a little reluctant about those tangy radishes and spring onions - not to mention “gourmet” tastes like arugula or pepper cress! -- but these mild, slightly sweet salads are sure to please both you and your child this Mother’s Day. Each one starts with fresh, fruity ingredients to offer a taste that’s sophisticated enough to honor Mom, while colorful and appealing enough to intrigue young eaters.
For starters, here is a heart-healthy dressing with a secret ingredient: the juice from one 12-ounce can of mandarin orange sections! Mix a 1/2 cup of olive oil with the light syrup from the can to 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar. For extra zing, add 1 teaspoon each of dried onion and dried garlic bits; 1-1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and salt to taste.
What You Need:
- 6 cups clean, dry baby spinach (about 6-7 ounces)
- I 12-ounce can mandarin orange slices, drained
- ½ cup fresh red raspberries (or blackberries, apples, or chopped strawberries if raspberries aren’t available in your area yet!)
- 1 cup (8 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken breast chunks
- 5 cups clean, dry spring salad greens (about 5-6 ounces)
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- ½ cup chopped, glazed walnuts (see recipe below)
- 5 cups clean, dry spring butter lettuce greens (about 5-6 ounces)
- 1 cup pink grapefruit chunks, cut into ½” chunks
- 2 tablespoons of fresh, finely chopped mint
- ½ cup avocado, cut into ½” chunks.
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