Stews and hearty casseroles are great for the winter months when you need something that will stick to your ribs. As the weather warms up, though, heavy dishes aren’t always as appealing. Thankfully, there are plenty of lighter meals that are still packed with fresh vegetables and lean cuts of meat that the entire family will love.
Here are a few spring meal ideas that are sure to be met with a kid-approved thumbs up.
Smoothies
We’ve yet to meet a kid who doesn’t enjoy a delicious smoothie. And because they’re simple to make and easy to serve, they’re great for those days when the family might not have time to sit down for a full breakfast before running off to baseball practice.
Smoothies are also a wonderful way to sneak in some green veggies that your kiddos may otherwise turn their nose up at. To mix things up, consider trying a new fruit or veggie each week in your child’s smoothie to expand their palate.
Snack Platters
If you’ve been on any Instagram food account over the past four years, then you know that charcuterie boards are all the rage. These oh-so-visually-appealing snack boards aren’t just appetizing to adults, but kids love them, too.
While some littles may not be so keen on olives, prosciutto, or blue cheese, strawberry slices, kiwi, and carrot sticks with ranch dip are almost always a hit. You can even customize the snack boards for things like after-school activities (goldfish crackers, grapes, blueberries, and banana chips) or campouts (marshmallows, graham crackers, peanut butter, and chocolate bars). The snacking possibilities are endless!
Get Your Grill On
One of the best things about living in Central Texas is that the grilling season lasts roughly nine months out of the year. Whereas burgers and hot dogs will always be a reliable standby, mixing up your grilling options is never a bad idea. Chicken, shrimp, or fish are fantastic on the grill and can be a complement to a wide variety of meals, from fajitas to pasta and rice dishes or salads and shishkabobs.
Don’t limit your grilling to only proteins. Grilled pineapple and peaches are a hit with both kids and adults alike, and there’s nothing quite like fresh grilled corn on the cob.
Favorite Fruity Desserts
Not every kid is going to consider a plain bowl of grapes dessert. There are, however, plenty of ways that parents can transform everyday fruits into the kind of desserts kids crave.
Crescent rolls, a little cinnamon, and sliced apples or strawberries are all you need for easy and delicious tarts. Now, if your kid is all about blueberries or blackberries, then they’ll love making mini crisps in cupcake tins with some oatmeal and brown sugar.
Another colorful treat kids love is unicorn yogurt parfaits. Simply layer yogurt and a variety of your child’s favorite fruit in a clear glass. For a bonus, sprinkle some coconut shavings on top!
One of the best places to pick up fresh fruits and veggies for your spring meal planning is at Kyle’s Market Days. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and find a home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us.