Garden Glow Bowl Recipe (Kid-Created!)

Discover the Garden Glow Bowl—a colorful, nourishing recipe created by my son with fresh summer vegetables. This dish celebrates family connection, children’s curiosity in the kitchen, and the joy of simple, healing food made together.

There’s something special about summertime when the garden is full, the sun is warm, and kids have the space to slow down, explore, and get their hands in the dirt.

This season, my son created something that filled me with more pride than I can explain. He harvested fresh ingredients from his own summer garden, chopped, sautéed, and simmered alongside me. The result was a nourishing recipe that’s now a new family favorite: the Garden Glow Bowl.

It wasn’t just about the end result (although it was delicious). It was about the process. The care he put into preparing each ingredient. The curiosity. The pride. The connection.

When children are invited into the kitchen and garden, something powerful happens. They begin to develop a relationship with food. And that relationship becomes the foundation for their lifelong wellness.

Why Involving Kids in the Kitchen Matters

You’ve likely heard the saying: “Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.”

When kids see us eating fruits and vegetables, they’re more likely to try them. But when they actually help prepare them, that’s when the shift becomes lasting. Research continues to show that children who are involved in growing, selecting, and preparing their food are more likely to:

• Develop an appreciation for whole, unprocessed foods
• Try new vegetables and fruits
• Feel empowered and confident in the kitchen
• Carry those habits into adulthood

It doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple, consistent inclusion works well—stirring a pot, washing herbs, picking tomatoes from a patio planter, or squeezing a lime over a finished dish.

“When you involve a child in the process, they take ownership. Suddenly, it’s not broccoli—it’s their broccoli.”
(Pamela Druckerman, Bringing Up Bébé)

That’s exactly what happened with the Garden Glow Bowl. It wasn’t my healthy meal idea. It was his. And because of that, he was excited to eat it, share it, and even serve it to others.

Tips for Making the Kitchen a Space for Connection

1. Let them pick one part of the meal to prepare. Even if it’s just chopping cucumbers or stirring the sauce, that one piece gives them ownership.
2. Talk about the ingredients. Ask what colors they see, how things smell, or where they think each food grows. These sensory conversations help build connection.
3. Make cleanup part of the ritual. Teaching children to clean as they go or tidy their prep space builds pride in the full process.
4. Be patient with imperfect results. It’s not about making the perfect dish. It’s about learning. Try to embrace the mess, the unusual combinations, and the moments of playfulness.
5. Cook when everyone is calm and not rushed. Choose times when your child is regulated and not overly hungry or tired. Weekend afternoons or quiet evenings often work better than hectic weeknights.

The Garden Glow Bowl (Kid-Created!)

This is the original recipe my son helped bring to life, inspired by what was ripe in our summer garden. It’s colorful, simple, and filled with nourishing vegetables. Feel free to make it your own by adding corn, sweet potatoes, or leafy greens.

Sautéed Veggies

Cook in water or a splash of vegetable broth until tender:

• Mushrooms
• Cauliflower, diced
• Zucchini

Season to taste with your favorite herbs, salt-free seasoning, or a squeeze of lime.

Chunky Garden Sauce

Simmer until thickened:

• Shishito peppers
• Chili peppers (adjust for spice level)
• Tomatoes (cherry and heirloom)
• Purple onion
• Garlic

Sauté everything together with a splash of water until soft. Let it simmer on low until it reduces into a chunky sauce. You can blend it for a smoother version, but we kept ours rustic.

Optional Topping: Salsa Guac

• Diced tomatoes
• Avocados
• Jalapeños (optional)

This adds creaminess and a touch of spice.

Garnish

• A wedge of lime
• Fresh basil
• Fresh cilantro

Serve warm. You can enjoy it as is, or over rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Modeling Habits That Stick

Children don’t need lectures about nutrition. They need experiences. They need to see what it looks like to value health, to slow down, and to enjoy simple food made with care.

As parents and caregivers, we’re always teaching—even when we don’t realize it. Every time we chop vegetables, choose fresh ingredients, or sit down to a home-cooked meal, we model a rhythm they’ll carry with them.

“Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.”
(Robert Fulghum)

This Garden Glow Bowl is more than a recipe. It’s a reminder. The small moments matter. Every tomato picked, every stir of the pot, every moment spent together becomes part of their foundation.

Whether your child is a picky eater, a budding chef, or just curious about what you’re doing in the kitchen, I hope this inspires you to try something new together.

And if you make the Garden Glow Bowl, I’d love to hear how it turns out.

Warmly,
Kimberly

If you’re looking for personalized guidance with your child’s health, I offer a Children’s Wellness Package. You don’t have to navigate this alone.