A Kid-Friendly Summer Dinner
Today I am sharing a kid-friendly summer dinner idea that I know your kids will love.
I love a meal that is simple to prepare, especially in the summer. There is something about the warm days, and the fresh summer flavors, that just inspires me to keep it simple. And also, who wants to cook on hot summer nights?? Not me.
This simple and fun meal idea is perfect for hot summer evenings when you don't want to turn on the oven, when your fridge is near empty, when you are in a rush, or even when you're away from home on a trip.
It is customizable and only limited by what you have in your fridge and pantry! The possibilities are endless. Check out this kid-friendly summer dinner and then add it into your summer meal rotation.
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A Kid-Friendly Snack Board Dinner
It's very simple. No recipe needed. Pull out a tray or large serving plate, and fill it with a variety of fruits, vegetables, protein sources and some crackers or other snack for texture and variety. It's a charcuterie board-turned-dinner.
Everyone takes a plate and grabs what they like. For kids, it's a chance for them to make their own choices, and for you it's an easy, no-mess dinner. I would be sure to add some tried-and-true favorites, but also add some things your child might not typically pick up. This might be the time that they try that new veggie.
How do I create a balanced and kid-friendly snack board dinner?
There are so many options for this simple meal. I aim to make it balanced by including fruits and vegetables for fiber, some sort of protein and some type of healthy fat. I also like to include some kid-favorites such as crackers or chips. Here are some suggestions for building your snack board.
Vegetables
Baby carrots, celery, cucumber slices, snap peas, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, pickles.
Fruits
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, orange or clementine slices, bananas, grapes, melon, dried fruit.
Protein
Deli meat, cubed or shredded chicken (rotisserie works well), beef sticks, cut up protein bars, cheese (cubed or string works great), yogurt.
Healthy Fats
Olives, hummus or guacamole for dipping.
Fun Extras
Crackers, pretzels, tortilla chips, baguette slices, mini bagels, pita bread - whatever you have on hand!
How do I assemble this snack board?
You can certainly make it more aesthetically-pleasing with cute dishes and bowls, and put everything in it's place. Or, you can throw it on a plate and dig in.
This is a great opportunity for young kids to get involved - let them set up the board. When kids are involved they are much more likely to eat what they made. My kids love this - and I bet yours will too.
What are some other ways I can use this kid-friendly meal idea?
This snack board is not only for dinner - it makes an easy lunch or even an afternoon snack.
I'd love for you to try this dinner idea, and let me know what you think below!
For some additional snack ideas for your board, check out the best blood sugar friendly snacks and my favorite gluten free snacks.
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