Winter Harvest Veggie & Fruit Salad with Orange-Honey Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of sliced carrots (peeled)
- 1 cup of chopped cauliflower florets
- 1 cup of sliced persimmons (remove seeds and skin)
- 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds
- 1 apple (sliced thin)
- 1 cup of chopped kale (stems removed)
- 1/2 cup of roasted sweet potato (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the sweet potato cubes and cauliflower florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized. Let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Fruits & Veggies:
- While the veggies roast, wash and slice the persimmons, apple, and carrots. You can let kids help by using kid-safe knives to cut up the fruits (or have them help with peeling carrots).
- Remove the pomegranate seeds (this can be a fun, messy task for kids, but it’s great for motor skills).
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Kids can help pour and mix!
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potato, cauliflower, kale, carrots, persimmons, apple slices, and pomegranate seeds.
- Pour the orange-honey dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the kids add finishing touches like extra pomegranate seeds or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Kid-Friendly Tips:
- Let kids "decorate" the salad by arranging fruits and veggies in colorful sections before tossing them.
- Kids can help with mixing the dressing and using tongs to toss the salad.
- Have them help peel and chop the fruits and veggies (with supervision, of course!).
This recipe introduces kids to a variety of winter produce and shows them how different fruits and veggies can work together in a meal. It’s fun, interactive, and delicious!