10 Tips to Add Fruity Fun to Your BBQ and Get Kids Excited About Fruit!

Summer is the perfect time for firing up the grill and enjoying outdoor BBQ parties with family and friends. While BBQs often focus on savoury dishes, let’s not forget about the importance of including fruit in our summer feasts. Not only does it add a refreshing touch, but it also provides essential nutrients for our little ones. In this blog, we’ll share 10 fantastic tips to incorporate fruit into your BBQ spread and get kids excited about trying new fruity creations. Let the fruity fun begin!

1. Grilled Fruit Skewers:

Thread chunks of colourful fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and strawberries onto skewers and grill them for a few minutes. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a deliciously smoky and sweet flavour. The vibrant colours and irresistible aroma will attract kids and adults alike to give them a try.

2. Fruit Salsa:

Prepare a tangy and vibrant fruit salsa by combining diced mango, kiwi, pineapple, and a splash of lime juice. This fruity twist on traditional salsa adds a burst of freshness and pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a tasty dip with tortilla chips. Encourage kids to scoop it up and explore the unique combination of sweet and savoury flavours.

 

3. Fruit Kebabs:

Encourage creativity by setting up a DIY fruit kebab station. Provide a variety of fruit chunks, such as melons, grapes, and berries, along with skewers for kids to create their own fruity combinations. They can experiment with different flavours and colours, making their kebabs visually appealing and fun to eat.

4. Frozen Fruit Pops:

Beat the summer heat by making homemade frozen fruit popsicles. Blend fresh fruits like berries, peaches, and bananas with a splash of juice, pour the mixture into popsicle moulds, and freeze them for a refreshing treat. The natural sweetness of the fruits will satisfy kids’ cravings for a cool and healthy dessert option.

5. Fruit Infused Water:

Upgrade your beverage station with fruit-infused water. Add slices of citrus fruits, berries, or cucumber to a jug of water and let the flavours infuse for a refreshing and hydrating drink option. Kids will love the colourful and flavourful twist to their regular water, making it more exciting and enticing to stay hydrated.

6. Fruit Salad Bar:

Set up a fruit salad bar with a variety of chopped fruits, such as apples, oranges, grapes, and mangoes. Let kids assemble their own fruit salads and top them with yogurt or honey for a delicious and healthy dessert. This interactive and customisable approach allows kids to explore different fruit combinations and take pride in their creations.

7. Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip:

Skewer bite-sized pieces of fruit on sticks and serve them with a creamy yogurt dip. The combination of textures and flavours makes it an enjoyable snacking experience for kids. The tangy and creamy yogurt dip complements the natural sweetness of the fruits, making it an irresistible and healthy treat.

8. Fruit Parfaits:

Layer chopped fruit, granola, and yogurt in individual cups to create tasty and nutritious fruit parfaits. Let kids customize their parfaits with their favourite fruits and toppings. The different layers of textures and flavours create a delightful and satisfying dessert that kids will eagerly dive into.

9. Fruit Popsicle Smoothies:

Blend together frozen fruits, yogurt, and a splash of juice to create fruity smoothies. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze them for a refreshing and healthy treat. These fruit popsicle smoothies are not only a delicious way to cool down on a hot day but also provide a nutritious boost of vitamins and minerals.

10. Fruit Dessert Pizza:

Prepare a fun and colourful fruit dessert pizza using a sugar cookie or pizza dough as the base. Spread a layer of cream cheese or yogurt and top it with an assortment of sliced fruits. The combination of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavours will make this fruity dessert pizza a hit among kids and adults alike. It’s a creative and visually appealing way to enjoy fruits as a dessert.

You can also try this using a watermelon too! 

With these 10 tips, you can easily incorporate fruit into your BBQ menu and encourage your kids to embrace a healthy and delicious lifestyle. Let their creativity shine as they try new fruits and enjoy the refreshing flavours. So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and make your summer BBQs even more memorable with fruity delights!

Remember, if you need more inspiration and tips on incorporating fruit into your family’s diet, visit our blog for delicious recipes and helpful resources. And if you’re looking for expert guidance on getting your kids to try new foods and want a personalised action plan, head over to Nutrition4kidsNI 

Don’t forget to tag us @nutrition4kidsni and share your fruity BBQ creations with us on social media. We’d love to see how you’re getting creative with fruits this summer!

Check out Sarah having a go and creating these smoothies and fruit bowls! 

Like what you’ve read in this blog?

Sign up for our newsletter to receive this as a downloadable factsheet