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Many parents are all too familiar with the struggle of getting healthy amounts of nutritious greens into their kids. The battle over broccoli or drama around spinach meal after meal can begin to feel like an unwinnable war. But introducing greens into your family's diet doesn’t have to be a struggle. With a bit of creativity, you can transform the dinner table from a battleground into a fun place where kids are willing to explore new tastes – including vegetables! Here’s how:

Use Hassle-Free Greens
Photo by Kampus Production

We understand how easy it is to stick to the 'tried and true' when it comes to choosing vegetables, especially when dealing with picky eaters. The mention of new vegetables like kale, sprouts, or collard greens at the dinner table might bring grimaces and tantrums that you’d rather avoid. Unfortunately, facing these battles is part and parcel of encouraging your kids to be open-minded when it comes to healthy veg.

One way to make your own life a bit easier in this respect is to opt for pre-washed and ready-to-eat salad mixes, like those offered by Taylor Farms. This takes the hassle out of meal prep, gives a diversity of fun-looking veg that could pique your kids’ interest, and leaves you with much more energy to be as gently persuasive as your children need when it comes to greens intake.

Get Creative with Presentation

How you present your greens can make a big difference in how they are received. Kids are more likely to eat greens when they are served in creative and eye-catching ways. Use a cookie cutter to shape veggies into fun shapes, integrate them into wraps, ramen, omelettes and the like, or find ways to transform them into something 'cool' like a green pizza with a crust made from broccoli or spinach. The goal is to make your plate as colorful and fun as possible.

Involve Kids in Meal Preparation

Involving your child in meal preparation can spark curiosity and investment in the dish being prepared. Whether it's washing the veggies, spinning the salad, or even picking the vegetables at the grocery store, involving your child in these activities will give them a sense of ownership and enthusiasm about the meal. They're likely to be more inclined to try a dish they helped make.

Boost Flavor with Healthy Dressings and Toppings

Greens can often be bland on their own. So, why not jazz them up with a bit of light dressing or healthy toppings? Citrus-based vinaigrettes, apple cider vinegar, tahini, garlic, or a dash of honey can enhance the taste of your greens while guarding their nutritional value. Seasonal veg can add interest and flavor to salads, so keep an eye on the local farmers’ market for what’s fresh at the moment. You can also use a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, toasted seeds, or dried fruit to make your salads or side dishes more appealing.