How to Pair Fruit and Meat for Kid-Friendly Recipes August 2, 2017

by Eat

Two food groups. Unlimited pairings. Find your favorite protein’s fruity match and cook up a colorful, wholesome plate that even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist.

kid-friendly recipes-pineapple pork burger-HelloFresh

There’s no question in our minds — colorful plates are more delicious. And it’s not just because they make for beautiful #HelloFreshPics, though that’d normally be enough to sway us.

Every vibrant color contributes to a variety of nutritious goodness in our bodies, which is why we’re eating the rainbow every chance we can get. There’s a lot to be said for leafy greens and veggies, and we’d never miss an opportunity to add some to our meal. But today? We’re all about the bright colors we get from cooking with fruit. Because there’s nothing more kid-friendly than a deliciously sweet ingredient to make that protein-packed chicken even yummier.

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Picking your fruit and meat

These two food groups may not appear to be the likeliest pair, but you can pretty much couple any two to make a crave-worthy combination. Innate sweetness from the fruit lends the meat new, tasty flavor qualities, and those surprising bites are the secret to getting kids to finish their plates with a big smile.

You truly can’t go wrong when it comes to pairing fruit and meat. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the colorful choices, just break out your feel-good apron and refer to some of our favorites with the handy chart above.

Cooking your fruit and meat

With virtually limitless combos, you won’t have any trouble finding trusty, kid-friendly recipes for these strategic ingredients. You know, like these.

1. Turkish-Spiced Salmon with Blood Orange and Couscous Pilaf

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Citrus + salmon = match made in seafood heaven

2. Pump Up The Jam Chicken and Pea-Almond Couscous

kid-friendly recipes-apricot chicken-HelloFresh

Dried apricot heaven exists. And it has peas.

3. Bacon Apple Breakfast Flatbreads with Ricotta and Balsamic Onions

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Because the perfect fruit and meat pairing is just as delicious in the morning.

4. Southwestern Steak Tacos with SunGold Kiwi and Avocado Salsa

kid-friendly recipes-steak kiwi-HelloFresh

If this kiwi avocado salsa isn’t on your menu this week, there’s something very wrong.

5. Cherry-Drizzled Pork Chops with Couscous Salad

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Sometimes, the cherry on top is the very best part.

Tips and tricks for pairing

  • Using dried fruit as opposed to fresh fruit will often drive the sugar content of your meal way up, so be sure to strive for a healthy balance that won’t give your little one a sugar overload. Want to learn more? Our in-house dietitian knows all about different types of sugars.
  • Kid-friendly recipes are so much tastier when they include kid-friendly activities! Try blueberry picking with the whole family and use your fresh stash in a blueberry balsamic steak that night. Pick more than you need? Use the rest of ’em for any of these other drool-worthy blueberry recipes.
  • Pairing meat with high water content fruits, like watermelon and strawberries, will help keep the family both hydrated and satisfied.
  • Tenderize tougher meats by pairing with fruits like pineapples (grilled, yum!) and powerhouse kiwis, which contain special enzymes that get the job done faster than dry-aging.
  • As always, think seasonally. Serving the freshest fruit at its peak flavor is an automatic win on any meat plate.

Start with a fruit you know the kids already love and pair away. We’re willing to bet you’ll have zero leftovers and lots of happy little faces. Will the little faces be happy enough to help you clean the kitchen? Hey, it could happen.

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