Are you ready for new ideas at your Thanksgiving table?

 

 

There’s a wide world of healthier vegetable dishes to enjoy at Thanksgiving this fall. Or, you could branch out with new vegetable ideas at another upcoming holiday meal any time of the year. We tend to fall into a rut and make the same vegetables year after year…but changing it up is always fun and nutritious, too.

Healthier Vegetables at Thanksgiving!

Vegetables make a great Thanksgiving even better. The colors, flavors and good nutrition add up to a feast for the eyes and a healthier body with better health in the long run. Here are a few new ideas to try as you enjoy the fall holiday season.

Cabbage:

Idea 1. Boil it in 1-2 inch wedges until tender, season with a little oil and caraway seeds

Idea 2. Finely shred it, mix with shredded carrots and dress lightly with oil/vinegar/salt/pepper

Sweet Peppers:

Idea 1. Remove seeds and roast in the oven at 400 degrees, in chunks, with a drizzle of EVOO and a favorite dry herb until tender

Idea 2. Remove seeds and cut into thin strips, then toss with EVOO/vinegar/salt/pepper as a salad

Spinach:

Idea 1. Trim stems. Steam leaves on stovetop, drain excess water and sprinkle with EVOO and grated lemon zest

Idea 2. Trim stems. Make a salad with torn leaves plus tomatoes and capers. Dress with red wine vinegar-EVOO vinaigrette

BONUS

Refreshing Green Smoothie Recipe – serves 2 full glasses; or 4-5 small glasses as an appetizer

• 1/2 cup canned or frozen pineapple (or 1 small banana, frozen or unfrozen)
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup Pineapple juice (use juice from the canned pineapple)
• 1 Green apple, core removed and cut up
• Cucumber, 3 inch long piece, seeds removed (or 1-2 mini cucumbers, cut up)
• 1/2 small avocado, or a small handful of frozen avocado chunks
• 1 cup Spinach leaves (a big handful)
• 1 cup Milk, 1%
• 1/2 cup Crushed ice
• Note: For a slightly sweeter smoothie, add more pineapple or pineapple juice. Add 2-3 fresh basil leaves for a delicious twist.

Add all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth, about 1 -2 minutes. Pour into glasses and enjoy.

Healthier Fresh Nutrition

When it’s time to switch to healthier nutrition, and you know it, then using reliable resources is important. Here are a few to consider:

An easy recipe for Tomato and Basil Soup

An easy and exotic recipe for Chicken Breast

An easy recipe for Mediterranean Turkey & Herb Meatloaf

To jump start your healthier nutrition journey, here are free Easy Mediterranean Menus for you.

Which new, healthier vegetables will be at your holiday meal?