Smarter Health: Fantastic Summer Salads Kids Will Love

[HeatherNYC]

I have been hankering for dinner salads. A bowl of lettuce or spinach, a dash of yummy, tangy dressing, tossed with who knows what in a big bowl. Perfection on a warm night. But, my kiddo isn't so keen on the leafy things, so how does this mama appease her hankerings and please her picky little one? Think beyond the greens and focus on other types of salad -- pasta, bean, veggie. I scoured some sites and found a few that I am going to try.

Ranch Turkey Pasta Salad (from Family.Go.com)

8 oz. uncooked macaroni pasta
4 cups of a combination of the following:
macaroni pasta
cubed turkey breast
cubed cheddar cheese
peas
shredded carrot
2 cups Ranch dressing
bacon bits for garnish

Cook the pasta until done to desired tenderness and drain well. Al dente is best since soaking in dressing can cause the pasta to become mushy. Cool completely. Toss with turkey, cheese, peas, carrots and dressing. Garnish with bacon bits. Chill for an hour before serving.

Black Bean, Rice, and Sweet Corn Salad (from MyRecipes.com)

1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 cup long-grain rice
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 large limes)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup rinsed and drained canned black beans
1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Combine 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large, heavy saucepan; bring to a boil. Add rice to pan. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, juice, oil, pepper, and garlic in a large bowl. Add rice and beans; toss to coat. Let stand 15 minutes or until completely cool. Stir in corn and cilantro.

Pasta Hero Salad (From weelicious.com)

16 ox box whole wheat fusilli

1 1/2 cup ham, turkey, salami or any of your favorite cold cuts, cut into thins strips or cubes

1 cup Monterrey Jack, shredded or cubed

1 cup garbanzo beans

3/4 cup pimentos, diced

3/4 cup olives, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp red wIne vinegar

1 tsp Italian herbs, dried

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp dijon mustard

Cook pasta according to package directions.
 Strain and rinse with cold water. Place pasta in a bowl. Add the meat, cheese, garbanzo beans pimentos and olives to the pasta. Whisk the remaining dressing ingredients in a bowl to combine.
 Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss.

Which of these will you try? Share your best summer salad recipes!

©iStockphoto.com/ adlifemarketing

[mamadee1971]

I haven't done the pasta salad, but I was thinking about a fruit/veggie salad (lettuce,tomatoes,cucumbers,clementine oranges,watermelon,carrots and of course, cheese) with Zesty Italian dressing.

I like to add rice and sweet corn to my salads.

[critter_boo]

Mmm might try those thanks

[ethans_momma06]

Yeah, not sure if I'll try those!

[malexander2009]

They sound awesome but my son hates cold pasta. 

[lasombrs]

none of those sound good to me at all never mind the kids lol

[critter_boo]

My dd us 7 and love strawberry almond salad

[mes_deux_amours]

great ideas! thanks :)

[mes_deux_amours]

my favorite salad is a caesar salad yummy!

[RyansMommie07]

my kids eat everything, so theyd like em

[momsknowbest911]

Here is one green leaf recipe of my ownI came up with..

Salad mix, add: craisins trail fruit and nut dried fruit, or cherry flavored crasins and almonds (you can buy them already slivered) you can add 3 bean salad or lemon juice Carrots radishes, purple cabbage that has been julieanne cut, sweet bell peppers, in a green salad there are so many different ways to prepare it, you can add croutons or tortilla strips and avocados. Eat what you and your family will like, and don't be afraid to try something a little different. ~ momsknowbest911