The best way to celebrate National Fruits & Veggies Month … is to eat fruits and vegetables throughout the day! It’s a simple approach, really. Every time you eat, Have A Plant®.
If that sounds good, but you’re looking for fresh ideas to make it happen, we’ve got you. These 10 recipes offer ways to incorporate fruits and veggies into breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks with extra layers of creativity and flexibility. They’re meant to keep you inspired and experimenting.
You’ll find options with unexpected elements, like ingredients you don’t always see together, and options you can easily tailor to your family’s favorite foods, flavors and cuisines. Eat them when, where and how it makes sense for you – that’s how you sustain healthy eating habits!
Try a Tasty Twist
These recipes are designed to stand out from the crowd. They’re simple but oh-so-good, giving you new ways to enjoy classic foods and flavors at different times of day.
Soft & Chewy Avocado, Apple, Banana, & Oatmeal Cookie
Yes, avocado! When paired with banana and apple, it gives these yummy cookies their natural sweetness. They’re perfect for serving up extra nutrition at breakfast or as a snack or dessert. And they’re super-easy to make, so you can get the kids involved, too.
Banana Dog
This one is just plain fun. Inspired by the hot dog – a perennial kid favorite – it’s a banana rolled up in a tortilla with peanut butter, honey and raisins. Kids can help assemble for their meal or snack – and choose other fruits or nuts to mix in for variety.
Blueberry Almond Chicken Salad
If you’re a fan of chicken salad with grapes, whip up this version with fresh blueberries and basil! It’s light but packed with sweet and savory flavor – plus a little crunch from the celery. Enjoy in lettuce cups, as a wrap or with your favorite crackers or bread.
Crispy Baked Carrot Fries
Let’s be honest: sometimes, traditional fries are basically a vehicle for dipping. So why not bring in other veggies from time to time? These crispy, lightly seasoned carrot fries are perfect to pair with your favorite dipping sauce for an app, snack or side.
Air Fryer Avocado Fries
You truly can put so many things in the air fryer! In this dish, creamy avocado gets a crispy, lightly seasoned finish – a delicious contrast. It makes an appealingly plant-forward addition to cookouts and game day gatherings as well as everyday meals and snacks.
Personalize Your Plate
If you like it, you’re more likely to eat it. So, we picked these recipes with all the kids, picky eaters and large groups in mind. Use them as a starting point for dishes your crew can get into.
Toast Toppings
Toast is a true MVP – it’s so versatile and can save the day at any time of day. These four different takes on toast offer immediate variety, and you can keep mixing it up! For crunch, sub in bell peppers or radishes, and for sweetness, add any fruit that’s in season.
Chop & Toss Rainbow Salad
This salad is a beauty, bursting with color, crunch and nutrition. It’s tossed with red wine vinaigrette and lemon pepper for a tangy, savory finish, too. Customize it with your family’s favorite fruits, veggies, nuts and cheeses – there are so many possibilities.
Hearty Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
In 15 minutes, you can assemble this melty, deeply satisfying sandwich. The veggie options are varied – roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, red onion, spinach – so take your pick! If you love tapas or antipasto, you may even have ingredients on hand.
The Ultimate Taco Board
Taco night is the best … and the perfect opportunity to offer an array of veggies. Beyond the traditional spread, you can customize with corn, zucchini, squash, mushrooms and anything else you like. Don’t forget that salsa and guac also are packed with veggies.
Any Melon Slushie
We couldn’t resist including a beverage in the “choose your own adventure” category! This refreshing slushie features a few highly customizable ingredients, with ideas for different melons, citrus fruits and flavors like mint or ginger. Find your favorite!
Make Your Fruits and Veggies Work for You
Many people are striving to eat more healthy foods more often, and that is great to see. There are so many fruits and vegetables to choose from. It’s all part of working them into each of your meals and snacks in a way that’s easy, delicious and right for you!
So, if you’re ready to put all those plants to good use, try the ideas shared above or browse our library of wide-ranging recipes. You can apply multiple filters to find what works best for your family, from quick and easy, budget cooking and kid-friendly to a variety of health and dietary needs. We hope they make it simpler to Have A Plant, every time you eat.
