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As the summer days fade and the school year approaches, parents and caregivers often find themselves navigating the challenges of meal planning for their children. Ensuring that kids receive nutritious meals is crucial during this busy time, as it not only supports their physical growth but also enhances their concentration and energy levels throughout the school day. One delightful way to provide a wholesome meal is through the creation of a vibrant and nutrient-packed Back To School Salad Bowl. This recipe is not only visually appealing but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy mornings or after-school snacks.

Back To School Salad Bowl

As the school year kicks off, make sure your kids are fueled with a nutritious meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious! This Back To School Salad Bowl is packed with fresh greens, vibrant vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and creamy avocado, offering a balanced and satisfying dish. Easy to prepare in advance, this salad caters to individual tastes and dietary needs, helping busy families keep healthy eating on the table. A perfect choice for busy mornings or after-school snacks!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced

1/2 cup sweet corn (canned or freshly cooked)

1 medium carrot, shredded

1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup sunflower seeds or walnuts, toasted

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by thoroughly washing all vegetables to ensure they are clean. Dice the cucumber and bell peppers into small pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and shred the carrot finely. If using fresh corn, cook it in boiling water until tender (about 5-7 minutes), then cool it under cold water and drain.

    Make the Base: Select a large, spacious salad bowl to serve as the base. Add the mixed greens, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the bowl for a fresh foundation.

      Layer the Veggies: Start layering the vibrant ingredients over the greens. Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, colorful bell peppers, sweet corn, finely shredded carrot, and rinsed chickpeas. Arrange the ingredients in a colorful pattern to create an enticing visual appeal.

        Add the Creaminess: Gently lay the avocado slices on top of the layered vegetables. Then, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the salad for a burst of flavor and creaminess.

          Garnish and Crunch: Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the salad for an aromatic touch. Finally, add the toasted sunflower seeds or walnuts on top to provide a delightful crunch.

            Dress It Up: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the juice of the fresh lemon, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing will enhance the flavors of the salad. Drizzle it over the top just before serving for maximum freshness.

              Toss and Serve: With clean hands or a salad spatula, gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, making sure that the dressing lightly coats them without mashing the avocado.

                Enjoy: Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or you can refrigerate the salad (covered) for up to 1 hour if you’re preparing it ahead of time for lunch.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: To make this salad visually appealing, consider serving it in a large, clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful layers. Garnish with extra herbs or a lemon wedge on the side for added flair.