The Most Family-Friendly Salad You Can Make

I think it's safe to say that "family style" is definitely my modus operandi for serving food.  Not just because I write about feeding my family, but because I love the idea of using large platters filled with food for people to help themselves to. I do it with our platter lunches and I find it to be the absolute best way to serve a salad to my family.

If I toss a bunch of veggies and/or fruit into a large bowl, my finicky eater immediately gets his back up and assumes the bowl is full of indigestibles.  However, if I lay the items out in a row on a platter he can easily see that he does in fact like most of what's on offer.

I usually start with a lettuce or mixed green and then add three or four veggies, some berries or dried fruit, maybe some cheese and one or two proteins. The kids need to choose at least three veggies from the platter, which allows them to customize what they eat.  After a lot of years, I've learned that picky eating is mostly about control, and this way of dining has saved me many a dinner time battle.

There is absolutely no recipe for this salad.  Use what you have on hand, what your family likes or what you buy from the market.  Just be sure to keep the dressing on the side.  For reasons I don't quite understand, I'm told that's the most offensive part of the meal, and it never makes its way to either of my boys plates.

 

 

 

Comments

[Annika]

I now officially love your whole blog! :o)

[Paula]

Great looking salad and a great way to serve it. Kids love being given options and they certainly have them with these types of salads.

[Pam]

One of our favorite combos goes like this: thawed frozen peas, chopped jicama, cubed ham, shredded carrots and dressing on the side. Your photo is tempting me to branch out! Thanks!

[Jan Scott]

Cubed ham is a great idea, Pam.

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Paula!

[Jan Scott]

Thanks so much, Annika.  Thats so nice!