Getting my kids to eat more fruits and vegetables is no easy feat. It can feel like all I do is beg, plead, and manipulate them to try new things and take a few bites of the healthy things that I want them to eat.
I finally realized that I can’t make them eat anything, they have to want to eat it. All I can do is offer as many things that I can and give them lots of opportunities to try them. And so, Salad Bar Night was born.
By letting my kids make their own salad, they started to eat more and try things that they normally would never try. I am more than happy to do a few extra dishes if it means that I get a variety of vegetables into my children. 
I think that by adding lots of colorful things and making it look fun is the key to getting my kids to eat the salad that they actually make. I always start with a big bowl of greens, and then add whatever I have in my fridge and cabinets that might make for a fun salad creation.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS
Romaine, mesclun, spinach
Fresh parsley and dill (We all love herbs as a salad green)
Red, yellow, and orange peppers
Carrots
Celery
Radish
Sprouts
Cucumbers
Scallions
Shredded or crumbled cheese
Nuts and seeds (sunflower is a hit)
Dried fruits
Croutons
Goldfish crackers (this is my kid’s favorite salad topping)
I always make my own dressings. They are better for you and you know what is in them. My homemade ranch is my kids’ favorite. (It is also a great dip for cut veggies and chicken strips.) I also make vinaigrette a lot too. I like to put them in squeeze bottles to make it easy for the kids to put on their salad with no mess. Also, you can easily shake them if the dressings start to separate at all.
HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
pinch cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoons fresh chive, chopped
Mix everything together in a bowl. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
HOMEMADE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
1 garlic clove
3 Tablespoons honey mustard
3 Tablespoons honey
1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh dill
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
Whisk together everything except for the olive oil until combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
A lot of times, I serve this salad bar for dinner and have strips of grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp to make it a complete meal. It has become a favorite dinner at my house, and I hope that it will at yours as well. 
About the Author
Bree Hester is the blogger, photographer, and videographer behind BakedBree.com. Baked Bree is a place where you will find great recipes and inspiration for your next family adventure. Follow along with all of her adventures on Instagram @BreeHester