If you’re looking to get a head start on your resolution to eat healthier in 2016, why not try out some new fruits and vegetables? During this time of year, produce like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, cauliflower, squash, apples, pears and broccoli are at their peak abundance and freshness, making it easier and cheaper for local farmers to ship them to your local stores. This means cheaper prices for you and fresher produce that hasn’t lost its flavor or nutrients while being shipped around the world.
When you buy seasonally, eating healthy can be fun and easy, even on a college budget. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
1. Pear, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad
In season: Pears, pomegranates, spinach
Salads don’t have to be sad. Add some fresh fruit, some cheese and some awesome dressing and you’re good to go.
Recipe from Cooking Classy [ http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/11/pear-pomegranate-spinach-salad/]
2. Spicy Thai Coconut Qunioa
In season: Broccoli, carrots, fresh cilantro
The world’s most popular superfood just got a little bit more super.
Recipe from Chowhound [ http://www.chowhound.com/recipes/spicy-thai-coconut-quinoa-30507 ]
3. Spinach and Feta Mashed Cauliflower
In season: Cauliflower, spinach
This healthfull alternative to mashed potatoes has just as much flavor as the real thing, and the texture comes pretty darn close.
Recipe from Closet Cooking [ http://www.closetcooking.com/2014/10/spinach-and-feta-mashed-cauliflower.html ]
4. Autumn Glow Salad
In season: Cauliflower, sweet potatoes, apples, parsley, garlic
Want to glow? Then make this salad ASAP.
Recipe from Pinch of Yum [ http://pinchofyum.com/autumn-glow-salad-with-lemon-dressing ]
5. Vegetable Stir Fry with Carrots, Broccoli and Cauliflower
In season: Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, red onion, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms
Take out’s got nothing on your mad stir-fry skills.
Recipe from Divine Healthy Food [ http://divinehealthyfood.com/vegetable-stir-fry-carrots-broccoli-cauliflower/ ]
6. Sweet Potato and Kale Grilled Cheese
In Season: Sweet potatoes, kale, red onion, fresh rosemary
Grilled cheese can “adult” too.
Recipe from Two Peas in Their Pod [ http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/sweet-potato-and-kale-grilled-cheese/ ]
7. Lemon Pesto Penne
In season: Broccoli, fresh basil, garlic
I mean, how can anyone go wrong with pesto pasta?
Recipe from Pinch of Yum [ http://pinchofyum.com/20-minute-lemon-pesto-penne ]
8. Cauliflower Tortillas
In season: Cauliflower, fresh cilantro
Want to sneak some more veggies into your tacos? These tortillas are just as soft and flavorful as corn or flour tortillas, so you won’t even notice the difference.
Recipe from Recipe Girl [ http://www.recipegirl.com/2014/05/05/cauliflower-tortillas/ ]
9. Asian Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce
In season: Broccoli, edamame
Mini trees!
Recipe from Gimme Some Oven [ http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/asian-broccoli-salad-peanut-sauce/ ]
10. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
In season: Sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, fresh parsley
Taters gonna tate!
Recipe from Primavera Kitchen [ http://www.primaverakitchen.com/ground-turkey-sweet-potato-skillet/ ]
11. Sesame Ginger Sautéed Cabbage and Carrots
In season: Cabbage, carrots, ginger, garlic
Cabbage deserves so much more than being held in the confines of coleslaw.
Recipe from Well Plated [ http://www.wellplated.com/sesame-ginger-sauteed-cabbage-carrots/ ]
12. Sweet Potato Noodles with Spinach
In season: Sweet Potatoes, spinach, yellow onions, garlic
If you don’t have a “spiralizer” yet, stop what you’re doing right now and go buy one.
Recipe from Diethood [ http://diethood.com/sweet-potato-noodles-with-spinach/ ]
13. Beet, Arugala & Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese
In season: Beets, Arugala
Channel your inner Dwight Schrute with this fancy twist on grilled cheese.
Recipe from BS in the Kitchen [ http://bsinthekitchen.com/beet-arugula-goat-cheese-grilled-cheese/ ]
14. Pomegranate Persimmon Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
In season: Pomegranates, persimmons, red onions, leafy greens
Persimmons are seriously the most underrated fruit… and they’re IN SEASON!
Recipe from Food Faith Fitness [ http://www.foodfaithfitness.com/pomegranate-salad-with-persimmons/ ]
15. Healthy Sweet Potato Skins
In season: Sweet potatoes, spinach
Try replacing the sour cream with Greek yogurt for an even healthier (but equally delicious-I swear) version of this recipe.
Recipe from Pinch of Yum [ http://pinchofyum.com/healthy-sweet-potato-skins ]
16. Wild Rice and Edamame Salad
In season: Edamame, carrots
Rice is great when you’re starving and really want 2,000 of something.
Recipe from Chowhound [ http://www.chowhound.com/recipes/wild-rice-and-edamame-salad-29466 ]
17. 5-Ingredient Italian Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti
In season: Kale, garlic
Look at all that cheese. That cheese is calling your name.
Recipe from Gimme Some Oven [ http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/5-ingredient-italian-sausage-kale-baked-ziti-recipe/ ]
Learning hot to cook healthful and delicious food is easier and cheaper than you think, especially if you buy seasonal produce. These cold-weather food aren’t going to be around all year, so enjoy them while they’re fresh!