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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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!