A Fresh Start For 2021: 8 Recipes You've Got To Try
We think there's no better way to start the new year than to start fresh--that is, with recipes that incorporate a ton of healthy, nourishing fruits and vegetables. However, we know that cooking healthy seems easier said than done, especially with a new year starting, kids' going back to school, and more.
Whether your new years' resolution is to eat healthier, or you're just trying to stay organized during these complicated times, we've got you covered. That's why, in this blog, we're covering eight great mains, sides, and snacks that are packed with fresh vegetables, quick to make, and easy to store.
Mains
We picked these mains because they're quick and versatile, easy to adjust to your family's needs.
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Curry Roasted Cauliflower Sweet Potato Salad
Ambitious Kitchen's take on this salad is as versatile as it is tasty and healthy. With just a 30 minute prep time, it's packed with delicious veggies and topped with a curry tahini dressing. Plus, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser because you can top it with virtually any of your favourite proteins, whether it's chicken or chickpeas.
Not only are sweet potatoes delicious--they are packed with vitamins and minerals. They contain carotenoids, which give them their orange colour, and are antioxidants. They also give you 400% of the vitamin A you need each day.
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Veggie-Packed Skillet Dinner
This delicious dinner from Taste of Home's takes thirty minutes--and only one skillet--to make. The fresh baby spinach is delicious, and it's also hard to find a vegetable richer in Vitamin K than this one.
As many of the reviewers of the recipe point out, once you've got the basics, it's easy to put your own spin on this dish, meaning that even as it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation, you never have to be bored. Whether it's substituting different meats, herbs, spices, or adding a new dressing, there are plenty of options.
For the hardcore carnivores out there, Damn Delicious has a tasty steak-and-asparagus version as well.
Sides
Are you tired of the same old bland sides? There are tons of nutritious options out there that are so delicious you'll be making extra so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch (For more lunch suggestions, our team has compiled some of our faves here).
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Baked Sweet Potato
Another sweet potato option! If you haven’t already, you need to try this twist on the classic baked potato. OneLovelyLife has a great guide on how to prep this tasty dish. Even more importantly, it covers three delicious suggestions for toppings: buffalo chicken, chilli stuffed potato, and black bean and chipotle. You can adjust the toppings as needed depending on your preferences and health needs, whether you want to make a Paleo version with bacon, or a Vegan version with toppings like corn, avocado, or tahini.
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Stuffed Roasted Portobello Mushrooms
Roasted portobello mushrooms topped with garlic and cheese are easy to make and super versatile. Caroline's Cooking has a great recipe that can be used as either a side for your favourite protein, or as a vegetarian-friendly main. (For vegans, Food Network has some fantastic vegan-friendly versions of this recipe.) Portabello mushrooms contain selenium, a mineral known for its antioxidant properties, fiber, vitamin B, and more.
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Smoky Cauliflower
Taste of Home's take on cauliflower is one that's so tasty that even the fussiest eaters won't be able to say no to.
Snacks
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Bell peppers + guacamole
Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, and A, and potassium. We love it paired with homemade guac like the one you'll find on What Molly Made, but they also go well with any of your favourite dips and spreads.
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Make-Ahead Parfait
Fountain Avenue Kitchen's parfaits can be made up to three days ahead, making them an excellent grab-and-go, whether you need a quick energy boost while working from home or a tasty, healthy snack for kids' lunches.
You can use your favourite yogurt and fruit and top the whole thing off with a delicious but healthy low-sugar granola.
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Baked Apple Chips
Crisp, delicious, and naturally sweet, baked apple chips are a simple make-ahead. They only use four ingredients: apples, date sugar (or brown sugar), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Or, you can try a sweet-and-spicy variant that incorporates honey and chilli pepper. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
Looking for more make-ahead snacks? If you missed it, check out last year's snacking from home guide.
Is there a fresh recipe you love and want to be featured?
Let us know - comment below or let us know on social media, @albertagrocery.ca!